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ABOUT THE FOUNDER

I Know What It’s Like to Lead

It’s rewarding.  And, yes, it’s hard and at times even lonely. I heard that from hundreds of CEOs I interviewed during my career as national business journalist. I later learned it first-hand when I served as a pioneering executive building technology companies in Silicon Valley. Improving my own leadership skills required courage, humility and discipline.  

I Love the Moment When

A leader senses deep inside that he or she now has “that thing called presence.”  When a complex idea becomes so clear, concise, and compelling that it zings. When a leader builds greater confidence and resilience in this technology and interrupt-driven world. And finally, when he or she has shifted not only minds – but hearts – to do something greater.

Academic Underpinnings

I bring years of training and teaching in coaching and leadership development. This includes Google’s renowned Search Inside Yourself Leadership Program focused on EQ, mindfulness, and neuroscience; Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Coaching methodology; and coaching at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.

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Education | Certifications

• Stanford University | BA Political Science | Law School Coursework
• UC Berkeley HR Training & Development
• International Coaching Federation | New Ventures West Integral Coach
• Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching

• Search Inside Yourself Leadership Program
• IEQ Enneagram Individual | Team Assessment
• Coaching Mindset Index | Team Effectiveness Survey
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

 

Life Away from Work

I’ve regularly taken breaks from worklife to develop other important skills that provide helpful and fresh perspectives to my clients.

  • meditation and mindfulness

  • yoga, dance, and improv theater

  • parenting and hospice care

I blend these “out-of-the box” skills with traditional ones to help leaders experience breakthroughs. For example, mindfulness leads to greater clarity, focus and calm in high-stakes meetings. Yoga and improv create great physical awareness and boost impact in public speaking.

Diverse, Inclusive and Mindful

I came to this country at a young age, speak two languages, and am raising biracial children. I teach mindfulness to youth and to caregivers of the elderly. I find my best teachers in my immediate family – two teens, my husband and my elderly parents – all affectionately known as my in-house "Zen Masters."

Serious and Spunky

I dive into deep explorations on policy, ethics, ancient wisdom traditions and psychology. I’ve been known to go on multi-day silent retreats. And then there’s my talkative, high-energy alter ego. You’ll find me connecting great people, ideas and projects; cutting loose on the dance floor; and of course, indulging in the darkest of chocolates. 

Marie-Jeanne

— and if you’re wondering how to pronounce my name the French way, try :) MARIE-JHAN