Larry Cornett is an empowerment coach, business mentor, and former Silicon Valley executive who has spent decades helping people unlock their potential. From IBM and Apple to leadership roles at Yahoo and eBay, Larry has built a career at the intersection of psychology, technology, and human growth. Today, through his coaching, writing, and speaking, he helps ambitious individuals reclaim their confidence, embrace opportunities, and design careers and lives that truly fit them. Humans of Fuzia is featuring him to inspire our 5 million-strong community of changemakers, showing that with self-belief and courage, everyone—whether He for She or She for She—can create a path that reflects their own unique power.
Q: How would you describe yourself and what you do?
Larry: I call myself an empowerment coach. I work with ambitious people who want more from their work and life. I help them reclaim their power, rebuild their confidence, and create better opportunities—whether in business, career, or personal growth.
Q: Tell us a little about your professional journey.
Larry: I started with a Ph.D. in psychology and entered the world of human-computer interaction, which led me to Silicon Valley. I worked at IBM, Apple, eBay, and Yahoo—eventually becoming a Vice President at Yahoo. Along the way, I discovered my passion for public speaking, mentoring, and helping people grow in their careers. In 2010, I launched my own business, and by 2016, I was coaching full-time. That’s when I realized so many challenges boil down to confidence—helping people remember who they are and what they’ve accomplished, then building a roadmap to their ideal future.
Q: What is your venture, Brilliant Forge, about?
Larry: I started Brilliant Forge in 2010. Initially, I did consulting and advisory work for startups and tech companies—helping with strategy, building organizations, and sometimes stepping in as a fractional leader. Over time, my focus shifted toward coaching. Many people I worked with wanted to break free from traditional jobs and start their own ventures. So now my work blends career, business, and even life coaching, because personal confidence and self-belief are at the core of every success.
Q: Who do you usually work with?
Larry: Most of my clients are experienced professionals in tech—often 15 to 25 years into their careers. Many are at a crossroads: they’re not getting promoted like they used to, or they feel tired of the corporate world and want something new. Because of my background in Silicon Valley, I have a strong global network, so I work with people across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Q: How do people usually find you?
Larry: Writing has been my biggest driver. I started with Medium, then built newsletters on Substack. I also have a podcast, a YouTube channel, and I use LinkedIn actively. But it’s primarily my writing and newsletters that connect me with people who resonate with my ideas.
Q: What challenges are you facing in your work right now?
Larry: The economic climate is tough, especially in the U.S. The tech industry has faced massive layoffs, while hiring has slowed down. That makes people nervous about investing in themselves or making big changes. It’s a challenge because many people want transformation, but fear is holding them back.
Q: What’s a current goal you’re working on?
Larry: I’m finishing a book I’ve been writing for years. I’m about three-quarters through editing and working on the cover design and proofreading. My goal is to publish it soon because I believe it will be useful for a lot of people and help spread these ideas further.
Q: Finally, what message would you like to share with women entrepreneurs and professionals?
Larry: You have more opportunities than you realize. People often think, “Why should I start something? Others are already doing it.” But remember—there’s Coke and Pepsi, McDonald’s and Burger King. Just because something exists doesn’t mean there isn’t room for your unique version. Success doesn’t require creating something entirely new. It’s about being a little different, a little better, and most importantly, bringing your own personality and experience into it. Everyone has something unique to offer the world.
“You have more opportunities than you think. Believe in your uniqueness, and don’t let fear hold you back.” – Larry Cornett
Connect with Larry Cornett: LinkedIn | Substack
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