For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by organizational dynamics.

​I arrived at college intending to major in psychology. Instead, I was hooked by an introductory course called Analytical Thinking for Busy Decision Makers. Coursework dug into the challenge of making strategic decisions in the face of imperfect information. It sparked my interest in the emerging field of public policy studies and launched my career in the management world.

Since then, I’ve partnered with busy decision makers in complex organizations across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. I’ve collaborated with leaders in healthcare, education, biotechnology, and agribusiness. I’ve worked as a management consultant, a leadership development consultant, and now, as a certified executive coach—a role that combines the best of my advisory background and analytic sensibility.

Coaching has always been the aspect of my leadership journey that feels most natural. Why? Because I’m deeply curious about what motivates people to perform at their best and how leaders inspire others to achieve great things. Most of all, I’m motivated to work with those who are determined to make a genuine impact (whether for people or planet). 

I love collaborating with leaders as a partner who can help them sort through the noise to pinpoint what’s most important to them. I love exploring which group conversations and techniques surface the best ideas—the kind that invite a variety of perspectives and have the power to unite teams and organizations. I’m also deeply committed to helping women and people of color show up authentically and thrive in leadership environments where they haven’t always had a seat at the table. 

These days, the concept of VUCA — the management challenge of leading in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environments—has never been more relevant. The turbulence never seems to end. But most days I can count on deep connections with leaders who want to solve the world’s important challenges, who are inspiring the next generation, and who are helping to uplift their communities. Being of service to them gives my work purpose and meaning.

Irvenia