About Thomas Addison
I help executives navigate major career transitions with clarity and confidence.
Unlike most career coaches, I've sat in the seats my clients occupy. I've led enterprise sales organizations at companies like VMware and Cisco. I've walked away from corporate to acquire and run businesses. I've made bold moves—and expensive mistakes.
That experience is what I bring to the table. Not theory. Not cheerleading. Strategic counsel from someone who's been there.
My Story
I spent 20+ years climbing the corporate ladder. Director at VMware. Led a $200M+ sales organization. Consistently exceeded quotas. Built high-performing teams. From the outside, I had it all figured out.
But I kept wondering: What else is out there? What would it be like to build something of my own?
So I made the leap. I left corporate. I acquired my first business. Then a second. I learned what it takes to run operations, manage P&L, and make decisions when the buck stops with you.
Along the way, I made mistakes. Some expensive. Some painful. But every one taught me something I couldn't have learned in a conference room.
Now I help other executives who are standing at the same crossroads I faced. Corporate or entrepreneur. Stay or leap. Pivot or double down.
I bring the perspective of someone who's made both choices—and can help you make yours with eyes wide open.
Professional Background
• Former VMware Director: Led sales operations for $200M+ organization with 71% success rate on strategic pursuit
• Business Owner: Acquired and operate 4TAS Supply and Powergenics
• Exit Planning Advisor: Certified by Exit Planning Institute
• Education: MBA (Duke Fuqua), MS Cybersecurity, BS Mechanical Engineering
• Certifications: CISSP, CEH, CHFI
My Approach
I believe in structure over open-ended conversations. Strategy over therapy. Homework over hand-holding.
My engagements follow The Transition Navigator—a 4-phase framework designed to move you from uncertainty to action. It's not about finding yourself. It's about making the right move and doing it right.
I ask hard questions. I challenge assumptions. I tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
And I do it all with zero judgment. Whether you stay, leave, pivot, or launch—we figure out YOUR right answer.
Let's Talk
If you're contemplating a major career move and want strategic counsel from someone who's been there, let's have a conversation.