The Leadership Strategist
Carolyn J Lee
Founder and Executive Coach
Carolyn is an Experienced Executive Coach with a history of working in the information technology and services industry. Carolyn holds a strong background skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Analytical Skills, Government, Leadership, and Security. Her current work focuses on the growth of kind, generous, and effective leaders through the use of Qigong and value-based workshops for coaches and leaders.
Carolyn Lee graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and after college had a successful career at the Internal Revenue Service. She began work in the collection function and moved through the agency in many diverse roles, including tax examination, facilities management, taxpayer advocacy, and strategic human capital planning. She retired as a SES (Senior Executive Service) in Information Technology, specializing in strategic planning for the agency's over 100k end user equipment. She has studied Qigong and Taijiquan since 2013 and taught the 18 qi gong exercises (known as Taiji qi gong) since 2019. She is also a certified instructor for basic forms of the Wild Goose qi gong and has instructed in the Cheng Man Ching 37 step Yang-style taijiquan. Carolyn completed the George Mason University coaching program in 2017 with an ICF ACC certification. To learn more about Qigong and Carolyn's training, click the links below for Wild Goose Qigong, Tse Gigong Centre, Aikido of Petaluma, and Cheng Man-ch'ing
Nonprofit Clients
I am committed to supporting nonprofit organizations and prioritize dedicating 20% of my time to coaching them at discounted or pro bono rates. Nonprofit leadership can be challenging due to their mission-driven values and culture, but they share many similarities with for-profit organizations. To Nonprofits must prioritize strategic planning, effective leadership, and staff development in order to succeed.
Robert Katende | Founder
Carolyn had the privilege to work with Robert Katende, chess coach and community leader (subject of the Disney movie "the Queen of Katwe" - in Katwe, major slum in Kampala, Uganda). Carolyn and Robert worked together early on in the formation of his nonprofit through team building workshops. His passion and commitment extends to his group of young "pioneers" who are dedicated to working for their community and country, breaking the cycle of poverty. It was both an exhilarating and humbling experience.
Chaning Jang | CEO
Carolyn is a coach for Busara, a nonprofit organization working to advance and apply behavioral science in pursuit of poverty alleviation. Carolyn met the incoming CEO of Busara about three years ago and provided coaching services as he took the organization's reins. Since then, she has worked with the CEO on three separate occasions and continues to work with him as the Center recovers from pandemic challenges.
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Staff Coach
Carolyn is a staff coach for One Acre Fund, a nonprofit organization based in Kenya, helping small farmers to be sustainable. Carolyn first connected with One Acre Fund when she volunteered to coach nonprofit organizations at the beginning of the COVID shut down three years ago. Because she had some experience coaching other East African nonprofits, One Acre Fund was interested in working together. After 3-4 months of initial engagement, One Acre Fund asked if Carolyn would join their organization as a staff coach. Since then, she has coached several of their emerging leaders.
Pro Bono & Volunteer
University of California, Berkeley
Throughout the year, Carolyn provides pro bono coaching at Berkeley. She brings with her years of experience and knowledge. This June, Carolyn will conduct a week-long coaching session as part of the Visibility Without Bluster: More Communication Impact for Introverts Webinar presented by Nicolas Gattig. Contact Carolyn to learn more about upcoming coaching sessions at Berkeley.