ABOUT
Akin C. Ceylan
Focus on Mission
I aim to create meaningful, long-term impact through a thoughtful and collaborative engagement process. My focus is on delivering real value by supporting each client’s goals with strategic insight, honest dialogue, and a foundation of trust.
Drive with Purpose
I coach and advise leaders with an emphasis on creating reciprocal value for both the individual and the organization. My goal is to help clients recognize untapped strengths and expand their self-awareness deepening how they lead and connect with others. This often results in stronger alignment between strategic vision and execution, supported by more effective collaboration.
Practice with Values
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Practice Integrity at All Times
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Respect Experiences and Perspectives
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Be Honest and Forthcoming
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Maintain Confidentiality
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Hold Accountability for Both Client and Advisor
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Be Adaptable to Meet Unique Needs of Clients
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Recognize and Support Diversity of Clients and Points of View
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Act With Empathy
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Empower Ownership and Accountability for Solutions
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Commit to Continuous Learning and Seeking Knowledge for Growth
MY EXPERIENCE
Learnings and experience of over 40 years in the corporate workplace along with my formal training in coaching which is founded in research-based best practices and grounded with guiding principles and a proven coaching process.
I have had a front-row seat to the evolution of multiple industries. From shaping grocery category strategies to leading major content distribution operations, my experience speaks to adaptability, leadership, and a long history of negotiations. I’ve always believed the best outcomes are built on mutual benefit.
My roles have provided me insights into audience preferences and distribution innovations which allow me to add a valuable contribution dimension to a client's journey.
As Chief Operating Officer of Home Entertainment and Global Content Operations at Lionsgate, I held a key leadership role within one of the world’s premier publicly traded content companies. Lionsgate’s expansive portfolio including film and television production, global distribution, and a library of more than 20,000 titles positions it as a powerhouse in the media and entertainment industry. With over 25 years of experience in the sector, I spearheaded major operational initiatives and drove strategic growth through sound decision-making, consistently delivering high-impact results that fueled the company’s continued expansion.
Prior to Lionsgate, I served as Senior Vice President of Domestic Operations at MGM Studios until October 2005. In this role, I oversaw Home Entertainment Group’s operational activities for North America and played a key role in the developing and launching distribution for the MGM content library.
My career in retail spanned 19 years, beginning with a small independent grocery outlet. I soon joined a major regional grocery store chain, where I spent the next 14 years working in various capacities in store operations, divisional, and corporate headquarters. My roles included operator, analyst, manager, and buyer. I later joined Gelson’s Markets as a Grocery Category Buyer, responsible for developing category plans and pricing strategies to maximize margin and sales targets for assigned categories.
Beyond my industry experiences and executive leadership, I have been a longstanding Trustee Board Member at Chapman University, serving on multiple committees and contributing to the university’s expansion and rising rankings.
I hold a BSBA in Management from Chapman University Argyros School of Business and Economics and a Certificate in Contract Management from the University of California, Irvine. Additionally, I practiced as a Licensed California Real Estate Broker for 17 years.
Credentials & Certifications
Columbia Coaching Certification Program (3CP)
July 2024 certification. Evidence based program founded in Guiding Principles, Coaching Competencies, and a Coaching Process.
Neethling Brain Instrument (NBI)
January 2025 certification. The NBI® Assessment helps you understand your unique thinking style how you take in information, solve problems, and interact with others. With this insight, you can show up more effectively in work, relationships, and everyday decisions.
The Emotional Intelligence Training Company (EITC) and Multi-Health Systems (MHS) EQ-I 2.0 + EQ 360 Assessments and Developing EQ
June 2025 certification. The world’s leading measure of emotional intelligence, applying decades of research to support effective human performance and development.
