
Beth Parkinson
5.0
(13)
Studied at Indiana University at Bloomington
Works at NextSpark Coaching
Successful clients at
Not currently taking new clients
About Beth
I’m Beth Parkinson, an ICF ACC Executive and Leadership Coach and founder of NextSpark Coaching, where I help ambitious professionals and organizations turn periods of change—whether known, anticipated, or desired—into opportunities for growth and lasting impact. With more than 30 years leading global teams in B2B technology at companies including Rockwell Automation, Baan Company (ERP), Autodesk, and multiple SaaS startups, I’ve seen how even the most capable leaders can feel stuck during transitions—stepping into new roles, managing evolving priorities, or redefining what success means. A personal health journey deepened my understanding of resilience and purpose, reinforcing my belief that leadership begins with clarity about what matters most and the courage to act on it. My coaching integrates real-world leadership experience with certifications in Executive & Leadership Coaching and Transitional Intelligence (TQ), anchored in the principles of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Clients describe my style as insightful, energizing, and action-focused—a strategic ally and catalyst who helps them move from reflection to measurable results through practical frameworks, experimentation, and accountability. Whether you’re a rising leader, a new executive, or an accomplished professional at an inflection point, my mission is to help you lead and live with greater confidence, purpose, and impact.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I’ve lived through the kind of change—professionally and personally—that makes you pause and ask, “What really matters now?” Over three decades in leadership roles, I watched talented, capable people struggle—not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked space to think clearly during moments of transition. I experienced it myself through multiple career chapters and life stages, including a major health challenge that reshaped how I define success and impact. Those experiences inspired me to retire from corporate life and launch NextSpark Coaching—a practice dedicated to helping others navigate change with clarity and purpose. I’ve seen how powerful it is when coaching creates the space to slow down, reconnect to strengths, and design what’s next with intention. As a strategic ally and catalyst, I now partner with clients to turn that clarity into measurable momentum—helping them gain confidence, act decisively, and lead with purpose through change. Coaching matters to me because it transforms insight into action—and every insight has the power to spark meaningful, lasting impact.
Work Experience

CEO, Founder
NextSpark Coaching
December 2024 - Present
𝐍𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐢𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 - 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭. With ICF ACC, Certified Executive Coach (CEC), and Transitional Intelligence® (TQ) credentials, NextSpark Coaching delivers: • 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 & 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 – accelerating effectiveness in new or expanded roles → delivering faster impact and lasting credibility. • 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠– applying TQ to transform uncertainty into growth → reducing disruption, risk, and disengagement. • 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬– embedding Coaching on the Go® and other frameworks → equipping leaders to coach more effectively, build trust, and strengthen teams. NextSpark Coaching blends 30+yrs of corporate leadership with proven coaching frameworks to spark clarity, confidence, and momentum. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵: individuals who thrive in change, leaders who deliver impact, and organizations prepared to succeed through disruption and transformation. SKILLS: Executive Coaching, Leadership Development and Coaching & Mentoring Navigating Transitions - Transitional Intelligence (TQ) Career Development Coaching Global Cross-Functional Team Leadership Strategic Initiatives

Event Strategy & Product Experiences Lead
Rockwell Automation
July 2023 - November 2024
Led two high-performing teams focused on delivering impactful, customer-centric programs. Developed and executed the global Customer Experience Center (CXC) strategy and program, teaming with cross functional teams and aligning with evolving strategic goals to create curated, tailored data driven business systems and experiences that enhance awareness, preference, and purchase decisions globally. And, advanced the Technical Event Demos and Asset program, with a focus on global collaboration, sales impact and continuous improvement. Experiences focused on Digital Transformation, Digital Thread, Autonomous Manufacturing, Industrial Automation and Industry Solutions. Customer Experience Center Strategy, Global Cross-Functional Team Leadership and +3 skills

Director, Partner Enablement
Rockwell Automation
October 2021 - July 2023
Redefined organizational structures within a newly established division, creating two new high-impact teams: 1) Customer Experience Center (CXC) Strategy and Program team, 2) Partner Technical Enablement team, while evolving the 3) Technical Event Demo team. Delivered new, innovative, customer and partner-focused programs, solutions and experiences focused on Information Software, Industrial Automation and Digital Transformation by building global collaboration internally and externally that enhanced sales and market impact to drive desired business outcomes. Customer Experience Center Strategy, Partner Technical Enablement and +3 skills

Strategic Marketing
Rockwell Automation
February 2020 - October 2021
Lead a diverse group of teams globally in the early phase of a strategic shift from an events and content-centric marketing organization to industry-centric, strategic growth organization - team leadership included Insights, Digital Business and Marketing, Marketing Operations and included leading a McKinsey Consulting strategy project. Global team size peaked at 50. Digital Transformation, Global Cross-Functional Team Leadership and +3 skills

Director, Strategic Alliances and Technology Partnerships
Rockwell Automation
2002 - 2009
Drove all phases of technology partnerships focused on IT-OT convergence, including strategy, technical road-mapping, product and solution development, target-account sales, services, and integrated marketing in EMEA, APAC, Latin America and North America. Core relationships included IBM and Cisco. Strategic Alliances, Business Development and +2 skills

Director, Global Business Development
Citadon & Bidcom
2000 - 2002
Managed high-value relationships with global partners, joint ventures, and customers, including negotiating contracts, launching sales enablement programs, and providing training and support. Global Business Development, International Business and +2 skills
Beth was also given offers to work at

Autodesk

Baan Company

IBM
Education

Indiana University at Bloomington
BS, Public Affairs, Management
Coaching & Mentoring

Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Competitive Strategy
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Beth has helped Leland clients get into Rockwell Automation