Laura Burnham - Associate
I am deeply grateful for the work I do with leaders. As an executive leader myself, I have over 20 years’ experience working in higher education, government agencies and nonprofits, supporting early stage science and technology innovators and entrepreneurs to develop appropriate business models. I have learned immensely from incredible (and some not so incredible!) leaders and colleagues during that time. My interest in leadership development and coaching grew as I progressed through various organizations and roles, and as I experienced the profound impact of having a leadership coach myself. My international work, including living in Morocco, Somaliland and Kenya, opened in me a curiosity and respect for cultural differences, and in my work I combine my commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) with my passion for creating healthy, thriving organizations.
Most satisfying work I most enjoy how my work enables authentic partnership with executives and emerging leaders to maximize their strengths. I thrive when we work together to cultivate new perspectives, whether they are examining how power and positional authority show up in multi-layered organizational systems, distinguishing systemic versus individual challenges or finding ways to bridge their most authentic selves inside and out of the workplace. I am inspired when clients adopt a learning mindset and experience real growth as humane and effective leaders. Frequently used theories and tools My early career was shaped by Fisher and Ury’s Getting to Yes, which encourages individuals to “get on the balcony” in times of conflict to gain a more holistic perspective. In my coaching practice, I blend organizational development tools (such as the Six Sigma’s RACI model, the Center for Creative Leadership's Situation-Behavior-Impact feedback model, and IISC’s Results-Process-Relationship framework) with coaching practices, including a focus on mindfulness, presence and connectedness. Certifications and degrees: Leadership Coaching certification from Georgetown University, Certificates in Facilitation for Racial Justice and Facilitative Leadership from Interaction Institute for Social Change, Korn Ferry 360, MA in International Development and Social Change with a focus on conflict mediation and negotiation from Clark University, BA in English and Sociology from the University of Connecticut. |