The Story Behind Rooftop Coaching
Jeremy Foster, founder of Rooftop Coaching, shares about his journey into coaching and how this has shaped the company’s philosophy.
A Lifelong Fascination
Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by people—their stories, dreams, and potential. I’d befriend strangers anywhere, peppering them with questions about their work and lives.
That people-curiosity never faded.
In college, I studied engineering, but in addition to my standard engineer diet of systems, calculations and technology, I was equally drawn to people-issues--culture, leadership, and communication. I eventually pursued an MBA, which I saw as a modern master’s in leadership.
From Engineering to Leadership to Coaching
I then joined Cerner, the world’s largest healthcare IT company, which immersed me in large-scale organizational life. I loved strategic planning, optimizing how people use data, and leading change initiatives. I was growing and achieving, but sensed I wasn’t yet living in full alignment with my strengths and purpose.
So I hired an executive coach—and that decision changed everything. I learned to see my patterns more clearly, separate old stories from new possibilities, and lead with greater curiosity and courage. I became clearer about what I wanted: to help people experience the same transformation I was experiencing.
Before long, I was coaching a handful of clients alongside my full-time job at Cerner. Those were the best hours of my week. I saw how an individual's life and work became more animated as they aligned with deeper purpose, and the ripple effect that one leader’s growth could have on an entire team or company. Eventually, I took the leap and founded Rooftop Coaching.
The Whole-Brained Leader
I’ve spent my career at the crossroads of people and numbers—bridging the technical/logical and relational/visionary sides of leadership. Along the way, I’ve been called “organizational glue” and a “technical translator.” That blend now fuels my work with both left-brained leaders (typically COOs, CFOs, CTOs) and right-brained leaders (usually Heads of Sales, HR, and Design). CEOs and founders, of course, can fall anywhere along that spectrum.
My aim is to help each leverage their natural strengths and build new muscles on the other side—whether that means growing emotional intelligence and influence, or developing structure and discipline—to lead with greater clarity and confidence.
Coaching Philosophy
We help leaders align who they are with how they lead. We believe the best leadership flows from wholeness—when head and heart, strategy and purpose, achievement and well-being are integrated. Each engagement is tailored to the leader in front of us, blending thoughtful questions, practical strategy, deep encouragement, and measured accountability.
Coaching offers a pause in the noise—a chance to gain clarity and courage. Leaders discover what’s possible, overcome prior barriers, and achieve what they previously thought unattainable. Whether on a Zoom call, over coffee, or on a trail, the focus is the same: helping leaders grow, find meaning in their work, and lead from vision and values rather than fear or insecurity.
Credentials
I bring both analytical and human-centered disciplines to my coaching. With an MBA from Yale and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State Univeristy, I blend business acumen with emotional intelligence. I’m an ICF-certified coach and certified practitioner of the EQ-i 2.0 Emotional Intelligence Assessment, helping leaders strengthen self-awareness, empathy, and decision-making.
I also draw on tools such as the Enneagram, StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, and 5 Dysfunctions of a Team to meet each client’s goals. This blend of technical training and human insight enables me to bridge both sides of leadership—the strategic and the personal.
A Glimpse Beyond Work
Outside of coaching, I’m a husband, father to teen/tween boys, and proud dog dad to a mini goldendoodle. We’re based in Kansas City—home of world-class BBQ and the starting point of the legendary Oregon Trail.
Fun facts: I love to travel (maybe a little too much - I have visited 40+ countries!), once ran a sub-five-minute mile (in my younger days) and during the pandemic, I wrote a children’s book (all in rhyme) about the KC Chiefs’ return to the super bowl after 50 long seasons.
If you find yourself standing at your own trailhead—ready for new clarity, courage, and purpose— I’d love to help you find a new vantage point.
Welcome to Rooftop Coaching, where we climb together toward higher ground.