About Me
Coaching Philosophy and Career
Behind every title is a person. A person navigating expectations, relationships, decisions, change, and the responsibility of leading others. That belief is at the heart of how I approach executive coaching and leadership development.
I’m Nicole Petersen, a certified executive and career coach, leadership development strategist, and lifelong student of what helps people grow. For more than a decade, I have worked with executives, leaders, teams, and organizations to strengthen leadership capability, communication, trust, career development, and culture. My career has given me the opportunity to see leadership from many perspectives: as a coach, facilitator, program designer, organizational partner, advisor, and people leader. Each of those experiences has shaped my belief that meaningful growth begins with greater awareness of ourselves, others, and the impact we have.
My work is not simply about models, assessments, or leadership theory. It is about helping people understand themselves and others more clearly so they can lead with greater intention. I help clients step back from the noise, challenge assumptions, identify what matters most, and move forward with confidence.
Sometimes that means navigating a new role, preparing for a difficult conversation, building trust, advancing a career, building a vision or reconnecting with the kind of leader they want to be. I am especially passionate about supporting women as they expand their influence and define leadership on their own terms.
My coaching is practical, supportive, and honest. I will encourage you, ask thoughtful questions, offer perspective, and hold you accountable to the commitments you make to yourself. You can expect a space where you feel supported, challenged, and empowered to take action. I believe people have far more potential than they often recognize. My work is to help them see it, trust it, and put it into action.
My Foundation and Tools
Education
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno
- M.A. in Industrial Organizational Psychology, Seattle Pacific University
- Certified Executive & Career Coach, Center for Executive Coaching
- Positive Intelligence® Coaching Program
Certifications
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
- Trust Coach & Whole Leader Development, WiLD Leaders
- KF360 Certification, Korn Ferry
- TotalSDI Facilitator, Crucial Learning
- McQuaig Facilitator, The McQuaig Institute
Behind the Coach
I call Northern Nevada home, where I live with my husband and our dog Pepper. Give me a plane ticket, a body of water, a good book, a glass of wine, and I’m in my happy place. (Bonus points if I can enjoy them all together!)