Steven DiFilippo

Director, Executive Search Assessment, Executive Coach

Steve is a leadership coach and assessment expert who partners with C‑suite executives, board members, and senior teams during their most consequential moments. 

He specializes in supporting leaders navigating high‑stakes decisions, complex stakeholder dynamics, and periods of significant organizational or personal transition. Known for his grounded presence, discretion, and strategic clarity, Steve is a trusted advisor to leaders who must perform at their best when the pressure is greatest.

Before joining Korn Ferry, Steve spent 20 years as a clinician and coach with the U.S. Navy. He played a pivotal role in designing and delivering an executive coaching program within the U.S. Submarine Force, partnering closely with Commanding Officers responsible for some of the nation’s most sensitive missions. This experience shaped his ability to build trust quickly, offer candid and actionable feedback, and support leaders through the mission-critical moments where judgment, presence, and psychological resilience are essential.

At Korn Ferry, Steve leads Korn Ferry’s New York Executive Search Assessment practice, partnering closely with boards, CEOs, CHROs, and executive search leaders to inform CEO and C-Suite succession decisions, guide senior team alignment through transformation, and support leaders stepping into new or expanded enterprise roles.

With more than two decades of experience in leadership coaching, assessment, and behavioral science, Steve integrates data‑driven insight with deep psychological expertise to help leaders recognize behavioral patterns, accelerate growth, and align their leadership behavior to the escalating demands of their roles. His work enables executives to make sound decisions under pressure, lead confidently in high‑visibility environments, and become more authentic and inspiring leaders.