and someone who has spent a lifetime exploring what it means to grow, to lead, and to live with authenticity.
I’m Kai Jacobsen
Executive Coach, Management Advisor, and former CEO.
A Career Built Across Continents
Before becoming a coach, I spent nearly 30 years in the industrial and engineering sectors, working with German and international companies across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. My career took me from early leadership roles all the way to CEO and Managing Director, giving me a deep understanding of how organisations, teams, and people thrive under complex conditions.
I held senior positions such as:
Across these roles,
I led large multicultural teams, managed major transformation programs, oversaw high-stakes operations, and navigated growth in complex markets. I worked across engineering, energy, industrial services, and infrastructure, always at the intersection of people, strategy, and execution.
CEO & Managing Director
in Chile and Germany
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Regional industrial and engineering operations
Board Member & Executive Director
in multinational subsidiaries
What These Experiences Taught Me
Leading across cultures and continents shaped my understanding of human behaviour more than any textbook ever could. I learned:
How people grow when they are trusted
How organisations evolve when leaders see clearly​
How clarity in moments of uncertainty becomes a superpower
And how success without balance is never truly success
These lessons didn’t just make me a better executive — they built the foundation of my coaching.
Why I Became a Coach
Throughout my leadership journey, the most transformative moments came from conversations — honest, grounded, sometimes uncomfortable, always meaningful. I experienced firsthand how powerful it is when someone listens, challenges your assumptions, and helps you reconnect with yourself.
Coaching offered me that space. Now, I offer it to others.
How I Work
My approach blends
1
EXECUTIVE COACHING
In our 60 to 90 minute sessions, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on the challenges you face and the decisions you need to make. Executive coaching provides a confidential space to explore your thoughts, clarify your goals, and uncover new strategies. Together, we’ll break through obstacles and help you to lead with confidence and insight.
2
PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT ADVISORY
During our sessions, we engage to address the real-world challenges in your organization. I provide actionable insights and strategies to improve team dynamics, streamline operations, and manage stakeholder relationships. My approach is hands-on, ensuring you have the tools to implement effective solutions that drive sustainable growth.
3
A BLEND OF BOTH
Combining elements of executive coaching and practical management advisory, my approach is adaptive to your needs. We work together to clarify your goals, enhance your leadership capabilities, and apply strategic insights directly to your organization. This blend ensures that you not only grow as a leader but also achieve tangible results in your business.
Clients describe the work as
Calming, honest, precise, and deeply human — with a perspective only a former CEO can bring.
Who I Work With
I coach:
Senior leaders and executives
who need an experienced sparring partner who has been there and can give insights.
Professionals stepping into new roles or new countries
who are venturing into new unexplored territory in their careers.
