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"Connect, Collaborate, Succeed: Join The Leader Network's Dynamic Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking for professional growth and innovation. We bring together school leaders—from across the nation and around the world—and facilitate roundtable discussions that focus on key topics, essential themes, and complex challenges—allowing participants to share, collaborate, and problem-solve in a safe, supportive, and inspirational environment. Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking Exploring Inspiration and Innovation in Education and Beyond Join the conversation with The Leader Network on LinkedIn as we delve into the intersection of creative thinking, complex leadership challenges, and collaborative problem-solving. Uncover inspiring stories, strategic insights, and the latest trends shaping our dynamic world. Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for topical updates from our Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking sessions. Leadership Roundtables: You Do A Lot. You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone. You stand at the intersection of the school’s daily life and its long-term direction—supporting faculty and staff, guiding students and families, and working in close partnership with your Head of School. It is some of the most important work in a school. And some of the most complex. It can also feel, at times, solitary. But it doesn’t have to be. Leadership Roundtables & Networks 22 hours ago 2 min read Leadership doesn't have to be lonely. Join a trusted circle of peers to learn , lead , and grow together. Our Leadership Roundtables bring independent school leaders—and leaders across organizations—together for candid, confidential conversations. In small, carefully curated groups, peers connect monthly to tackle challenges, share solutions, and strengthen leadership practice. Each Roundtable offers a trusted space for reflection, learning, and community. Participants leave with practical strategies, new perspectives, and a powerful network of colleagues they can rely on throughout their careers. Roundtables are organized by role and designed to be regionally diverse—ensuring openness and protecting confidentiality. Structured Reflection and Peer Dialogue: The Forum Coaching Model TLN is proud to partner with Millennium Institute to deliver its Forum method of peer-coaching in our Leadership Roundtables. Forum is a research-based method of cognitive behavioral group coaching designed specifically for schools. TLN coaches are Certified Forum Facilitators and use Millennium’s proprietary methods and Circles platform to deliver a Roundtable experience that is significantly more engaging and effective than traditional Heads groups. For more information on the science of Forum or how to implement peer coaching within your school community, please visit: Millennium.org . Sign Up Today and Reserve Your Seat at the Table Sign Up for a TLN Roundtable

Sign up for one of TLN's Leadership Roundtables. These are 90-minute virtual meetings held monthly from September to June. Over the course of the sessions, you’ll build a community of practice informed by diverse experiences and perspectives. More than just professional networks, our Roundtables are the birthplace of lasting friendships. You'll build bonds with peers who will become your go-to for insights, advice, and support throughout your career—ensuring you're never alone on the journey. Lead With Confidence. Grow With Peers. Join a Leader Network Roundtable Join a trusted circle of peers to reflect , connect , and grow together. Sign up for one of TLN's Leadership Roundtables. Engage in 90-minute virtual meetings held monthly from September to June. Over the course of the sessions, you’ll build a community of practice informed by diverse experiences and perspectives. More than just professional networks, our Roundtables are the birthplace of lasting friendships. You'll build bonds with peers who will become your go-to for insights, advice, and support throughout your career—ensuring you're never alone on the journey. Complete the interest form below or click learn more and take steps to engage, gain insights, and drive success. Learn More Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking – Interest Form Complete this form, either for yourself or a colleague assistant or associate, and we’ll reach out shortly to explore how we can collaborate and move forward together. Who Is signing up?* I would like to join a roundtable Enter the information of the person who would like to join a roundtable below. Your First name* Your Last name* Colleague's First Name* Colleague's Last Name* Colleague's Email* Colleague's Position Type* Email* School/Organization Name* Position Type* Questions? Comments? Submit Visit our page on LinkedIn. © 2024 The Leader Network. All rights reserved.

Executive coaching, governance, and strategy for independent school leaders—helping heads and boards lead with clarity, trust, and confidence. Leadership Done Differently Executive Coaching, Governance, and Strategic Planning for School Leaders Independent school leadership today demands more imagination , deeper connection , and a greater commitment to growth. It’s an ongoing process of learning, evolving, and uplifting. At The Leader Network, we partner with school leaders, teams, and boards ready to shape what’s next—through executive coaching, roundtables, customized team and board workshops, leadership growth assessments, and strategic planning. We elevate leadership. We spark new ways of thinking about and practicing leadership—helping leaders shape a future fueled by possibility and progress. We align people and priorities. We strengthen leadership at every level and focus teams on what matters most—inspiring purpose and passion across organizations. We drive results. We help leaders act with intention—delivering lasting impact and improvement for teams and communities. Our Services We work with independent school leaders, boards, nonprofit executives, and mission-driven teams ready to strengthen leadership at every level. Executive Coaching & Mentoring We connect leaders with coaches who match their needs, goals, and growth paths. Our certified coaches bring diverse experience, practical insight, and a deep understanding of leadership in schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. Through regular, one-on-one conversations, leaders gain greater clarity, confidence, empathy, and leadership presence—building the critical skills that create lasting impact. Read more... Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking We create confidential spaces where peer leaders share insights, exchange ideas, and grow together. Our Roundtables connect leaders across the country and around the world for structured and facilitated conversations involving pivotal questions, urgent challenges, and future opportunities. Participants gain practical knowledge, fresh perspectives, and trusted connections to support their leadership journeys. Read more... Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation We strengthen teams, elevate boards, and align leadership. Through engaging workshops, expert facilitation, and practical governance guidance, we help organizations build trust, deepen collaboration, and sharpen strategic focus. Leaders and teams leave stronger, more unified, and ready to inspire change. Read more... Strategic Planning Facilitation We help organizations move from static plans to strategies that live, breathe, and drive action. Guided by our VISTA Framework, we lead community-informed planning processes that align leadership around vision, priorities, and accountability. Organizations create strategic roadmaps that inspire action, measure progress, and shape a dynamic, sustainable future. Read more... School Leader & Board Assessments We partner with leaders and boards to gain clarity and foster purposeful growth. Through 360 assessments, facilitated feedback processes, and customized evaluations, we provide insights that fuel leadership development, strengthen team cohesion, and sharpen board effectiveness. Read more...

Strengthen your team and elevate your board with dynamic workshops and expert governance facilitation. The Leader Network helps schools build trust, align priorities, and lead with confidence through tailored team-building experiences and practical board support. Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation Strengthen teams. Elevate boards. Inspire action. Ready to strengthen your leadership team or board? The Leader Network’s Team Building Workshops and Board Governance Guidance help organizations build trust, align priorities, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. Through dynamic workshops, expert facilitation, and practical governance support, we turn insights into action—so your team leaves more cohesive, your board leaves better aligned, and your leaders leave ready to inspire lasting change. Complete the interest form below or click learn more and take steps to engage, gain insights, and drive success. Learn More Team Building and Board Governance Interest Form Complete this form if you are interested in Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation First name* Last name* Email* School* Position Type* Which services interest you?* Team Building Workshops Board Governance Facilitation Board↔︎Head Relations Other Comments Submit Visit our page on LinkedIn. © 2024 The Leader Network. All rights reserved.

Discover a strategic planning approach tailored for independent schools. The Leader Network helps school leaders build community-driven, actionable plans that inspire, adapt, and deliver real impact. Strategic Planning Facilitation That Works Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Strategic Planning Facilitation What Will They Say About Your Leadership This Year? What do you hope your team says about your leadership at year's end? This is the kind of question that reminds us what leadership is really about. If you’re looking to start the year with purpose, presence, and principle, we’d love to walk beside you. The Leader Network offers coaching, roundtables, retreats, and growth assessments that help school leaders grow—and grow strong teams in the process. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Aug 4, 2025 1 min read Turn vision into strategy and strategy into results . Build a strategic plan that inspires your community and moves your school forward . Independent schools and mission-driven organizations need more than a list of goals—they need strategic plans that live, breathe, and guide decisions every day. The Leader Network's VISTA Framework Guided by our VISTA Framework, we help leadership teams create bold, actionable, community-informed strategic plans. We bring deep independent school expertise, practical insight, and an approach that balances vision with structure. Watch the video below to learn more. Our process is informed, inspired, insightful, accountable, and adaptable—ensuring your plan is built to last and designed to lead. Read our Case Study and get ready to build a plan that drives your future! Contact Us to Learn More “This is the first plan we’ve had that actually lives in our daily work. The Leader Network didn’t just give us a plan—they gave us a strategy and process that built momentum and continues to drive results.” - Head of School, Horizon Academy Contact Us To Learn Mo

Bernie, Co-founder of The Leader Network, served as Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, from 1999 to 2022. His outstanding leadership in independent school education, dedication to community service, diversity and inclusion, and expertise in history and international studies are noteworthy. Our Team Testimonials About Bernie Coaching with Bernie Bernie Noe Bernie, Co-founder of The Leader Network was, until this year, Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington, serving from 1999 to 2022. Bernie has an exemplary record of leadership in independent school education, commitment to community service, diversity and inclusion, and scholarship in history and international studies. Among his recent initiatives is The Downtown School: A Lakeside School, which opened in fall 2018. The co-educational high school, three years in the making, offers a high-quality academic education to a diverse body of academically talented students. Prior to his arrival at Lakeside, Bernie served for seven years as both Upper School Principal and Assistant Head of School for International Education at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., where he also taught a Western civilization class and promoted initiatives on educational excellence, diversity, and community expectations. From 1984 to 1992, Bernie was History Department chair and Director of Summer Programs at The Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. At Landon, he led a number of task forces and committees on school governance and curricular improvement and was also, as a history teacher, awarded the Senator Danforth Excellence in Teaching Award (1990). Before joining The Landon School faculty, Bernie worked as history department chair at the American schools in Israel (1980-1982) and Switzerland (1977-1980). Bernie’s educational background includes a BA cum laude from Boston University, an M.A. in international relations from Georgetown University, and an M.Phil. from George Washington University in European history. At Lakeside he has taught modern European history and an elective history course on the Holocaust and genocide. In February 2021, he completed 12 years of service on the National Association of Independent Schools Board of Trustees, the past three years as chair. Bernie was founding board chair (2011-2015) for the Global Online Academy (GOA), an innovative and collaborative venture established by leading independent schools to mount cutting-edge online courses for high school students. He currently chairs GOA’s Strategy Committee. He also served as a board member of School Year Abroad, and Rainier Scholars.

Let us know your thoughts and questions. The Leader Network is the evolution of coaching and consulting for leaders of independent schools. Not sure where to start? No worries. We're here to help! Whether you're seeking executive coaching, looking to join a leadership roundtable, strengthening your team or board, building a strategic plan, or growing through leadership and board assessments, we'll help you find the right next step. Just, complete the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.

We are a diverse team of school leaders with decades of experience. We're here to help you be your best self. Our Team We are a diverse team of school leaders with decades of experience. We're here to help you be your best self. Our Coaches Jim Best Than Healy Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau Ann Mellow Katherine Dinh Steve Morris Landis Green Bernie Noe

Ann Mellow is a Harvard-trained educator and seasoned leadership coach with over 35 years in independent schools. Drawing on her experience as a head of school, NAES leader, and NYC-based administrator, she helps leaders navigate transitions, strengthen governance, and align strategy with mission—all through a personalized, coaching-centered approach. Our Team Testimonials About Ann Coaching with Ann Ann Mellow Ann brings over thirty-five years of experience in independent schools as a teacher, Division Director, Head of School, and Trustee to the Leader Network. As Associate Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, she worked with independent schools across the United States to onboard new leaders, clarify mission and purpose, and co-create strategies for continuous improvement. She has led sessions on adult learning, change management, leadership transitions, and school governance. Central to Ann’s practice is a belief that one size does not fit all. Each school's mission, history, and culture provide the critical context for effective leadership and decision-making. Ann brings a personalized approach to each client, working collaboratively to explore opportunities, challenges, and a pace of change that will best serve a particular school, leader, or leadership team. Ann began her career at Garrison Forest School in Baltimore and went on to be middle school head at Poly Prep Country Day School and the Chapin School, both in New York City. She served for twelve years as head of St. Luke’s School in New York City. From 2008-2021, she was Associate Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. She holds an A.B. from Middlebury College and an Ed. M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Steve Morris, a Stanford-educated school leader and certified executive coach, brings nearly three decades of experience in independent schools to The Leader Network. A former Head of School and DEIJB educator, he specializes in leadership development, faculty culture, and coaching aspiring leaders of color—with a deep commitment to equity, strategy, and board engagement. Our Team Testimonials About Steve Coaching with Steve Steve Morris Steve Morris has spent the past 28 years as a teacher, administrator, and leader in independent schools. He is currently a consultant with RG175, supporting head of school and senior administrative searches, strategic advising, and board development. Previously, Steve served for 15 years as Head of The San Francisco School, a PK–8 school, following leadership and classroom roles at University High School (UHS) as Assistant Head, Dean of Multicultural Programs, English teacher, community service co-director, and soccer coach. He began his career at Sewickley Academy teaching and serving as Executive Director of Summerbridge Pittsburgh. Steve regularly presents at national and local conferences on school culture, faculty development, and DEIJB education. Most notably, he co-created and facilitated a year-long workshop series for Aspiring Leaders of Color. His own professional learning includes the NAIS Deep Dive Summit on Equity and Social Justice, the Klingenstein Fellowship for Heads of School, and the Pahara Fellowship. He has served as a Trustee on several Boards, including Marin Country Day School, San Francisco Day School, and The Urban School of San Francisco, and he was Board Chair of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Currently, he serves as a Trustee at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco. Steve holds a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University (Principal Fellows Program), a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Wooster. He received his executive coaching certification from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute (BECI) at the Haas School of Business.

Than Healy, Head of Menlo School since 2013, is a lifelong independent school educator and Klingenstein Fellow with deep roots in leadership, teaching, and coaching. From Punahou to Stevenson to Lakeside, his career reflects a commitment to thoughtful, student-centered education shaped by both tradition and innovation. Our Team Testimonials About Than Coaching with Than Than Healy Than Healy has grown up in Independent Schools having been raised on the campus of Punahou School in Honolulu where his father was the Principal of the high school for 40 years. After graduating from Williams College, Than began his career in education at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, CA, where he taught history and psychology and served in a number of roles in the life of the school. Continuing his collegiate athletic career, Than coached basketball and water polo and directed the summer athletic program. Stevenson honored Than with the McNeely Chair for Outstanding Educator; he was the youngest faculty member to earn this recognition. In 1995, Than took a yearlong hiatus from education to play professional basketball in Frankfurt, Germany. He then returned to teach at Punahou for four years before earning an MA in Educational Administration with a focus on private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University in 2001. Since 2013 Than has served as the Head at Menlo School, an 800 student 6-12 school in the heart of Silicon Valley. Prior to his move to California Than served as the Upper School Director and Assistant Head of School at Lakeside School in Seattle, Washington for twelve years. Than and his wife Deborah have three adult daughters and happily reside in the Bay Area.

Hear from school leaders who’ve partnered with The Leader Network. Discover how our expert coaching, roundtables, and strategic support helped them grow as leaders and strengthen their teams. Praise for our team. About Jim Best “Jim is authentic. He is the consummate listener and a vital thought-partner." Nicole Brittingham Furlonge Professor and Director, The Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY JIM BEST Bio Jim is authentic. He is the consummate listener and a vital thought-partner. Jim’s coaching was key as I transitioned to my current role as director of the Klingenstein Center five years ago. His coaching remains important to me today. I leave every conversation we have with a new level of clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. Jim’s expertise is rooted in his 30-year career as an educator-leader in independent schools. His commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as a practice and way of thinking is palpable. Yet it is how he draws on his expertise and values that sets him apart. Jim wonders. He generates precise and authentically curious questions that, for me, have led to new inquiry and a deeper awareness of the possible. In short, he knows the best way to coach is with a great question, and the best coach to have is one who believes deeply in your capacity to learn, change, and lead. Nicole Brittingham Furlonge Professor and Director, The Klingenstein Center, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY Jim speaks with a bold voice, but also shows great care and concern, as well as a welcoming sense of humor. As Executive Director of the NY Interschool consortium, I found Jim to be a generous Head of School colleague who listened intently, and always shared strategic advice and alternative solutions to complex problems. He remains a trusted advisor who is sensitive, sincere, and loyal—and a strong advocate for new leaders. His wisdom and experiences are invaluable. Adrienne Barr Executive Director, New York Interschool New York, NY I have learned a lot from Jim over the years that I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside him. He is a gifted and authentic connector of people. He genuinely takes joy from bringing talented individuals together to collaboratively take on big ideas. In fact, the way we met was through his reaching out via a mutual acquaintance just to meet and say hello. Fast-forward a few years, and he was inviting me to be on a board that he had been leading. I’ve seen firsthand the ways that Jim facilitates and navigates complex issues around governance and strategy, always helping to keep groups operating at the most appropriate elevation. Jim’s creativity and optimism are infectious. He is a deeply trusted partner and someone I feel like I can go to with any question, idea, or concern in and around the future of schools and leadership. Dr. Reshan Richards Co-Founder & Ceo, Explain Everything (Acquired by Promethean, Inc.) Lecturer, Columbia University School of Professional Studies Adjunct Assistant Professor, Teachers College, Columbia University New York, NY RONNIE CODRINGTON-CAZEAU Bio I met Ronnie as my mentor during the Aspiring Heads Fellowship, but our coaching relationship extended well beyond that and the confines of that program. From the very start, Ronnie understood me and it was simply and deeply affirming to have that in a mentor. Ronnie encouraged me to work at the next step in my career in a multitude of ways- from reading letter drafts, to practicing interviews, to just simply reminding me of my own unique traits as a leader- all of this helped to build my confidence as a school leader. Ronnie is funny and also direct- I love this about her- if I have a conundrum to contemplate, Ronnie will get right to the heart of the matter with me. She is FULL of practical advice and this was so helpful to me on the job search. Finally, I want to say Ronnie, in her busy busy life always made time for me and her support has been absolutely invaluable in my leadership journey. Pankti Sevak Head of School, San Francisco Friends School, San Francisco, CA Ronnie was my mentor through the NAIS Aspiring Heads Program and is someone who I still reach out to when I'm navigating a challenge. She draws on her depth of experience, from governance and development to inspiring people and rethinking processes, when sharing sage advice. Even better than that, she knows what questions to ask to get to the heart of any issue. I value Ronnie's wisdom, candor, humor, and direct approach. She gets people. I'm grateful for her investment in my developm ent as a leader. Sue Belcher HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE DOWNTOWN SCHOOL, SEATTLE, WA KATHERINE DINH Bio It was my good fortune to be coached throughout the '21-'22 school year by Katherine. Through her gentle questioning and insightful prodding at key moments, Katherine was able to help me clarify and structure strategic thoughts, consider hitherto unrealized solutions, and compassionately nurture a healthy approach to both work and life. Katherine brought her deep experience and broad wisdom to bear in a way that was collegial, professionally rewarding, and frankly, fun too. Christian Sullivan Head of School, Bullis School, Potomac, MD It's been a real joy and gift to work with Katherine. As a coach, Katherine listens carefully while offering questions and comments in a manner that invites deep reflection and careful consideration. She's not one to tell me what to do. Rather, she helped me to process and arrive at my own conclusions and solutions. In addition to being wise, caring, and warm, she offers laughter and optimism even while grappling with a gnarly challenge. Lisa Sun HEAD OF SCHOOL, THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL, PA In my first year as Head, I had the opportunity to be coached by Katherine, who supported me greatly with her thoughtful questions, careful listening, and wise insight. As an experienced and successful leader, she advised and mentored me if I asked for that, but mostly she held the space for me to bring topics, hash out dilemmas, and develop concrete plans to reach my desired goals. Working with Katherine was a valuable and rewarding experience for me, and one that I believe could benefit leaders at any stage of their career. Shannon Harris Head of School, Antilles School, St. Thomas, VI LANDIS GREEN Bio I knew from my initial meeting with Landis that he was going to be a great mentor and coach. Landis is always offering me opportunities to grow and deepen my learning. He helps me by giving me honest feedback. He offers books to read, professional development opportunities, and access to other heads and coaches who may give me additional insight to help me grow. Christina Kyong Associate Head of School, Wildwood School Los Angeles, CA Landis’ ability to ask the right questions enabled me to feel more confident that my decisions were well reasoned while allowing me the space to think through potential obstacles to progress. He is direct and honest in his feedback which provided a model to emulate. Lori Strauss Head of School, The Field School, Washington, D.C. My time with Landis was always time well spent. Through his thoughtful, probing questions, and his deep, reflective listening, it was clear that he was invested in my well being and success. Never prescriptive, Landis partnered with me to seek clarity and strive towards my larger purpose with courage and conviction. I am deeply grateful. Guybe Slangen Director of Community Engagement, San Francisco Friends School San Francisco, CA THAN HEALY Bio Than Healy is a great institutional leader, mentor, and coach, one who devotes his energy and his skills to giving real agency to those around him so they can accomplish goals, overcome challenges, and move schools forward. Than has high EQ, asks great questions, thinks fast and works hard, provides timely and authentic praise and critique, focuses on the future, demonstrates humility, and he has a great sense of humor. He’s not afraid to take a risk on a good idea, provided it’s well thought through and well-executed. For him, decisions are easy when values are clear. I learn something from Than every time I speak with him, and I am so grateful for his wise counsel over the 20+ years I’ve known him. Elaine Christensen Head of School, Open Window School, Bellevue, WA Working with Than over the last six years has given me (and many others) a master class in twenty-first century leadership. He is a deeply strategic thinker, able to shape complex problems towards wise solutions. He demonstrates unwavering integrity, humility, and optimism, even in moments of great uncertainty, and is deft at pushing teams towards innovative and creative outcomes. He is an amplifier, in the truest sense of the word. But perhaps most crucially, Than is an exceptional coach. He models authenticity and transparency, fosters open communication, and empowers diverse leaders. No matter the challenge I face, I know that I will rise to it with more grace as a result of his generous and inspiring guidance. Maren Jinnett Director of Academic Innovation, Menlo School, Atherton, CA. ANN MELLOW Bio Ann leads from the heart and the head as a consultant and coach. Ann listens intently, and coaching sessions with her allow me to put my own oxygen mask on first before approaching a thorny or complicated topic with my team. She has skillfully guided me in unpacking previously experienced complexities. Her team retreats are dynamic, informative, and upbeat, and the team often refers to her guidance and the learning we experienced. Jalene Spain Thomas Head of School, St. Patrick's Episcopal Church School, Washington, D.C. Ann's expertise in the leadership and governance of independent schools helped our school navigate the successful transition from a longstanding head of school to a first time one. The support and guidance she provided me as a new Board Chair was invaluable and set me on a solid path. Her thoughtful counsel and passion for mentoring made it a joy to work with her. Melanie Weston Board Chair, Grace Church School, New York, NY Ann has served as a favored speaker in our cohort program for emerging leaders. Her broad experience as a teacher, head of school, trustee, and association professional coupled with a warm manner and an engaging sense of humor makes her uniquely qualified to facilitate adult learning in support of institutional growth. I could not recommend her work more highly. George Swain DIRECTOR FOR EVALUATION AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING, NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Ann brings a wealth of knowledge about how schools work and offers deep skills in facilitation and strategic thinking. She helped our school and church find new ground together during a challenging chapter in our history. Ann has been a mentor and guide to me as a new head and I credit her with my ability to grow and make new gains as a leader and person. Jennifer Danish Head of School, Grace Episcopal Church School, Washington, D.C. STEVE MORRIS Bio I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Steve Morris since 2022. He has been an invaluable thought partner and coach throughout my leadership journey, starting early on in my headship. Steve brings a rare balance of compassionate support and direct, practical feedback that consistently helps me find clarity and purpose in my leadership. His calm presence, deep listening, and incisive questions created a space for honest reflection on both personal and professional challenges. Steve’s guidance helped me navigate complex dynamics, craft actionable strategies, and grow in self-awareness. What sets Steve apart is his genuine, reflective nature and his ability to see situations from multiple perspectives. He brings lived experience, self-awareness, and grounded wisdom to every conversation. I’m deeply grateful for the support he’s provided and recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone seeking clarity, growth, and authentic guidance in their leadership journey. Kaile Thomas, M. Ed., IFECMH Specialist Executive Director, The Little School, San Francisco, CA Steve has been an exceptional mentor and coach throughout my leadership journey. His experience and expertise, combined with a thoughtful and intuitive approach, bring clarity to even the most complex challenges. Whether navigating strategic decisions or day-to-day leadership dynamics, Steve consistently offered insight that was both practical and relevant to the situation. What sets Steve apart is his ability to listen deeply, ask insightful questions, and guide with purpose. Through our work together, I’ve grown significantly as both a leader and communicator. I always leave our conversations with renewed clarity and actionable next steps. The wisdom I’ve gained from Steve continues to shape my leadership practice, and I regularly find myself sharing his insights with others. Christina Pak Assistant Director of Middle School Bentley School, Lafayette, CA I had the chance to be coached by Steve during a pivotal time in my professional life, after seeing him facilitate at a local Leaders of Color cohort forum. Durining that forum and in our year-long partnership, Steve demonstrated a rare ability to connect authentically, inviting people in with warmth, insight, and a deep attentiveness. As my coach, he listened closely, asked questions that stayed with me, and helped me reflect, recalibrate, and reimagine my leadership and life. Steve challenged my assumptions with kindness and offered needed reframing that cut to the heart of things. He toggled with ease between big-picture dreaming and tactical strategy, while also allowing space for reflection, vulnerability, and even travel tips. Our conversations gave me clarity, not just about work, but about my voice, leadership, and even parenting. I felt truly seen and supported by Steve in a way that is rare and sustaining. Jackee Bruno Dean of Students. The Nueva School, San Mateo, CA BERNIE NOE Bio Bernie has been an exceptional advisor, mentor, and friend for many years. He brings great judgment, plain-spokenness, and integrity into every conversation we have. What I appreciate most is his powerful drive for excellence and capacity to respect and integrate a wide array of viewpoints. A true leader in every sense of the word. Edwin P. Gordon Head of School, Congressional School, Falls Church, VA Bernie is a transformational leader. During his two decade tenure as Head of School, he rallied the public Lakeside community around his vision of an institution committed to academic excellence, diversity, and global citizenship. Bernie launched and scaled a number of innovative programs—Global Service Learning, Global Online Academy, Downtown School—that will benefit students for decades to come and prepare them to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Bertrand Valdman Former Board Chair, The Lakeside School, Seattle, WA