Modern leadership operates
across the org chart, not down it.
Most leadership coaching still teaches people how to manage a team. But in an automated, highly matrixed economy, managing direct reports isn't what moves the enterprise—lateral clout is. We coach leaders and teams to drive strategy, overcome silo friction, and earn alignment without formal authority.
Stop coaching for yesterday's work environment.
Traditional leadership development was built for the early 2000s. Legacy firms assess leaders using standard 360s that score downward team management—coaching, communication, and accountability. The result? High downward ratings that mask cross-functional friction.
CloutLab is built specifically for lateral leadership. We measure and develop the exact horizontal skills senior leaders need to build peer buy-in, navigate matrixed tension, and deliver complex cross-departmental initiatives.
The Science of Impact
Developed over decades, through work with thousands of leaders at the world's largest companies, our proven methodology equips leaders and teams to master lateral influence, resolve cross-functional friction, and drive measurable enterprise value.
For Teams:
CloutX & Clout8 Accelerators
Shift your functional teams from siloed cost centers into cross-enterprise value drivers. We equip specialized teams (HR, Marketing, National Accounts, Transformation, and more) with the strategic boundary-pushing and influence skills needed to partner effectively across business units.
For Leaders:
Clout Coaching & Clout Mastermind
Managing a team is necessary, but no longer sufficient. As routine work automates, executive impact relies on driving lateral alignment across silos. Elevate department heads into enterprise operators through 1-on-1 coaching or peer cohorts powered by our Clout180 multi-rater diagnostic.
Meet Lydia
A Pioneer in Lateral Leadership & Executive Influence
With over 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 executives and C-suite teams across multiple continents, Lydia specializes in closing the execution gap that traditional leadership development leaves behind.
Lydia founded CloutLab to address a critical organizational flaw: while legacy coaching firms train leaders to manage downward direct reports, modern enterprise value requires earning alignment without formal authority. Through CloutLab and the Clout180 diagnostic, she equips value catalysts to lead across silos, resolve friction, and drive strategic change.
Read more about LydiaOur Approach
Built for Matrixed Dynamics, Not Org Chart Hierarchies
Traditional development assumes authority drives execution. We know that real work moves laterally through relationships, trust, and shared accountability. Our data-backed approach equips senior leaders to surface cross-departmental friction early, align competing priorities, and earn the 'yes' without relying on direct line authority.
Discover Your Lateral Influence Style
How effectively do you build buy-in across departmental lines? The Partnering Persona Self-Assessment pinpoints how you build trust, navigate cross-functional tension, and align stakeholders when you don't have line authority.
- Uncover your primary cross-functional collaboration strengths
- Identify hidden blind spots in peer alignment
- Get actionable strategies to elevate your enterprise impact
What Our Clients Have To Say:
At The Select Group, we are focused on helping our employees grow in business and in life. Lydia’s ability to coach and mentor our future leaders has been instrumental in building a culture of trust, learning, development, and has helped increase confidence and performance for those who have the opportunity to work with her.
George Karakostantis CEO, The Select Group
Lydia had made a massive impact on both my personal life and the development of my skills as an executive and leader. Her coaching and support have helped me break through limitation, understand specific areas where I need to work on myself, and she has challenged me to prioritize growth as a leader. Her insights and wealth of knowledge have helped to enhance my decision making, strategic thinking, and overall vision. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to push their game to the next level.
Josh Mastel, President at Innovien
Lydia is a highly effective executive coach! I had the privilege of working with her in 2022 and early 2023, and found her insights to be invaluable. Her counsel on topics such as leadership, partnering, cross-functional collaboration, and communications was always clear, actionable, and contextual. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her and I look forward to doing so again."
Carey Boethel President, Allied Universal Technology Services
Through Influence Coaching, I enhanced my ability to effectively communicate the value and potential of [new initiative] pilots to key leaders. Initially, we aimed for 4 pilots but have now expanded to 14, identifying $2.36M in synergies. The initial pilots exceeded expectations, and I leveraged those results to build momentum and inspire other leaders to participate. Given the challenging nature of these pilots, it required significant influence to help leaders see the long-term benefits and get excited about making these tough but impactful decisions.
Eric McGarty, Executive Vice President of Operational Business Transformation, Allied Universal
As an executive, I’ve found the challenges we face are rarely straightforward—they’re often layered with competing priorities, complex dynamics, and the weight of long-term decisions. Working with Lydia has consistently helped me center on what matters, clarify my thinking, and dial in communication that is both authentic and effective. She is a trusted sounding board and a coach who has meaningfully challenged and supported my evolution as a leader—both personally and professionally.
Suzanne Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, The SEER Group
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