About Vanessa Tennyson

Collaborating with Executives on Authentic Leadership

Value of Coaching

As a professional executive and leadership coach, I work with people in the space between behavior and performance, to assist in the creative exploration of capabilities and effectiveness.

I work alongside those who desire to be genuinely engaged in their work, committed to developing their awareness, and broadening their perspective.

vanessa tennyson executive business coach
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My Story

I bring more than three decades of senior business and C-suite experience to my work as an executive coach. Having served as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Operating Officer across finance, professional services and complex operating environments, I combine strong commercial and financial acumen with a deep understanding of people, organizations and what it takes to lead effectively at scale.

I bring credibility to my work with senior executives and CEOs because I understand first-hand the realities of leading complex organizations: balancing competing priorities, navigating stakeholder expectations, engaging large teams and delivering results through others. My breadth of experience across finance, people leadership and operations enables me to quickly understand both the business context surrounding a leadership challenge and the organizational dynamics that may be contributing to it.

Coaching Philosophy

I coach in the areas of Emotional Intelligence, Leadership & Engagement, Communication, Executive Presence, Performance Enhancement.

I’m a perceptive listener with strong business instincts, and I quickly get beneath the surface of a leadership challenge to identify the patterns, behaviors and assumptions that may be limiting an executive’s effectiveness. I combine candor and challenge with warmth, humor and empathy, creating an environment where senior leaders can examine difficult feedback without becoming defensive and turn insight into practical action.

Warmth, directness and the ability to build trusted relationships are hallmarks of my coaching style, particularly with highly experienced executives who value a coach who understands their world while also being willing to challenge their thinking.

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Successful Clients

“Vanessa has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. To call her an extraordinary coach is a vast understatement. Not only is she highly skilled, highly educated, highly empathetic and emotionally intelligent, but she has a way of piercing through you to get to the heart of the matter and transform the way you look at a challenge or setback.”
kate eckmanSenior Vice President, Market.live at Verb. Author of The Full Spirit Workout. Keynote Speaker. Broadcast Journalist. Certified Executive Coach and Advisor.
kate eckman
“There are so many people in the world who follow a very conventional path, often because it is easier. You are definitely not one of them. You are “an uncommon one”. You have the strength of character and conviction of a lioness. You exhibit a unique and tremendous ability to put yourself in others shoes with an incredible illumination, coupled with a dedication, resiliency and energy that is very rarely seen in this world. I am a much better person because of what you have shared and taught me.”
Darin AndersonChairman & CEO, Salas O’Brien
Darin Anderson
“It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Vanessa Tennyson. I believe that she brings knowledge, skills, and relevant background, and also emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills that will enhance the experience of others. As a Leadership Coach, she has practical experience leading teams and organizations, from which she has gained wisdom, curiosity, business acumen, and emotional intelligence. She is committed to being a positive force in communities, giving her time and talent, and mentoring, coaching and supporting others as they learn and grow.”
Kate Schaefers, Ph.D.Director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Kate Schaefers, Ph.D.
“Coach. Friend. Mentor. Expert in so, so many things. Vanessa is rare on many levels and her clarity of expertise has been such a breath of fresh air in my life and in my professional journey. She truly has operated—and continues to operate—as a North Star. What an absolute gem of a human and coach.”
Emily Hunt TurnerFounder & CEO, All Square; Attorney
Emily Hunt Turner
“During every session she gives me items to work on in an effort to advance myself and my company. I’m never left wondering what to do or what my next steps should be. Having a mentor and coach helps me shine light on things that will grow my business and leave me feeling fulfilled in my life – which is priceless. There’s nothing like that feeling of pride, and understanding my worth as a female entrepreneur! I feel truly lucky and blessed to be working with Vanessa.”
Sara Stamschror-LottMA, LMFT, Founder, Creative Kuponya
Sara Stamschror-Lott
“Working with Vanessa as a client is such a pleasure. Her professional and personal insight helps disentangle things that otherwise may seem daunting. She has helped me flesh out the pathways that lay ahead of me, and has never once let me forget the power of my potential. I can’t say enough great things about Vanessa — she inspires me greatly!”
Elise PaintonGas Chromatography Analyst,Plant Extracts International
Elise Painton
“Vanessa is amazing to work with and has phenomenal expertise as a coach and leader. I had the pleasure of working with her as my Leadership Coach, and her talents and abilities assisted in a dramatic increase in progress in my professional career. Vanessa has amazing insight and intuition and was able to really help me look at things in a new light and upgrade my mindset. As a Leadership Coach, Vanessa earns my highest recommendation.”
Natasha Sheyenne OrseleneLeader Development Senior Manager, Electronic Arts (EA)
Natasha Sheyenne Orselene
“With healthy doses of witty self-deprecating humor and honest reflection, Vanessa’s coaching is tactical, relevant and productive. Vanessa creates space where one can enter simply as they are. Then, leave feeling understood, empowered and accountable. She embraces one’s authenticity and all of its complexity, vulnerability and beauty. Her genuine interest and calm centeredness open the door to increased awareness, perspective setting, grounding and action.”
Jennifer DobossyMPA, Foundation and Nonprofit Director
Jennifer Dobossy
“Vanessa elevated my game. She was able to identify historical mental struggles I was allowing to impede on my ability to accomplish certain tasks in my profession. Since, our work together I am more confident. As a result, my business and more importantly my family are in a much better state of functioning.”
Jamil Stamschror-LottAdjunct Faculty Instructor, Augsburg University
Jamil Stamschror-Lott
“Vanessa is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with. In our work together, Vanessa made sure not only that trust and mutual respect is created, but also that I stick to my path and make progress on my way to my life vision. Vanessa’s energy and empathetic approach are unique and not that easy to find. If you would like to step out of your comfort zone with a supportive yet honest partner – Vanessa should be your choice.”
Olga SkipperLeader | Entrepreneur | Executive Coach
Olga Skipper
“Vanessa’s coaching has been indispensable in helping me take on the challenges of organizational leadership, which has also led to me become a better friend and colleague to others. She has a tremendous ability to identify sticking points you couldn’t quite put your finger on and build the skills and tools that will guide you to an optimal resolution – which is more difficult but infinitely more useful than revealing the answer. Truth teller, avid conversationalist on virtually any topic, laser focused – Vanessa is a cut above the rest. You’d be a fool not to take every opportunity to avail yourself of her vast expertise.”
Heather OlsenExecutive Director, It's In Our Blood
Heather Olsen
“What does one get when you combine a caring concerned listener and a velvet-gloved pragmatic strategist, (with a great sense of humor) in the service to others? You get Vanessa Tennyson! In serving her clients and being a resource to me, she has always asked thoughtful and strategic probing questions to get at the essence of the matter and without judgement helps nurture one’s self-discovery and ownership of a critical path towards a solution.”
Chris Mayr(retired) Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Carlson School of Management
Chris Mayr
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You’re in the Right Place if:

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You want to be proud your staff and others come to you to talk through concerns, or ask for guidance and assistance regarding many types of issues related to their jobs. You are ready to feel like a true leader.

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You want too have a good understanding of what makes people work well, and empathize with many of the issues or blockers they may be experiencing.

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When you come home and tell your partner about your day, you want to feel comfortable that you brought your whole self, in a genuine manner to everything you encountered, and are able to rest comfortably knowing that your one true self is the best of you.

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You understand that not everyone is going to get along and that discussions can sometimes get heated. You establish norms for behavior and role model them appropriately.

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You know what you don’t know, and are honest and open about that. You know that when you need more information, you know where to find it, who to ask, or how to collaborate so that we all can be successful. You want to achieve your goals through hard work and perseverance, and deserve any accolades as a result.

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You’ve Got my Attention, Now What?

Learn More about Working Together and Starting Your Journey

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