Kelly VanKoughnet, PhD, CEC, ACC

A neuroscientist by training, Kelly enjoyed a 15+ year career as a Senior Executive leader serving the higher education and research sector before making a career transition, driven by a desire to follow her personal vision and engage fully in her executive coaching practice.

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Kelly champions the aspirations of individual clients through one-on-one coaching and supports the aspirations of academic and related institutions through designing creative and collaborative solutions (consulting, facilitation and problem-solving engagements that meet specific needs) and through expert panel report development and writing services.

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Kelly’s extensive knowledge and experience of academia, its culture and its institutions allow her to bring a rich contextual understanding to her work. She deeply values the diversity of views, ideals, beliefs and perspectives that inform a rich academic conversation and is practiced in constructing spaces where all feel valued and can see their views accurately and fairly reflected.

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Kelly is well known as an authentic leader with a reputation for pragmatism, keen listening skills and the courage to engage respectfully in tough but necessary conversations. Her executive leadership experience has included deep dives into real-world organizational and interpersonal dynamics. She is also in possession of a wicked sense of humour, an asset that has proven invaluable throughout her career.

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She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University, a Masters in Medical Sciences (M.MSc.) from Harvard Medical School, a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, and a Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. She holds ACC certification from the International Coach Federation (ICF).