DON'T YOU THINK...

...it is time to find a career you love OR start that new business?

We are professional career and business coaches for ambitious yet unfulfilled professionals.

Are you enjoying your career? - Try Our Free Assessment

How many of these feelings do you experience on a regular basis?

  • Low self-confidence, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome.

  • Discontent, even pure unhappiness, with your current job.

  • Bored with your daily life, largely because of your career choice.

  • Desperate for a change, or a clear plan, that will lead to more career satisfaction.

  • Asking yourself what you’re doing with your life (and then self-deprecating into the thought of, is this forever?!)

Was that a mental check, check, check?

I thought so #beenthere, but before you dive headfirst into another pint of ice cream, you can let out a sigh of relief because you’re in the right place to change your career trajectory and create a profession you LOVE.Yep, it’s possible and I’ll show you how!

LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND IS NOT SUSTAINABLE

Despite what you’ve been conned into believing, you can (and should) have a career that gives you a sense of purpose, autonomy, and relatedness.

For some people, a job that pays the bills might be enough, but the truth is it’s not enough for you and it’ll never be enough. You’re far too ambitious to keep doing unfulfilling work for years to come—you need more, and that’s not a bad thing.

Our Clients

I work within any industry, profession, or location in the U.S.

HERE'S HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER:

1:1 COACHING

My coaching will challenge you to think about your future, in an objective way, leaving all past job experiences behind. I will give you the tools and strategies to determine your next best step whether that’s at your current job or a new career entirely. Together we’ll create a plan to narrow down what types of roles and companies you’d get the most fulfillment working for and then build the strategy to land those roles. This coaching has accountability baked in so you have consistent support and encouragement as you change the direction of your future.

1:1 Coaching Details:

  • We ask that you make a 3 month commitment to coaching. An easy button does not exist!

  • We have packages with 2 or 4 sessions per month.

  • Weekly assignments, journaling prompts, and activities that will move you toward your goals.

  • Resume & LinkedIn optimization support.

  • Access to our professional network.

  • A free copy of our journal, and our eBooks.

  • Lifetime access to CoreTactic Completesm our online portal with training, templates, and worksheets to support you in your job search and career.

White Paper -
Mastering the Art of Job Hunting: Stop Hunting for a Needle in a Hay Stack


In today's dynamic and competitive job market, finding a new position requires more than just a polished resume and a list of references. It demands a strategic approach, thorough preparation, and the ability to present your best self throughout the entire process. This comprehensive white paper provides an in-depth guide to effective job hunting techniques, covering every stage from initial preparation to securing and following up on job offers.

While self-directed efforts are valuable, the journey to career success can be significantly enhanced by partnering with an executive coach. CoreTactic, a leader in professional coaching, offers invaluable support that can be a game-changer in your job search and career development.


I am ok with an occasional email or text message.

Nicholas T Rustad Career Coach Business Coach

Nick Rustad

NIck Rustad Todd Rustad Holyoke, Minnesota

Nick with hair!

Nicholas Rustad and Travis Greeley

Engagement Photo with Travis 2015

Nick Rustad, MBA, CSM, CSPO

Expert Career and Business Coaching

Our Startup Founder and Head Coach

With over 25 years of executive leadership experience in corporate America, Nick has transformed his own career challenges into a mission to help others thrive. As the co-founder and chief coach of CoreTactic, he brings a uniquely personal approach to career transitions, startup guidance, and professional development.

Early Inspiration & Roots

Nick's passion for technology and innovation springs from a profound family legacy. His father, Vernon Rustad, now 98 years old and living with Nick and his husband Travis, served as an electrician aboard the USS Prebble (DM20) during World War II in the South Pacific. Vernon's remarkable story of joining the Navy at just 16 years old and his subsequent work with electrical systems sparked Nick's early fascination with technology and its potential to transform lives.

Growing up in the small town of Holyoke in northern Minnesota and completing his education in nearby Wrenshall, Nick carried forward his father's spirit of determination and technical aptitude. As the first in his family to pursue higher education, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Development from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, followed by an MBA from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management – achievements that marked significant milestones in his family's history.

Leadership Journey

Nick's career trajectory has been marked by impressive collaborations with industry leaders. His expertise has been sought by prestigious organizations including The Pillsbury Company, Accenture, Perficient, Faegre Baker Daniels, LifeTouch, UCare, and C4 Technical Services. His consulting portfolio extends to notable institutions such as The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, General Mills, SC Johnson, Kohler, U-Line, and numerous other companies, demonstrating his versatility and depth of experience across various sectors.

The CoreTactic Vision

In July 2023, an unexpected layoff became the catalyst for Nick's most impactful venture yet. Rather than viewing this transition as a setback, he transformed this challenge into an opportunity to revolutionize career coaching and professional development. Drawing from his own experience working with executive coaches and personal brand experts, Nick founded CoreTactic with a revolutionary vision: creating a comprehensive coaching ecosystem that addresses every aspect of career and personal transformation.

What began as a modest venture with two managing members has blossomed into a dynamic team of sixteen expert professionals. CoreTactic offers integrated services in:

- Life and Career Coaching

- Business Strategy Consulting

- Business Psychology Services

- Personal Branding

- Executive Leadership Development

- Recruitment and Placement Services

Impact and Expertise

Having personally mentored over 2,500 clients from diverse backgrounds, Nick brings a deep understanding of both the technical and human aspects of career development. His approach combines corporate acumen with emotional intelligence, helping clients navigate complex transitions with confidence and clarity. As a best-selling author and professional speaker, Nick continues to share his insights through publications and speaking engagements, extending his impact beyond one-on-one coaching.

Personal Touch

What sets Nick apart is his ability to relate to clients' challenges firsthand. His journey from rural Minnesota to corporate success, coupled with his own experience of career transition, enables him to provide empathetic, practical guidance. Working alongside his husband Travis has added a special dimension to CoreTactic, bringing personal warmth to their professional mission. This family-centered approach extends to sharing a home with his father Vernon, whose early influence continues to inspire Nick's work in technology and leadership.

Through CoreTactic, Nick has created more than a coaching company – he's built a comprehensive support system for professional and personal transformation. His vision of combining multiple coaching disciplines under one roof ensures that clients receive holistic support tailored to their unique situations, whether they're seeking career advancement, navigating personal transitions, or launching new ventures. It's a mission that brings him immense pride and purpose, as he continues to help individuals navigate the intricate paths of life and career with confidence and clarity.

CoreTactic Career and Business Blog

HighLevel: Transform Your Business with Complete Marketing and Sales Automation

When I started my business, I had NO CLUE what tools were available to help me manage all the day to day work. It was overwhelming, jumping from tool to tool, then invoice, then take notes, then send ... ...more

Coaching ,Startups Business Artificial Intelligence Sales Automation Marketing Automation &HighLevel

November 05, 20245 min read

HighLevel: Transform Your Business with Complete Marketing and Sales Automation

5 Essential Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Common Mistakes and Their Solutions

Building a successful business requires more than just a great idea and determination. Understanding the common mistakes that derail entrepreneurs can help you navigate the challenging landscape of bu... ...more

Startups ,Business &Leadership

November 05, 20245 min read

5 Essential Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Common Mistakes and Their Solutions

Nick's Books

Both of Nick's books hit the best seller list for a week. Order your copy today.

Unleash Your Brilliance.

CoreTactic can take you to the next level in your career and business.

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