Build leaders who can thrive under pressure.
Tensile provides executive coaching for leaders who want to build emotional intelligence — clearer decisions, steadier execution, and capacity under tension.
About
Joe Zakutney
Founder, Tensile Leadership
My name is Joe and I love helping people build systems and create space to explore what's preventing them from achieving in their life. After ten years working in various operator roles at Uber, Snapchat, and DoorDash I learned: pressure reveals patterns.
Brilliant people are making the same mistakes under stress. Decision paralysis when stakes are high. Conflict avoidance that compounds into team dysfunction. Intensity that looks like performance but leads to burnout.
I became a therapist to understand why and to build the capacity most leaders don't have.
- A clear perception of themselves.
- The ability to think clearly under pressure.
- How to build a decision-making framework that works when you're dysregulated.
- How to use conflict as a performance tool, not a threat.
Now I help leaders build what I call Tensile Strength: the ability to hold tension, navigate complexity, and make clear decisions without breaking.
Services
Precision coaching for leaders who are already good.
High-performance leadership development with clinical depth — not stress management dressed up for a corporate audience.
1:1 Executive Coaching
Multi-month individual engagements anchored by EQ-i 2.0 assessment. Structured around behavioral goals and psychological drivers, with clear milestones.
Leadership Workshops
Facilitated group sessions focused on emotional intelligence, execution under pressure, and team dynamics. For off-sites, L&D programs, and leadership development.
Assessment & Debrief
Standalone EQ-i 2.0 assessment and debrief for leaders seeking a precise diagnostic. Often used as an entry point or pre-promotion tool.
Advisory
Strategic advisory for founders and operators on team design, leadership effectiveness, and organizational health — applied ops experience at the system level.
Who we serve
Built for leaders navigating what's next.
PE & VC Firms
Accelerate leadership effectiveness across your portfolio. Protect investments by preventing leadership failures before they compound.
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Founders & Senior Leaders
Close the gap between your current performance ceiling and your actual potential. For high-performers who've outgrown generic coaching.
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Let's talk about what's possible.
Every engagement begins with a conversation — no pitch, no pressure. If there's a fit, we'll build a plan. If not, you'll leave with clarity either way.