A CEO Who Coaches CEOs
Why I Coach
I’ve spent my career building businesses, leading teams, and serving on boards. Along the way, I kept hearing the same struggles from leaders: the relentless pressure to grow, the weight of every decision, and the isolation of sitting at the top.
I chose to focus on coaching because I’ve always been driven by one-on-one relationships. I love going deep into learning, understanding what motivates people, and helping leaders turn insight into action. What energizes me most is seeing a CEO make a breakthrough—gaining clarity, confidence, and momentum.
My goal in every session is simple: I want my clients to leave feeling empowered, more confident, and truly seen.
My Coaching Style
I listen closely, but I always push for progress.
Every conversation ends with clear next steps. You’ll leave each session with a list of things to work on—and I’ll hold you accountable for following through.
I do the research and dig into the theory—drawing from leadership, behavioral science, and peak performance—and distill it into insights you can apply right away. Coaching with me isn’t just about talking. It’s about acting, improving, and sustaining accountability.
What Shapes My Work
I believe the way we use our time is the ultimate measure of leadership. My coaching reflects that belief: sessions are focused, intentional, and designed to help you use your time where it matters most.
I’ve also been an active member of EO and YPO for over 20 years. These communities have been formative in my own development and continue to shape how I think about leadership, accountability, and growth.
Outside of coaching, I’m an avid reader, active in community service, and anchored by my family. These commitments shape not only who I am, but how I coach.
Proof of Experience
Unlike most coaches, I’ve lived the CEO role.
- Founder, Chairman & CEO of Apollo Bank, launched during the financial crisis and grown into one of the most respected banks in the Southeast before a successful exit.
- Board Service:
- Seacoast Bank (NASDAQ: SBCF) – Public company board.
- Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta – SEC-regulated institution.
- gMed – Healthcare technology company (acquired by Modernizing Medicine).
- TotalBank – Banking (acquired by Banco Popular de España).
- Public Service: Appointed by President Barack Obama, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, to serve as Chairman of the Inter-American Foundation—a role I continued under the Trump and Biden administrations.
These experiences taught me how to build award-winning businesses, hire and develop great teams, and navigate high-stakes leadership. Today, I bring that perspective to coaching CEOs who want more than advice—they want guidance from someone who’s been there.
Biography
Eddy Arriola is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, board member, and advisor to CEOs, known for building successful companies and guiding leaders through moments of growth, transition, and transformation. He is the founder, former Chairman, and CEO of Apollo Bank, which launched during the great financial crisis and grew into one of the most respected banks in the Southeast, ultimately completing a successful exit to a publicly traded company. Under his leadership, Apollo Bank earned national recognition for innovation, corporate culture, and service to the community.
In addition to founding multiple companies and advising high-growth startups, Eddy has served on the boards of private and public companies across sectors—from fintech and healthcare to banking and real estate. His experience includes board service with gMed (acquired by Modernizing Medicine), TotalBank (acquired by Banco Popular de España), and two SEC-registered institutions: Seacoast Bank (NASDAQ: SBCF) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, LinkVest (a private credit and real estate investment firm), and Plug&Lend (fintech firm). He also served two terms on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (Miami Branch) and was appointed by President Barack Obama—confirmed by the U.S. Senate—as Chairman of the Inter-American Foundation, a position he continued to hold under the Trump and Biden administrations.
Eddy is a nationally recognized speaker, author, a long-time member of YPO and EO, and a trusted advisor to private equity firms and executive teams. His leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, integrity, and helping others grow.
Today, he is an active advisor to companies and CEOs who want to become better leaders, scale their businesses, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. Through his firm, Arriola & Co., he advises CEOs and executive teams on leadership, strategy, and culture. He also serves as a trusted coach, helping leaders navigate complex decisions and high-stakes relationships.
He was born and raised in Miami, FL, and is a graduate of Boston College, Harvard Business School’s OPM Program, and Christopher Columbus High School. He lives in Miami with his wife, Katie, and is the proud father of two adult children, Ben and Grace—his greatest joy and accomplishment.