Ensign, Tonya

Tonya Ensign

Dr. Ensign brings a unique blend of hands-on experiences and research to the field of coaching. Imagine a Venn diagram and the intersection of academic teaching and empirical research, executive operational roles in a Fortune 100 company, and forming/leading multiple entrepreneurial start-up companies. Ensign has not only studied and taught in the field, she has lived it firsthand.

Dr. Ensign currently develops programs, teaches, and advises dissertation students in the PhD in Global Leadership program at IndianaTech University which caters to students who are experienced professionals. Her knowledge of and work in leadership development in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments brings a deep and holistic experience to these students.

Dr. Ensign has authored several peer-reviewed, published studies, book chapters, and articles on global leadership and intercultural relations; adult learning, transformative learning and change; and the intersection of leadership and wellbeing. Her doctoral research at Pepperdine University revealed a new framework to understand the anatomy of disorientation as a catalyst for a special type of adult learning called transformative learning. Transformative learning results in lasting, irreversible change. Ensign’s research continues to advance our understanding of how both planned and unexpected disorienting events – such as global pandemics – can become catalysts for personal transformation.

Dr. Ensign has also operated a successful private consulting practice for 23 years. In this role, she has advised venture capital and private equity investors, as well as founders, executive teams, board members, and other stakeholders through a variety of organizational start-up, growth stages, and exit stages in 15 companies. Additionally, she has developed deep relationships with 30 companies as the lead executive coach and organizational leadership consultant. Her unique blend of firsthand experience working in both large and small companies plus her academic research and teaching experience, and her executive coaching skillset, provides a unique perspective and strong credibility in the coaching marketplace.