Some people grow up knowing what they want to do and have careers that follow a fairly straight line.  Others are intrigued by opportunities and possibilities; they pursue careers that zigzag.  I am a zigzagger.  

After a broad and varied career, I've moved into private practice as a leadership coach primarily for executive-level leaders in financial and professional services firms.  I find great joy in helping accomplished (and some aspiring) leaders achieve success in complex organizations and/or in identifying "what's next" in their lives and careers.

I've enjoyed success by taking risks and boldly going where others feared to tread.  For example, I joined Deloitte as a trouble-shooter to address specific process deficiencies in the local office and stayed for 15 years.  I moved from local to regional to national leadership roles by seeking out and taking on new challenges facing the firm.  Among my many roles and accomplishments, I served as national director of corporate responsibility and led the national women's initiative for Deloitte Services.  

I've been an "intrapreneur" at several other professional services firms, too, taking on tough projects that demanded an innovative approach and creative solutions.  I've also been an entrepreneur, starting an administrative outsourcing business to help companies streamline internal processes and reduce costs and founding a career acceleration training firm.

experience

My success in coaching is the result of training at the Hudson Institute of Santa Barbara and 30+ years of leadership experience in professional services firms.  I have been in the trenches and in the board room and I understand the unique challenges leaders and their teams face in career navigation, life balance and transition.  I have coached inspiring people at all levels, in all stages of their careers, in all parts of the country.

Before joining Deloitte, I held positions as a non-profit executive, law firm administrator at several multi-location law firms, and as owner/founder of two businesses. 

activities

I am a practiced and inspirational speaker, serving as keynote, guest lecturer, and panelist. Audiences range in size from intimate (20 or so) to large (5,000+) and comprise professional and civic organizations, public and private companies, universities, and non-profits at local, regional and national levels. My passions and subject matter expertise include corporate responsibility, sustainability, women in leadership, and career development.

I also serve my community by actively mentoring University of Washington (UW) MBA students and recently chaired UW's NEW (National Education for Women) Leadership Program.  I serve on the boards of the Olympic College Foundation, the Women’s Giving Circle of Kitsap, and the Progressive Animal Welfare Society. I previously served as the chair of the Ethics Board for the City Council of Bainbridge Island and on the board of the Center for Women and Democracy.  I was a former member of Deloitte's National Diversity & Inclusion Council and chair of the Deloitte Services Women's Initiative Council.  

education

I attended the University of Alabama and Golden Gate University and continued my education through the Leading Edge for Women program at Simmons College in Boston.  I hold a Green Belt in Process Excellence and multiple certifications including as a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional), as a Hudson Institute Leadership Coach, a WSU Master Gardener, and as a chocolatier.