I specialize in coaching technical professionals at the executive and mid stages in their careers to transform into impactful organizational leaders.
Technical leaders are well trained in scientific methods and problem solving but leadership of teams and influencing through business challenges requires new skills and new behaviors to build trust, foster relationships and influence people who think differently.
Neela Paul
Trained as a scientist and with 25 years as a technical leader and executive in research & development
I deeply understand how technical people think and the challenges they face as they rise to senior levels of leadership. I coach executives and technical leaders to help them maximize their impact and influence.
No matter how complex the situation, I believe there is always a way forward. I create a safe and trusting environment that allows the client to challenge assumptions and unlock new possibilities to lead, communicate and collaborate more effectively.
My passion for coaching springs from gratitude for my own evolution, guided by my own coaches and leadership challenges. I believe everyone has the power and potential to shift, to get unstuck – to see what they did not see before, and has the opportunity to choose consciously and respond to circumstances rather than react automatically. This opens the door to more possibilities… more solutions.
Business and Leadership Experience
As a coach and a seasoned executive with over 25 years of global Research & Development experience at Fortune 500 corporations, I bring a unique depth and perspective to my coaching.
Trained as a scientist, I advanced through corporate leadership positions leading teams and managing global programs with my business partners while juggling work and family. As a coach, I guide leaders to gain self-awareness and challenge assumptions to unlock enhanced levels of leadership, innovation, communication and collaboration. I have helped both individuals and teams discover, grow and know their true potential with greater performance and impact.
I have led teams and headed global R&D organizations at Kraft Foods, Mars Wrigley, and Panda Restaurant Group. My experiences span a wide range of global business and technical areas including innovation, new product development, commercialization, technology and pipeline development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, and corporate reorganizations. I deeply understand the many challenges that technical people face as they rise to senior levels of leadership and influence.
I bring broad business intelligence and insight into the complexities of individuals and organizational cultures. I blend my expertise in strategic planning, innovation and product development with highly intuitive people development skills.
I have had diverse experiences and challenges both as a scientist and as an executive leading technical teams and have melded my scientific problem-solving style with empathetic leadership skills to lead and influence. I am genuinely curious and love connecting with people.
Education and Coaching Credentials
My education includes an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and a graduate degree in Food Science from University of Illinois. I have enhanced my hands-on experience through my training and coaching certification. I am a certified Integral Coach through New Ventures West and certified in the Leadership Circle Profile 360 assessment tool. Coaching and leadership development have been my passion throughout my career.
Curious about coaching or would like to connect? Vist contact page.