Gary Payne

Gary Payne is a seasoned CEO and Executive Leadership Team Coach with decades of experience empowering CEOs and their C-suite teams to achieve transformative results. As a former CEO of a Private Equity-backed portfolio company, he helps leaders drive growth in revenue, EBITDA, and enterprise value, while learning how to blend real-world strategic acumen with neuroscience and emotional intelligence (EQ) to their unlock leadership potential.  His coaching methodology and process empowers leaders across industries to navigate complexity, build high-value teams, and shape impactful futures in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Gary partners with CEOs, C-suite executives, and high-potential leaders to elevate their performance and drive organizational success. His rare combination of C-suite experience and deep coaching expertise spans industries including Technology, Industrial, Consumer, Healthcare, and Non-Profit.   As a trusted thought partner, Gary integrates left-brain strategic insight with right-brain neuroscience and EQ, transforming how leaders manage emotions, inspire teams, and execute visionary strategies in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) world.  Every engagement is fully customized, balancing direct guidance with space for self-discovery to reframe challenges and unlock strategic breakthroughs.

What is it like working with Gary?

• Master Emotional Intelligence for Authentic Leadership: Drawing on neuroscience and EQ, Gary equips leaders to deepen self-awareness, manage impulses, and lead with empathy and clarity. His practical tools help executives rewire their thinking, own their emotions, and make decisions that build trust and deliver results.

• Build Exceptional Executive Leadership Teams: Using the Systemic Team Coaching 5 Disciplines model pioneered by Peter Hawkins, Gary transforms Executive Leadership Teams into high-value-creating units. He guides CEOs and their teams to foster trust, dismantle silos, and shift from operational focus to strategic alignment, turning collective leadership into a competitive edge.

• Thrive in a VUCA World: Gary meets leaders where they are, helping them navigate high-stakes challenges—whether board dynamics, growth strategies, or acquisitions. His firsthand CEO experience enables him to guide clients through complex decisions with confidence, clarity, and vision.

Beyond coaching senior executives, Gary is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. Through his work with the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, he mentors college students on resilience, trust, and purpose-driven leadership, helping them maximize their impact. 

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Finance, Gary resides in Austin with his wife and serves on several philanthropic non-profit boards, reflecting his commitment to leadership and impact both in business and community.