From Corporate Attorney to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer
Craig Coleman, Partner at CEO Coaching International, brings a unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial acumen, honed over 25 years in the financial services industry. Craig began his career as a corporate attorney with prestigious firms like O’Melveny & Myers and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom. His early work involved complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, equity offerings, and corporate formations. This foundation laid the groundwork for his future ventures, providing him with a keen understanding of corporate dynamics and strategic growth.
Founding ForwardLine Financial: A New Model for Small Business Lending
In 2003, Craig co-founded ForwardLine Financial, an innovative solution to meet the financing needs of Main Street businesses in the United States. He led the company as CEO for 15 years, during which ForwardLine not only pioneered a new type of business loan but also introduced Forsight™, a proprietary credit algorithm that reshaped the industry. Under his leadership, ForwardLine grew to a nationwide lender, achieving $100 million in loan volume and $300 million in payment processing annually. Craig’s efforts culminated in the successful sale of ForwardLine to a private equity firm in 2015, marking a milestone in his career as a transformative leader in finance.
Bringing Passion and Discipline to CEO Coaching International
Craig joined CEO Coaching International in 2017, after six years as a client of the firm, fully embracing its mission of helping CEOs “Make BIG Happen.” He believes that the combination of passion, focus, and discipline is essential to success—values that he instills in the CEOs he coaches. His unique perspective as both a successful entrepreneur and a former client enables him to deeply empathize with the challenges faced by business leaders while offering actionable strategies for growth and success.
Co-Authoring “Making BIG Happen” and a New Chapter in Coaching
A passionate advocate for the power of coaching, Craig co-authored Making BIG Happen: Applying the Make Big Happen System to Grow Big, alongside CEO Coaching International’s founder, Mark Moses, and fellow partner, Don Schiavone. This book reflects his belief in the transformative potential of strategic coaching, combining his entrepreneurial insights with the proven principles of CEO Coaching International. His work continues to inspire CEOs to aim higher and reach their most ambitious goals.
Personal Life and Hobbies: A Balanced Approach to Success
Beyond his professional achievements, Craig is dedicated to his family and personal interests. He has been happily married to his wife, Molly, since 1998, and they have three sons and a chocolate Labrador named Buzz. An outdoor enthusiast, Craig enjoys activities such as skiing, ocean kayaking, and camping. He is also an avid reader of U.S. history and enjoys traveling.
Craig Coleman exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and dedication to personal and professional growth, making him an invaluable member of the CEO Coaching International team. For insights from Craig, you can listen to his featured episode on the CEO Coaching International podcast, “These CEO Coaches Literally Wrote the Book on Making BIG Happen.”
