Hunter Ambrose & Co. is a coaching and consulting firm. Founded in 2006 by Nicole Barbano.

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Twenty years advising executives and leaders, from healthcare systems to family offices to private practices, with one method-

Clarity about what better looks like and how we get there.

In 2006, in San Diego, California, I left a six-figure job. Not because the work wasn't great — because working 50+ hour weeks while raising three young children solo was not an achievable proposition.

I wanted real opportunity: uncapped income, agency over my time, and the room to build something of my own.

That decision became Hunter Ambrose, which grew into the #21 largest healthcare retained search firm in the country.

Along the way, I personally placed more than 1,000 candidates across 42 states and three continents.

I’ve had thousands of conversations with boards, professionals and executives navigating exactly what my clients face now: a pivot, an opportunity, a path to what's next.

In 2026, at 20 years old, I made a similar decision.

I moved the firm from search to coaching and consulting — the work I'll do for the next 20 years, with founders, executives, and leaders asking big questions of their own.

People who, like me, want agency over their time and the chance to build what comes next.

There is nothing but opportunity.

Book a Coaching Discovery Call and let’s start the conversation.

Book a Coaching Discovery Call with Nicole

Understand how humans hire—and get hired.

5 million people start a new job every month in America. Most of them never clicked a major job board to find it.

From Leonardo da Vinci’s résumé and the guilds of the Middle Ages to the Manhattan Project, applicant tracking systems and AI, The HIRE explores how opportunity has been created across centuries—and how today’s hiring process became so complicated.

Written for those who hire and those hoping to be hired.

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Webinar- Built for One

Build a business that creates income, agency and opportunity—without building a large organization.

A one-person business can earn $10,000 or $1 million a year. It may be a consulting practice, creative studio, professional service, online platform or something entirely new.

What defines it is not its size, but its purpose: building a business around your expertise, values and vision for a life well lived.

But built for one does not mean built alone.

Creating a sustainable business takes a village of fellow entrepreneurs, trusted specialists, clients, collaborators and people willing to share what is working.

Nicole brings 20 years of entrepreneurial experience building companies and working with clients who want greater agency, income growth and professional opportunity.

In this free webinar, we’ll explore:

  • Turning your experience or idea into a credible business

  • Defining an offer people understand and value

  • Pricing your expertise with greater confidence

  • Building visibility and attracting the right clients

  • The honest grit, hustle and organization required to keep moving when you are the business

  • Creating the relationships and systems that allow you to grow without building a large team

Wednesday, August 19 | Noon Central | Live on Zoom

Register soon. Attendance is limited.

Register - Built for One Webinar

Testimonials

  • “Nicole takes the time to get to know you. She is candid and kind, guided me toward the right fit, and continued to follow up. I would recommend her to anyone interested in making or exploring a professional move.” — Kenneth

  • “Nicole brings clarity, insight, and a direct approach to her coaching. She challenged me to evaluate how I present myself professionally and offered constructive feedback that encouraged deeper reflection. The experience was both productive and thought-provoking.” — Melissa

  • “Nicole is first class when it comes to career guidance and mentorship. She gave me the tools and advice I needed to feel confident as I prepared to transition from military service into the private sector.” — Oliver

  • “Nicole is a terrific executive coach. Her guidance is candid and fair, and she understands career transition. Her advice strengthened my résumé, LinkedIn profile, website, interview preparation, and approach to presenting my accomplishments.” — Merlyn

  • “Nicole listens to my ambitious goals and responds not with what I want to hear, but what I need to hear. She brought a more grounded and focused perspective to my career search and remained consistently engaged throughout the process.” — Alex

  • “Nicole’s brilliant approach to diverse thinking and professional coaching is second to none.” — Carrie

  • “Nicole took the time to understand my leadership experience and background. She was responsive, well-prepared, and offered thoughtful insights throughout the process. Her communication was consistent, transparent, and respectful of my time, and I appreciated her sincerity and coaching through every stage.” — Shawn

  • “From our first conversation, Nicole invested real time in understanding my background, experience, and capabilities. She connected those strengths to the opportunity in a way that made the process feel collaborative rather than transactional. Her communication was clear, timely, and transparent, and she supported my preparation at every stage.” — Farshad