About Us
So here's the thing: most executive coaching feels like sitting through a corporate training video. That's not us. We're the coaches who actually get what it's like running the show — the weird pressure, the impossible decisions, the lonely parts nobody talks about at quarterly meetings. Started back in 2011, we've spent the last 13 years helping leaders in Romania and beyond figure out what they're really capable of. Not through buzzwords or fancy frameworks. Through honest conversations and real strategies that stick.
Over time, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, quality, and clear communication. We treat each project as a partnership and aim for outcomes that last.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Radical Honesty
We don't sugarcoat. If something's not working, we say it. Your coach won't be the person telling you what you want to hear — we're here to reflect back what we actually see.
Real Over Perfect
Messy is okay. Struggling is okay. We work with the actual person in the room, not some version of a leader you think you should be.
Action Matters
Insights are fine. But change happens when you actually do something different. We're obsessed with helping you move from thinking to doing.
Respect Your Time
You're busy. We're efficient. No fluff. No unnecessary sessions. Every conversation should move you forward.
Our Mission
We help executives become better leaders by cutting through the noise. Our job is simple: listen hard, ask tough questions, and give you the clarity you need to make smarter decisions. We don't pretend to have all the answers. We just help you find yours.
Our Vision
A world where leaders lead with confidence instead of fear. Where tough conversations happen openly. Where people actually want to show up to work because their boss gets what matters. That's the workplace we're building, one executive at a time.
Our Story
Ashford Advisory started as a side project. One of our founders was coaching friends through career transitions and realized something: real leadership help was weirdly hard to find. So we decided to build it. The business grew organically — referrals from satisfied clients, word-of-mouth in boardrooms, that kind of thing. We've worked with everyone from startup CEOs to C-suite executives at established companies. And honestly? Every single engagement teaches us something new. We're still learning, still adjusting how we work. That's intentional.
Meet Our Team
The people behind Ashford Advisory
We’re a team that values ownership, clarity, and growth. We celebrate wins, learn fast, and keep client outcomes at the center.
Marcus Ashford
Founder & Lead Coach
Former VP at a 200-person tech company. Spent 8 years climbing the corporate ladder before realizing he was better at helping others climb theirs. Now coaches 23 executives annually. Oddly passionate about chess and terrible at it.
Elena Popescu
Executive Coach
Background in organizational psychology and 11 years coaching leaders across finance and manufacturing. Specializes in helping rigid leaders loosen up without losing discipline. Coffee addict. Runner. Never both at the same time.
David Ionescu
Executive Coach
Built and sold a consulting firm, then decided helping others build was more rewarding. Works primarily with founders and CEOs navigating scaling challenges. Speaks three languages. Thinks in spreadsheets.
Why Choose Us
Experienced Team
Our professionals have decades of combined experience. We've seen it all and know how to handle any challenge.
Quality Guaranteed
We stand behind our work with comprehensive guarantees. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right.
Fair Pricing
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. You'll always know exactly what you're paying for.
Proven Results
Thousands of satisfied customers and a track record of successful projects speak for themselves.
Our Approach
Our approach combines proven methods with modern tools. We start with discovery, align on goals, plan clearly, and execute with quality checks at every step.