Executive Leadership Circles

…for Higher Education Leaders

Leadership in higher education is complex — and often isolating.

At Koehler Consulting, we’ve worked with leaders across the higher ed landscape who describe the pressure of navigating institutional priorities, enrollment goals, financial realities, and organizational politics — often with little structured support or community designed for their level of responsibility.

That’s why we created the Executive Leadership Circle (ELC) — a professionally facilitated, small-group coaching experience designed to support senior higher education leaders in building their strategic capacity, confidence, and connections.

The ELC provides a confidential space to step back from the daily whirlwind and invest in your leadership alongside a small cohort of trusted peers.

What to Expect

  • Curated cohorts of 6–8 leaders in similar roles or functional areas

  • Eight, two-hour virtual group sessions, grounded in real-world leadership challenges

  • Facilitated discussions on topics such as:

    • Moving from operational to strategic leadership

    • Strengthening executive presence and institutional perspective

    • Navigating organizational dynamics and change

    • Building and leveraging internal and external networks

  • Two individual coaching sessions tailored to each participant’s goals — one before the group begins and one after it concludes

  • Dedicated space for peer coaching and problem-solving in every session

  • Optional ad hoc support between sessions as needed

Currently Forming Cohorts

We are currently enrolling new Executive Leadership Circles for leaders in the following areas:

  • Chief Enrollment Officers / VPs for Enrollment Management

  • Admission Deans/Directors/Senior Leaders

  • Chief Financial Aid Officers / Directors of Financial Aid

As additional interest grows, we plan to expand to include senior leaders in other key functional areas across higher education.

Is the ELC Right for You or Someone on Your Team?

The ELC is ideal for leaders who want to:

  • Step into or grow within senior leadership roles with greater clarity and confidence

  • Learn alongside thoughtful, self-aware peers

  • Build a trusted professional network

  • Have space for reflection, growth, and real-time leadership coaching

Interested in learning more? Contact us or schedule a 30-minute call. We’re also happy to connect you with current ELC members who can share their experiences directly.

Let’s build stronger, more supported leadership in higher education — together.

Get started, today.

T E S T I M O N I A L

“I'm one of the lucky seven!

Over the past nine months, I had the distinct privilege of being part of the inaugural ELC with Laurie Koehler. This experience has been a highlight of my year. The trust, insight, and camaraderie built within our group reminded me that leadership growth doesn’t have to happen in a silo — it can be purposeful, shared, and cathartic. Thank you to my fellow cohort members for your wisdom and vulnerability. A special thank you to Adrienne Amador Oddi for highlighting the opportunity and recommending me to Laurie.  Laurie, thank you so much for creating a space where strategic thinking merges with leadership presence to create authentic connections with fellow enrollment leaders. Excited to see others take a leap at this amazing professional development opportunity!”

-  Justin Rummel, Vice President for Enrollment Management

T E S T I M O N I A L

“I will be forever grateful for the friend who introduced me to Laurie and the fact that I said yes.

I will admit: I hesitated. I thought, how can I possibly have the time? Joining Laurie Koehler’s Executive Leadership Circle was exactly what I needed. And ELC 1: you’re all the b-e-s-t BEST! And if you’re considering joining a cohort, happy to connect!”

- Emily Roper-Doten, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions