Valorie Burton Recognized Among 50 of the World’s Most Influential Executive Coaches
CaPP Institute Founder and CEO Named to the 2026 Thinkers50 Coaches50 for the Second Time
Valorie Burton, founder and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute™, has been named to the 2026 Thinkers50 Coaches50, which recognizes 50 of the world’s most influential executive coaches and celebrates their contributions to leadership, management, and organizations worldwide. This marks Burton’s second time receiving the global honor.
Created by Thinkers50 and supported by Coaching.com, the Coaches50 identifies and celebrates executive coaches whose work is making a significant contribution to business leadership and the coaching profession around the world.
“To be recognized once was incredibly meaningful. To be included for a second time is something I truly don’t take for granted,” Burton said. “Coaching has been such an important part of my work for more than two decades, and I continue to be inspired by what becomes possible when people have the right questions, tools, and support to grow.”
Thinkers50 evaluates Coaches50 honorees across areas including professional reputation, influence and impact, client impact, peer recognition, contribution to the coaching profession, published thought leadership, and engagement with the global coaching community.
For Burton, the recognition also reflects a body of work that extends beyond her individual coaching practice. She founded the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute to equip coaches and leaders with research-based coaching skills grounded in positive psychology and has continued to shape the Institute’s approach to developing coaches at multiple stages of their professional journey.
Today, the CaPP Institute offers ICF-accredited coach training through its Level 1 and Level 2 programs, creating a pathway for aspiring and experienced coaches to strengthen their skills, deepen their practice, and pursue professional coaching credentials.
The recognition carries particular meaning for the CaPP community because the principles reflected in Burton’s work as a coach are also woven into the training and development of the coaches who come through the Institute.
“Some of the most meaningful parts of this work are the moments when I get to watch other coaches grow in their confidence, skill, and ability to make an impact,” Burton said. “I am grateful for this recognition, and I’m equally grateful for the community of coaches we have had the privilege of developing through CaPP.”
The 2026 Coaches50 was announced by Thinkers50 on August 17, 2026.
To view the full Coaches50 and learn more about this year’s honorees, visit Thinkers50.com/Coaches50.
About Valorie Burton
Valorie Burton is the founder and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute™ and an internationally recognized coach, author, speaker, and thought leader whose work is grounded in the science of applied positive psychology. Through her coaching, writing, speaking, and coach training, she has spent more than two decades helping individuals and organizations build the skills to thrive personally and professionally.
About The CaPP Institute™
The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute™ provides research-based coach training and professional development rooted in coaching and applied positive psychology. Through ICF-accredited Level 1 and Level 2 coach training programs, CaPP equips aspiring and experienced coaches with the skills, practice, feedback, and professional development needed to coach effectively and continue advancing in the profession.
