Hello
I’m John
The most important thing to know about me is that my deepest purpose is to help professionals and teams find their path. It’s as if everything that came before this work was preparing me for this role as thought partner, coach and guide. Here’s what I mean:
BMW | As brand manager at BMW I was responsible for vehicle and after-sales products, helping establish one of the most valuable brands in the world through a period of exceptional growth for the company. I played a lead role in building BMW’s innovative dealer marketing consulting program, now imitated in the automotive industry.
“With a lot of competing short-term priorities, working with John made me stop and concentrate more on what I need to get done in the bigger picture. Definitely by far the best coach I’ve worked with.”
— General manager, consulting services
Microsoft | General Manager for CarPoint, a joint venture with Ford and Wells Fargo, launching one of the first online advertising businesses. We created the first profitable media and consumer services channel on the MSN network. In just one year, my team scaled an internet business across 14 European markets, becoming the leading online media property in its category.
“Most importantly, John helped me become more aware of what I am not doing currently to make continuous progress toward my career goals. He was always extremely approachable and willing to share learnings from his work life and his experience coaching other executives.”
— Senior director, marketing and operations
Alaska Airlines | Ran a $5 billion + eCommerce operation, delivering increased direct booking share, revenue growth, and multiple awards for best customer experience. My team navigated a very large cultural and operational transformation, undergoing a huge shift to agile product development and testing. This greatly advanced AAG as an agile organization.
“I value his personal style, candid and reflective approach. Follow-up session notes are always clear and helpful and his openness and flexibility, to coach around areas really important to me, was impactful and very much appreciated.”
— Director, Enterprise partner group, UK
Expedia | Built a global advertising business, through partnership with Google and various ad tech companies. We maximized media revenues without a decline in bookings through cutting-edge, intent-based modeling and product refining.
“John has this uncanny ability to ask the right questions, help you think through the situation objectively, evaluate options and arrive at holistic solutions. When relevant, he offers insight from his career. I sincerely believe I am a better leader and a teammate as a result of working with John.”
— Vice President, Product Management, Ellie Mae
It’s both strange and satisfying to see how decades of experience in tech leadership shows up in the kind things people say about me.
Certifications and affiliations
ICF Certified Professional Coach (PCC)
Hudson Coach Institute (CHIC)
Microsoft Program Lead for Executive Development
International Positive Psychology Association and Positive Psychology practitioner
Marcus Buckingham Company StandOut Coach
WIAL Certified Action Learning Coach
Columbia University Coaching Program
Coaches Rising Art of Developmental Coaching
Cultivating Leadership: Developing Inclusive Leadership
Harthill Leader Development Framework Advanced Practitioner
Korn Ferry Leadership Potential and 360 Assessments
Association of Talent Development
Organization Development Network
Ready to coach
I was born in Cardiff, Wales, in the United Kingdom. I studied Psychology, which became a key factor in my work as an executive coach and consultant. I completed a graduate development program at Thorn EMI before seven years at BMW, in brand management. I was Marketing and Communications Director for Korean and Japanese automative brands before I joined Microsoft as a general manager to form a new internet business.
At Microsoft I launched and managed two international internet businesses. I also served as Chief Communications Officer for The Information Worker Business Group in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, moving to Redmond headquarters to launch the search engine Bing.
Beyond Microsoft I developed product, marketing and customer experiences in ad tech, travel, media, and airlines. This includes an overhaul of brands and marketing as Chief Digital Officer for TUI North America.
I’m based in Seattle, where I support both local technology clients and international businesses. I’m a keen amateur triathlete, representing Team USA. Most importantly, I’m a loving husband and proud father of a son and daughter.
I support technology companies that need:
“John Brewer masterfully engaged in a dialogue of discovery with me. He listened, he challenged, he offered perspective and coaching ... all of which contributed to creating my thoughtful, intentional, and actionable development plan. I really appreciated and looked forward to my time with John.”
Jeff P