Different from an EMBA program, an executive coaching is a customized program with a higher participation from the organization, said Willinge, who runs his own coaching practice, but also works as an associate for other executive training organizations like the Australia-based Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) and Hong Kong-based Transcend. The program aims to develop an individual that is part of an organization, and it is important that the coaching goals match with the organization's direction.

"I am not a life-coach, I don't coach without an identified executive sponsor," he said. "In a coaching program, it is critical to sustain what we've achieved during the period and the individual will need the company's support to sustain it."

In a typical engagement, the organization's sponsor is involved only at the beginning to confirm the coaching goals, at the mid-point for review, and at the end for a final discussion on achievements and continuation. These coaching goals often include helping an individual to overcome their unique personal or business challenges, or to prepare them for a promotion.

Despite a higher participation from the organization, an executive coaching program remains a personal experience between the coach and the individual.