Kathleen A. Marron, JD, PCC
1. What brought you to coaching?
It was an unexpected path. As a national law firm leader, trial lawyer, and non-profit board chair, I thought I had my ideal career. Yet, after 20 years, I felt restless- I felt inspired to make a bigger difference in the world. I saw vast gender and racial disparities and, as the mother of two children adopted from India, I wanted to change that. I envisioned how coaching could benefit individuals and organizations to empower women and eliminate racism. I asked my coach (who had coached me before as a leader) to help me navigate a new career. Thus began my journey from advisor advocate to curious coach! I became certified as an executive coach at the Hudson Institute (where I also later achieved Master Coach) and launched The Marron Alliance in 2006. I now am training to become certified as a Supervisor of coaches at the Coaching Supervision Academy (CSA) in the UK.
2. Tell us about your coaching practice. (Niche, ideal client, etc.)
My passion is to empower leaders, coaches and teams with the skills they need (persuasive communication, EQ, and cultural competence) to become the best versions of themselves as they lead and coach others. My gift is in identifying systemic forces; uncovering hidden beliefs, bias and blind-spots; and developing practices for success.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: I coach leaders and organizations to cultivate diverse and inclusive cultures absent of gender and racial injustice. Specifically, I use my Gender Alliance® framework to teach and coach clients how to master gender-inclusive leadership (and coaching) in the workplace. This proprietary model is drawn from my leadership and coaching experience, as well as extensive research on behavior- and brain-based gender differences. For highlights, check out my ZED talk at http://www.marronalliance.com/videos/. Ideal Clients: leaders, teams and coaches who desire to lead and coach in an emotionally intelligent, empowering and inclusive way. Most are in professional services: law, healthcare, finance, and coaching/consulting. Many are women and people of color, often leading in male-dominated industries.
3. What do you love about your coaching (and supervision) work?
I love evoking the best out of others and equipping them to achieve their dreamed of future. I also love listening to people’s stories, then working alongside them to make the shifts they need to live the powerful future they desire. I feel privileged to help minimize the implicit bias, beliefs and blind-spots that often get in the way of inclusive workplaces.
4. Tell us about the coaching tools, books, podcasts, etc. that you follow that helps you to stay informed.
As a former jazz musician, I am a firm believer in feedback and practice. Some of these tools are captured in the book I co-authored with other Master Coaches entitled Fearless Feedback: A Guide for Coaching Leaders, ( #1 in leadership on Amazon 2019). (See www.fearlessfeedbackguide.com for free downloads!)
Most recently, I became a PQ Pioneer, and incorporate the EQ practices of the Positive Intelligence Quotient (“PQ”) into my coaching, workshops, diversity training and coaching supervision. For details, see www.positiveintelligence.com. As for staying informed, I love to read, listen to podcasts, and view TED talks (and take assessments!). Rather than listing them all here, I refer you to those listed on my website: www.marronalliance.com.
5. How has ICF-MN helped you as a coach?
In 2006, fellow-Hudson coach Dave Wondra was ICF-MN President and mentored me as I launched my coaching practice, introducing me to his ICF network in MN. Through the years, I continued to benefit from Dave’s wisdom, the ICF network and the many tremendous programs ICF-MN has offered, including the recent live webinar from Dr. Pam McLean, (my own Supervisor)!
6. How can folks connect with you?
Please email me at kamarron@marronalliance.com; or connect on LinkedIn. Back to Catalyst...