AARON PERKINS, ACC
My Story
I know what it’s like to stand at a crossroads.
Over the past two decades, I’ve lived and worked across three continents — from the quiet plains of the American Midwest to Europe’s cobbled streets and now the dynamic, fast-changing landscapes of Asia. Through each transition — new cultures, bold career leaps, and moments of personal reckoning — I’ve had to reimagine who I was and what I was here to do. Reinvention wasn’t a choice. It became a way of life.
Several years ago, I found myself in a high-pressure leadership role that looked successful on paper — global travel, top-tier clients, and a polished résumé. But inwardly, I was disconnected. I wasn’t living in alignment with the deeper truth of who I was becoming or the kind of legacy I wanted to leave behind. That moment of discomfort — raw, uncertain, and uninvited — became a turning point. It showed me that success without soul isn’t sustainable.
That’s what led me to coaching.
And ultimately, to founding Chrysalis Leadership Studio — a place where growth isn’t just about climbing higher, but about evolving deeper.
I pursued rigorous training and became certified through the International Coaching Federation, committed to a practice rooted in both compassion and precision. Drawing on 15+ years in leadership development, I’ve since guided hundreds of professionals — from Fortune 500 executives to entrepreneurs — through career transitions, identity shifts, and defining moments of change.
My clients come from across the globe — from LinkedIn to Twitch, Coinbase to startups in transition. And what I’ve learned through all these journeys is this:
Change doesn’t mark the end of clarity — it’s the beginning of conscious possibility.
With presence, structure, and the right support, you don’t just navigate the shift — you become more of who you truly are.
Coaching Philosophy & Approach
My coaching philosophy is simple: the answers are already within you. My role is to provide a supportive, structured space to help you uncover them. Coaching with me is a collaborative process built on trust, empathy, and honest exploration. Here’s what you can always expect when we work together:
A Safe Space to Be You: I meet you where you are, with understanding and without judgment. Whether you’re an expat adapting to a new culture or a professional at a midlife crossroads, you’ll find a welcoming, inclusive environment to openly explore your challenges and dreams. (Having lived and worked in diverse cultures, I know the importance of honoring each person’s identity and experience – including LGBTQ+ individuals and anyone who’s ever felt “different” in the room. You are welcome here.)
Deep Listening & Insightful Questions: Often it’s not about giving you answers, but asking the right questions. I listen deeply to understand not just what you say, but what drives you underneath. Then I’ll challenge you with questions that spark insight and self-discovery. This process helps you gain fresh perspectives on old problems and tap into your own wisdom.
Clarity, Strategy, and Action: Together, we’ll cut through the mental fog to identify what truly matters to you – your values, priorities, and vision for the future. Once we have that clarity, I’ll help you craft a practical path forward. Each session, we co-create actionable steps and useful tools (from mindfulness exercises to leadership frameworks) that move you toward your goals. I’m big on follow-through: you’ll often leave with reflective exercises, concrete practices, or even role-play scenarios to try out, all tailored to your real-life context.
Accountability with Compassion: Change can feel daunting, but you won’t be doing it alone. I’ll be there as your partner – cheering you on, keeping you accountable to your own aspirations, and also reminding you to show yourself some kindness along the way. My approach blends encouragement and challenge: we celebrate wins, and we also tackle the tough stuff holding you back, all in a spirit of growth (and sometimes even a bit of humor when it’s needed!).
At the heart of my approach is emotional intelligence and respect. I bring my experience as a certified coach, a global leader, and a fellow human being who’s been through life’s ups and downs. I promise to be fully present for you, to be honest and thoughtful in my feedback, and to hold our conversations in complete confidence. My mission is to empower you – to help you trust yourself, make informed decisions, and step forward with confidence in whatever “next chapter” you are writing.
“Aaron has been an incredible executive coach. With his business knowledge, he was able to help me bring my vision to life. Once we established our goals, he developed a unique, heart-centered, results-oriented lesson plan tailored to my professional and personal aspirations. Aaron listened, observed, and offered specific, actionable insights and strategies that further helped my growth throughout the coaching sessions. He has provided me with a vast amount of knowledge on positioning myself in a career I truly enjoy. Aaron is a highly qualified, motivational, and inspiring executive coach; I highly recommend him to anyone wishing to improve their executive presence.”
— Brenda H. Singapore
Group Marketing Director, Shiok Meats
“Aaron has been an amazing support to me as a coach. He helped me to navigate a particularly challenging situation offering me sound advice, perspective, and guidance. Not only did he open my eyes, but he also helped me feel more empowered.”
— Wendy H. Syndey, Australia, LinkedIn Learning.
“I have no hesitation in recommending working with Aaron as a coach. I found him to be warm, engaging and friendly from the start. But he has some additional wonderful traits that really made my experience being coached by him so effective. From the start, I found him to be very open and accepting of me and my style/personality, despite our different locations, culture and background. This allowed me to trust him quickly, so we could achieve things together from the start.
He has a wonderful calm presence, with a supportive sense of humour and a caring approach. And the skill to know what is the right question at that moment - either to challenge or to ask what other solutions there might be. Or something else that you immediately realise encourages a great way of thinking things through.
Very much enjoyed my sessions with Aaron and I found his coaching very helpful working through some issues I was dealing with.”
— Paula S. London, UK
Entrepreneur
“I have been coached by Aaron over a few months and I have found the experience to be extremely valuable so far. Aaron has boosted my confidence and supported me to uncover development areas to think about that I would not have got to on my own. He has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and have a different perspective on my career trajectory.”
— Simran J. Sydney, Austrailia
Sales Director, LinkedIn
Organizations I’ve had the priviledge to support
Every New Chapter Begins with Intention
If you’re feeling the quiet pull of something deeper—or know it’s time for a realignment—this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and begin.
Whether you’re navigating a career crossroads, adjusting to life in a new culture, or stepping into a legacy-defining chapter, you don’t need to map the journey alone.
This work begins with a conversation.
One grounded in trust, clarity, and the space to name what truly matters now.
We’ll explore where you are, what’s shifting beneath the surface, and where you’re called to go next. You’ll get a sense of my approach and whether the partnership feels right for this season of your life.
If you’re ready to lead with greater presence, shape a life aligned with your deeper values, and move forward with courage—let’s begin.