my focus is always on YOU, the person behind the business

Mally Chakola, Montecito business coach.

Perspective. Clarity. Action.

Owning a business can be exhilarating, rewarding, and at times, deeply isolating. When the stakes are high, the decisions are complex, and the path forward is unclear, even the most capable business owner can benefit from a trusted confidante.

This is when I do my best work.

I advise owners and founders of small and midsize privately held businesses navigating crises, transitions, and consequential decisions. I offer an independent perspective, a confidential sounding board, and the experience to help you move from uncertainty to clarity, and from clarity to meaningful action.

  • “What makes Mally so exceptional is that she quickly understood my workload, capabilities, and ambitions, and tailored her approach to meet me exactly where I am. Her advice feels like a truly bespoke experience, grounded in genuine understanding, trust, and an unwavering belief in my potential. Mally has become not only a trusted confidante, but someone whose perspective I deeply value.”

    Lindsay Eckardt, Founder of Kismet Montecito & Salon Providence

  • “...Mally Steves Chakola, perhaps one of the most dynamic and focused founding entrepreneurs I've ever encountered. In my work over the years with numerous start-up innovators, it's so rare to find such a combination... passion, vision, integrity, street smarts, market savvy, and an ability to adapt as reality unfolds. Mally is the whole package.”

    Eric Marx, Via Linkedin

  • “Mally is a steadfast leader who brings a calm and thoughtful composure to her leadership style. Mally has mentored me to find answers to challenging questions. She provides thoughtful, concise and clear solutions to high stake issues that arise. I always look to her for guidance because I know the solutions work. She is truly a gem.”

    Shannon K., Tiburon, CA

  • "Mally is a powerful, wise, and thoughtful energetic source of transformation.  She helped me launch my first program, execute my concept, and guide me towards establishing a non-profit."

    Connie Maday, Spark to Empower, Founder

  • “Mally Chakola is a remarkable source of wisdom and support for women. With a compassionate heart and a wealth of knowledge, she guides others with empathy, offering practical solutions and reassurance. Her expertise and genuine care shine brightly, making her an invaluable resource and support.”

    Kelly H., Montecito, CA

Mally Chakola, Montecito business coach.

How I Work

As an entrepreneur, corporate attorney, educator, and advisor, I bring a multifaceted perspective informed by experience across industries, disciplines, and cultures. I connect what others may keep separate, identify patterns and possibilities, and help translate complicated circumstances into practical paths forward.

Our work may involve navigating a business crisis, evaluating growth or exit opportunities, resolving organizational challenges, or reconsidering the direction of a business that no longer aligns with its owner’s vision.

But my focus is always on you, the person behind the business.

I am a straight shooter with deep empathy. I listen carefully, ask difficult questions, challenge assumptions, and reflect back what I observe. I share my rich and diverse database of experience with clients. I believe the best advisory relationships are grounded in trust, integrity, transparency, and a willingness to explore uncomfortable questions.

I don’t offer formulaic solutions. Together, we examine what matters most, identify your options, and create clear, actionable steps toward your goals. And when the going gets tough, I’m here for you.

MALLY’S ENTREPRENEURIAL WORK AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP HAVE BEEN FEATURED IN:

Hallymark Channel logo with a crown above the word "Hallymark" written in cursive and "Channel" in uppercase below.
Text reading "Los Angeles Business Journal" in black and white.
The logo of The Miami Herald in black and white with Gothic font.
The word 'SUCCESS' in large, bold letters.

I intentionally limit my advisory practice to a handful of clients, so I can invest personally and meaningfully in each relationship. I start each client with a 5-session commitment so that we have ample time to create a foundation for our work together.

If you are facing a pivotal moment in your business and would value an experienced, thoughtful confidante at your side, I invite you to begin a conversation with me.

Let’s Explore Working Together

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Fear to action to success is transformation.” -Mally Chakola

Let’s start a conversation.

If you're navigating a business challenge, transition, or opportunity and could use another perspective, please get in touch.

ENTREPRENEUR

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ATTORNEY

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CHANGE LEADER

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MASTER PROBLEM SOLVER

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PUBLIC SPEAKER

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COMMUNITY BUILDER

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SELF HEALER

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PHILANTHROPIST

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SURVIVOR

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CREATOR

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LIFESTYLE EXPERT

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WRITER

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ENTREPRENEUR | ATTORNEY | CHANGE LEADER | MASTER PROBLEM SOLVER | PUBLIC SPEAKER | COMMUNITY BUILDER | SELF HEALER | PHILANTHROPIST | SURVIVOR | CREATOR | LIFESTYLE EXPERT | WRITER |