Executive & Team Coaching
Let’s work together to achieve ALL your professional goals
Why You're Here
You’re ready to feel valued and listened to at work so you’re motivated to bring your best self every day that adds as much value as possible.
I work with executives like you to flesh out the pathways that lay ahead of you with action-steps to help your career and personal life.
Working together, you gain empowerment, engagement, productivity, and diversity of thought and action that leads to fulfillment for you and those around you.
Sample Topics We Cover
navigating relationships
Learn to be comfortable managing up, get promotions, feel connected instead of isolated
leadership
Learn how to get others to understand, follow, and agree
conflict resolution
Discover how to be heard and understood without arguments about the solutions you present
collaboration
Find out how to deal with staff incapable of doing things correctly which causes you to having to do it all yourself
authenticity
Stop feeling you have to act a certain way to be seen and heard, which leaves you exhausted day after day
Is coaching right for you?
Discover the differences among coaching, therapy and consulting
consulting
Focused on organizational performance
Strives for objectivity
Provides quantitative analysis of issues
Advises leaders on business matters
Paid to come up with answers
coaching
Focused on the future
Paid to ask the right questions
Helps individuals discover their own path
Tackles difficult issues at work and home
Focuses on individual behavioral change
Based on coaching code ethics
therapy
Focused on the past
Explores subjective experience
Focuses on cause of behavior
Diagnoses and treats dysfunctionality
Based on medical ethics
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. 
“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 
“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 
“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 
“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 
“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 
“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) 
“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 
“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 
“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 
“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 
“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 
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“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 eckmanCertified Executive Leadership Coach, Author of The Full Spirit Workout, Keynote Speaker | QVC & HSN Beauty Presenter 
“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
“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 SchaefersPh.D., LP, University of Minnesota Advanced Careers 
“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 
“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
“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 PaintonResearcher, Universtiy of Minnesota Life Course Center 
“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 OrseleneLeadership & Organizational Coach 
“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
“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
“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
“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 OlsenChief Operating Officer, All Square
“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
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background
Why work with Vanessa
Vanessa has over three decades of C-suite experience as CFO, CAO, CHRO and COO in professional services, non-profit management, human resources, financial management, administration and operations. She is a proven commodity having taken a small consulting engineering firm from $1 to $22 million in revenue and #60 in the country. She has been a catalyst for developing leadership talent to embrace empathy and bring clarity through transparent communication, as the foundation for what executive presence embodies.
Vanessa’s passion is people and as a transgender woman who spent the last 40 years in myriad roles within the business community, she has accumulated the rare perspective of having been an employee, manager, executive and owner, in both male and female gender roles.
Are you Ready?
Together, you discover the true basis for blockers, issues or concerns, and shine a light on what change looks like for you. You’re provided with a framework, accountability and meaningful feedback to accelerate individual performance, while embracing your authentic self.
Vanessa’s range of empathy is unusually diverse due to the wide array of experiences in her personal, professional and volunteer roles, and as your coach, she helps illuminate in language that is meaningful to you, your path to enhanced engagement and performance.
