2026 Coach of the Year: Why This Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)

🏆 2026 Coach of the Year: Why This Matters (and Why It Doesn’t) Todd Gorishek Men’s Career & Life Coach | Empowered Men Coaching Helping men rebuild clarity, confidence, and direction during pivotal life transitions January 23, 2026 I was recently recognized as Noomii’s 2026 Coach of the Year . I’m genuinely grateful for the acknowledgment—and I also want to put it in the right frame. This isn’t a destination. It’s not proof that I’ve “arrived.” And it certainly isn’t something I achieved on my own. What this recognition points to is the work—quiet, demanding, and often uncomfortable—that happens when men decide they’re done staying stuck. This Isn’t About a Label. It’s About Change. The men I work with don’t come to coaching for hype or surface-level motivation. They usually arrive at moments where something no longer fits: A career that looks good on paper but feels hollow Burnout after years of carrying responsibility A loss of confidence they can’t quite explain Or a growing sense that their life needs a course correction This recognition reflects the commitment those men made—to stop avoiding hard questions and start dealing with what’s actually in front of them. Real progress comes from: Owning patterns that aren’t working Replacing autopilot with intention Choosing action over endless analysis Staying engaged even when growth gets uncomfortable That’s where meaningful change happens. Real Authority Is Built Quietly In coaching—and in life—credibility isn’t created through noise or performance. It’s built through consistency. Through: Showing up when it would be easier not to Asking questions that cut through self-deception Holding standards without judgment Treating people’s lives, decisions, and time with respect That’s how I’ve built my practice—not by chasing trends, but by staying grounded in what actually helps people move forward. Staying a Student Keeps You Grounded Being recognized doesn’t exempt anyone from growth. I still work with my own coaches. I still get challenged. I still hit edges where I have to slow down, reassess, and recalibrate. Any coach who believes they’re “finished” has stopped paying attention. If anything, this recognition reinforces why I coach the way I do: Practical. Honest. Integrity-first. Trust Isn’t Earned Through Awards It’s earned when: Conversations are direct and real Progress is visible and measurable People feel heard—not managed Results align with values, not just outcomes If this acknowledgment represents anything, I hope it signals this: When you work with me, you’ll get clarity, accountability, and a process that respects the depth of real change. If You’re Standing at a Turning Point Most of the men I work with don’t come in with everything figured out. They come in knowing something needs to shift—but unsure how to take the next step. This isn’t an invitation to admire from the sidelines. It’s an invitation to start a real conversation. Not about reinventing yourself—but about reconnecting with who you already are, and taking aligned action from there. I’m thankful for the recognition. I’m even more thankful for the men who trusted the process. And I’ll continue showing up the same way I always have: With clarity. With integrity. And with accountability. — Todd