Coaching is a practice that is quite young. It is crucial to ground a new science in research-based methodologies. This allows us, as coaches to know what is working and why it is working. Coaches often find themselves as scientists during sessions, gathering data on which methodology was effective and which was less effective — testing a hypothesis. Scientists have been gathering data to support hypotheses for centuries now and have developed rigorous methods to conduct empirical research.

We invite you to learn how you can use some of the techniques used by social scientists to ground your coaching in a research-based foundation. This can involve incorporating research from thought leaders into your practice or using your own data to gain greater insights into your methodologies.  

This webinar is for coaches who would like to learn more about:

• Why research is so important for a coaching practice
• How the best coaches translate key research studies into practices and approaches they can use with clients
• How to think about doing research as a coach
• Possible approaches to taking a coaching question and turning it into a research project (with examples)

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Presenter: Tonya Ensign, PhD

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.