Steven DiFilippo

Steve’s work sits at the intersection of assessment and coaching. He partners with senior leaders and organizations to interpret assessment data, inform hiring decisions, and accelerate leadership effectiveness. By integrating data-driven insight with targeted coaching, he helps leaders understand their strengths and risks, translating that insight into sustained performance and growth.  

He specializes in leadership assessments, using them as a foundation for both high-stakes selection and ongoing development. Known for translating complex data into clear, actionable guidance, Steve ensures assessment insights become catalysts for meaningful behavior change and improved leadership impact.

Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Steve served as a mental health professional and executive coach with the U.S. Navy, where he helped design and launch a coaching program for commanding officers of nuclear submarines. In these high-stakes environments, he supported leaders in strengthening decision-making, resilience, and performance under pressure, an experience that continues to shape his pragmatic, integrated approach.

Steve is an ICF PCC-credentialed coach and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He is known for his pragmatic, grounded approach: building trust, delivering candid feedback, and integrating psychological insight into the realities of senior leadership. He is passionate about helping leaders gain clarity, navigate complexity, and perform at their best.

He holds a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University and a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos.