Leadership Coaching, Events, and Resources

Why you should come work with me to meet your career goals: 📌 Leland's 2024 Top 50 coach on Leland based on my client successes and satisfaction 📌 Created McKinsey's Executive Leadership Program - now rolled out in Fortune 100 companies 📌 Interviewed and coached 150+ professionals since 2017 to get into top consulting firms, make strategic pivots, and advocate for themselves (salary negotiations, promotions) 📌 Wrote my own job description at my current company where I lead strategy & product development

As a former Director of Product Marketing at Microsoft and team leader across multiple organizations, I’ve mentored emerging and experienced professionals into confident, self-aware leaders. My coaching draws on lived experience managing high-stakes teams and navigating corporate matrix environments—always with empathy and realness. I’ve been the “first safe manager” for many, and I teach others how to build trust, communicate with clarity, and lead with impact.

With over 15 years of experience in leadership and human resources roles at top companies like Apple and PepsiCo, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my coaching practice. As a Certified Professional Coach and founder of Focus and Flourish Coaching, I specialize in helping leaders navigate the complexities of their roles with confidence and clarity. I've successfully coached individuals to shift limiting beliefs and unlock their potential, enabling them to lead authentically and effectively. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or thrive amidst chaos, I'm here to support your journey. Let's connect and explore how I can help you flourish in your personal and professional life!

I have coached CEOs, Executive Directors, business owners, senior leaders, team leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals in transition since 2002. I hold multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates, including a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Certified Executive Leadership Coach (CELC) from Ignite Business Partners' Coaching Excellence (ICF Level 2), Certified Professional Coach in Executive Coaching from Rowan College of South Jersey, and Certified Positive Intelligence Coach® (CPQC®). I also have certifications in trauma-informed approaches and inclusive leadership through implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Additionally, I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors with concentrations in Pre-Law and Women's Studies from Rowan University, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Communications from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ).

Welcome to my profile! I'm Shawn, an Executive Leadership and Human Performance Coach with a rich background in consulting and coaching some of the nation's top leaders, including professional sports teams, Fortune 100 companies, and military generals. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in empowering leaders to enhance their mental, physical, and social fitness, enabling them to lead authentically and inspire those around them. My approach involves a personalized, science-backed plan to help you capitalize on your strengths and improve in key areas. Whether you're looking to excel in your career or find more fulfillment in life, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and unlock your full potential together!

With over two decades of experience in design leadership roles at top companies like Dropbox and The New York Times, I specialize in helping creative leaders grow and redesign their careers. As a certified coach, I bring a unique blend of strategic insight and empathetic guidance to my coaching practice. My journey has equipped me with the skills to help you navigate career transitions, enhance your leadership capabilities, and reimagine your professional path. Let's work together to unlock your potential and achieve your career goals.

Stepping into leadership requires a mindset shift, not just a new title. Over the past eight years, I’ve led and developed UX and cross-functional teams within Fortune 50 organizations—navigating the nuances of people, process, and performance. I coach aspiring and mid-level leaders on how to build trust-based teams, communicate with clarity and empathy, and lead in a way that drives results without burnout. My approach blends human-centered leadership with the strategic skills needed to create meaningful impact for both people and business.

I'm an experienced leader with almost a decade of progressive leadership experience in executive roles in startups and social impact. I was the COO of a YCombinator-backed startup (a leading Democratic political software company), which was acquired by ActBlue in 2025; I was previously the Chief of Staff for the same company, and have served as a fractional Chief of Staff for a number of other startups. I've worked directly with numerous CEOs and executive teams, with a range of leadership styles. I've also directly managed many many staff members over the years, many of them managers themselves. My interest in "people science" and leadership is rooted in my undergrad studies in Sociology at Harvard; I focused on organizational sociology with a minor in psychology, intently focused on human behavior at work and how leaders can maximize both performance and empathy. I've gone on to both formally and informally coach a number of leaders - my own direct reports, peers, and many junior staffers taking their first leadership role. I've also worked to develop a formal leadership training course for young leaders in the social impact space. My academic background, lived experience as a Chief of Staff and startup COO, and significant time spent coaching and mentoring, are the pillars of my coaching expertise. My leadership coaching mentality is rooted in listening/empathy, frank and direct feedback, and actionable advice that can lead to tangible progress in your particular leadership goal.

With 15+ years of scaling performance-driven marketing functions across 45 markets and managing up to $100M/year in budget, I bring practical, executive-level insight to career growth, productivity, automation, and AI adoption - Built and scaled global teams in under 6 months; I can help you craft a 30/60/90-day plan that builds trust and momentum from day one - From Specialist to Executive Advisor, I coach clients to identify visibility gaps, build influence, and unlock promotions - Aligning 200+ global stakeholders, I help turn misalignment into strategic partnerships. - Led orgs and large operations to deliver $20BN in revenue and coached to drive impact while protecting work-life balance - I have coached 800+ hours and 50+ senior professionals globally across Fortune 500 and startups - CXOs & Founders: CMO/Chief Marketing Officer, CDO/Chief Digital Officer, COO/Chief Operating Officer, CSO, CEO - SVP/Senior Vice President, VP/Vice President - Senior Director and Director

Hello there! With almost a decade of experience in Human Resources, I have honed my skills in team development, employee engagement, and leadership training. In current and previous roles, I have lead initiatives in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and have a proven track record in enhancing team performance and career development. I utilize the Birkman Method to coach both individuals and teams. I am passionate about helping teams reach their full potential through tailored coaching and strategic HR practices. Let's connect to discuss how I can support your team's growth and success!