Lead with clarity. Navigate complexity. Create meaningful change.
NorthStar Executive Coaching & Leadership Development helps higher education leaders strengthen their leadership, navigate complex institutional dynamics, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. Guidance grounded in real-world executive experience as a former Provost, Vice President, Dean, Associate Dean, and Professor, with firsthand understanding of leadership complexity, transition, and growth.
NorthStar Executive Coaching & Leadership Development partners with leaders and organizations to strengthen leadership, navigate complex organizational dynamics, and lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Founded by Dr. Jennifer Brown, NorthStar combines executive coaching, leadership assessment, and real-world executive experience to support leaders at every stage of their professional journey.
Why Leaders Choose NorthStar
NorthStar brings together executive coaching expertise and more than 25 years of real-world leadership experience across complex organizations. Dr. Jennifer Brown has served as a Provost and Vice President, Vice Provost, Dean, Associate Dean, and Professor, bringing firsthand understanding of the decisions, relationships, transitions, and organizational dynamics leaders navigate every day.
- Former Provost and Vice President
- Former Dean, Associate Dean, and Full Professor
- 25+ years of higher education leadership experience
- Certified executive coach
- Experienced with leadership transitions, team dynamics, conflict, and organizational change
Whether you’re an aspiring leader or a seasoned administrator, our Authentic Leadership Model will equip you with the skills to:
- Enhance communication and strengthen relationships with team members and key stakeholders.
- Drive productivity and foster an environment of collaboration and respect.
- Navigate complex challenges and make decisions that align with your core values and the goals of your institution.
From Surviving to Thriving: Realize Your Potential as a Leader
You are in the right place if you’re looking to elevate your leadership style and create a positive, lasting impact on your organization. With NorthStar, transitioning from where you are to where you want to be isn’t just achievable, it is sustainable. Are you ready to make the leap from where you are to where you want to be?
Meet Dr. Jennifer Brown
I’ve sat in the leadership seat.
I’m Dr. Jennifer L. Brown, Founder & CEO of NorthStar Executive Coaching & Leadership Development. My approach to coaching and leadership development is shaped by more than 25 years in higher education and executive leadership, including service as a Provost and Vice President, Vice Provost, Dean, Associate Dean, and Professor.
I understand the complexity of leading institutions, navigating competing priorities, building trust, making difficult decisions, and leading through change because I have done the work myself. Today, I bring that experience into partnership with leaders and organizations as a coach, facilitator, strategist, and trusted thought partner.
Unlock your leadership potential with personalized guidance focused on strategic decision-making and emotional intelligence.
Guiding clients through expert interview preparation, onboarding assistance, navigating complex higher ed systems, supporting navigation of online programs and providing constructive critiques to enhance your academic profile.
Build and nurture high-performing teams through effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution strategies.
Engage in dynamic workshops on creating a positive culture and developing executive presence tailored for leaders at all levels.
Connect with peers in similar roles to share insights, challenges, and successes in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Navigate your leadership journey with expert advice on career planning, skill development, and strategic positioning.
At NorthStar, we empower leaders at every level by enhancing their communication, leadership skills, and executive presence through targeted, personalized coaching sessions. Here’s how we work together to build your leadership capabilities and ensure you excel in every new challenge.
Aspiring Leaders
For those just beginning their leadership journey or preparing to take on their first significant leadership role, our programs focus on foundational skills and confidence building:
- Developing Leadership Skills
Engage in 1:1 Coaching and Leadership Masterclasses to learn how to prepare for a leadership position, core leadership principles and team dynamics essentials. - Interview Preparation
Use 1:1 Coaching with simulated interviews and feedback to excel in high-stakes interviews. Mentorship Circles offer insights and narrative development from experienced leaders. - Public Speaking
Improve your public speaking abilities through 1:1 Coaching and Leadership Masterclasses focusing on audience engagement and effective communication. - Listening with Purpose
Enhance your active listening skills through 1:1 coaching to improve your interpersonal relationships and leadership efficacy. - Skills for Aspiring Leaders
Master critical early-stage skills such as ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, and innovative problem-solving through Leadership Masterclasses, Mentorship Circles and Group Coaching.
New and Transitioning Leaders
For new leaders who are transitioning into leadership roles or are moving to a new institution and need to establish credibility and authority quickly, our programs emphasize strategic implementation and team dynamics:
- Transitioning as a New Leader
Ease your transition and hit the ground running with 1:1 Coaching focusing on understanding the new institutional culture and strategic planning focused on the first 90 days and milestones that will create quick wins in your leadership transition, building rapport and team engagement. - Onboarding and 1:1 Coaching Support
Tailor your onboarding process with 1:1 Coaching to master essential skills quickly, ensuring a successful start in your new role. - Gaining Confidence in Interviewing
Build confidence for any upcoming internal interviews or leadership panels with 1:1 Coaching that teaches poise and articulation. - Communicating with Impact
Learn to communicate your vision, build connection and engender trust in a compelling way to set a strong precedent for your leadership tenure.
Seasoned Leaders
For seasoned leaders looking to refine their skills further or redefine their strategies to enhance their organizational impact, our programs offer advanced insights and peer learning opportunities:
- Improving Leadership Presence
Develop a powerful leadership presence that creates connection, builds authentic leadership and fosters motivation among your team with our 1:1 Coaching and advanced Leadership Masterclasses. - Developing Flexibility in Communication Adapt your communication styles to various situations to enhance your leadership effectiveness and maintain team harmony.
- Team Engagement and Building High-Performing Teams
Enhance team dynamics and performance through 1:1 Coaching, as well as Team and Group Coaching focused on leadership strategies that foster high engagement and drive team success. Develop the skills to lead high-performing teams with tailored Leadership Masterclasses that provide insights into dynamic team building and effective management practices. - Sounding Board and Trusted Advisor
Feel confident in having a sounding board and trusted advisor in your 1:1 Coaching sessions. These sessions provide a space to objectively navigate challenges as they arise, offering seasoned leaders personalized guidance and strategic insights to tackle complex decisions and maintain leadership excellence.
Why Choose Us
People. Purpose. Progress.
Sustainable leadership begins with people, becomes meaningful through purpose, and creates progress through intentional action. NorthStar brings those three dimensions together through coaching, facilitation, leadership development, and strategic partnership.
We offer deep insights and proven strategies to enhance leadership.
We customize our coaching to meet your specific leadership needs.
We provide ongoing mentorship and resources for sustained leadership growth.
What does your next chapter of leadership require?
Whether you’re navigating a leadership challenge, preparing for what’s next, developing your team, or leading an organization through change, NorthStar can help you move forward with clarity and intention.
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