About Nancy Capistran
You didn't get here by accident. Neither will you get to what's next.
Growth, transition, succession—these moments demand more than generic advice. They demand someone who's carried the weight themselves and tells you what you need to hear, not what's easy to hear.
Nancy is an executive coach and board director who helps leaders think sharper, decide faster, and lead with conviction—especially when the stakes are highest and the path forward isn't obvious.
She works with CEOs, business owners, presidents, managing partners, and executives who are ready for their next level but know they can't get there alone.
Clients call her a "velvet covered brick"—firm clarity delivered with unwavering support. Always in your corner. Never in your blind spot.
I've built three companies from the ground up: Capistran Leadership (Founder), Crisis Interception (Co-Founder, Managing Partner), and SHIFT Coaching & Consulting (Co-Founder, Managing Partner). I know what it means to carry decisions that keep you awake at night.
For nearly six years as a Vistage Chair, I coached CEOs and business owners through growth, transition, and complex leadership challenges—facilitating peer advisory groups and providing one-on-one executive coaching that delivered measurable results.
Before launching my own firms, I spent 13 years at Bose Corporation—a multi-billion-dollar global company—progressing through roles spanning new product development, service, compliance, risk, and crisis management. That operational foundation gives me a lens most coaches simply don't have.
I've coached leaders from revenue-generating startups to multi-billion-dollar global companies across a wide range of industries. The through-line: helping already successful executives make the decisions that define their next chapter.
I hold multiple international certifications that position me uniquely in this work:
Coaching:
- PCC (Professional Certified Coach) – International Coaching Federation
- CPC (Certified Professional Coach) – Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Board Governance:
- IBDC.D (International Board Director Competency Designation) – M.A. Pfister Strategy Group
I'm likely the only professional in New England holding dual international coaching certifications (PCC and CPC) alongside the IBDC.D—meaning I can coach you through executive challenges while understanding the governance dynamics and board-level implications of your decisions.
Education:
- B.S. in Business Administration, Northeastern University
- Master Certification in Project Management, George Washington University
- Graduate, FBI Citizens Academy (active Alumni Association member)
Previous Certifications:
- Certified Corporate Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
I created the Capistran Personalized Competency Calculator (CPCC)—a strategic assessment tool for evaluating executive leadership and board effectiveness. It provides critical insights into leadership styles, stress responses, and change management aptitude, enhancing decision-making and governance in dynamic business environments.
My proprietary framework, Expanding Human Excellence®, has guided hundreds of CEOs and executive teams across diverse industries to transcend limitations and achieve results that once seemed out of reach.
My experience positions me for Strategic Planning, Governance, Risk, and Ethics Committees.
Mark A. Pfister - 'The Board Architect', Founder & CEO of the International Board Director Competency Designation (IBDC.D) and M.A. Pfister Strategy Group, has said:
"Nancy's deep expertise and experience is coveted among modern, highly effective Boards. Her unique combination of leadership acumen and operational awareness make her an exceptional Independent Director."
My work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Banker & Tradesman, American Business Magazine, Edge Magazine, Authority Magazine, ThriveGlobal, Boston Common Magazine, and numerous other publications and live radio programs.
Select Awards:
- Alumni Spotlight: Top 100 Entrepreneurs
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Reader Ranking Awards: Best in Executive Coaching, Best in Crisis Management, Best in Business Development Coaching
- USA500 Clubs: Greatest Professional Accomplishment, and Most Inspirational Member
Open Your Eyes and LEAD: Hardship and Wisdom Shape the Best Leaders in Life is my internationally published, award-winning book exploring what separates good leaders from exceptional ones. It challenges the myth that leadership excellence comes from avoiding hardship—revealing instead how navigating difficulty with intention becomes the foundation of elite leadership.
Available on Amazon and Audible (self-narrated).
Our Values
Integrity
We believe in the personal quality of fairness. We do the right thing for the right reason, regardless of the situation.
Respect
We create successful working relationships by developing mutual respect and open dialog.
Learning
We are dedicated to striving for excellence, continuous learning, and expanding our wisdom, and the minds of our clients.
Innovation
Our process guides leaders to focus on creating effective, innovative solutions.
Value
We have a “can-do” attitude and demonstrate high-value; measured by our clients’ results.
Transparency
We have an open and honest style which creates a solid foundation of trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wondering if a private executive thinking partner is right for you? These FAQs address who I serve, what makes this partnership different, and the specific challenges I help solve.
The Impact
Clients Experience
Strategic insight, clarity, and actionable guidance that turn complex challenges into lasting results.
"Nancy is a consummate professional and a wonderful person. She always strives to improve the lives of those around her. She is a giver in every sense of the word. She is organized an excellent communicator, and a great listener. I recommend her easily with all the confidence in the world."
"Nancy had great depth and experience. What struck me the most, was her willingness to thoughtfully and purposefully give of herself to others. I have sought Nancy's counsel on a number of topics. In every instance, she has been responsive, knowledgeable, effective, empathetic, and kind. That's a rare combination for which I am thankful."
"Nancy made an immediate impact. She was authentic, interpreted the situation and my needs quickly and accurately, and provided valuable insight, perspective, and guidance."
"Nancy is intuitive, an excellent listener, and gently guides you to a place of strength and equilibrium. I am eternally grateful for her insight, talent, and ability to hone in on the crux of an issue. She is my 'go-to' coach and cheerleader and I guarantee that your life will be better with Nancy in your corner."
"I wholeheartedly recommend Nancy for any company managing internal issues, experiencing growing pains, or simply looking for another perspective in order to move their company to the next level."
"I can honestly say that I have grown tremendously this past year in my role because of the work we have done together. You will get much more than a coach with Nancy — you will gain a lifetime colleague."
"Our work together has been transformative. She provided me with excellent resources and is an exceptionally trusted advisor."
Nancy is an exceptional leader and advisor who helps CEOs, boards, and teams collaborate effectively, remove blind spots, and build strong, future-ready cultures.
Nancy’s thought leadership always offers clear, actionable insights that shift perspectives and spark meaningful impact.
Nancy guided my transition to the executive suite with clarity and confidence. A true master of messaging and leadership.
Nancy’s coaching combines insightful questioning, strong accountability, and unwavering support—helping me lead with confidence and focus.
Nancy brings clarity, context, and perspective. Thanks to her leadership and curation of peers, I’ve grown as a leader, manager, and family man.
Nancy listens intently, offers grounded insight, and brings unique crisis leadership experience that makes her an exceptional coach.
With empathy and strategy, Nancy helped me navigate difficult business challenges and align my career to my true passions. She’s my go-to coach.
Nancy quickly discerned my needs and delivered insightful, actionable guidance that created immediate results.
Nancy deeply understands human dynamics, helping me grow as a leader and avoid costly missteps. Her guidance is invaluable.
Nancy has been instrumental as a mentor and advisor—steadying our fast-growing firm and helping us make smarter, stronger decisions.
Nancy’s leadership talk left a lasting impression. She inspired ways to strengthen leadership at work, at home, and in life.
Nancy engaged and inspired our Women’s Empowerment luncheon with practical takeaways and authentic lessons in leadership.
Nancy’s executive coaching was transformative, blending straight talk, innovative insights, and practical tools to sharpen my leadership.
Nancy is empathetic, insightful, and generous with her knowledge. Every conversation leaves me better equipped to lead.
Nancy blends business acumen with human understanding, making her a trusted advisor for leaders navigating growth or crisis.
In under an hour, Nancy helped me reframe my career path with clarity and courage. Her perspective changed my trajectory.
Nancy is a beacon of calm and clarity, guiding entrepreneurs through growth and high-stakes challenges with care and wisdom.
Working with Nancy challenged and pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. She’s a coach and a lifelong colleague.
Nancy transformed communication and accountability in my family-owned businesses, making us both more effective and profitable.
Nancy’s knowledge, perspective, and professionalism have strengthened my leadership and supported my business growth.
The Impact
Clients Experience
Strategic insight, clarity, and actionable guidance that turn complex challenges into lasting results.
"Nancy is a consummate professional and a wonderful person. She always strives to improve the lives of those around her. She is a giver in every sense of the word. She is organized an excellent communicator, and a great listener. I recommend her easily with all the confidence in the world."
"Nancy had great depth and experience. What struck me the most, was her willingness to thoughtfully and purposefully give of herself to others. I have sought Nancy's counsel on a number of topics. In every instance, she has been responsive, knowledgeable, effective, empathetic, and kind. That's a rare combination for which I am thankful."
"Nancy made an immediate impact. She was authentic, interpreted the situation and my needs quickly and accurately, and provided valuable insight, perspective, and guidance."
"Nancy is intuitive, an excellent listener, and gently guides you to a place of strength and equilibrium. I am eternally grateful for her insight, talent, and ability to hone in on the crux of an issue. She is my 'go-to' coach and cheerleader and I guarantee that your life will be better with Nancy in your corner."
"I wholeheartedly recommend Nancy for any company managing internal issues, experiencing growing pains, or simply looking for another perspective in order to move their company to the next level."
"I can honestly say that I have grown tremendously this past year in my role because of the work we have done together. You will get much more than a coach with Nancy — you will gain a lifetime colleague."
"Our work together has been transformative. She provided me with excellent resources and is an exceptionally trusted advisor."
Nancy is an exceptional leader and advisor who helps CEOs, boards, and teams collaborate effectively, remove blind spots, and build strong, future-ready cultures.
Nancy’s thought leadership always offers clear, actionable insights that shift perspectives and spark meaningful impact.
Nancy guided my transition to the executive suite with clarity and confidence. A true master of messaging and leadership.
Nancy’s coaching combines insightful questioning, strong accountability, and unwavering support—helping me lead with confidence and focus.
Nancy brings clarity, context, and perspective. Thanks to her leadership and curation of peers, I’ve grown as a leader, manager, and family man.
Nancy listens intently, offers grounded insight, and brings unique crisis leadership experience that makes her an exceptional coach.
With empathy and strategy, Nancy helped me navigate difficult business challenges and align my career to my true passions. She’s my go-to coach.
Nancy quickly discerned my needs and delivered insightful, actionable guidance that created immediate results.
Nancy deeply understands human dynamics, helping me grow as a leader and avoid costly missteps. Her guidance is invaluable.
Nancy has been instrumental as a mentor and advisor—steadying our fast-growing firm and helping us make smarter, stronger decisions.
Nancy’s leadership talk left a lasting impression. She inspired ways to strengthen leadership at work, at home, and in life.
Nancy engaged and inspired our Women’s Empowerment luncheon with practical takeaways and authentic lessons in leadership.
Nancy’s executive coaching was transformative, blending straight talk, innovative insights, and practical tools to sharpen my leadership.
Nancy is empathetic, insightful, and generous with her knowledge. Every conversation leaves me better equipped to lead.
Nancy blends business acumen with human understanding, making her a trusted advisor for leaders navigating growth or crisis.
In under an hour, Nancy helped me reframe my career path with clarity and courage. Her perspective changed my trajectory.
Nancy is a beacon of calm and clarity, guiding entrepreneurs through growth and high-stakes challenges with care and wisdom.
Working with Nancy challenged and pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. She’s a coach and a lifelong colleague.
Nancy transformed communication and accountability in my family-owned businesses, making us both more effective and profitable.
Nancy’s knowledge, perspective, and professionalism have strengthened my leadership and supported my business growth.
Clarity. Confidence. Strategic Precision.
Private counsel for executives at critical inflection points.