Larry Cornett, Ph.D.

The Invincible Daily Journals

Larry Cornett, Ph.D., is a coach, advisor, psychologist, and writer who spent over two decades in the Silicon Valley tech industry. He has fine-tuned effective morning journaling over the past decade. Each seasonal journal includes 90 days of entries to kick off your mornings and much more!

The Invincible Solopreneurs Daily Journal

This journal includes 90 days of entries to help you brainstorm creative ideas for your business and much more!

Kaushal Kurapati

SVP - Product Management, Generative AI and Search at Salesforce

"Larry is a consummate product guy - he knows the pulse of what users really want and he can envision the product to deliver that to users before anybody else. His design & consumer product sense is simply the best. To top it all he is one of those leaders who can bring the best out of you - certainly true for me and my team. Larry is a fantastic communicator btw - and coupled with his super design background, his presentations are Jobs-esque! I'd definitely work for/with him anytime.”

Diane Yip

VP, Head of Product Design at Medallia

"Larry is an exceptional leader in both user experience and product management. I had the honor and pleasure to work for him in 2 companies. He brought out the best in people who work for him and nuture our strength to full potential. He has such a talented mix of both vision in product and creativity in design. Everyone in our team respects Larry and grateful for his influence that brought to our team. Finally, Larry is one of the nicest and people friendly manager I have ever worked with.”

Jason Meresman

Fractional Executive

“Working with Larry really paid off. He helped me develop a framework for my fractional and advisory work. Larry is great at balancing the big picture with the specific tasks needed to reach the goal. For seasoned executives looking to leverage their experience into a more intentional and autonomous career, whether as a solopreneur or in a full-time role, Larry is an outstanding partner.”

Kavita Jiandani

VP, Head of Product and Engineering

"I was introduced to Larry through a product leader friend who I hold in high regard. I had taken a short break during the pandemic to care for family needs, and wanted to ensure I was going back into the workforce on my terms (harder than it sounds). Larry worked with me on many fronts - helping me articulate my own voice on what I wanted in my next adventure (and out of life!), helping me tailor my message as I spoke to prospective employers, being deliberate in how I assessed the opportunities in front of me, and providing me the emotional support that is needed in the roller coaster of interviewing. Larry's own corporate background as a product and design leader served me really well, and he provided sound advice drawn from his own experiences, that proved really valuable. Larry is well connected in the product and design world, and can provide an accurate pulse of the current needs (and quirks) of employers. His questions forced me to be deliberate and intentional in my choices- I ended up with three great offers to choose from! If you're looking for a coach to help introspect, be a voice of reason, kindness and calm, bring out the best in you, and ensure you balance your work life with your personal life, Larry is your person!"

Tague Griffith

Engineering Leader, Area 120 at Google

"I've known Larry for years ever since we worked together at Apple Computer. When I needed help with tricky board interactions and figuring out "what's next," I turned to Larry for career coaching. We teamed up to hash out what was most interesting to me at this stage of my career and put together a strategy to get there. Larry's expertise, from many years working in Silicon Valley, and advice have proven to be invaluable in helping me achieve my professional goals and find the right path forward for my career."

Shannyn Timrott

Head of Design, AWS Special Projects

“I reached out to Larry for leadership and executive coaching and he has been such a great partner to work with. He has provided solid and insightful guidance ranging from providing various resources for areas I had questions on to coming up with insights or feedback leveraging his industry experience. His many years of professional experience in design leadership at some of the big-name tech companies, as well as his startup founder experience, have been super helpful during our discussions in our coaching sessions. He has also been immensely helpful when I needed guidance on how to think about my career path, vetting potential leadership roles, as well as their considerations, pros and cons. Most importantly, he helped me re-focus on what I truly wanted in both career and life by providing helpful exercises that made me think and prioritize what I wanted. Some of the great qualities Larry possesses as a coach is being a great listener, being calm, approachable, supportive, as well as being punctual with his guidance as he provided me guidance at times when I need it the most. All of these areas are what makes Larry and his coaching standout from others. I look forward to continuing to work with him!"

Ryan Hoffmann

Sr. Product Designer, Riot Games

"Larry is a man who puts his heart where his work is. He deeply understands how to transform dreams into reality no matter how bumpy the terrain.I came to him when I was at a fork in the road with my career and my aspirations.The left path was muddy. Covered in wet leaves. It had a sign in front of it that read "What my life can be."The right path was crystal clear. No mud on the right side. Soil was bone dry. The sign read "What my life's supposed to be."Through structured exercises and empathy-fueled free-form conversations, Larry helped me plan, forge, and walk a new path that cut through both sides of the fork I faced before I met him. I learned so much from our sessions, always left feeling a sense of pointed-calmness, and most of all, a warmth knowing that people like Larry exist in this world."

Anne Jude Hunt

VP, Head of Product, Medici

“I had the pleasure of having Larry as my career coach for almost a year. Working with Larry was incredibly valuable. He doesn't so much offer advice as he guides you in creating your own goals and your own path to achieve them. At the same time, he gives pragmatic feedback to help in achieving specific goals. I would certainly work with Larry again in the future."

Ari Akerstein

Product Manager, Facebook

"I found Larry through several recommendations from folks I trust. I was looking not only for an executive coach, but someone that had the domain knowledge to help me navigate my career within technology. We've worked together for over 6 months. In that time I've thought of him as my co-pilot, helping navigate major career decisions. I credit Larry with supporting me on multiple levels: from big strategic questions to day-to-day tactics, to emotional support (more important than it sounds). My time with Larry as an investment that set the stage for securing offers from Facebook and others - even as the COVID pandemic tore through the economy! As with the best coaches, he pulls out the best in others and that's certainly been true in my case. If you're looking for a coach/mentor/guide I can't recommend him more highly."

Global Design Summit

Yahoo/Verizon Media

"Thank you so much for speaking at our design summit. Your session was truly special because it offered a unique perspective from someone who has not only sat in the same seat as the designers in the room, but also has the added layer of having stepped away from the company to give an outside opinion on threading together a career in product design. You also stressed the importance of communication, a skill that most designers shy away from but should get more comfortable with. Everyone in the room was thinking about the possibilities beyond a "typical designer track", and we really appreciate you sharing those insights. Thank you!"

Chetana Deorah

Head of Design at Scribd

“I have known Larry for close to 10 years now starting as a UI Designer on his team at Yahoo! Search. From those early days of my career I have been fortunate to have him as my manager and one who gave being "boss" a fresh perspective! Of the many 1:1s I had with him listening to our woes, expectations, aspirations, he was able to provide feedback that was real, honest and eventually I learnt over time actionable! In all these years he has consistently been bold, yet polite, accessible for advice or even just a conversation on topics of mutual interest. In the competitiveness of the Silicon Valley world, Larry has continued to be his own person while being there for others as a leader, a mentor, a guide. And now after all these years I couldn't be happier to see Larry take on the next adventure as a career and business coach, bringing together the best of all he has to offer and more. I often find myself quoting anecdotes from my 1:1s with him to my design team members for the timeless, valuable sharing they have been."

Paresh Vakhariya

Product Management Leader

“Larry and I have known each other from our eBay days since 2003. Larry was a super strong Product and UX leader at that time and I was always impressed by his leadership skills. More recently I worked with Larry as a career coach and mentor to find my next career opportunity. Larry is extremely knowledgeable about the various aspects of job hunting and guided me through the complex steps of deciding what I want, finding/choosing the right opportunities, interviewing and offers! He is also well connected in the industry and makes appropriate introductions as needed. His weekly coaching calls and Slack channel have been helpful in connecting with other leaders in the industry and his tips are helpful in positioning the career. I highly recommend Larry's coaching to anyone who is looking to transform their career. Looking forward to our continued collaboration, Larry. You are wonderful!"

Beth Goldman

Director of User Experience at Feedzai

“I write this recommendation as I sit outside a cafe in Lisbon, soaking in the sights and sounds of the lovely Gulbenlkian gardens. I'm on a work trip to Portugal where over half of my team works, and I couldn't be happier.I met Larry years ago while working at Yahoo! and respected that as a VP of UX, he was often the voice of reason among a group of wildly enthusiastic, opinionated, smart designers from various product groups. As I was looking for my next full-time leadership opportunity I decided to work with him to make the most of my efforts to ensure I was representing myself in the best way possible, and to find the right role to support my career goals.Larry is calm, clear, thoughtful, and a great listener. He helped me clarify what I wanted, focus on solidifying my personal brand, and identifying strategies to make the most of any situation. He is a great connector, and just "gets it"; his extensive leadership experience was extremely helpful throughout my job search. He is clearly driven by the success of others, which is a true gift. He might be more excited that I'm here than me. 😉 Thanks, Larry!"

Preston Smalley

VP of Viewer Product, Roku

"Larry is a terrific director. He builds support for his team's initiatives by building relationships across the company. Finally his devotion runs deep so you know his eyes are set on the long-run.”

Rucha Humnabadkar

Director of Design, Youtube Premium, Commerce

"Larry's leadership and management style nurtures each team member's strengths, always keeping in mind future growth. He creates a respectable, trusting and lively work environment. He is very encouraging and supportive of his team members and helps them perform at their absolute best.”

Luke Wroblewski

Managing Director, Head of Product, Sutter Hill Ventures

"Larry is the kind of leader that brings out the best and the brightest in the people that work for him. His openness and attentiveness ensures his entire team feels comfortable, respected, and confident enough to achieve at their maximum potential.”

Polly Ng

Director of User Experience at Shutterstock

“Larry is a source of calm when you need it the most. I’ve been lucky to have been managed by Larry at eBay and Yahoo, and he has given me unfiltered career advice, trends to look out for and even easy yet effective professional tips that has helped shape my professional life. I trust his guidance because he understands people's motivations and strengths and will go out of his way to help them achieve success."

Robert Barlow-Busch

Co-founder of Fluxible Conference

"We invited Larry to speak at Fluxible 2013. Drawing on his deep experience as both designer and mentor, Larry helped everyone think through these issues and feel re-energized about their careers. He connected with the audience throughout the 2-day event, carrying the conversation forward and providing friendly encouragement -- so it's no surprise his talk was one of the highlights of the program.”

Isabelle Peyrichoux

CEO and Career Coach, Brilliant Seeds LLC

"Larry is the type of leader people follow not because they have to but because they want to and they feel inspired to do so. This says a lot about his great abilities as a leader and enabler. He has this great and rare talent (for a manager and executive of his level) of inspiring people around him to give their best.”

Yvan Couture

CEO, Primal

"Since July 2010 Larry has been an invaluable consultant and advisor to our firm. His knowledge, experience and contacts have helped us move our company forward in ways that would have been impossible without his involvement. We continue to benefit from his guidance and I would not hesitate to recommend him.”

Vivian Dufour

Co-founder & CEO, Meterian

"Larry understands the importance of great user experience and value for the consumer. He recognizes talent and builds team rapport, encouraging individuals to pitch in together to make it happen! He has a great personality and is very candid in expressing his views to make products better. I would welcome the opportunity to work with or for Larry again.”

Nomaan Latif

Vice President, Technology, Media & Telecom, Gerson Lehrman Group

"I have had the pleasure to work with Larry on multiple projects as a trusted advisor and valuable business partner. With over 18 years of experience in the Silicon Valley tech industry, he has a hands-on understanding of how to create innovative consumer products, how to organize Product and Design teams, and how to get things done. His specific experiences and insights in consumer technology, search, and e-commerce make him a valuable expert that our clients can turn to for practical advice.”

Katrina Young

Founder of Katrina Young Consulting

"Larry's advice, guidance and support has been instrumental to my transition from my Corporate career to my Digital transition. I am extremely grateful for Larry's support and knowledge. Not only does Larry have extensive industry knowledge and experience, he was able to translate this for me and my audience. Larry provides workshops for my company and created trainings. Larry is my go-to Global partner!”

Vishal Makhijani

CEO, Udacity

"Larry is a highly effective executive bringing together great leadership skills along with the ability to attract, retain and develop talent. Larry also has top tier product development and design skills.”

Jade Jemma

Sales Coach & Strategist

“Larry is the what I used to call in my recruiting days 'top drawer' - a true professional; credible, ethical and with a track record of expertise to boot. Larry ticks all the boxes!If you are looking to change or develop your career then Larry should be your first point of call. As well as being experienced, Larry is a good listener and great fun to work with.Larry comes highly recommended and I look forward to collaborating with him again."

Trip O'Dell

Founder & CEO, Stealth Startup

“Many of us find themselves at a point in their lives where they ask, 'Is this all there is? Why can’t I move forward?', I was fortunate enough to know Larry Cornett.Larry and I met while speaking at the same conference back in 2013. We hit it off almost immediately. He was a seasoned executive from the Valley, who like me, came from design, and I was interested in following a similar path in my career.Over drinks one evening, Larry gave me some great advice, and we had a great conversation about work/ life balance, as well as finding and maintaining a sense of vocation in your work. At the end of the evening, Larry gave me his card and said, “if you ever feel stuck, give me a call”.Years later, that day came. Despite the success in my career, I wasn’t doing the kind of work that makes me happy, and more importantly, I wasn’t growing. I called Larry. In our first meeting, he got right to the heart of the matter.“I’ve known you for years, I know what you’re passionate about, what drives you, why the hell are you doing what you’re doing now?”It was exactly the right question for him to ask. What followed was the most extraordinary mentorship of my career. Larry became the kind of professional coach and mentor that seemed like the game-changing teacher, or college professor who pushed you to exceed your own expectations, and could identify exactly where you're getting in your own way.Larry helped me to learn how to navigate the complexities of transitioning to senior and executive-level leadership (and yes there are secrets). He coached me on finding the right opportunities, and making the most of the tools you have available to you, but you aren’t using correctly. What followed was one of the fastest, and most counter-intuitive successful job searches of my life.After working with Larry, I’m in a job where I’m being mentored and challenged every day, and I have more freedom and flexibility in my life. I love what I do. I can see where my contribution matters, and I feel like I’m making a difference in my work.Engaging Larry Cornett was an incredible gift to myself."

Joshua Vaughn

Senior UX Design Lead, IBM

“After ten years in the same role at the same company, I was feeling stuck and undervalued. I was disappointed by my recent failures and unable to see my long-term successes, let alone sell them to other companies at job interviews. I wanted to quit my job, but I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get another one. It was a classic case of impostor syndrome! I had worked with Larry fifteen years ago on the Design Labs team at eBay, so I reached out to him for career advice. Larry's Brilliant Forge Career Accelerator program helped me recognize and challenge the fears and barriers that had been holding me back. I started journaling, setting goals for myself, and developing a more positive attitude towards my past achievements and current projects. I also met some great new friends through our weekly conference calls who helped me realize that my struggles were not unique. This month I accepted an exciting new job offer, and I was able to leave my job on a positive note. I feel far more confident about myself and my abilities, and I owe a lot of that to my participation in the Brilliant Forge program. I would highly recommend Larry to anyone in a similar situation!"

David Jesse

Advisor and coach at DCJ Consulting

“I worked with Larry years ago at eBay but then reconnected as I was getting ready to change roles. He was extremely helpful in asking the right questions to help me throughout the process, from clarifying what I was seeking in order to target my search up through going through the offer negotiation process. Larry combines excellent judgment and relevant experience with a high integrity style. He helps you get to the answers which are right for you, leading to finding higher career fulfillment."

Andrew Sandler

Director of Innovation at Adobe

“I can't say enough good things about working with Larry, both as a colleague and in a mentoring relationship. Larry has been the person that I've routinely turned to throughout the past decade, for frank, forthright, and illuminating conversations about where to take my career. He's been an insightful resource that's been through it all before me, with no other agenda than to help me get to the best place I can for myself. His compassion and candor help him point out when I'm being less-than-honest with myself - and in a way that makes it palatable to hear. Having Larry available as a trusted resource - and as a friend - has been a crucial part of my continued professional development."

Paul Fu

Sr. Director, User Experience, Alibaba.com

"I first worked with Larry at eBay. I then had opportunity to collaborate with him and his company Brilliant Forge. Larry is a leader full of charisma. Larry is an expert of user experience design and innovation. He is also a great speaker. With his experience with Apple, eBay, and Yahoo, his approach of innovation is a balanced view of business, user, and technology. Highly recommended!”

Bill Shaughnessy

Advisor, Investor, Board Member

"Larry is an exceptional talent who does a great job of merging the worlds of product and design. He led a successful comprehensive redesign at eHealth. Larry is not only one of the most talented people I have had the pleasure to work with, but he is also a great guy. Larry will improve any team he is a part of.”

Jeremy Baker

Co-Founder, Zipline

"Larry's product vision and passion drove our team to innovate faster than ever before. His open and amicable personality made it a pleasure to be part of his team, even during trying times. He is a strong leader with the knowledge and ability to inspire people and get things done. I am eager to work with him again.”

Tom Tsao

Group Vice President of Digital, eCommerce, & Product-Led Growth at DocuSign

"I have worked with Larry for over a decade at previous companies like eBay and Yahoo, and he continues to impress me with his expertise in design thought leadership, his personable and collaborative style, and reliability and integrity. I highly recommend Larry and look forward to working with him well into the future.”

Mike Tadlock

Chief Product Officer at Pine Park Health

"Larry and I partnered to lead the redesign of eHealth's core shopping experience. He was a pleasure to work with. The numbers all went up and to the right. Larry, more than any designer I've ever worked with, is able to connect the dots between the business needs and the user's needs. He's creative, resourceful, and effective. He raises the game of everyone around him.”

Ashley Hall

Principal Product Manager - People and Generative AI Experiences at Microsoft

"Under Larry's skillful, wise and unswerving leadership at Yahoo! Search, his team grew into one of the most innovative and influential design and product organizations in the world. He possesses an extraordinary ability to inspire and ignite creative fire and engender the climate in which it can breath and flourish. His insights into technology driven markets and product vision give him the perspective to transform organizations and realize new paradigms in user experience that bring unprecedented value to end users. Those fortunate to have the experience know that his authenticity, empathy and personal integrity make it both a pleasure and an honor and to work with him. I very much look forward to doing so again.”