Got Privilege – What does it have to do with Executive Coaching?

Speaker: Gail Greenstein, EdD

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) promotes the use of Cultural Competence as a key competency for successful Executive Coaches. Serious limitations exist to using this as a framework. We will explore how Executive Coaches can build their critical consciousness by understanding the complex dimensions of intersectionality, privilege, power and oppression.

Dr. Gail Greenstein

When Executive Coaches use an ‘intersectional’ lens and consider the matrix of power, privilege and oppression, clients will be able to experience an expanded and liberated view of their development and performance. Intersectionality will also help coaches better understand themselves, avoid blind spots, and support their clients in a larger context to affect relevant, sustainable change to become better leaders. These critical frameworks and new paradigms will ultimately support and generate more resilience for coaches and promote liberatory practices that enhance the development of diverse client populations.

Gail Greenstein, EdD is Head OD for Global Functions in Novartis Oncology. She has over 25 years of Talent Management, OD, and Leadership Development experience in a range of industries (Media, Financial Services, Apparel, Pharmaceutical). Gail earned her BS in Psychology from UMASS Amherst, MS in Org Behavior from the University of Hartford, and EdD from George Washington University. Gail received her coaching certificate from Columbia University. She continues to publish and speak about how Executive Coaches can use an intersectional lens to recognize their own potential biases and blindspots to create safe spaces for clients.