Debra Thompson 

Scaling Up Certified Coach

I know that growing a business takes everything you, as a business owner, has to give. My clients are leadership teams on a mission to make an impact—and who want to unlock their next level of success.

In today’s market, some operating system implementations require rigid adherence to a fixed playbook.

My approach is different. As a strategic business guide and leadership team coach, I use the leading tools, techniques, and frameworks—drawing from Scaling Up, exit planning, and business valuation disciplines to design a path that fits each company’s unique goals, constraints, and stage of growth.

Typically, clients come to me for help with:

• Hiring capable people who fit their company culture

• Making individuals and teams more accountable

• Defining a marketing strategy with a performing sales funnel

• Leadership development

• Scaling valuation and preparing for a future exit I help companies grow, scale, and build value.

I work side by side with leadership teams to strengthen the business today and set it up for long-term success—including a well-managed, rewarding exit when the time comes.

As a Certified Scaling Up Coach, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and Accredited Value Builder™, I use proven frameworks to:

• Design strategies for sustainable growth • Assess current valuation and improve it over time

• De-risk the business and align the team • Ensure the company is both scalable and sellable.

My work is also informed by my role at Babson College (ranked #1 in the U.S. for Entrepreneurship), where I serve as a Program Coordinator, Coach, and Facilitator at the Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship.

The role keeps me grounded in emerging knowledge and startup dynamics, complements my coaching practice, and brings great personal satisfaction. I help design and lead accelerator programs that support ventures from ideation to market launch, and coach finalists in Babson’s entrepreneurial competitions to refine their business strategies and operational plans.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking in the woods with my dogs, open water swimming, in a yoga class, or spending time with my family.