Erica Ishida believes in the power of resilience, intention, leadership, culture, strategy, and disciplined execution, in building viable organizations and developing leaders.

Erica Ishida

YCG Founder and CEO

Erica Ishida is a CEO, executive coach, and transformation expert who bridges the gap between visionary leadership and operational excellence. As founder and CEO of both AI23 and Yellow Cedar Group, she brings the rare perspective of someone who is actively building companies while coaching other leaders to do the same.

Erica works with leaders who are ready to operate at a transformational level—those who see beyond immediate challenges to systemic opportunities and are committed to creating lasting change that serves both business results and human flourishing.

What sets Erica apart:

  • Dual CEO Experience: Currently leading two companies while advising other executives

  • Transformation Expert: Mentored by Richard Boyatzis (architect of Intentional Change Theory) and trained by David Cooperrider in Appreciative Inquiry

  • Cross-Industry Depth: Former President, COO, and CEO across technology, professional services, non-profit, and venture development

  • Science-Based Approach: Certified in Neuroscience for Business (MIT) and Coaching through Emotional Intelligence

  • Academic Credibility: Masters in Positive Organization Design (Case Western Reserve University), occasional faculty

In addition, Yellow Cedar Group has trusted partners, with expertise in the following areas:

  • Muti-Level Intentional Change

  • Applied Neuroscience in Leadership and Business Performance

  • Applied Neuroscience in Communication and Selling

  • Generative AI

  • Human Analytics

  • Intentional Change Theory

  • The Study of High Performing Teams

  • Whole System Change - individual, team, organization

  • Sustainable Organization Design

  • Agile Processes and Methodologies

  • Building Sustainable, Resilient Organizations

  • Disruptive Innovation

  • Human Resilience - based on findings in neuroscience, nutrition, and intentional change theory, and adult learning theory

  • Marketing, Branding, and Growth Strategies

Erica Ishida believes in the transformative power of human-centered leadership to drive meaningful change and unlock the full potential of organizations. As CEO of Yellow Cedar Group and founder of AI23, she helps leaders align business goals with human values fostering resilient teams and guiding organizations to take clear action through disruption while enhancing the human experience. With over two decades of experience leading large-scale transformations, Erica has been a trusted advisor to CEOs, focusing on creating purpose-driven environments where both people and businesses thrive. Known for her unique ability to balance strategic vision with disciplined execution and deep human connection, she empowers leaders to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and long-term success.

Ms. Ishida views the coaching relationship as sacred.  All that is shared within the coaching conversations will be kept confidential, unless you, as the client, agrees and wishes to share specific details with someone from work or home.  Progress made in the coaching sessions, and resulting from those sessions, that is of interest to the client’s employer, can be discussed, but in ways that are thematic and not deeply personal, and only in ways and words that the client feels comfortable with sharing.

Confidentiality