The influence of coaching on the career trajectories of African female CEOs in South Africa

African women^[1], South Africa's largest demographic, remain underrepresented in executive management, facing compounded challenges as black females. This study examines the role of coaching in influencing the career trajectories of African female CEOs. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with seven participants, analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research highlights the pervasive gender and racial biases impeding their leadership journeys. Coaching emerged as an important tool, fostering self-awareness, enhancing leadership skills, and facilitating career transitions. These findings underscore coaching's potential to help African female leaders traverse systemic barriers, supporting their advancement and success within corporate environments.