testimonials /
Daucus carota flower (growing along the edge of an unnamed road)
Fiona Donald, MD - former Chief Medical Officer (CMO), San Francisco Health Plan
“Working with Nicole as my Executive Coach, Leadership Advisor, and Organization Development Consultant had a profound impact on how I move through the world. It enabled me to step into an expanded leadership capacity as the CMO of San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) during the height of the pandemic and to realize my potential during an unprecedented time.
She supported me while I worked closely with the City and County of San Francisco (SF) and the Department of Public Health, as well as community based organizations to support the city's COVID-19 vaccine response. During this time, SF County achieved the highest rate of COVID vaccination in the state of California for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) eligible individuals, saving lives and preventing hospitalizations for vulnerable SF residents.
In addition, Nicole supported the redesign and restructure of the Health Services Department which allowed SFHP to expand its capacity, addressing social determinants of health and health equity. Through our work together I was able to incorporate a broader and more strategic lens, propose and communicate that vision to others, and advocate for a new level of leadership within the organization to support greater access to care for the populations we serve.
Nicole's capacity to work at a systemic level while having an in-depth and grounded understanding of human behavior and development helped me in my personal and professional relationships as I built a more conscious listening capacity, noticing my own biases and habits, and engaging in conflicts as openings for deeper understanding and connection. The holistic nature of the work we did continues to inform who I am as a human being every day.”
“Working with Nicole as my Executive Coach, Leadership Advisor, and Organization Development Consultant had a profound impact on how I move through the world. It enabled me to step into an expanded leadership capacity as the CMO of San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP) during the height of the pandemic and to realize my potential during an unprecedented time.
She supported me while I worked closely with the City and County of San Francisco (SF) and the Department of Public Health, as well as community based organizations to support the city's COVID-19 vaccine response. During this time, SF County achieved the highest rate of COVID vaccination in the state of California for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) eligible individuals, saving lives and preventing hospitalizations for vulnerable SF residents.
In addition, Nicole supported the redesign and restructure of the Health Services Department which allowed SFHP to expand its capacity, addressing social determinants of health and health equity. Through our work together I was able to incorporate a broader and more strategic lens, propose and communicate that vision to others, and advocate for a new level of leadership within the organization to support greater access to care for the populations we serve.
Nicole's capacity to work at a systemic level while having an in-depth and grounded understanding of human behavior and development helped me in my personal and professional relationships as I built a more conscious listening capacity, noticing my own biases and habits, and engaging in conflicts as openings for deeper understanding and connection. The holistic nature of the work we did continues to inform who I am as a human being every day.”
Paul Chiames - former Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
“I have been fortunate to have worked with Nicole on a number of change and learning efforts. In varied industries, organizations, and client groups, Nicole builds strong rapport with her clients. She does this through understanding their unique needs and perspectives, and tailoring her extensive knowledge in change and learning to construct purposeful roadmaps for personal and organizational growth. She makes it easier for people and groups to take a look at themselves and find a path forward for meaningful change.”
“I have been fortunate to have worked with Nicole on a number of change and learning efforts. In varied industries, organizations, and client groups, Nicole builds strong rapport with her clients. She does this through understanding their unique needs and perspectives, and tailoring her extensive knowledge in change and learning to construct purposeful roadmaps for personal and organizational growth. She makes it easier for people and groups to take a look at themselves and find a path forward for meaningful change.”
Laura Hooper - Enneagram Prison Project, Guide & Program Manager (former student, NVW PCC)
“Nicole invited me to look deeply at what I didn't know I needed to see. That was a great start but the true gift was the compassion and love she provided to help me get to know my vulnerabilities — including anger, sadness, and fear — and trust that I could learn to be with whatever was arising.
Today, I am able to be more present than I ever thought, especially for the heavier parts of life including my father’s recent passing. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything and know it wouldn’t have been possible without the support Nicole provided when I started this journey. I see the benefits in every close relationship I have. I can share insights and truths with my partner that I used to keep buried, and can be with friends when they are struggling without needing to lighten up or change the situation.
With Nicole’s support, I learned to trust myself enough to begin excavation and savor the gems I found. My time with her shifted how I show up in the world. She helped me deepen the relationship with myself which has rippled throughout my life. It was a gift to work with Nicole.”
“Nicole invited me to look deeply at what I didn't know I needed to see. That was a great start but the true gift was the compassion and love she provided to help me get to know my vulnerabilities — including anger, sadness, and fear — and trust that I could learn to be with whatever was arising.
Today, I am able to be more present than I ever thought, especially for the heavier parts of life including my father’s recent passing. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything and know it wouldn’t have been possible without the support Nicole provided when I started this journey. I see the benefits in every close relationship I have. I can share insights and truths with my partner that I used to keep buried, and can be with friends when they are struggling without needing to lighten up or change the situation.
With Nicole’s support, I learned to trust myself enough to begin excavation and savor the gems I found. My time with her shifted how I show up in the world. She helped me deepen the relationship with myself which has rippled throughout my life. It was a gift to work with Nicole.”
Looking out from a wall at the edge of the abbey of Agioi Anargyroi
Agios Kosmas, Xeroulaki
Agios Kosmas, Xeroulaki
Golden berry (found perfectly ripe and protected in its dried calyx)
Marjorie Goss – former Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Cupertino Electric Inc.
“Through my work with Nicole, I learned to appreciate and have confidence in my capabilities... She gave me the tools to identify and change interpersonal behaviors that undermined my ability to influence decisions and prevented me from building productive relationships. With Nicole's guidance, I learned to build a foundation of trust in relationships, communicate in a style people were comfortable with, and use ideas to influence decisions and outcomes. It is a joy to see the positive impact this work has had. My work with Nicole was an extended period of intense focus and practice and the quality of my life has improved profoundly as a result. Her methods are so powerful that what she taught me continues to guide and influence me every day of my life.”
“Through my work with Nicole, I learned to appreciate and have confidence in my capabilities... She gave me the tools to identify and change interpersonal behaviors that undermined my ability to influence decisions and prevented me from building productive relationships. With Nicole's guidance, I learned to build a foundation of trust in relationships, communicate in a style people were comfortable with, and use ideas to influence decisions and outcomes. It is a joy to see the positive impact this work has had. My work with Nicole was an extended period of intense focus and practice and the quality of my life has improved profoundly as a result. Her methods are so powerful that what she taught me continues to guide and influence me every day of my life.”
Ronnie Gravino – former Director of People Development, Goodwill Industries, San Francisco, San Mateo, Marin Counties
“Nicole’s brilliance was inspiring as we collaborated in developing a coaching culture for the staff and clients at Goodwill Industries that encourage living on your ‘learning edge.’”
“Nicole’s brilliance was inspiring as we collaborated in developing a coaching culture for the staff and clients at Goodwill Industries that encourage living on your ‘learning edge.’”
Vivian Groman – Executive Coach, former Senior Vice President (SVP) Charles Schwab & Co.
“Nicole has been a wonderful coach, guide, and companion as I delve into deeper work. She has a tremendous capacity to be present and hold space that allows me to do some of my best work. What I appreciate most about Nicole is she can go wherever I need to go and helps me go deeper than I knew I could.”
“Nicole has been a wonderful coach, guide, and companion as I delve into deeper work. She has a tremendous capacity to be present and hold space that allows me to do some of my best work. What I appreciate most about Nicole is she can go wherever I need to go and helps me go deeper than I knew I could.”