The synergy of this profession is what makes it most meaningful, even profound. As we dedicate ourselves to continuous growth—as coaches, as human beings—our capacity to serve clients deepens and expands; clients continue stretching us even as they stretch themselves.  

Contributing to Executive Coaching: Perspectives and Practices Across the Field, was driven by the desire to give back to a profession I have benefitted from for over 30 years, including the priceless mentors, coaches, clients, and colleagues who have contributed to my growth.

My intention to share both poignant and humorous insights across transformational terrain spanning leadership, entrepreneurship, and coaching, includes hidden gems that emerged along the way. I often use metaphors to bring concepts to life, expand possibility, and inspire clients to connect their own dots. My greatest wish is that you gain at least one insight that inspires further clarity on your own transformational journey.

Journey from Executive Leader to Professional Coach

As a young executive, my team began referring to me as Coach Kelly. I had not shared my long-term vision, so the nickname inspired me to invest in the website address. Several years later while serving as President and COO of a technology services firm, I was honored to become a 40 under Forty leadership honoree (Puget Sound Business Journal). These experiences reinforced my vision, and inspired the leap of faith to invest in professional coach training and launch my executive coaching firm.

A belief that sustainably effective leadership is an inside-out job influenced my journey and approach. At the heart is a philosophy that leadership is a choice, coaching mastery a lifelong journey, and that continuous learning serves both. My passion became coaching leaders driven to become the best version of themselves while generating value greater than themselves.

Professional Highlights

Since becoming a professional coach, I’ve had the honor of coaching international executives and executive teams spanning 6 continents and 30 sectors, from start-up to family-owned to the Fortune 50.

Drawing from a breadth of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, my coaching specialty emerged through lived experience. I began serving as professional coach and strategic thought partner to executive leaders focused on scaling influence and impact to lead larger organizations over time. This has engendered long-term relationships with clients returning time and again as they approach new inflection points—for their own growth, and for the organizations they lead.

In 2014 I was tapped by a client organization to craft their submission to the PRISM Award program of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). The multi-year coaching program design and delivery collaboration with colleagues was recognized for both Return on Investment and Return on Expectations relative to leadership development, productivity, culture change, and performance improvement, resulting in a PRISM Organization Award for our client, and surprise honor of receiving the PRISM Coach Award, Washington State. The following year I was invited to join the Forbes Coaches Council, inspiring further collaboration and writing opportunities.

Longterm Dedication to Excellence

Heads-down on my journey, it was a longtime mentor who offered the perspective that I’d worked my way to a rare combination—an award-winning C-suite leader and executive coach, and member of the top 5% of professionally credentialed coaches worldwide; Master Credentialed Coach (International Coaching Federation), Hudson Master Coach (Hudson Institute of Coaching), and Accredited Coach Supervisor (Coaching Supervision Academy). This would not have been possible without the many generous and gifted individuals and dedicated organizations lighting the way.

Passionate about giving back to this enriching profession, I’ve had the honor of providing tailored one-on-one coaching to over 40 coaches-in-training, creating and delivering Building A Coaching Business workshops at the Hudson Institute of Coaching conferences, serving on the non-profit board of the Seattle-based Hudson graduate community, and serving as contributing author to articles and books spanning leadership, entrepreneurship and executive coaching.

I draw enduring inspiration from my loving family, musical and entrepreneurial heritage, international upbringing, and beloved partner of 30 years—I’m forever grateful for the effervescent humor, deep integrity, and balancing strengths that have made our shared journey possible. Recognizing the signs of a new inflection point in my own life, I’m investing precious time with family elders while inviting a new chapter to unfold.