Debbie Goodman — CEO
As CEO of Jack Hammer Global, I lead a group of companies specializing in executive search and leadership development, including Jack Hammer Africa (Africa's largest executive search boutique covering 24 countries), Jack Hammer USA (ranked Top5 boutique firm), and Virtual Coaching Partners, a global executive coaching platform. Over more than two decades, my mission has been simple: help boards and CEOs build amazing workplaces - through finding and developing great leaders. This is how companies and people flourish and thrive. Alongside my executive search work, I advise CEOs at pivotal moments in their leadership journey — newly appointed CEOs finding their footing, leaders scaling fast, and CEOs preparing for transition or exit. My role is part sounding board, part strategist: creating space for clear thinking when the pressure is on and the decisions really matter. And....I was recently awarded "CEO Advisor & Coach of the Year – Africa 2025" by GBM (nice way to start 2026😊) I host the podcast On Work & Revolution (now in its 4th season!), speak to executive audiences on leadership and workplace trends, and am a two-time bestselling author ("In the Flow" and "The Living Room Leader"). And on a personal note? I’ve never been much for straight lines. I started out as an award-winning dancer and choreographer, whilst completing my law degree. I never worked a single day as a lawyer, but my love for dance has come full circle: after work, I dance (a lot 😉) and am currently a US Pro-Am ballroom dance champion 💃
Stackforce AI infers this person is a leader in Executive Search and Leadership Development across Africa and the USA.
Location: Manhattan Beach, California, United States
Experience: 34 yrs 6 mos
Skills
- Executive Search
- Leadership Development
- Coaching
- Talent Management
Career Highlights
- CEO Advisor & Coach of the Year – Africa 2025
- Host of the podcast On Work & Revolution
- Two-time bestselling author
Work Experience
Africa Partner Network
Founding Partner (1 yr 3 mos)
On Work and Revolution
Podcast Host (3 yrs 6 mos)
ontheBLOCK
Investor/ Advisor (4 yrs 10 mos)
CoinFund
Advisor (1 yr 3 mos)
Rebel Girls
Strategic Advisor (4 yrs 9 mos)
Virtual Coaching Partners
CEO & Co-Founder (8 yrs 8 mos)
Jack Hammer
CEO (25 yrs 2 mos)
Capital Assignments
Financial Services Recruitment Consultant (2 yrs 4 mos)
Jagged Dance
Founder, Choreographer, and Contemporary Dancer (3 yrs)
Jazzart Dance Theatre
Contemporary Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher (4 yrs)
Education
Customer Development at Stanford Continuing Studies
Entrepreneurial Growth Forum at London Business School
at ACC Coaching, UCT Graduate School of Business
Law at University of South Africa BA.LLB