About Bill
Bill Mains is an award-winning coach, lecturer, advisor, and mentor. He worked for 28 years developing, teaching, and facilitating leadership development programs in higher education and has operated his own coaching practice to work with professionals in individual and team engagements. Bill is deeply motivated to assist people understand how to maximize their unique gifts and values to lead lives of purpose and achieve their ambitions with deep fulfillment.
Active in Silicon Valley, Bill currently works at the Center for Conscientious Leadership (CCL) in Menlo Park, CA as the Director of Member and Chapter Development. In this role he provides coaching and mentorship to members of the CCL and partners with influential leaders in Silicon Valley to create curriculum and facilitate workshops that form the next generation into leaders of character, courage, and impact.
Bill is also an adjunct lecturer at Santa Clara University (SCU) for the Leavey School of Business and the University Honors Program. Connecting deeply with the principle of intentional development of the whole person, he teaches courses and designs/facilitates programs that connect undergraduate and graduate students to their passions and accompanies them in journeys of personal and vocational discovery.
Bill holds an MEd in Community Counseling from Kent State University, an MA in Social Theory and Ethics from the Graduate Theological Union, an MBA with a focus in Entrepreneurship from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University, and a Professional Certificate in Evidence-Based Coaching from Fielding University. He is credentialed by the International Coaching Federation as an Associate Certified Coach.
ICF Certified
Bill Mains is an Associate Certified Coach as recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) - the only organization to provide globally recognized professional coaching credentials. Earning this credential signifies my commitment to high professional and ethical standards in the coaching industry, and to my own continued growth and education as a coach.
Testimonials
Connor at Cellares
"Bill gave me a space to reflect and strategize on actions I could take to improve my personal life and career. His encouragement, wisdom, and observations helped me navigate many different situations and move forward with confidence."
Kaylee at Amazon
“Bill is everything you could want in a coach and more. With his keen insights, thoughtful guidance, and ability to create a safe and supportive environment, he has helped me and so many others unlock our full potential and achieve remarkable results.”
Jerica at Apple
"Bill's gentle approach, combined with insightful questions that challenge clients when needed, creates a supportive environment where growth is inevitable. He instantly fosters respect and rapport, making him an invaluable guide on each individual's journey."
Katie at Five9
"Bill’s coaching helped me tap into my full potential and reframed limiting perceptions I held. I am forever grateful to know Bill; he helped shape the trajectory of my career, but more importantly, my perspective of the world.”
Peter at Tamarack Capital Partners
“Bill is an incredible leader who I would put up against any top coach or mentor. In the 8+ years I’ve worked with him, Bill has unlocked my potential by helping me build self awareness and confidence.”
Will at Prolific Machines
“Bill’s authenticity and exceptional listening skills make it easy to share openly with him. He has a unique ability to make the tough aspects of self-reflection feel easier and more natural. He is truly compassionate while still challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach.”
Manisha at Square
"Bill is one of the most compassionate, dedicated, and insightful people I've had throughout my journey for the past 12+ years. I can always rely on Bill for support in navigating challenges, unwavering commitment to my success, and for enthusiasm and honest reflection in celebrating wins."
Taylor at Apple
"I came to Bill for coaching when I needed guidance in figuring out what direction to take my career. Not only does he use active listening to ask thoughtful probing questions, which helped me identify my next career move, but he helped navigate me through the journey of finding mentors, preparing for meetings and interviews, enhancing my resume, and defining my personal brand. Bill made me feel supported and ready for each step along the way. I couldn't recommend a better coach to aid in the personal and professional success of his clients."
Amy at Latham & Watkins
"Bill has been an invaluable mentor and coach. At the outset of my career, I felt a significant disconnect between my values and my job, and through conversation with Bill, I was able to identify the root cause of the issue and make changes to my daily routine and long-term career goals to bridge this gap. By simplifying complex details into clear, actionable steps, Bill offered great insight and helped guide me towards a more purpose-driven career path that better aligns with my values."
Katie at St. Francis Xavier School, Diocese of Phoenix
“I have worked with Bill for the past 10 years. He listens, provides honest feedback, and offers invaluable tools that have helped me get to where I am. About 4 years ago, I was at a crossroads, and Bill was the calming force to keep me steady and help me make the best decision for my life. He helped me find and cultivate the courage to follow my sense of purpose. I could not recommend Bill more highly if you want someone to tap into your greatest potential.”
Tess at Apple
“I worked with Bill as I was transitioning into my first experiences in the corporate world. Bill provided a unique blend of exercises that allowed me to explore my purpose and values and transform those insights into actionable goals. This process helped me to find gratitude and satisfaction during a time that was overwhelming and ambiguous and the lessons that I learned from Bill have transformed me into a significantly more content, confident, and intentional individual.”
Grant at Haas MBA Program
"I have had many moments in my life and career where I needed to balance my head and my heart for pivotal decisions and Bill has always been there when I needed him, to help me figure out what makes most sense for me."
Carrick at Cushman & Wakefield
"Thanks to Bill, I’ve gained numerous life and career insights and learned to reframe challenges, especially as a commercial real estate broker, into opportunities. His coaching has been instrumental in shaping my perspective, enabling me to navigate the complexities of life and business with confidence and a greater sense of clarity."