Laurelin Whitfield

I work with people in a wide range of sectors, but most especially education, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. I’ve coached CEOs and senior leaders as well as first time managers. I love working with mid-career professionals who are looking for more holistic and self-driven measures for success.

I also work with people navigating major life transitions that can have a profound impact on our relationship with work and self (e.g., death of a parent, having children, major moves, divorce).

One of the most exciting projects I’ve been working on recently is the Executive Coaching for Equity and Leadership (ExCEL) program at Teach For America, where we are preparing 130+ internal coaches for certification with the International Coaching Federation. The program is both customized for the unique context and needs of Teach For America, and aligned with internationally recognized standards for coach development. I co-designed the program with CL colleague, Bill Pullen, former Academic Director of the Georgetown Coaching Program, and currently serve as lead faculty.

I’m passionate about helping leaders grow and achieve their full potential. I use a variety of methods, including Growth Edge Coaching, the Leadership Circle Profile, and Polarity Wisdom, to help you develop your leadership skills and navigate complex challenges.

I believe in a holistic approach to coaching that takes into account your unique experiences and goals. I’ll work with you to explore your values, identify areas for growth, and develop strategies for overcoming obstacles. Together, we’ll create a personalized coaching plan that empowers you to lead with confidence and effectiveness. I also utilize methods like somatic coaching, stress management and breathwork, adult development theory, and Immunity to Change to provide a comprehensive and supportive coaching experience. When working with groups and teams, I draw on Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC).

I spent the first decade of my career as a secondary teacher and teacher educator, where I fell in love with learning design and facilitation. I also experienced firsthand the walls we build to protect our beliefs and identity, even at the expense of our continued learning and growth. It was my desire to understand and break down those walls that brought me to coaching. I now work with senior leaders and executive teams around the world, helping them develop and achieve their goals. I’m particularly excited about combining insights from adult development, polarity thinking, and somatic coaching to create a unique and effective approach for each client.

My background in anthropology and linguistics taught me to appreciate different perspectives and to approach challenges with curiosity and compassion. My graduate studies in French linguistics gave me a strong foundation as a facilitator in both English and French. I am also a Professional Certified Coach with the ICF, and a trained facilitator of Polarity Wisdom, the Leadership Circle profile, the Leadership Maturity Framework, and a variety of other tools to unlock the potential of leaders and teams. As co-author of The Art of Coaching Workbook (2020), I am passionate about coach education and the professionalization of coaching, and you will often find me on the faculty of coach development programs at CL and elsewhere.

I believe that coaching should be a fun and engaging experience, tailored to your unique needs and learning style. I find that coaching is most effective in the context of an ongoing engagement of at least three, preferably six or more months. This allows us to build a strong relationship and make significant progress together. I also offer shorter, in-person workshops and team development experiences for those seeking a more focused intervention.

Whether we’re working together virtually or in person, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your values, identify areas for growth, and develop strategies for success.

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I grew up in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and in southern France. I now call the Netherlands home, where my family and I enjoy cycling in all seasons and over-indulging in stroopwafels. When not out on an adventure, you can find me wandering the trails and dunes near our home. I am an avid reader, frequent cook, intermittent yogi, and reluctant runner.

I’m committed to providing a high-quality coaching or facilitation experience, and that means setting clear boundaries. I typically don’t work outside of normal business hours in Central European Time in order to protect the sacred time I spend with family, in nature, and renewing my own energy reserves. I do, however, travel regularly for in-person work because I believe strongly in the value of being together in the physical world.

I prioritize working with clients who are committed to core principles of sustainability and justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. This aligns with my own values and ensures that we can work together effectively.

It’s important to note that I am not a therapist. While coaching can be therapeutic, it is focused on helping you develop your skills, achieve your goals, and overcome challenges. If you are looking for support outside of my areas of expertise, I’m happy to refer you to colleagues who can better meet your needs. My goal is to ensure a positive experience for everyone.