Navigate challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose
You can’t stop the waves—in the ocean, your business or your own mind. You can turn them into an advantage by learning how to navigate those emotions smoothly, even when the corporate waters run rough. And that’s what I teach.
Hi, I’m Timothy Swords. As an executive coach and mindfulness teacher, I help C-Suite and senior leaders like you cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and authenticity—enabling you to lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose in all areas of life.
Through a bespoke approach integrating mindfulness meditation and leadership development, I empower executives like you to align your leadership actions with your core values — and thereby navigate challenges with greater confidence and impact.
Navigate challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose
Mindful leadership may sound new, but it’s something I’ve practiced for decades—as a senior financial services executive, strategy consultant, and board advisor. Here’s a snapshot of my business journey:
Business & Leadership
- MBA, Harvard Business School
- B.S., Accounting, Boston College
- Board Advisor and Emeritus Chairman, Interaction Associates
- Board Director, Alzheimer’s Association, Northern California & Northern Nevada Chapter
- Advisory Board Member, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion
- Board Member, Harvard Business School Alumni Association Community Partners
Industry Roles
- Strategy & Planning Head, Fidelity Investments
- Director of Risk Management, MUFG Union Bank
- VP of Strategy, Wealth Markets, MUFG Union Bank
- Managing Associate, PwC Consulting
- CFO/COO, Illuminations, Inc.
- Principal, T. Swords & Associates Business Transformation LLC, providing management consulting and interim CFO services
“
How you manage stress will either make or break your career.
— James Gorman, Chairman Emeritus of Morgan Stanley
Stressed? Do any of these sound like you?
For these and many more scenarios, bespoke executive leadership coaching—empowered by mindfulness meditation practice—can cultivate self-awareness, develop emotional intelligence, and lead you with authenticity. Unlock your full potential with mindful leadership.
Ready to lead with greater confidence, purpose, positivity, and resilience?
My Mindfulness Journey
I first learned mindfulness meditation in Buddhist meditation halls, in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, in my early 20s. Over time, I vacillated between practicing daily and not—but I found my way back to daily meditation during a personally turbulent time. That return transformed my life and led me on a journey to integrate mindfulness into all phases of my life, personal and professional, resulting in deeper wisdom, compassion – and joy!
Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated more than 2,000 hours to mindfulness practice and training with some of the world’s leading teachers, including Jack Kornfield, Sharon Salzberg, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and Trudy Goodman.
I started to teach in 2012. In 2021, I became a certified Professional Mindfulness Meditation teacher and brought mindfulness-based leadership training into my work in corporate environments.
Education and Certifications:
- Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, William James College
- KF 360 & Emotional & Social Competency Inventory (ESCI), Korn Ferry
- Group Effectiveness Assessment & Coaching, GDQ Associates
- Professional Mindfulness Teaching Certificate, Mindfulness Training Institute
Bespoke Executive Coaching for Transformational Leadership
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every leader is unique. So is the coaching process. I create a customized blend of mindfulness practice and leadership coaching to meet your specific challenges, which can include: enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering collaboration, or leading with authenticity.
Who I Work With
- C-Suite Executives – CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, CPOs
- Senior Leaders & Directors – VPs, Executive Directors, General Managers
- Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – Founders, Startup CEOs, Small Business Owners
How It Works
We begin with a comprehensive 360° leadership assessment, including in-depth interviews and validated survey tools. From there, I develop a tailored coaching plan designed to address your leadership goals and professional growth.
How Does It End?
It doesn’t. Mindfulness can be a lifelong practice—one that continues to shape how you lead, connect, and grow throughout your career and life.
Curious? Let’s Start the Conversation.
If you’re ready to explore a more resilient, purpose-driven approach to leadership, I invite you to schedule an introductory session.
Or, take a moment now—experience mindfulness in action. Visit the Resources section for short, guided meditation videos designed to bring clarity and focus into your day.
