About Valerie

Valerie Cherneski is a certified executive coach and leadership development specialist, who uses her background in law and psychology to motivate change and development. As the Founder of Cherneski Coaching, Valerie focuses her practice on highly driven and dedicated corporate professionals and attorneys and assists them on a variety of issues to streamline their lives, transition well, and further build upon their success.

Valerie built her business in New York City and serves clients across the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. Valerie is particularly interested in working with individuals in law and financial services, and has worked with clients in firms such as StepStone Group, Benefit Street Partners, Credit Suisse, RBC, Borden Ladner Gervais, Torys, Sidley Austin, Aon and New Mountain Capital. Valerie is well-positioned in the marketplace as an Executive Coach and her work has been featured in Inc.com, the Globe and Mail, as an expert coach with iRelaunch, and as an authority on career matters in podcast interviews.

Coaching Style

Valerie’s passion for supporting professionals at the intersection of career, family, and self shines through in her coaching work. She is intrigued by the decision-making processes on integrating professional careers with the complexities of parenting and managing full and high-pressure lives. She relies on a strengths-based approach, believing that continued success and advancement requires building upon one’s strengths, and capitalizing on opportunities at every turn.

Valerie ensures a strong foundation in her clients through teaching the cornerstones of success – awareness of values and strengths, strong health and habits, and ongoing planning and accountability. As someone who has successfully navigated through several, demanding transitions, Valerie works with her clients to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence. And in this process, she balances a direct, results-oriented approach with fun and total engagement with her clients.

“My sessions with Valerie definitely helped me to mature as a leader, and gain a newfound level of confidence in the value that I bring to the Firm. I now have a much better understanding of my role in the organization, and how I need to interact/communicate with senior management including my own manager.”
-Managing Director, Asset Management Firm, New York City

Special Interests or Expertise

  • Leadership Development
  • Relationship & Communication Skills
  • Confidence & Resilience
  • Career Management & Family Dynamics
  • 360 Feedback
  • Time Management & Work/Life Integration
  • Executive Presence
  • Role Transition
  • Goal Setting & Execution
  • Delegation and Team Development

Prior Background

As an attorney, Valerie worked at two, highly respected law firms. She counseled executives of major corporate clients on various matters relating to complex litigation suits, as well as sound management practices, improved relationships with employees, and retention measures to be taken to prevent the loss of top talent. Valerie also gained corporate experience as an industrial relations specialist at a large corporation, managing employees and developing and drafting policies for workplace management issues.

Education, Training & Certifications

  • JD and B.C.L. (Bachelor of Civil Law)
  • Bachelor of Arts: Psychology
  • Coaches Training Institute (CPCC credential)
  • International Coach Federation (PCC credential)
  • 360 Degree Feedback Assessment System Certificate (Leadership Circle)
  • Systems and Relationship Training, CRR Global
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®
  • Marriage Transition Certification, CDC

“Rather than make small gains on great effort, Valerie turned my energy towards the more positive – and productive– exercise of working on my strengths… Her idea was that the most successful people strengthen their strengths, while most people would do the opposite. That was a turning point. Gaining permission to recognize my weaknesses and then move on. It was incredible. Having someone tell you: this is what you’re good at, now go forward.”

– Deputy Counsel, City of New York

“With Valerie’s rare combination of high emotional intelligence, strong analytical skills and organizational knowledge, I was able to push forward even though I had questions. Valerie helped me use a formal interview process to seek answers to those questions rather than letting them turn into doubts that would hold me back.”

– Executive, US Education non-profit, New York City