We are Mark and Linda Olson, co-founders of M+L Advisors and executive coaches who are passionate about helping leaders of growth-oriented companies attain a new level of performance and transformative success. We work with our clients to refine and strengthen their sense of purpose, align it with their values, and put it into action for their own benefit and the good of their organizations, communities, and families.
As coaches, we use some of the tools of mentoring, counseling, and consulting, but we are not consultants, mentors, or counselors. Like mentors, we value knowledge and experience, but instead of teaching, we ask questions in a focused way so our clients can learn through self-discovery. Like counselors, we value commitment to change, but instead of looking to the past for the roots of problems, we emphasize the future and its opportunities. Like consultants, we value solving problems, but instead of doing it for our clients, we inspire them to do it for themselves. Like family and friends, we value loyalty and dedication, but we are able to speak more objectively.
Both of us hold the Certified Professional Coach accreditation, which is recognized by the world’s largest organization of professionally trained coaches, the International Coach Federation (ICF). ICF-accredited coaches have met stringent education and experience requirements and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Achieving credentials through ICF signifies a coach’s commitment to integrity, mastery of coaching skills, and dedication to clients.
Where We’re Coming From
Where We’re Coming From
Mark: “In my many years in leadership at Microsoft, the Bellevue Club, and Mark Olson Design, what brought me the most joy was helping the people I led, and other colleagues, find greater fulfillment in their lives and careers. As they did so, they were able to bring even more value into the world. Those experiences inspired me to make coaching my full-time mission.”
Linda: “After a fulfilling career as a leader and mentor at institutional financial firms such as Ernst & Young, Russell Investments, and Bank of America, I turned my focus to wealth management for individuals at Cornerstone Advisors. My clients honored me with their trust, and in the course of these relationships, I also coached them in areas other than investment decisions. Serving as a coach and helping people find their passion and reach success in life and business was so rewarding that I was inspired to make it my life’s work.” Both of us also have been actively involved in angel investing and have consulted with numerous emerging companies. In addition, Linda has founded several leadership groups and served in those and others. We are very thankful we can combine our talents and experience to help our clients go where they want to go and become all they want to be.