Professional Profile:

Winifred Ernst has 18+ years’ experience in leadership development, organizational consulting, and cross-functional team building. She partners with leaders on strategic and tactical planning, influencing, establishing common principles across virtual and cross-cultural inclusive teams, and leading change. Winifred also supports executives in transitions, feeling stuck, or seeking balance between professional and personal goals, drawing on cross-sector experience spanning technology, professional and financial services, retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, healthcare, and education.

Key Executive Coaching Expertise:

• Coaches external executive hires and leaders transitioning between large corporations and startups, including repatriation and cross-company moves
• Builds senior-team collaboration and cross-functional alignment
• Strengthens influence and network-building for executives moving to CEO status from SVP/enterprise roles
• Supports leaders to prevent burnout and improve sustainability by setting realistic boundaries and strengthening cross-functional coordination

Education and Credentials:

• Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coaching Federation (ICF)
• Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. (Honors) in English, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Coaching training: Co-Active Training Institute (Core); Center for Creative Leadership (Benchmarks 360 Certification and programs); Institute for Intercultural Communication
• Certifications: Hogan; MBTI; WorkPlace Big5; FIRO-B/Business; Change Style Indicator; Influence Style Indicator

Coaching Approach:

Winifred leverages research-backed strategies to help leaders create better workplaces and achieve success. She combines candid reflection with practical tools to help clients influence effectively, align teams, and lead change across complex, cross-cultural environments.