Deb Friedman
Leadership Coach
“I am driven by a deep belief in lifelong learning and growth, a humble curiosity, and a passion for helping people discover and pursue what is possible.”
Deb is an executive leadership coach and facilitator who supports and develops leaders so that they can thrive in a rapidly evolving world. She brings to her work 20 years of experience leading in complexity – from a volunteer with the Peace Corps to an executive at a fortune 100 company.
During her 15-year tenure at National Geographic, a Walt Disney Company, Deb served as an influential senior leader at the intersection of mission and profit. She designed and delivered experiential learning and travel programs around the globe, sustainably growing the brand’s travel business ten-fold.
Deb helps her clients develop their leadership capacity to inspire, align, and serve teams – and deliver breakthrough results – amid change and uncertainty. Her clients value her as an inquisitive, collaborative, and empathetic thought partner. Through direct, honest, and purposeful conversations, Deb supports and challenges them as they pursue their most important goals and gain lifelong strategies for sustained personal and professional growth.
At the core of Deb’s work is the principal that every person is naturally creative resourceful, and whole. She is passionate about the intersection of wellbeing and leadership, and about the possibilities that arise when we approach wellbeing as a foundation from which to live, work, and lead.
Experience
- 20 years of experience in complex and rapidly evolving for profit and non-profit organizations as a coworker, manager, and senior leader
- Successfully led teams through two major corporate acquisitions
- An industry leader in the creation of innovative travel programs and partnerships
- Experience living and working outside of the U.S., including managing international, multicultural teams
- Proven track-record coaching leaders across a variety of levels, industries, and companies – from individual contributors to C-suite executives and from Fortune 50 companies to global non-profit organizations
- Passionate about designing and facilitating in-person retreats and workshops to provide leaders with transformative experiences that serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth
Education, Certifications and Assessments
- Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching (Georgetown University)
- ICF Certified Coach (PCC)
- Leadership Development Program Certificate (Center for Creative Leadership)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Anthropology (Colby College)
- BeWell Lead Well Pulse® Certified Guide
- Assessments: Leadership Circle Profile 360, Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0), DiSC, StrengthsFinder
Personal
- Deep interest in nature and the outdoors, hiking, playing music, building community, and mindfulness practices.
- Lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and two young sons
Learn more about Nebo’s services.