Hunter Ambrose & Co. is a coaching and consulting firm. Founded in 2006 by Nicole Barbano.
Book a Coaching Discovery Call
Twenty years advising executives and leaders, from healthcare systems to family offices to private practices, with one method-
Extreme clarity about what better looks like, what you actually have to work with, 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, I made a decision for a similar reason.
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.
The HIRE.
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.
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.