Why Barney?
It started with a belief that people could create extraordinary things…
For more than 30 years, Robert Hargrove has devoted his life to helping people become extraordinary leaders, build legendary companies, and make a difference in the world.
From leadership workshops with thousands of people around the globe to coaching Fortune 500 CEOs and founders and as Co-Director of the Harvard Leadership Project, Robert developed a powerful point of view:
Extraordinary leaders develop in the process of producing extraordinary and tangible results.
He also saw that the most powerful conversations went far beyond simply helping leaders solve their problems. They changed how they thought, what they believed was possible, and what they were willing to take on.
That belief became the foundation of Masterful Coaching.
From Masterful Coaching to Barney AI
Over the years, Robert worked with leaders at companies such as Nike, Adidas, Fidelity Investments, and many others.
He also wrote Masterful Coaching, one of the pioneering books in the field, and continued developing the ideas and practices that have shaped his work.
But there was always a limitation.
The kind of coaching that could change a leader’s thinking—and sometimes the direction of an entire company—required a level of skill and experience that was rare and difficult to find.
Then something changed.
While writing his latest book, Grow Your Business 10X: Create New Worlds for Customers, Robert began experimenting with AI as a thinking partner. He had an ‘aha’ moment.
What if his experience, insights, and approach to coaching developed over a lifetime could become available to leaders everywhere at any time?
He decided to build something that could make that happen… and make himself obsolete.
That something became Barney.
A Different Kind of AI
Barney brings the thinking and practices of Masterful Coaching together with the remarkable capabilities of AI.
Through conversations, Barney helps leaders see things differently, challenge assumptions, make better decisions, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
Barney also works alongside you, collaborating on everything from everyday challenges to the ambitious goals that will shape your future.
Whether you’re a CEO, founder, or enterprise leader, Barney is there when you need him. At your desk, between meetings, or at two in the morning when something important is keeping you awake.
The kind of thinking partnership that once required scheduling time with a masterful coach is now available whenever you need it.
A Lifelong Mission
We believe that extraordinary leadership shouldn’t be reserved for a privileged few, that all people should have the opportunity to think bigger, challenge what’s possible, and create something that truly matters.
That’s why we created Barney.