for leaders facing the toughest decisions.

Top CEOs rely on Emma’s guidance to lead confidently through restructuring, build legacies that can be leveraged, and engineer successful exits.

“Emma stands head and shoulders above the best. I come away from each session with a new frame of mind or insight. I've leaned on her through very challenging periods and relied on her to step up my game in between.”

— Global CEO

“Emma's guidance was instrumental in navigating the conflicting demands of a PE-driven turnaround and sale process. She provided a clear lens on the complex landscape and often differing objectives across the key stakeholder groups. She helped influence investor decisions, manage board dynamics and create alignment, all while maintaining the confidence and cooperation among my senior leaders.”

— Global CEO

“Emma is a master of complex dynamics. Her recommendations lead to productive outcomes when wrestling with succession. Providing a clear path to individual and enterprise growth, her senior counsel is invaluable.”

— Chairman

Specialization

Maximizing Exit Value

Preparing for an exit is a critical aspect of a CEO’s career—the timing of which is paradoxically least in his or her control. Whether the next opportunity is imminent or BOD silence is deafening, every decision and conversation counts. Emma works with CEOs to craft a roadmap that feeds their engagement, enhances value and ensures a smooth transition when the time comes. Her guidance helps leaders negotiate confidently, avoid common pitfalls, and secure the best possible outcome.

Securing the Future

Emma propels leaders beyond the pressures of short-term gain to focus on the impact that will outlive them. From strengthening executive teams to nurturing the next generation of leadership, Emma’s coaching is designed to create a meaningful legacy – one that sets up both the business and departing CEO for success.

Navigating Restructuring

Building the plane while flying it stretches the best to their limits. Traditional consultancies can provide structure during change, but they often miss the unique challenges and unexpected crises that leave CEOs exposed. Emma partners closely with CEOs to clarify priorities, manage critical messaging, and align senior teams. Her seasoned guidance cuts through the noise, preventing the loss of focus, bandwidth, and stamina that undermine success.

family business

Families turn to Emma’s expertise, sensitivity and discretion to manage the complications that can threaten their legacies.

Emma McLaughlin About 1
Emma McLaughlin About 2

About Emma

Emma is an entrepreneur, operator, and advisor who has guided Fortune 100 executives through high-stakes transitions for over 15 years. As co-founder, she scaled a multi-million-dollar global franchise and pioneered media ventures with brands like Estée Lauder. Emma and her work have been featured in The New York Times, The London Times, The Wall Street Journal, BBC, CNN, Fox, and MSNBC. Emma combines her experience with a decade of organizational and leadership development in the public and private sectors and the study of Organizational Psychology at Columbia University.