I am an executive coach who empowers high-achieving professionals to elevate their leadership, embrace transitions, and thrive through change.

Change is hard, especially for high achievers who hold themselves to exceptionally high standards and value stability while often grappling with fear of failure.  

However, transitions don’t have to be daunting. Coaching can provide the tools and mindset to confidently navigate change with purpose and joy.

As your coach, I will partner with you through life's twists and turns, transforming these transitions into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Through one-on-one coaching and tailored leadership development programming, I foster personal and professional growth through every step of the journey.

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My Story:

My story is filled with many unique chapters. In short, over the course of my career I’ve been a consultant, physician, military officer, healthcare leader, medical education leader, and professional coach -- often wearing three or more of these hats at the same time. Along the way, I’ve found the most joy in providing inspiring leadership through change and helping high-achieving individuals successfully navigate transitions and challenges. I look forward to utilizing my deep expertise in leadership, professional development, and coaching to help you elevate your leadership and thrive through change.

Gretchen Rickards

Three years ago today, I published my first post on LinkedIn.

It was 114 words long, and I remember agonizing over every one of them. The fear of being visible is real. It took me about 48 hours to work up the courage to click “post.”

In the years since, I worked through that fear with the help of a LinkedIn accountability group and the discipline of posting and engaging regularly.

Along the way, I’ve also evolved in who I am as a coach, what I offer, and who I serve.

But the most unexpected part of the journey has been the relationships that have grown out of this platform. I’ve reconnected with colleagues I hadn’t spoken to in years and made incredible new friends and connections across the globe.

One thing this experience has reinforced for me, and something I often see with the leaders I work with:

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

So today’s post is primarily a heartfelt thank you to those who have supported my work here by connecting, sharing ideas, and contributing to the conversation along the way.

Three years ago, hitting “post” felt like a leap. I’m so glad I took it.

Executive & Leadership Coach | Healthcare & Mission-Driven Organizations | Physician

Last year my theme was 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Two of those connections have become a standing monthly lunch with two brilliant coaches — one guiding women through life and career transitions, the other helping aspiring business owners explore career ownership options. We celebrate wins, offer support, and hold each other accountable. 

It’s been a great reminder that who you build alongside matters just as much as what you build.

Grateful to be on this entrepreneurial journey together, Michele Trego Garrett, M.Ed., ACC, ELI-MP and Kimberly Burress!

Yesterday felt like a full-circle career moment.

I delivered an interactive virtual workshop called 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 for a consulting organization.

What made it especially meaningful is that my first job out of college was in consulting.

I can still picture myself at 22 or 23, sitting on the periphery of a conference room. I may have been the only woman in the room and was certainly the most junior team member. I felt more like an observer of the conversation than a participant, unsure how to enter it.

Looking back, I wasn’t quiet because I had nothing to say. I was quiet because I didn’t yet trust that what I had to say was worth the space it would take up.

That experience shapes how I think about voice and leadership today.

In yesterday’s session, we explored the subtle ways professional voice gets lost at work: minimizing language, nonverbal signals that can undermine authority, waiting too long to speak, and not reclaiming the floor after interruption.

We didn’t just name the patterns. Each participant walked away with one concrete action to try in their very next meeting.

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Over time, those small moments can change careers.

What would you tell your 22-year-old self about speaking up?

#LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipPresence #EmergingLeaders #CommunicationSkills

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Confession: I don’t finish most leadership books.

I read a lot of them, but I only recommend the ones that are digestible and high-yield from cover to cover.

For the leaders I work with, time is already scarce, so I put together a list of 11 that are clear, practical, and worth your time.

What books would you add?

Open article: 11 Leadership Books You Can Actually Finish (and Enjoy) — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting by gretchenrickards.com

11 Leadership Books You Can Actually Finish (and Enjoy) — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱.
𝗜𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿.

Especially when it comes to non-urgent, non-important requests.

Before you say yes, ask:
Is this energizing?
Do I have capacity?

If the answer isn’t yes to both, it’s a no or a not now.

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱.

Graphic credit: Liz Fosslien

#LeadershipDevelopment #SustainableLeadership #LeadershipCapacity #LeadYourWay

One of the most memorable pieces of advice I heard during medical training was surprisingly counterintuitive:

“𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.”

At the time, it meant resisting the urge to rush into action before fully understanding what was happening with the patient.

It was also about pausing before responding.

Over time, I’ve realized the same principle applies in many ways to leadership.

I wrote a short reflection about the power of the pause in this week’s blog post.

Open article: Don’t Just Do Something. Stand There. — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting by gretchenrickards.com

Don’t Just Do Something. Stand There. — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting

Building a professional network in healthcare takes intention. 

It's easier when you're in a room with people who share your background.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 Women in Medicine® 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 is hosting a virtual conversation on networking, open to women physicians and trainees with any connection to military medicine, past, present, or future.

This session will include dedicated time to network and connect in small groups.

📅 Thursday, May 7 | 8 PM ET 
💻 Virtual | No WIM membership required

We hope to see you there!

𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

#WomenInMedicine #MilitaryMedicine #WomenPhysicians #PhysicianLeadership

I first came across this video around 2017 and used it as a discussion prompt with my residents at a time when morale in our clinic was very low.

The conversation that followed was rich and meaningful.

I hadn’t watched it in years, and it hits differently now. In fact, I’m in tears. Maybe because over the years I’ve been many of the people in this video, including several of the patients.

It's a powerful reminder of the unseen burdens people carry, and why empathy matters so much in the way we lead and care for others.

Thank you to Dr. Amna Shabbir,MD,NBC-HWC for sharing this today, and to the Cleveland Clinic for this beautiful, timeless message.

Video link: https://lnkd.in/e3Pe_Bzu

Ambition & Well-being Can Co-exist. Empowering high achievers to curate sustainable wellness without sacrificing peak performance - Top Podcast Host - TEDx Speaker🎤- Modern Perfectionism Strategist (read About)

View Dr. Amna Shabbir,MD,NBC-HWC’s profile

We don’t know what others are going through.

Our days are filled with assumptions and bias—toward ourselves and others.

Yesterday, I was remembering a video from my residency training orientation at the Cleveland Clinic.

It was a beautifully created message on empathy.
I had attended sessions dedicated to this topic and read books about it, but this short 4-minute, 24-second video was profoundly moving in a different way. 

Although this message is crafted in the healthcare setting, I feel it is pertinent outside of the hospital walls as well. 

💜Today, I invite you to take a literal pause, watch this video, and remind yourself of the kindness and grace we can offer—to others and to ourselves.

⬇️

I just made my contributions to Do More 24 in support of nonprofits doing vital work in Delaware. Giving ends at 6 pm on March 6 if you’d like to join in!

#DoMore24DE #SpurImpact

We know that Delaware is a small state with a BIG heart. Let’s show the world we can do more together. Join us during the last hours of #DoMore24DE and help us do more this year! United Way of Delaware

CoachHub - The digital coaching platform

Featured on CoachHub’s official website as a Fortune 500 Expert Coach. Recognized for fostering psychological safety and clarity in executive leadership. Selected among a global network of coaches for my impact with senior leaders and Fortune 500 clients.

Featured on CoachHub’s global website as a Fortune 500 Expert Coach.”

As a Bilingual Executive & Leadership Coach, I collaborate with global leaders to drive meaningful change in their personal and professional lives. With a focus on tailored, scalable coaching programs, I am dedicated to unlocking the full potential of individuals and teams through strategic leadership, inclusivity, and innovative coaching practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Coaching: Tailoring coaching for senior leaders, focusing on leadership, strategic thinking, and performance, helping them navigate complex challenges confidently.

Client Impact: Consistently recognized for exceptional client satisfaction across all levels and sectors at CoachHub, with ongoing positive feedback highlighting the significant improvements clients achieve in leadership and team performance.

Bilingual Coaching: Conducting coaching sessions in multiple languages.

Innovative Methods: Implementing coaching strategies using CoachHub’s tools to create sustainable behavioral change and measurable improvements in leadership and team performance.

Certified Assessments: Certified Hogan and SuccessFinder assessor, specializing in delivering personalized assessments that enhance leadership capabilities.


Achievements:

Featured in CoachHub’s 2025 Q1 Global Newsletter for shaping AIMY™, the AI coaching assistant. Selected for the AI Advisory Board and recognized for contributions to ethical, human-centered integration of AI in coaching. Represented CoachHub at Nasdaq during the unveiling event.

Global Impact: Coaching executives from diverse backgrounds, enhancing leadership effectiveness, cross-cultural collaboration, and strategic execution.

Measurable Outcomes: Implementing coaching interventions with quantifiable improvements in leadership and team cohesion, tracked through CoachHub’s proprietary tools.

Bilingual Executive & LeadershipCoach

* One of only two coaches globally selected to join CoachHub’s AI Advisory Board, guiding the ethical and human-centered integration of AI in coaching.

*Featured in CoachHub’s 2025 Q1 Global Newsletter for shaping AIMY™, the AI coaching assistant, bringing a values-based lens to its design and integration.
	
*Represented CoachHub at NASDAQ during the global unveiling of AIMY™ — a proud moment highlighting my leadership at the intersection of coaching, innovation, and impact.

AI Advisory Board Member | CoachHub

Accredited Executive Coaching 

As CEO of Accredited Executive Coaching, I am committed to driving global leadership transformation by cultivating environments where leaders think boldly, act intentionally, and grow sustainably. With over 25 years in senior roles, including Fortune 500 leadership, I partner with executives and teams worldwide, guiding them through complexity with a strategic, human-centered approach.

In addition to leading my firm, I serve as an ICF Brand Ambassador, advocating for the highest standards in coaching excellence and leadership impact. I am also a member of CoachHub’s AI Consulting Group, working alongside global experts to ensure that innovation enhances—not replaces—the relational and ethical foundations of coaching.

My work integrates cutting-edge insights, deep listening, and reflective partnership to unlock leadership potential at every level. Whether navigating organizational change, executive decision-making, or team dynamics, I create a space for clarity, strategy, and action—where leaders don’t just adapt to change, but define it.

I believe leadership is an evolving practice, and coaching is its most powerful catalyst. By fostering trust, challenging assumptions, and expanding perspectives, I help leaders design their path forward with confidence, purpose, and measurable impact.

Chief Executive Officer

Nova Southeastern University

Served as an adjunct faculty member, contracted to teach undergraduate students and support their academic success during their first year of college. Focused on fostering personal development, team building, and effective teamwork to help students navigate the challenges of higher education.

Skills: Personal Development · Team Building · Teamwork · Higher Education · Adult Education

Adjunct Professor

Spearheaded the recruitment and admissions strategy for the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, overseeing a student body of 4,500.
- Cultivated an environment of psychological safety within the recruitment team, encouraging open communication, collaboration, and the sharing of innovative ideas, which led to significant improvements in the recruitment process.
- Drove the transformation of recruitment processes, resulting in a notable 8% increase in new student enrollment during a challenging pandemic environment.
- Collaborated closely with the marketing department to optimize advertising strategies, resulting in a more efficient allocation of resources and a higher return on investment.
- Recognized for creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring that the recruitment team consistently exceeded targets and delivered outstanding results.

Executive Director of Recruitment

Served as the lead marketing strategist, recruitment expert, and student experience leader for one of the largest schools of education in the United States with more than 8,000 students in approximately 40 countries.  

Recruited by the Associate Provost to lead the Fischer College of Education which was losing significant market share and needed a marketing strategist, recruitment expert, and student focused leader with a proven track record in the university eco-system to execute a multi-channel marketing effort designed to support new student recruitment targets. 

Strategic thinker who translated big picture marketing vision to implementable operational plans, a dot-connector who understands how marketing efforts work together to build the brand and advance the University's enrollment goals. 

Coached directors and managers to support and develop staff in marketing, admissions and recruitment areas to successfully exceed new and existing student targets. 

Managed relationships and mobilized resources to meet goals, while spotting and mitigating potential issues. 

Regularly provided excellent counsel to the Dean, Provost, and colleagues across 17 colleges in the NSU system. 

A team player and doer. I worked collaboratively with diverse national and international groups inside and outside of the University at all levels. 

Experienced in working in team-centric operations. 

Calm and intentional under pressure. I managed very stressful situations in a solution-oriented way with a coaching style and "can do" attitude.  

Managed numerous expectations from a diverse leadership team in a proactive and consultative manner.

Executive Director of Marketing, Recruitment, & Admissions

Led the marketing and recruitment efforts for the Division of Applied Interdisciplinary Studies, successfully overseeing a diverse portfolio of academic programs and increasing overall enrollment by an impressive 20% across multiple semesters.
- Established psychological safety as a cornerstone of the team’s culture, allowing team members to voice concerns, share new ideas, and experiment with innovative approaches without fear of negative consequences.
- Strategically managed and developed a dynamic team, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that resulted in improved recruitment processes and higher student retention rates.
- Directed comprehensive marketing initiatives that included digital campaigns, partnerships with educational influencers, and targeted outreach efforts, driving significant growth in program visibility and engagement.
- Achieved a series of enrollment milestones, contributing to the division's financial growth and the successful launch of new academic programs, while enhancing the division’s reputation as a leader in interdisciplinary education.

Division Director of Marketing, Recruitment, and Admissions

University of Phoenix

Experienced Vice President with a strong track record of managing a $50+ million budget, overseeing 4,500 students, 150 staff members, and 400 active faculty members. As a senior leadership team member, excelled in coordinating cross-functional activities to ensure a thriving team structure and exceeding shareholders' expectations.

Key Achievements:

Financial Oversight: Successfully managed profit and loss reports, exceeding budget and prior year profit expectations by 12% over the annual plan and 9% ahead of the prior year.

Operational Excellence: Created a culture of accountability and integrity across operations, finance, academic affairs, enrollment, admissions, and regulatory boards, surpassing goals in all five learning centers in South Florida.

Enrollment Growth: Exceeded total enrollment plan by 5% of the annual plan and 21% ahead of the prior year.

Community Representation: Represented the organization in key relationships with business, government, and community stakeholders within the campus market.

Academic Quality: Actively assessed and monitored academic reports to enhance academic quality through classroom experience, interaction, and delivery.

Core Competencies:

Innovative Leadership: Provided innovative leadership with a "coaching style" that generated alignment across the University's ecosystem.

Strategic Relationship Management: Skilled in managing key relationships with stakeholders in the business, government, and community sectors.

Professional Attributes:

Leadership and Accountability: Proven ability to lead with integrity, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
Analytical and Proactive: Demonstrated analytical skills and proactive approach in managing financial and operational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement: Strong track record of engaging with diverse stakeholders to represent and advance organizational interests.

Vice President, Florida

Vice President - Texas


Dynamic Vice President with a proven ability to oversee a $35+ million budget, manage 3,200 students, 85 staff members, and 250 active faculty members. Excelled in driving enrollment growth, operational excellence, and strategic leadership in the Texas region.

Key Achievements:

Enrollment Success: Exceeded total enrollment (new and existing students) by 15% of budget and 26% ahead of the prior year.
Top Performance: Earned the #1 spot for a team in Enrollment and Operations in the SW region for two consecutive years by surpassing all key profit and loss metrics.
Rapid Expansion: Launched a new learning center in El Paso, Texas, which became the fastest-growing campus in the SW region within six months.
Leadership Development: Coached and mentored 13 team members who became department leads within six months of opening the new learning center in El Paso, Texas.

Core Competencies:

Financial Oversight: Expert in managing profit and loss reports to ensure financial targets are met and exceeded.
Strategic Growth: Skilled in launching and expanding learning centers to drive rapid regional growth.
Team Leadership: Proven ability to develop and mentor team members, fostering a culture of leadership and excellence.
Operational Excellence: Strong track record in achieving top performance in enrollment and operations.
Professional Attributes:

Innovative Leadership: Provided strategic leadership with a focus on innovation and results-driven approaches.
Analytical and Proactive: Demonstrated ability to analyze data and proactively manage financial and operational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement: Engaged effectively with diverse stakeholders to support and advance organizational objectives.
Growth and Development: Committed to continuous improvement and professional development for self and team members.

Vice President, Texas

Opened a start up campus in Juarez, Mexico eight months earlier than expected for the University of Phoenix.
Acquired state and federal accreditation as well as waiver of Mexican Foreign investment restrictions in less than 17 months.  
Collaborated with a law firm representing Apollo in Mexico to launch the first dual MBA offering in Juarez, Mexico from a profit institution in the United States. 
Diligently earned the trust of the immigration officers to acquire six teaching visas to launch the MBA
program to meet aggressive deadlines in less than 3 months.
Interpreter for colleagues from University of Phoenix in meetings with the Secretary of Education and
accrediting officers.
Hired campus leadership team and executed all sales, operations, and enrollment training in Juarez,
Mexico.
Earned faculty status in Mexico to teach business courses in 2005.

Vice President, Mexico

Xerox

As a sales and operational professional managed the largest accounts in South Florida ( FPL, Ryder, Office Depot) and generated double digit profits for the center 4 consecutive years.  Responsible for outside business-to-business operations, sales, and managing the entire sales cycle, gaining new market share, and growing existing accounts.  Earned the "Operational Excellence Award " for implementing the first "Operational Excellence" operational eco-system in the United States with the support of the operations and sales team.

Senior Client Account Manager, Florida


I help executive leaders and teams unlock transformation through strategy, clarity, and presence. With over 25 years in senior leadership roles, I bring a track record of driving growth, innovation, and cultural transformation across Fortune 500 companies and leading universities. My experience spans Xerox, the University of Phoenix, and Nova Southeastern University, where I led large-scale initiatives that delivered measurable results and lasting impact.

Contributing Coach – AIMY AI Coaching Platform (CoachHub)
Bridging ICF-aligned coaching with emerging AI innovation for scalable impact

Key Achievements:
	•	Fortune 500 Leadership: At Xerox, I led high-impact initiatives in sales and operations, resulting in multi-million-dollar partnerships and significant team expansions.
	•	Higher Education Transformation: At NSU, I spearheaded the turnaround of the university’s largest school, overseeing 4,500 students. Through strategic partnerships and four major reorganizations, I enhanced operational excellence and fostered a culture of transparency and leadership alignment.
	•	Pioneering International Education: I established the Instituto de Estudios Superiores for the University of Phoenix in Mexico, collaborating directly with the  Secretary of Education. This initiative expanded educational opportunities, and I successfully recruited and built a full team to support the institute’s mission. Additionally, I was among the select few granted approval to teach in Mexico’s MBA Dual program.

These experiences have reinforced my belief that empowering leaders to think expansively and act with clarity is essential for organizational success.

As the CEO of Accredited Executive Coaching, I am dedicated full-time to partnering with senior leaders to unlock their potential and foster sustainable leadership practices. My coaching philosophy centers on the understanding that leaders inherently possess the insights they need; my role is to facilitate strategic reflection and impactful action.

In addition to my coaching practice, I serve as an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Brand Ambassador, promoting the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in the coaching profession. I also contribute to shaping the future of coaching as a member of the AI Consulting Group for CoachHub, collaborating with experts to ensure that technological advancements enhance—rather than replace—the ethical and relational foundations of transformational leadership.






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The Battle

Gretchen Rickards

Adriana Garay

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The Battle

Gretchen Rickards

Adriana Garay

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Posts

Engagements

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Gretchen Rickards's LinkedIn Performance

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