Professional Background
With over 20 years of experience as an executive coach, leadership development consultant, and leader-as-coach educator, Valerie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her Clients. Her prior experience as an executive in global organizations has given her valuable insight into the challenges leaders face in today’s rapidly changing and transforming environments. She leverages this knowledge to provide tailored coaching and consulting services that help leaders navigate these challenges and achieve success.
Valerie has founded two successful leadership consulting firms, working with Clients on three continents in multiple sectors at all levels. In addition to serving as Head Coach for the Niagara Institute, she was also faculty in their leadership development programs, including the Center for Creative Leadership’s landmark Leadership Development Program. In her 10-year tenure as Head Coach at the institute, she spearheaded the launch of the executive coaching practice, the leader-as-coach programming, and designed, developed, and delivered custom leadership programs for numerous Clients.
Valerie is known for her empathetic and attentive listening skills, and for creating a safe and trusting environment for Clients to explore and address their leadership development needs. Hallmarks of her expertise lie in her ability to catalyze leaders to critically evaluate their leadership style, define a clear vision for the future, and develop and implement corresponding actionable goals to successfully achieve desired changes. Clients have reported successful outcomes from their work with Valerie, and multi-year engagements with organizations indicate a high rate of client satisfaction.
Valerie is an active contributor to the ongoing leadership dialogue through keynotes and writing. She recently contributed a chapter to the International Leadership Association's book, "Inclusive Leadership" where she wrote about the changing use of power in leadership.
Valerie believes strongly in community service and has served roles from canvasser to Chair of the Board since her teenage years. She currently serves as Chair of The Learning Foundation for Peel Region.
Education / Training
PhD Human Development/leadership - Fielding Graduate University
Masters of Science, Organization Development
Professional Certified Coach (PCC) - Hudson Institute of Coaching
Applied Neuroscience - Neuroscience & Coaching Network
Certified in numerous leadership and psychometric assessments, including The Leadership Circle®, Hogan Assessment® and Hogan 360®
Professional Affiliations
International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Member of the International Leadership Association
