Melissa Parsons
Executive Producer, The TODAY Show
Working with Corey was easily one of the best experiences of my professional life. He had the ability to listen to ideas and synthesize information in a way that helped me, as a leader, grow. He could help me identify what I truly wanted to achieve for my team, for my goals and identify ways to get there. It felt like a magic skill and is almost hard to put into words as I write this recommendation. . . Corey taught me how to lead from a place of strength and have confidence in my ability to do so.
Melissa Parsons
Executive Producer, The TODAY Show
Working with Corey was easily one of the best experiences of my professional life. He had the ability to listen to ideas and synthesize information in a way that helped me, as a leader, grow. He could help me identify what I truly wanted to achieve for my team, for my goals and identify ways to get there. It felt like a magic skill and is almost hard to put into words as I write this recommendation. . . Corey taught me how to lead from a place of strength and have confidence in my ability to do so.
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Christiane Mack
Chief Content Operations Officer, Condé Nast
It's been several years since I was a Sulzberger Fellow, regularly receiving project feedback and executive coaching from Corey, but his approach and wisdom—all the "Corey-isms" we grew to know and love—are still engraved in my brain. In fact, I continue to draw from them on a regular basis. Corey's guidance was thoughtful and effective. He understood that navigating complex leadership dynamics is a critical component to personal and career development.
Corey has a rare ability to balance strategic insight with empathy, and, like any good coach, can shift in and out of therapist mode as appropriate. The advice from him was not only relevant and practical, but often exactly what I needed to hear—even if it wasn’t always what I expected.
Christiane Mack
Chief Content Operations Officer, Condé Nast
It's been several years since I was a Sulzberger Fellow, regularly receiving project feedback and executive coaching from Corey, but his approach and wisdom—all the "Corey-isms" we grew to know and love—are still engraved in my brain. In fact, I continue to draw from them on a regular basis. Corey's guidance was thoughtful and effective. He understood that navigating complex leadership dynamics is a critical component to personal and career development.
Corey has a rare ability to balance strategic insight with empathy, and, like any good coach, can shift in and out of therapist mode as appropriate. The advice from him was not only relevant and practical, but often exactly what I needed to hear—even if it wasn’t always what I expected.
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
Kathy Baird
Chief Communications Officer, The Washington Post
Corey is one of the most insightful and pragmatic coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has a rare ability to help me see the bigger picture for my leadership journey while also offering clear, actionable guidance on how to get there. That balance—between vision and execution—is exactly what I need at this stage of my career as an executive. I’ve learned so much from Corey during the Sulzberger Fellowship and fully intend to continue that growth with his support.
Kathy Baird
Chief Communications Officer, The Washington Post
Corey is one of the most insightful and pragmatic coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with. He has a rare ability to help me see the bigger picture for my leadership journey while also offering clear, actionable guidance on how to get there. That balance—between vision and execution—is exactly what I need at this stage of my career as an executive. I’ve learned so much from Corey during the Sulzberger Fellowship and fully intend to continue that growth with his support.
May 14, 2025
May 14, 2025
Claudio E. Cabrera
Vice President of Newsroom Strategy and Audience, The Athletic
When I joined the Sulzberger program, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity—but also shy and carrying my own version of imposter syndrome. At first, it was a little intimidating to be in a room full of such talented, accomplished individuals. It took me some time to open up, and Corey was instrumental in helping me do that.
He challenged me with thoughtful, pointed questions that pushed me to deeply examine every aspect of my project. Corey didn’t just want me to complete something—he wanted me to bring it to life in a way that would have real impact for The New York Times and its business.
What I appreciated most about Corey was his leadership and teaching style. Every time he pushed, it came from a place of belief—he saw potential and wanted to help you reach it. It never felt like frustration; it felt like support. As someone constantly looking to improve, I would absolutely work with Corey again, and I've only heard great feedback from Sulzberger fellows who followed after me.
I highly recommend Corey as a consultant, teacher, and coach. He brings out the best in people—not just for the sake of their organizations, but for their own growth and confidence.
Claudio E. Cabrera
Vice President of Newsroom Strategy and Audience, The Athletic
When I joined the Sulzberger program, I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity—but also shy and carrying my own version of imposter syndrome. At first, it was a little intimidating to be in a room full of such talented, accomplished individuals. It took me some time to open up, and Corey was instrumental in helping me do that.
He challenged me with thoughtful, pointed questions that pushed me to deeply examine every aspect of my project. Corey didn’t just want me to complete something—he wanted me to bring it to life in a way that would have real impact for The New York Times and its business.
What I appreciated most about Corey was his leadership and teaching style. Every time he pushed, it came from a place of belief—he saw potential and wanted to help you reach it. It never felt like frustration; it felt like support. As someone constantly looking to improve, I would absolutely work with Corey again, and I've only heard great feedback from Sulzberger fellows who followed after me.
I highly recommend Corey as a consultant, teacher, and coach. He brings out the best in people—not just for the sake of their organizations, but for their own growth and confidence.
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Jim Kennedy
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Enterprise Development, The Associated Press
My association and collaboration with Corey goes back a decade, when I persuaded The Associated Press to invest in his (at that point) fledgling venture fund, Matter Ventures. The pitch to my fellow execs at AP was to use Matter as a gateway into the startup scene in Silicon Valley, get our people exposed to some potential new partners and give our news, technology and product teams an infusion of entrepreneurial thinking. It was the single most transformative move I made in my 20 years as head of strategy for the global news agency. We worked with Matter through the life of the fund's investments and then hired Corey to work inside AP as a design-thinking coach. Over the course of all that work with Corey, we were able to train more than 150 of our staffers in his special brand of design thinking. Corey's super-power is his ability to embed himself directly and deeply into a company, study and understand its culture and develop programs that speak the company's language while communicating the new language of design thinking. I couldn't be more enthusiastic and grateful for the time we invested with Corey, and I'm excited for him to push onward to "Point C."
Jim Kennedy
Senior Vice President, Strategy & Enterprise Development, The Associated Press
My association and collaboration with Corey goes back a decade, when I persuaded The Associated Press to invest in his (at that point) fledgling venture fund, Matter Ventures. The pitch to my fellow execs at AP was to use Matter as a gateway into the startup scene in Silicon Valley, get our people exposed to some potential new partners and give our news, technology and product teams an infusion of entrepreneurial thinking. It was the single most transformative move I made in my 20 years as head of strategy for the global news agency. We worked with Matter through the life of the fund's investments and then hired Corey to work inside AP as a design-thinking coach. Over the course of all that work with Corey, we were able to train more than 150 of our staffers in his special brand of design thinking. Corey's super-power is his ability to embed himself directly and deeply into a company, study and understand its culture and develop programs that speak the company's language while communicating the new language of design thinking. I couldn't be more enthusiastic and grateful for the time we invested with Corey, and I'm excited for him to push onward to "Point C."
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Rebecca Norris
Head of Product & Design Research, The New York Times
As my executive coach for the past two years, Corey Ford's coaching is as good as it gets. From my first session to the most recent one a few weeks ago, he's able to listen and simultaneously process information in a way that he can see the insight in whatever topic we're discussing. Oftentimes, I'll come to him thinking I'm struggling with problem X, and he's able to shine a light on how it's really a problem Y issue. Over time, he's become someone that I trust so much that our coaching sessions have integrated both professional and personal struggles. Having Corey as a "whole-person" coach has been tremendously valuable. I unequivocally recommend Corey Ford!
Rebecca Norris
Head of Product & Design Research, The New York Times
As my executive coach for the past two years, Corey Ford's coaching is as good as it gets. From my first session to the most recent one a few weeks ago, he's able to listen and simultaneously process information in a way that he can see the insight in whatever topic we're discussing. Oftentimes, I'll come to him thinking I'm struggling with problem X, and he's able to shine a light on how it's really a problem Y issue. Over time, he's become someone that I trust so much that our coaching sessions have integrated both professional and personal struggles. Having Corey as a "whole-person" coach has been tremendously valuable. I unequivocally recommend Corey Ford!
May 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
Jay Allred
It is not an overstatement to say that Corey's coaching and mentorship changed the trajectory of my career and improved most aspects of my life. Corey's singular talent is creating environments where powerful, opinionated leaders who are accustomed to deference open themselves up to the magic of authentic, ground-level user feedback. It's simple, but so powerful and often transformative. Corey taught me to inject humility and curiosity into venture design, which is something people in my business struggle with. Me included.
Three years out from Sulzberger, we've woven Corey's teaching into the DNA of our company's HR policies, our explicit norms for behavior, our product design principles, how we listen to audiences, and how we give and receive feedback to one another.
There's no way for me to recommend Corey more highly. He's just the best I've worked with. Period.
Jay Allred
It is not an overstatement to say that Corey's coaching and mentorship changed the trajectory of my career and improved most aspects of my life. Corey's singular talent is creating environments where powerful, opinionated leaders who are accustomed to deference open themselves up to the magic of authentic, ground-level user feedback. It's simple, but so powerful and often transformative. Corey taught me to inject humility and curiosity into venture design, which is something people in my business struggle with. Me included.
Three years out from Sulzberger, we've woven Corey's teaching into the DNA of our company's HR policies, our explicit norms for behavior, our product design principles, how we listen to audiences, and how we give and receive feedback to one another.
There's no way for me to recommend Corey more highly. He's just the best I've worked with. Period.
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
Liz Kelly Nelson
Working with Corey was a turning point in my career. As director of the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia, Corey helped guide me through one of the most transformative professional experiences I’ve had. Later, through one-on-one coaching, he played a key role in helping me find the clarity (and courage) to launch (and persevere with) Project C, my independent initiative to support creator-model journalists. Corey brings an extraordinary mix of strategic insight, emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial energy to every conversation. He doesn’t just ask great questions – he helps you hear your own answers more clearly. If you’re navigating a major transition, building something new, or trying to reconnect with your purpose as a leader, I can’t recommend Corey highly enough!
Liz Kelly Nelson
Working with Corey was a turning point in my career. As director of the Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia, Corey helped guide me through one of the most transformative professional experiences I’ve had. Later, through one-on-one coaching, he played a key role in helping me find the clarity (and courage) to launch (and persevere with) Project C, my independent initiative to support creator-model journalists. Corey brings an extraordinary mix of strategic insight, emotional intelligence and entrepreneurial energy to every conversation. He doesn’t just ask great questions – he helps you hear your own answers more clearly. If you’re navigating a major transition, building something new, or trying to reconnect with your purpose as a leader, I can’t recommend Corey highly enough!
May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
Jon Laurence
Working with Corey on the Sulzberger program didn't just change my working practices - it changed my life. Through coaching, amongst many other things, Corey helped me become a significantly more effective presenter, and made me realize that my journalistic storytelling ability could be used to make me a better leader and communicator.
As a coach, Corey is a genuine triple threat - he was equally comfortable guiding me through business strategy, editorial vision and cultural change. On a personal level, I was extremely grateful that Corey had a rare ability to be direct and kind at the same time, and it was always clear even when he was occasionally telling me things I didn't want to hear, that he was doing it with my best interests at heart.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Corey to news leaders looking to level up or to media leadership teams that are going through a transformation.
Jon Laurence
Working with Corey on the Sulzberger program didn't just change my working practices - it changed my life. Through coaching, amongst many other things, Corey helped me become a significantly more effective presenter, and made me realize that my journalistic storytelling ability could be used to make me a better leader and communicator.
As a coach, Corey is a genuine triple threat - he was equally comfortable guiding me through business strategy, editorial vision and cultural change. On a personal level, I was extremely grateful that Corey had a rare ability to be direct and kind at the same time, and it was always clear even when he was occasionally telling me things I didn't want to hear, that he was doing it with my best interests at heart.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Corey to news leaders looking to level up or to media leadership teams that are going through a transformation.
May 9, 2025
May 9, 2025
Sean Jordan
Corey's dynamic leadership has helped me navigate & thrive in two professional worlds: the world of corporate innovation while working as an executive at Disney, and the world of entrepreneurship as I build my own venture.
Our relationship started through his leadership of the Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University, and he's continued to be a great mentor, coach & friend to me in my journey beyond. I highly recommend Corey's services.
Sean Jordan
Corey's dynamic leadership has helped me navigate & thrive in two professional worlds: the world of corporate innovation while working as an executive at Disney, and the world of entrepreneurship as I build my own venture.
Our relationship started through his leadership of the Sulzberger Fellowship at Columbia University, and he's continued to be a great mentor, coach & friend to me in my journey beyond. I highly recommend Corey's services.
May 11, 2025
May 11, 2025
Alexa Sonnenfeld
Put most simply, Corey’s a voice that has stuck in my head. Always curious, sometimes provocative, and refreshingly direct, Corey’s a master at helping you find the right next question to ask— during direct coaching sessions but also far beyond them thanks to his thorough modeling of an approach, a process, and a playbook to draw from.
Alexa Sonnenfeld
Put most simply, Corey’s a voice that has stuck in my head. Always curious, sometimes provocative, and refreshingly direct, Corey’s a master at helping you find the right next question to ask— during direct coaching sessions but also far beyond them thanks to his thorough modeling of an approach, a process, and a playbook to draw from.
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
Patrick Boehler
Corey's mentorship was transformative during a pivotal moment in my career. Beyond guiding me through a complex corporate environment, he taught me to trust my instincts, analyze opportunities with structural rigor, and embrace the "fail fast" mindset (at first most painfully now joyfully) that is essential for innovation.
He provided the strategic perspective and confidence I needed to launch my own media research venture following my Sulzberger fellowship. Most importantly, Corey showed me how to be unapologetic about taking a seat at the table and driving meaningful change.
His encouragement was instrumental in my decision to embrace entrepreneurship, a journey I wouldn't have embarked on without his support and insight. Corey combines passion for great journalism and exceptional business acumen with genuine investment in his mentees' success.
I wholeheartedly recommend Corey to anyone ready to challenge the status quo and transform their career. He doesn't just guide you through existing paths, he empowers you to create entirely new ones.
Patrick Boehler
Corey's mentorship was transformative during a pivotal moment in my career. Beyond guiding me through a complex corporate environment, he taught me to trust my instincts, analyze opportunities with structural rigor, and embrace the "fail fast" mindset (at first most painfully now joyfully) that is essential for innovation.
He provided the strategic perspective and confidence I needed to launch my own media research venture following my Sulzberger fellowship. Most importantly, Corey showed me how to be unapologetic about taking a seat at the table and driving meaningful change.
His encouragement was instrumental in my decision to embrace entrepreneurship, a journey I wouldn't have embarked on without his support and insight. Corey combines passion for great journalism and exceptional business acumen with genuine investment in his mentees' success.
I wholeheartedly recommend Corey to anyone ready to challenge the status quo and transform their career. He doesn't just guide you through existing paths, he empowers you to create entirely new ones.
May 13, 2025
May 13, 2025
Ben Werdmuller
I can't overstate the effect Corey's thinking, insights, mentorship, and advice have affected my career. I carry these tools and mindsets with me every day.
It's also obviously true that media needs real change: a shift from ivory tower, legacy strategies to human-centered, prototype-driven experimentation. That's what Corey unlocks: the tools to experiment, but also the tools to create a culture where experimentation is safe and effective.
Throughout the course and beyond, he'll be the wind at your back. Go take a look.
Ben Werdmuller
I can't overstate the effect Corey's thinking, insights, mentorship, and advice have affected my career. I carry these tools and mindsets with me every day.
It's also obviously true that media needs real change: a shift from ivory tower, legacy strategies to human-centered, prototype-driven experimentation. That's what Corey unlocks: the tools to experiment, but also the tools to create a culture where experimentation is safe and effective.
Throughout the course and beyond, he'll be the wind at your back. Go take a look.
Jul 15, 2025
Jul 15, 2025
Bene Cipolla
I cannot recommend this program enough — or the coaching and mentorship of Corey Ford. I use the learnings from my 2021 cohort *all the time* and am so grateful for the support that the greater Sulzberger network has provided. If you're thinking of applying and have any questions, I'm happy to chat.
Bene Cipolla
I cannot recommend this program enough — or the coaching and mentorship of Corey Ford. I use the learnings from my 2021 cohort *all the time* and am so grateful for the support that the greater Sulzberger network has provided. If you're thinking of applying and have any questions, I'm happy to chat.
Jul 6, 2025
Jul 6, 2025
Andrew Ramsammy
This program had a huge impact on me and my cohort mates continue to inspire me with their work years later. A must for anyone who understands the urgency and need for media transformation. Even switching industries, the process work remains the same and just as relevant. Make time.
Andrew Ramsammy
This program had a huge impact on me and my cohort mates continue to inspire me with their work years later. A must for anyone who understands the urgency and need for media transformation. Even switching industries, the process work remains the same and just as relevant. Make time.
Jul 6, 2025
Jul 6, 2025
Ian Sager
When I think about the moments that have shaped me as a leader, Corey’s 1:1s are near the top of the list. If you’re a founder, executive, or builder at an inflection point, take a moment to read about what Corey Ford is building, and consider what it might look like to have him in your corner.
Ian Sager
When I think about the moments that have shaped me as a leader, Corey’s 1:1s are near the top of the list. If you’re a founder, executive, or builder at an inflection point, take a moment to read about what Corey Ford is building, and consider what it might look like to have him in your corner.
Jun 2, 2025
Jun 2, 2025
Freek Staps
How lucky one can be when Corey is the Director of the Sulzberger Program at Columbia University and you are one of 'his' Fellows! Corey is a mentor, a friend, a helicopter and a step stool at the same time. You feel and are heard, helped and hugged at the same time. Your work will benefit from his thoughtfulness and professional sincerity.
Freek Staps
How lucky one can be when Corey is the Director of the Sulzberger Program at Columbia University and you are one of 'his' Fellows! Corey is a mentor, a friend, a helicopter and a step stool at the same time. You feel and are heard, helped and hugged at the same time. Your work will benefit from his thoughtfulness and professional sincerity.
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025
Samantha McCann
The Sulzberger fellowship changed my life, and Corey's coaching was central to that. The program was so thoughtfully designed, really a one-of-a-kind leadership program. Corey's design-thinking bootcamp taught me fundamentals that have become a mainstay for how I think about getting from problem to solution. And the 1-1 coaching sessions with Corey really helped me get past key barriers, reframe challenges, and bolster my confidence in my abilities. Understanding his perspective on leadership, innovation and what a healthy organizational culture looks like made the coaching even more impactful. I recommend Corey without hesitation.
Samantha McCann
The Sulzberger fellowship changed my life, and Corey's coaching was central to that. The program was so thoughtfully designed, really a one-of-a-kind leadership program. Corey's design-thinking bootcamp taught me fundamentals that have become a mainstay for how I think about getting from problem to solution. And the 1-1 coaching sessions with Corey really helped me get past key barriers, reframe challenges, and bolster my confidence in my abilities. Understanding his perspective on leadership, innovation and what a healthy organizational culture looks like made the coaching even more impactful. I recommend Corey without hesitation.
May 21, 2025
May 21, 2025
Lisa Garcia Grace
I had the privilege of being coached by Corey as part of the Sulzberger Executive Leadership program. Corey is a unique and perfect blend of active listener, empathetic human and strategically practical mentor. He guided me through personal growth opportunities as well as organizational strategies. I know I’m a better leader and person because of his guidance. No matter where you are in your career or business planning, Corey can get you to the best next step for you. Thank you Corey!
Lisa Garcia Grace
I had the privilege of being coached by Corey as part of the Sulzberger Executive Leadership program. Corey is a unique and perfect blend of active listener, empathetic human and strategically practical mentor. He guided me through personal growth opportunities as well as organizational strategies. I know I’m a better leader and person because of his guidance. No matter where you are in your career or business planning, Corey can get you to the best next step for you. Thank you Corey!
May 23, 2025
May 23, 2025