Leadership Coaching
Thoughtful Leadership Doesn't Happen by Accident
Leading a nonprofit is rewarding. It's also incredibly isolating. Whether you're an executive director navigating difficult decisions, a board chair trying to lead volunteers effectively, or a leadership team working to move the organization forward together, you don't have to figure it all out alone. Leadership coaching gives you a trusted thought partner—someone who asks good questions, challenges your thinking, and helps you lead with greater confidence and clarity.
The Hardest Leadership Decisions Don't Come With Instructions
Most nonprofit leaders aren't looking for someone to tell them what to do.
They're looking for someone they can think out loud with.
Someone who understands the unique challenges of nonprofit leadership. Someone who isn't caught up in organizational politics.
Together, we'll work through questions like:
How do I lead through change?
How do I build trust with my board?
How do we strengthen the relationship between the board and executive director?
How do I manage competing priorities?
How do I make difficult decisions when there isn't a perfect answer?
How do I help our leadership team become more aligned?
Leadership coaching creates dedicated space to step away from constant demands and think strategically about the people, decisions, and challenges that shape your organization.
My Philosophy
I've been the executive director carrying the weight of an entire organization. I've worked with boards trying to govern well while balancing careers and families.I've coached leaders facing uncertainty, difficult conversations, and decisions that couldn't wait.
One thing I've learned is this: Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about learning how to ask better questions, gather good evidence, and make thoughtful decisions.
That's how I approach coaching.
I'm not here to give you scripts or pretend there's one right answer. I'm here to help you think more clearly, lead more intentionally, and build the confidence to navigate whatever comes next.
What Makes My Coaching Different?
A Thought Partner, Not a Guru
You already know your organization better than anyone. My role is to help you think more deeply, challenge assumptions, and see opportunities you may not have considered.
Grounded in Evidence
Advice is everywhere. Our conversations are grounded in research, organizational evidence, leadership experience, and the realities of your specific situation—not generic leadership clichés.
Designed Around Your Role
Every coaching relationship is different. Some clients are executive directors. Some are board chairs. Some involve both leaders working together to strengthen communication, governance, and organizational alignment.
Focused on Real Leadership Challenges
We'll spend our time talking about the issues that matter most—not hypothetical case studies. Whether you're navigating growth, conflict, staffing, board dynamics, funding pressures, or strategic decisions, coaching is tailored to your current reality.
Centered on Growth, Not Dependency
The goal isn't for you to need me forever. It's to help you become a stronger, more confident leader who can continue making thoughtful decisions long after our coaching engagement ends.
What's Included
Every coaching engagement is customized, but most partnerships include:
Regular one-on-one coaching sessions
Leadership coaching for executive directors
Leadership coaching for board chairs
Joint coaching sessions for executive directors and board leadership
Decision-making support
Guidance through organizational challenges
Leadership development
Governance and board relationship coaching
Email support between sessions
Practical resources and recommendations as appropriate
Who This Is For
This service is a great fit for organizations that are:
Executive directors seeking a trusted sounding board
Board chairs leading governance and organizational strategy
Executive director and board chair partnerships looking to strengthen communication
Leadership teams navigating growth or change
New nonprofit leaders
Experienced leaders facing increasingly complex decisions
Organizations wanting stronger leadership alignment
Anyone who wants to become a more thoughtful, evidence-informed leader
What You'll Walk Away With
Greater confidence in your leadership
A clearer approach to difficult decisions
Stronger communication between organizational leaders
Improved relationships between the board and executive director
More intentional leadership habits
A trusted process for solving future challenges
Most importantly, you'll develop the confidence to lead thoughtfully—even when the answers aren't obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is coaching for?
Coaching can be provided to executive directors, board chairs, senior leadership team members, or executive directors and board leaders together. Every engagement is tailored to the needs of the individual leaders and the organization.
How often do we meet?
Most coaching clients meet monthly or twice each month, though we'll determine a schedule that works best for your goals and availability.
Is this consulting or coaching?
A little of both. Sometimes you need a sounding board. Sometimes you need practical guidance. Sometimes you simply need someone to ask the questions no one else is asking. Our conversations will adapt to what you need most in the moment while always helping you become a stronger leader.
Can coaching be combined with your other services?
Absolutely. Many clients begin coaching during strategic planning, implementation support, board development, or program evaluation and continue afterward as they navigate implementation and organizational growth.
Can I start with just one hour?
Yes! Most of my coaching clients begin with just one hour and then add discounted packages over time.