Career Coaching in Vancouver & Online for Professionals

You’re capable — and you’re ready for a challenge.

You don’t need more advice or motivation. You need clear thinking, honest feedback, and accountability to follow through.

This is career coaching for professionals who are done thinking about change and ready to act on it.

Most people don’t come in with a plan. That’s what the first session is for.
This work includes accountability — insight only matters if it leads to action.

How this works

You don’t need to have everything figured out to start — but you do need to be willing to engage honestly and take responsibility for change.

Start with one session

We get clear on what’s actually going on, what’s been keeping you stuck, and what matters most right now.

Get direct feedback

I’ll challenge blind spots, surface trade-offs, and push where you’re playing it too safe.

Leave with direction and accountability

You’ll walk away with concrete next steps — and the expectation that insight turns into action.

Most people start uncertain and overwhelmed. That’s normal. Progress comes from clarity and follow-through.

Book an Intro Session
John Fialkowski, Career Coach

Who you’ll be working with

I’m John Fialkowski, a career coach working with capable professionals who are ready to stop circling problems and start making real decisions about their work.

My approach is direct, practical, and grounded in accountability. I don’t offer hype or quick fixes — I help people think clearly, act deliberately, and follow through on the changes they say they want.

About John

Where people usually start

People usually come in knowing what’s wrong — even if they’re not sure what to call it. These are the most common starting points.

Executive Coaching

For professionals ready to raise their level.

You want to perform, communicate, and operate at a higher standard — and be recognized for it. We focus on clarity, credibility, and learning how to articulate your value so your work has real impact.

Explore Executive Coaching

Career Change & Job Search Support

When you need a job — but don’t want to repeat the same mistake.

You might be actively job hunting, or you might know you need to move on. Either way, this work goes beyond applications and interviews. We clarify what you actually want, define the kind of role that fits, and approach the search with intention — not panic.

Find the Right Direction

Support for Toxic Work Environments

When work feels wrong and it’s starting to affect you.

If your job has become draining, confusing, or demoralizing, you don’t need platitudes. You need to name what’s happening, understand your options, and decide what can change — and what your next move needs to be.

Find a Way Forward

Career Coaching with John Podcast

Personal Value • Identity • Agency • Empowerment • Finding a Job

Where big ideas meet the everyday grind. Storytelling, historical insight, and practical coaching to help listeners make sense of a confusing job market—and their place in it.

Candid. A little rebellious. Built to stop people from blaming themselves for a system that isn’t working.

From people I’ve worked with

Pricing

Coaching Designed Around You

Project-based coaching in focused, five-session starter packages. Real progress at a pace that fits your life.

Not sure where to start? Book a free 20-minute intro call to confirm fit and choose the right next step.

Starter Package coaching
Starter Package
A short, focused commitment designed for real follow-through.
$650 CAD
Five-session starter package

Designed to create momentum and accountability over time — and priced lower than booking sessions individually.

  • 5 × 60-minute coaching sessions
  • Email support between sessions
  • Relevant worksheets & exercises
Need extra time inside a package? $150/hr — available only within an active package.
Start the Starter Package
Single coaching session
Single Coaching Session
A focused 90-minute deep dive.
$225 CAD
90-minute session

Use this when you need to work through a specific decision, situation, or challenge. We’ll go deep, get clear, and identify next steps you can act on immediately.

  • Focus on a specific decision or challenge
  • Follow-up email summary & next steps
  • No ongoing commitment required
Often used to clarify direction before starting the Starter Package.
Book a Single Session
Accessible coaching options
Accessibility & Custom Coaching
Coaching should be accessible when it’s most needed.
  • Custom coaching for entrepreneurs & leadership teams
  • Flexible arrangements for ongoing support
  • Sliding-scale spots available monthly for those facing financial hardship
If cost is the barrier, start with the free intro call and we’ll talk options.
Learn More
Astronaut FAQ icon

FAQ Quick - Written for real situations, not theory

This work isn’t about fixing you, pushing you, or forcing clarity before you’re ready. It’s about understanding what’s actually happening — and moving forward deliberately.

Not sure where to start? Begin with the first section.

Most questions fall into one of three categories: pressure, direction, or logistics.
When work is heavy
If you’re stressed, stuck, or running on fumes — start here.

What if I’m in a bad or toxic work environment?

Survival + strategy, not motivation.

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Then the goal isn’t motivation — it’s survival and strategy. We work on boundaries, perspective, and a clear stay/shift/exit plan so you stop losing yourself to the environment.
Sometimes the win is leaving. Sometimes it’s staying longer — but stronger.

Can you help me gain confidence and perform better at work?

Clarity, expectations, and execution.

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Yes. Performance coaching is about clarity and execution — not hype. We define expectations, tighten communication, and build practical habits so you can show up with more authority.
Confidence usually follows clarity — not the other way around.

I have ADHD — is this coaching a good fit?

Executive function support and momentum.

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Yes. Many clients are smart and capable, but struggle with follow-through, prioritization, or momentum. We build structure around executive function — breaking things into usable steps and creating external accountability.
This isn’t about “fixing” you. It’s about designing systems that work with your brain.
Fit and direction
This is the “is this for someone like me?” section.

Who is this coaching best for?

For people who don’t fit neatly into boxes.

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I work best with people who don’t fit neatly into professional boxes. You’ve built real skills and responsibility — but the obvious options don’t feel right, and you want an honest path forward.

How can career coaching actually help me?

Clarity, options, and practical movement.

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We get clear on what you want, what’s blocking you, and what your real options are. The goal is grounded decisions and practical movement — not generic advice.

What does the coaching process look like?

Focused sessions built around your reality.

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We start with a conversation. Then sessions are focused and practical — based on your real situation. No rigid program. We build momentum where it matters.

What if I don’t know what I want yet?

You don’t need clarity to start — we build it.

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That’s normal. Many people come to coaching because they can’t name what’s next. We build clarity first, then choose actions that make sense for you.

Can you help me develop an idea for a small business?

Pressure-test it before you invest time or money.

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Yes — especially if you have ideas but don’t know what’s realistic. We pressure-test the idea, clarify fit, and decide whether it’s a side project, transition plan, or leap.
Practical details
Logistics, objections, and how we work.

What’s the difference between coaching and training?

Training informs. Coaching applies.

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Training gives information. Coaching helps you apply it. We work with your specific situations so the changes actually stick.

Isn’t career coaching expensive?

You can start small and scale up.

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It can be — but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with a free 20-minute intro call, then choose a single 90-minute session ($225) or the Starter Package ($650) if you want momentum and accountability.

Can’t I just use AI to write my resume?

Yes — but make it sound like you.

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You can — and you probably should. The trick is avoiding the generic AI “same voice” resume. I’ll show you how to train AI on your story so it supports you instead of flattening you.

How do I book a session?

Book directly, or start with a quick intro call.

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Book directly, or start with a short introductory conversation to see if it’s a fit.
Book a 20-min intro call Contact me

I have a friend who won’t stop complaining about their job. What do I do?

Advice stalls. A neutral third party helps.

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Advice usually stalls when someone doesn’t yet understand what they want or what’s keeping them stuck. If you want, we can start with a conversation and see if coaching would actually help.

Still unsure where you fit?

That’s usually a sign this conversation would help.

Book a 20-minute intro call

Insights and Advice from John 

Dealing with a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan

This exchange comes from a question about being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and the expectation of being fired. The employee described the stress of the process, feeling set up to fail, and wondering if there was anything they could do to protect themselves. The response explored options for navigating the situation, including negotiating severance, reframing the PIP, and shifting responsibility back onto management.

What do you do when your top performer is clearly outgrowing their role?

I came across this question recently — someone shared that one of their team members had completely redesigned how the team works, taken on way more than expected, and was already running out of things to do. Smart, self-driven, and impactful. But the role (and maybe the company) just isn’t big enough for her.

Career Coaching with John astronaut icon

Interested? Contact me for a 20 min FREE Consultation

How it works…

Let's start with a call, see if there is a fit. No two situations are alike, and I'd like to know about your situation, what is getting in your way, and what you need.

In our first call we will discuss the nature of your situation, what goals you might have, the barriers to your success, what excites you about work and what gets you down. I hope to be able to break down some of those barriers and start to work on your vision.

When we've established your vision, we will work on breaking down the barriers that stand in your way. Build the confidence to express your vision and find what you are looking for.

I'm based in Canada, but my clients come from all over the world. Don't be shy, it never hurts to talk.

Career Coaching with John
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Phone

(778)8399620