Ksenia ClossonResearch · Leadership · Coaching

Research

Primary research on leadership and organizational adaptation.

This research maps the variables driving leadership performance. The questions stem from two decades inside high-performance organizations and a coaching practice focused on senior leaders.

Research 1

Published

AI Workforce Adaptation 2026 Benchmark

Method

Quantitative benchmark survey. n=102 technical professionals. Non-probability purposive sampling, multi-site recruitment across Silicon Valley practitioner communities. Field period February 19 – March 4, 2026.

Research Question

How are technical professionals experiencing AI-driven change across preparedness, confidence, engagement depth, and organizational support?

Key Findings

  • Sentiment is bimodal: 37% score low on preparedness (1–3), 53% high (5–7), with a thin neutral middle.
  • Composite sentiment rises monotonically with depth of AI engagement, from 4.26 at Level 1 (chat consumer) to 5.26 at Level 4 (agentic systems).
  • Individual motivation to grow professionally (5.33/7) sits about half a point above the highest organizational readiness item (4.74/7).
  • Career entrants (0–2 years) report the lowest preparedness mean in the sample (4.07).

Research 2

In Progress

C-Suite Executives' Lived Experience of Coaching

Method

Qualitative. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). In-depth interviews with C-suite executives who have completed formal coaching engagements.

Research Question

How do C-suite executives experience coaching? What do they find valuable, what do they discount, and what does the experience reveal about coaching at the most senior organizational levels?

Institution

University College Cork, MSc Research

Supervisor: Dr. Pat O'Leary

Recruitment is ongoing. If you are a C-suite executive with completed coaching experience, contact info@kseniaclosson.com