The days of ‘command and control’ are largely behind us. Today’s leaders need new competencies to succeed in a world where disruptive change is the norm and the future is not as predictable as it once was. Being a leader today is not about having all the answers – it is about working with others to facilitate results. The leader who has taken on a coaching stance and mindset is able to create a culture that elicits the best in their team and serves the goals of the organization, enabling them to:

• Empower their people to do their best work
• Encourage independent problem-solving
• Create a true learning organization
• Inspire the team and others
• Help team members stretch, grow and learn
• Hear others with a non-judgmental frame of mind
• Provide growthful feedback and input regularly
• Demonstrate empathy, humility and self-awareness

Pam McLean, Ph.D., hosted Tina Garrett-Ragland of Pacific Life, Dr. Jesse Sostrin of Salesforce, and Dr. Carol J. Geffner, professor at USC, to discuss how a coaching mindset helps leaders create cultures that elicit the best in their teams and serve the goals of the organization.

The Panel

Pam McLean

Cofounder & CEO, Hudson Institute of Coaching

A preeminent authority on coaching, transformation learning, and transition and change in the adult journey, Pamela McLean, Ph.D. has been at the forefront of the field of the emerging field of coaching for the past 30 years. As CEO and co-founder of the Hudson Institute of Coaching, Pam oversees and ensures Hudson provides the highest-quality coach training to seasoned professionals and leaders, as well as consulting to organizations worldwide. 

Pam is the author and co-author of several books, articles and white papers focused on coaching, human development and transformational learning. She most recently authored The Completely Revised Handbook of Coaching and is the co-author of the well-known book on transition and change, LifeLaunch, A Passionate Guide to the Rest of Your Life, and most recently Self As Coach, Self As Leader.

Dr. Carol J. Geffner

Professor of the Practice of Governance and Management at the University of Southern California’s (USC), Sol Price School of Public Policy, and Director of the Executive Master of Leadership Program

Carol J. Geffner, Ph.D., is a globally recognized coach, author, speaker, and expert on systems-level change, culture, and women in leadership. She is also a coach with the Kets de Vries Institute, a global management consulting firm.

Prior to joining USC, Geffner was the founder and president of Newpoint Healthcare Advisors, a national healthcare consulting firm. In prior positions, Carol served as interim CEO and COO for client companies in education and healthcare, as well as Chief Learning Officer and President, Shared Services, for one of the largest, privately held publishing and media companies in the U.S. She also launched and led an Organizational Consulting business for Right Management – Manpower Group, a global professional services company.

Carol earned a Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University, a Master of Public Administration from USC, and a B.A. from the University of Toronto. She received a governance certification through UCLA’s Anderson School.

Dr. Jesse Sostrin

Global Head of People Leadership Development at Salesforce

Dr. Jesse Sostrin is the Global Head of People Leadership Development at Salesforce where he sets the strategic vision for accelerating the leadership capacity of some of the brightest minds and most experienced executives in business. He leads the development and delivery of world-class leadership development experiences, oversees the global executive coaching philosophy and related programs, and develops innovative, data-driven insights to map the future of leadership. As an author, Jesse creates original thought leadership that deals with the messy intersection of individual & organizational success. His recent business books include: The Manager’s Dilemma, Beyond the Job Description & Re-Making Communication at Work. He’s been featured on a number of television and radio programs, including MSNBC, Fox Business & NPR. He’s a contributing editor and columnist at strategy+business and his thought leadership shows up in places like HBR, CNN Business, Inc., The Huffington Post, FastCompany, Entrepreneur & others.

Tina Garrett-Ragland

Enterprise Leader of DEI & Talent Development at Pacific Life

Tina Garrett-Ragland has over 20 years’ experience as a global and domestic Human Resources Executive. Tina is currently serving as the leader of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Learning and Development for Pacific Life Insurance. Tina holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, a Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing her PHD in Global Leadership and Change. In addition, Tina is a Certified Professional Coach, Trainer and Speaker. Her greatest joy comes from supporting the growth and development of leaders, people and organizations.