Let Me Shed Some Light

The most important things to know about me as a coach

I’ve carried the heavy weight of being the CEO.

I know what it’s like to worry how your decisions impact your staff, colleagues, clients, customers, and community. And I know, firsthand, how hard it can be to sit in the corner office and find the people who will question and challenge you before you take consequential action.

After more than 10 years in the C-Suite, I bring a unique perspective to helping you integrate deeply-held values with prudent fiscal judgement, and make the tough decisions with confidence.

Like you, I’m more than my professional experience.

Deann Forman throwing socks into the air — I’m a busy working mom of 3 delightfully sarcastic children, a proud partner of a loving and supportive husband, and a caring (and sometimes flustered) daughter of an aging parent. I have lived through the grief of prematurely losing my mom and my only sibling. I have gritted my teeth in the passenger seat while my teenager learns to drive. I have cheered at soccer games, science fairs, musical theater performances, and graduations.

I know what it’s like to struggle with carrying it all while keeping myself energized and motivated. It’s all a part of who I am and what I bring to you as your coach.

I have a talent for finding “the bigger obstacle.”

Sometimes we are held back by obstacles we can’t even see. A wise colleague once told me, “If you have a situation you can’t seem to change, sometimes you need to look for the bigger obstacle.” I am an expert at helping you find that bigger obstacle.

I ask powerful, provocative questions that will help you get at the root cause of the challenge you’re facing. Then I help you conquer it.

I’m direct, authentic, and empathetic.

I value family, community, and fun. I like floating in the ocean, hiking in the woods, playing mahjong with my friends, and pretending I can still eat as much ice cream as I want with no consequence. And I absolutely love helping others learn and grow.

Degrees & Certifications

I am an advanced level (PCC), Executive and Leadership Coach certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF). I hold an MPA from Columbia University, a BA in psychology from Brandeis University, and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance from Rutgers University.