Essence Of Coaching

Inspiring leaders to rise to their potential

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About

Essence of Coaching

We are a leadership development consulting firm dedicated to inspiring leaders of the future.

We provide executive coaching and leadership development workshop experiences that support leaders to develop inclusive workplace cultures resulting in their talent in their organizations.

Sonja Mustiful

, MHR, PCC, CDTLF

Principal and Owner, Essence Of Coaching

Executive Coach, Author, Speaker, CHIEF Guide

Sonja Mustiful is a certified executive coach and leadership development consultant to individuals, teams and organizations. She has over 15 years of experience in human resource management and executive coaching.

She is a transformational speaker. Her workshops and keynote addresses are rich with proven strategies that can be implemented immediately to enact change in life and work. She is adept at utilizing storytelling to increase motivation and anchor learning. Her insightful approach has helped participants and clients ignite their teams and inspire them to improve their leadership and personal accountability. The testimonials below are an example of the amazing work Sonja has done and continues to do.

Certifications

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INCLUSION COACHTM 

Insights for Innovation

Testimonials

“Sonja shares how she simultaneously challenges, supports and inspires those around her to succeed. She personally helped me to recognize and address my blind spots to become a transformational leader.”


— David Aubrey (VP of Finance, Elbit of America)

“Working with Sonja as an executive coach, changed the quality of my leadership and how our team works together. Through her direct and supportive coaching, I gained awareness of myself as a leader.  I am more thoughtful and intentional in making choices that have a positive impact on team members. I am able to identify what team members need to grow and thrive.

As a team, Sonja guided us in identifying and working from our values. Our commonalities in these added to our cohesiveness while our differences added to the strengths of the team overall.  This was a game changer.

“…Sonja guided us in identifying and working from our values… This was a game changer.”

Sonja helped me confront and navigate the “brutal facts” but was there beside me believing I could make changes that would pay off in the end and they have. I changed as a leader working with  Sonja which changed the culture within our office.”

— Kathy L. Gibbs, M.S., M.Ed., NCC, BCC
Former Assistant Vice Chancellor
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Student Academic Support Services and Inclusion

“I was fortunate to work with Sonja when my team was struggling during some difficult growing pains. Our work with Sonja enabled me to be a more effective leader, and her insight and candor helped my staff and I move forward together.

“…her insight and candor helped my staff and I move forward together.”

I cannot recommend her enough—her approach to leadership, rooted in honesty and trust, has helped our team continue to thrive and grow, even during the pandemic.”

Sally M. Joyner (she/her) Legal Director Mid-South Immigration Advocates

“Sonja is an incredible thought and accountability partner.  She has so much wisdom and knowledge with centering equity, building teams and addressing challenges that develop over time for organizations.  I highly recommend her services for executive coaching and facilitation.  I look forward to working with her in the future. 

“…I highly recommend her services for executive coaching and facilitation.”

— Olliette Murry-Drobot (she/her) Chief Executive Officer at O2 Strategic Partners

History

Prior to establishing Essence of Coaching, Sonja was the Vice President of Human Resources at First Data. She has served in leadership roles with Regions, Citigroup and Honeywell. 

Sonja holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and holds a PCC (Professional Certified Coach). 

Sonja specializes in professional leadership development, organizational effectiveness and team-building. Her clients have included individuals/teams from FedEx, First Data Corporation, The Kroger Company, Child Safety Center, BRIDGES, and Medtronic.

Sonja Mustiful

Leadership Coach.

Career Strategist.

Author.

Fun Facts

A client gave me the name SonjaTheCoach after we navigated the design of a leadership playbook for their next career development promotional opportunity.

My Career Love Language is a Love of Learning (join my mailing list to learn more about the 3 Career Love Languages). I enjoy taking in all forms of learning to grow my leadership muscle.

My intention for Essence of Coaching is to create space for leaders to see the best inside themselves and rise to their potential.

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