Debra Gerardi

My Intention

Through my work and my creative endeavors, my intention is to invite connection with our deeper selves and one another as a means of promoting personal well-being and a compassionate world.

My Work

Professional Services

The professional services that I provide are designed to promote leadership development, enhance team effectiveness, support inclusion of diverse perspectives, help people effectively engage in conflict, and optimize personal resilience and collective well-being in complex and dynamic environments.

I do my work through:

- Compassionate listening

- Curious questioning

- Creative challenges

- Playful partnering, and

- Wise counsel

My Philosophy

My philosophy of coaching emerges from a holistic frame that values the integration of body, mind, spirit, and society.

I invite clients to consider all aspects of themselves and how they can combine their strengths and best qualities to make sustainable changes in their lives in order to better do the work they were called to do.

Most importantly, I bring a creative spirit and sense of fun to all of my work. I encourage clients to find the joy in their work and to connect with what is meaningful in the contributions they are making in both their personal and professional lives.

Who I Work With

I work with C-Suite and senior executives, directors and mid-level managers as well as emerging leaders, board members and academic professionals to support the development of insight, acquisition of skills, and adoption of effective behaviors as a means of reaching organizational, professional and personal objectives.

I draw on the knowledge and perspectives gained from over 35 years of experience working internationally with healthcare organizations, high tech and biotechnology firms, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, government, and professional associations. I have provided professional services to over 200 leading organizations.

My favorite client is one who is eager to learn, ready to change, and curious about themselves and others. I also love working with all those who aspire to these noble attributes, as do I.

Services

Coaching

I provide executive coaching, transition coaching and conflict coaching to individuals, groups, and teams. I also provide mentor coaching for experienced coaches. I focus on the integration of self-insight with adoption of new skills and behaviors to interrupt habits and move through change. I use a holistic approach that incorporates body, mind, spirit and... a little secret sauce.

Convening

I facilitate group gatherings, training sessions, dialogues and workshops - where ever two or more are gathered.

I provide training and customized professional development programs for those who wish to grow their skills, shift their mindset, or deepen their practices. I emphasize experiential learning with application to real world challenges.

Creating

I work collaboratively with others to create generative solutions to complex challenges, particularly in situations where people feel stuck, discouraged or grumpy. I have experience with vicious circles, gordian knots, and sticky wickets of one form or another.

I emphasize playful spaces, innovative thinking, emotional exploration, and meaningful connection in the curation of my work. Fun encouraged!

What to Expect

As a certified Master Coach, I help individuals and groups integrate their experience, expertise and goals with a deeper look at the habits and patterns that derail effective performance. I challenge my clients to cut through defensive barriers that prevent change while also providing a supportive space for addressing emotionally challenging situations and ongoing conflict.

I make use of Applied Improvisation techniques and creative approaches for clients who prefer an experiential learning model to help them achieve their goals. I incorporate somatics, narrative, and imaginative and playful approaches to break through over-developed routines or habits of mind that block progress.

As a Conflict Engagement Specialist, I combine my professional coaching skills with a solid understanding of how to effectively help individuals and groups engage in ways that protect valuable work relationships while finding innovative solutions to difficult situations.

As a Healthcare Professional, I intentionally integrate personal well-being and resilience into my approach with clients. Attending to the care and feeding of our body, mind and spirit provides the foundation needed for engaging effectively with others. I aspire to model this approach by personally practicing self-care and self-compassion. Ask me how that is going...

Credentials

Debra Gerardi, RN, MPH, JD, PCC

I am a Professionally Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed by the International Coach Federation and a graduate of the esteemed Hudson Institute of Coaching.

I am a certified Hudson Institute Master Coach and a proud member of the Hudson Institute of Coaching Leadership Team. I am an affiliate member of the Institute of Coaching professional association at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. I am an ICF Certified Mentor Coach.

I am a licensed Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience working in and with healthcare organizations. Additionally, I am a licensed attorney in the State of California and an experienced mediator. I am a member of the Applied Improvisation Network where embracing emergence and possibility is a way of being.

I have taught as an adjunct faculty member for various schools of law in the areas of leadership development, negotiation, dispute resolution, bioethics, and well-being.

Most importantly, I am a good listener and I play well with others.