Leading with Heart, Inc.

What Our Clients Say About
Executive Coaching

Real stories from leaders who partnered with us to grow, lead with clarity, and deliver lasting results.

Results from real coaching engagements

Our clients are executives, founders, physicians, and emerging leaders who came to Leading with Heart ready to grow. These are their experiences—in their own words.

78+ Client Stories
1:1 Executive Coaching
Real Client Voices

I've worked with Jeff for over two years. During this time, he has been a trusted advisor on many career-related decisions and has influenced my approach to leading…

Harsha Thirumurthy, Ph.D.

Professor and Chief, Division of Health Policy · Department of Medical Ethics and Health…

My coaching experience was like having a productive work therapist that not only provided support but tools to manage my expectations, understand perceptions, and appreciate differences. Jeff K…

Hien Dang, Ph.D, Director, Surgical Research Division, Department of Surgery

Thomas Jefferson University

Jeff is one of the most remarkable people I know and that is perhaps why he is the best executive coach that I have ever worked with. He…

Bruce A. Meyer MD, MBA, President, Western Pennsylvania Market, Highmark Health

I first worked with Jeff as part of an institutional leadership training program. It was such a transformative experience that I continue to work with him to this…

Ebbing Lautenbach, MD, MPH, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania

Considering this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most clinically and academically challenging in my 37 years at Jefferson, my coaching experience has…

Ted Christopher, Chair of Emergency Medicine at Jefferson

I was gifted 7 session with Dr. Kaplan through the Penn Fellows program. As a professor, a writer, and an activist, I'm generally quite skeptic of professional American…

Kristen R. Ghodsee

Chair and Professor, Russian and East European Studies · Member, Graduate Group of Anthropology · University…

After 29 years with Shaw Industries, I was selected to become just the third CEO in our 55-year history. I selected Dr. Jeff Kaplan for a 1-year engagement…

Tim Baucom, CEO and President Shaw Industries, a Berkshire Hathaway Company

Dr. Jeff Kaplan was a gem. I have had the opportunity to work with several excellent executive/leadership coaches in the past. Jeff was excellent – focused, no nonsense…

Charles J. Yeo, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chairman, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Senior Vice President and Enterprise Chair, Surgery Jefferson Health

Working with Jeff is a great experience. He is unique in that he has a background in psychology and business that allows him to understand his clients as…

Tiffany Canady, Senior Vice President- Finance &Accounting

It was my pleasure to be afforded the opportunity to work with Dr Jeff Kaplan, when I was first promoted to the role of President of Jefferson Northeast.…

Rich Galup, MS, MBA, President Jefferson Health System- Northeast Division

Jeff does an exceptional job of listening, understanding, and then reflecting back feedback and input that is highly impactful. Also, I think his ethos is right on target…

Amol Navathe, PhD, MD

Physician and Professor at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania ·…

When I started working with Jeff, I wasn't sure what to expect from executive coaching. It turned out to be a tremendously helpful and positive undertaking. Jeff's past…

Dr. Meredith Tamminga (she/her)

Associate Professor | Graduate Chair · Department of Linguistics | University of Pennsylvania

It was a pleasure to follow Colleen's lead at SBN. She created an environment of engagement, action, success, and fun. Her expertise is undeniable. And the value of…

JoAnn Garbin, Mission-Driven Value Creator at Microsoft

I loved having Faisal coach me. He matched my energy and really helped me fully live my life purpose. Faisal still inspires me every day to follow my…

L. Hill, Marketing

Lisa Kramer's professional, passionate and caring approach has supported my drive to become a better and stronger leader. She has helped me to create a vision of success…

Ben Williams, Former President, Swagelok North Texas

There are very few people who have had the impact both professionally and personally that Colleen has. When I transitioned into my first management position, my company offered…

Amanda Lipnack, Sr. Implementation Project Manager at League

I began working with Jeff during business school, and our meetings continued as I transitioned into my current faculty role. Jeff and I immediately connected over the concept…

Nate Handley, MD, MBA

Working with Jeff was a pleasure. He pushed just the right amount to help me expand my leadership style comfort zone. It was clear working with Jeff that…

Dan Podberesky, MD, Radiologist-in-Chief, Nemours Children's Health System

The hospital work environment has changed dramatically in recent years and is a much more matrixed environment than in the past. Jeff Kaplan has greatly helped me navigate…

T Sloane Guy, M.D., MBA, Director of Minimally Invasive &Robotic Cardiac Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University

Having Colleen in my corner, pushing me out of my comfort zone and encouraging me to act courageously has made a huge difference in my approach as a…

Karen Kirchner, MS, CPCC

Jeff was a God send to me in my professional, business, and personal development while I tried to rework myself through Wharton Executive Education late in my career.…

George Rodriquez, President of Dynamic Injury Solutions LLC

I met Jeff in 2019 when I was in an executive program in Philadelphia. I was lucky enough to have Jeff as a leadership coach during this program.…

Sean McDermott, President, Precision Mechanical Services

Working with Faisal as a coach has been a positive, heart-warming and empowering experience. Faisal provides a safe space in his sessions, I feel supported and heard. When…

D. Arizola, Reiki Master &Teacher, Massage Therapist, Entrepreneur

I started working with Jeff when I was at a crossroads in my career — deciding whether to remain at a large public company where I had a…

Hyung J. Bak General Counsel and Secretary, Warby Parker

All I can say is I wish I had the opportunity to have worked with Jeff years ago! The 6-month leadership coaching sessions I had with Jeff taught…

Kelly Zabriskie, MLS, BS, CIC, Enterprise Vice President Infection Control, Jefferson Health

I appreciated Faisal as a coach. Our sessions allowed for a free flow of communication. Faisal helped provide clarity on my thought process, allowing me to focus on…

C. Amaro, Entrepreneur

I appreciate Jeff's practical approach. He is a great listener who brought a plan but was flexible enough to adapt to the specific context and challenges of my…

Mark Gleason, Executive Director, Philadelphia School Partnership

I have had good experiences in the past with executive coaching. I have always found my coach to be a great sounding board, that was able to pick…

Oren Guttman, Chief Quality &Safety Officer, Abington Jefferson Health, Enterprise Vice President for High Reliability &Patient Safety Jefferson Health

As my coach, Lisa Kramer offers insightful guidance and feedback and delivers it gently and thoughtfully. The greater self-awareness and specific tools I developed through our work have…

Nancy Knoebel, Former CEO, Easter Seals Eastern PA

Although I have had many years of experience in leadership roles and had an awareness that I was in need of personal development, it wasn't until I worked…

Darren Ebesutani, Director Supply Chain, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

No matter what stage you're at in your career, there will be challenges to tackle, and coaching can offer new insights and perspectives. What I loved about working…

Dawn Graham, Career Director, MBA Program for Executives at The Wharton School

The trajectory of your life can change on a dime. I don't know where I might be had I met Dr. Jeff Kaplan earlier in my career (or…

Phil Kim, Chief Innovation &Strategy Officer, Universal Nutrition

Jeff's executive coaching skills helped me get to the next level with executive leadership skills and presence. Our discussions identified specific action plans with continuous improvement feedback, which…

Ed Sampey, Vice President Facilities Operations at Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Health

Dr. Jeff will open your mind and heart to the bigger picture while helping you become more productive and fulfilled on a day-to-day basis. His curiosity and sincere…

Jim Miranda, M.D., Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System

Jeff is a talented communicator that has a unique ability to understand professional development goals & opportunities and translate them into effective actionable tactics to realize improvement. These…

Patrick Cockey Senior Vice President, Jefferson Medical Group

Jeff is a tremendous coach and I wish I had met him a decade ago. He is constructive, sincere and empowering. His structured coaching style has helped me…

Assem Kapur, Director, Con Edison

I truly enjoyed working with Jeff when I was starting a new challenging position and his coaching helped me a lot. Jeff was open and respectful to what…

Koki "Ko" Umeda, Managing Executive Officer, Tokio Marine &Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.

Jeff and I intersected at a pivotal moment in my career – the timing couldn't have been more perfect. The insights I gained from his process helped unlock…

Jennifer Paine, Head of WW Regulatory Affairs, Johnson &Johnson

Before I started working with Jeff, I would have described myself as a reluctant leader. As a function of Jeff's coaching, I gained a much better understanding of…

Deanna Nobleza, M.D. Director, Student Counseling Center – Center City Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Thomas Jefferson University

I enjoyed working with Jeff on our coaching engagement. His series of 360-degree qualitative feedback interviews with my direct reports, peers, and superiors provided a very comprehensive picture…

Jon Moore, Senior Fellow, Comcast (former Chief Software Architect)

The thorough assessments that were conducted during my candidacy reassured me that I was a good fit for the role. The coaching and assessments during year one helped…

Executive Vice President, Large Health System

Jeff is a trusted companion on a journey of personal growth. He creates a safe space and provides helpful tools to help you look deep inside yourself, explore…

Mouneer Odeh, former Vice President, Enterprise Analytics &Chief Data Scientist

Jeff's executive coaching was invaluable. His ability to draw and apply his knowledge, experiences, and relationships to a variety of business situations helped develop and advance my career.…

Dustin Ottemiller, Vice President, Finance

I enjoyed my time with Dr. Kaplan. He is a true professional who has an empathic ear and an ability to discern critical information. His guidance and advice…

Darryl H. Beard, Vice President / Hospital Administrator

Jeff Kaplan is an amazing advisor, fantastic executive coach, and overall visionary. My introduction to Jeff was via contacts at Wharton. Our work together included strategic problem solving,…

Satya Shreenivas, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, The Christ Hospital Health Network

It was a pleasure working with Jeff, which has immensely helped me in both in my professional growth and personal success. His deep insight in behavioral science brings…

Ashish Misra, Hero MotoCorp Limited

The journey over these past few months (in the middle of a pandemic too) have been remarkable. Jeff has taken my talent and changed my mindset from "I…

Larisa Goganzer, RN, MSN, FACHE. Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, AtlantiCare

Dr. Jeff Kaplan has been a trusted consult to our department for the last 5 years. Whether it is engaging in a leadership coaching role with an individual…

Leonard G. Gomella, MD, FACS, The Bernard W. Godwin Professor of Prostate Cancer, Chairman, Department of Urology Senior Director Clinical Affairs, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Enterprise Urology Service Line Clinical Leader Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Journal of Urology International Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital

Jeff played a crucial role in shaping how I see myself as a leader, but more importantly how I show up every day as a human being. He…

Nick Kim, Principal, Crosscut Ventures

Meeting and working with Jeff came at the absolute right time for me during a recent change into an executive leadership role. I have had executive coaches in…

Janet F. Tomcavage, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive, Geisinger

I started working with Jeff late in 2018 when I needed help understanding myself and refocusing my energy / efforts. Jeff and I quickly developed an open and…

Jack Newnam, Vice-President, Allan Myers

As a new clinical leader at a large health system, Jeff played such an important part in my professional development and early successes. Tailoring his coaching to highlight…

Olan Soremekum – Medical Senior Director, Cigna-HealthSpring

I shared some moments of self-affirmation with Jeff when I was thrilled to hear the positive things others said about me. I also shared moments of disappointment if…

Bill Schlaff – Chair, Department of Obstetrics &Gynecology – Jefferson Health

It has been an absolute delight to work with Jeff. During about 12 months period when we worked together, Jeff has helped me with a 360 degree understanding…

Y. Victoria Zhang – Vice Chair of Clinical Enterprise Strategy, University of Rochester Medical Center

Working with Jeff was very helpful in my professional career. He helped me slow down and think of things from a strategic standpoint and always keeping in mind…

Doug Demko – SVP Services and Support, Shift4 Payments -Chairman, President, Director of Operations, Skystream Jet

Using one word to describe my executive coaching experience with Jeff, it would be invaluable. Invaluable to me, my colleagues and the organization I serve. From day 1,…

Maricar Collins, Vice President, Financial Operations and Budget at University of Pennsylvania Health System

Every leader needs business acumen, even values at their foundation. However, the best leaders are highly self-aware with a strong sense of humility and empathy. Jeff has a…

Brian Carlisle, Chief Commercial Officer, Perma Pure

Emotional intelligence and a constantly evolving understanding of your values personality and style are essential to enhancing any executives contributions to their organization. Over the years I have…

Robert Lux, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Temple University Health System

Jeff created a safe and open environment from our first meeting. He communicated genuine interest in my past, present, and future. I was immediately comfortable in talking openly…

Sandra Gomberg, former CEO, Temple University Hospital

I am a better person, and leader, for working with Jeff. His style perfectly matched mine and I found it easy to open up to him and, in…

Kevin Pollock, former President, Montgomery County Community College

Effective leadership requires the courage to look within. Working with Jeff Kaplan gave me the tools to do so. Thank you Jeff.

Lisa Corbin, Director of Investments, Temple University Health System

Jeff has been an amazing partner and guide for me on my journey onto my next chapter. He brings good thinking and tools to help clarify your thinking,…

Tom Keebler, former Managing Director, Global Management Consulting Firm

Increasingly in management and leadership, a leader needs to have a high degree of self-awareness and the ability to actually objectively see yourself and how you and your…

Lon Justice, Vice President of Sales and Chief Marketing &Customer Experience Officer, Agilent Technologies

My relationship with Jeff has been all about self-image: coaching that focused on being confident, honing my image, and improving my presentation-style. My confidence has improved so much,…

Melanie (Fitzgerald) McManamy, Associate Vice President, Global Operations Strategy, Programs, and Continuous Improvement, Agilent Technologies

Utilizing Jeff's executive coaching skills enabled me to enhance my leadership skills and executive presence. Our dialogue was candid and offered an accurate diagnostic to the attributes of…

Ken Roy, Regional Vice President, Oracle Corporation

The most important thing that came out of the coaching for me was a sense that I needed to clarify my own priorities and limitations and come to…

Linda Post, MD, Medical Director, United Heathcare Community Plan of Ohio

Jeff was exceptionally helpful in identifying and resolving international, cross cultural and cross functional management and team dynamics issues. He is skilled in complex 360 evaluations and interpersonal…

Stanley R. Frankel, MD, Senior Vice President, Cellular Therapy Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb

I feel strongly that the coaching I have received during this past 6-month time frame has not only met my expectations but has exceeded them to a significant…

Stan Williams

Working with Jeff to improve my confidence, develop a stronger executive presence, and build skills for working with difficult personalities has been a truly transformative experience. Jeff shared…

Sarah Burlew, Manager Emerging Markets, Energy Industry

One of the most helpful aspects of my coaching with Jeff Kaplan is the validation it provides. I sometimes feel like I'm making decisions in a vacuum, without…

Dave U., former Manager, Member Support Services, Energy Industry

I worked with Jeff last summer into the fall. Through his guidance I have developed stronger habits and concrete goals. From creating "to do" list (and actually getting…

Frank E. Surface, Chairman &CEO, Superior Paving

I can't thank you enough from your expert, straight forward, SO valuable coaching support and perspective. You have been so amazingly valuable to me and lead to some…

Cynthia Ronan, Manager, Leadership Development, Lastar, Inc

Jeff allowed me to experience the power of someone being totally in tune with my goals and desires and having my best interests at heart. During our bi-weekly…

Karen Johnson Dugger, Human Resources Manager, Philadelphia, PA

Jeff was one of our most gifted coach trainers at MentorCoach, and he is valued and respected for his enthusiasm, commitment, and excellent coaching skills. Jeff demonstrate an…

Ben Dean, PhD, MCC, CEO MentorCoach, LLC, Bethesda, MD

After working with Jeff, I am more focused, better at managing my time, and have far less stress. I am more effective, period.

John Bullen, Senior Director, Real Estate, Comcast

Dr Jeff has made a greater impact on my career than any other single individual I ever met. His coaching success thrives on his unique ability to listen,…

James McAllister, MBA, PMP, Strategic Sourcing Manager, SDI

I was moving up that corporate ladder and recognized I didn't have all the political savvy of many of my colleagues. The Executive Coaching I received from Dr.…

Sue Haskoor, former Managing Director, Technology Investment, Strategy and Design Merrill Lynch Global Wealth &Investment Management

This coaching helped me achieve reduced cost, increased productivity for the department, and improved morale. Using techniques from the coaching I engaged in a difficult conversation with a…

Brian Isaacson, MD, MBA, Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center

Ready for your own transformation?

Connect with Leading with Heart to explore executive coaching, assessments, and leadership development for you or your organization.

Contact Us

Our Clients

Below is a select list of the organizations we have worked with. See the extensive list at Our Clients.