Executive Coaching for Military & Veteran Leaders
I coach military and veteran leaders through the hardest professional shift there is: leading without the uniform. I'm Stefano Calvetti. I served 31 years in the Italian Navy, commanded in war zones, worked at the highest levels of government, and retired as an admiral — and then had to figure out, like you, who I was on the other side. Today I'm an executive coach in Washington, DC, certified by the Co-Active Training Institute (CPCC) and a member of the International Coaching Federation, working with leaders across the US and Europe.
The meaning of taking the uniform off
Transition programs translate your MOS and polish your resume. Useful, but not enough.
In uniform, your authority arrives before you do, with the rank and the title. Then the uniform comes off, and all the structure, mission, instant credibility it carried has to be rebuilt in a world where influence is more important than giving orders.
I'm an introvert. For three decades the uniform did my networking for me. When I retired, I had to learn to walk into a room as just Stefano. That experience, not a theory of it, is what I coach from.
Who I work with
Senior officers preparing to transition
A year or two out, and preparing for the next chapter requires more than a resume. We work on who you're becoming.
Veterans leading in the civilian world
The habits that worked in uniform, like decisiveness, directness, mission-first, get recalibrated for people who never received military orders.
Defense and national-security executives
You work with and alongside people in uniform. You want a coach who knows both sides of that table.
International and allied officers
An Italian admiral who built a second career in the American capital, in English and Italian. If you're a NATO or allied leader here, I've walked your road.
What we will work on
From command to influence
Leading people who don't have to obey you.
Identity beyond rank
"Retired admiral" is a fact about your past, not who you are now.
Presence out of uniform
You have presence; we translate it to your new dimension: entering a room, disagreeing with a CEO, holding authority without insignia.
Decisions in ambiguity
From doctrine and staff work to incomplete information and moving targets — new rhythm, same rigor.
Networking for people who'd rather not
An honest approach for leaders who find self-promotion uncomfortable, built by one of them.
Common questions
Do you only coach people who served? No. Much of this work is with veterans and transitioning officers; the rest is with executives in any sector, including defense and national security, corporations, and institutions.
You served in the Italian Navy. Can you coach American military leaders? Command is command anywhere. Pressure, responsibility for lives, and the weight of the uniform don't change with the flag. I made this exact transition moving to the US. And being outside your service culture means total candor with zero career risk.
Is this career transition or job placement coaching? No. Recruiters and resume writers get you the next role; I coach the leadership and identity work that decides whether you succeed in it
When should I start? Before or after leaving the service? Earlier than you think: 12–18 months before separation is ideal, because identity work takes longer than paperwork. But it's never too late. Some clients start two years out, when the first civilian role shows what needs attention.
Is coaching confidential? Yes. I follow the ICF Code of Ethics, which is in my new discipline manual. What we discuss stays between us, full stop.
What does it cost? From a single session to a twelve-session engagement, you have options. Check the packages page. The first 30 minutes are free, with no obligations at all.