From the Podcast
Conversations about what it means to lead, navigate, and figure things out along the way.
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TRUSTED BY
PAST CLIENTS.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
EXECUTIVE COACHING FOR WOMEN OF COLOR LEADERS.
WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
HOW TO WORK WITH ME
I work with education leaders and institutions to identify and remove the structural barriers that keep the work from moving forward for students.
I work with leaders who are trying to move meaningful work forward inside systems that often make that work harder than it should be.
My work centers leaders in education, especially women of color and the institutions responsible for creating the conditions where they can lead effectively.
Leadership can be complex and often isolating.
This is a space for women of color leaders to think out loud, process what they are carrying, and make thoughtful decisions about how they want to lead.
In our work together, we focus on navigating the realities of leadership inside complex systems and identifying what may be getting in the way of the work.
This is a space where you don’t have to carry it alone.
Many leaders are able to use professional development funds from their institution to support executive coaching.
ROOTS is a small leadership community for women of color leaders in education who want space to reflect, talk honestly about what they’re navigating, and learn alongside others working inside similar systems.
In this space, you step back from the daily demands of leadership, make sense of what’s happening in your context, and think more strategically about how to move the work forward.
Some participants are also able to use professional development funds from their institution to support their participation.
For colleges, universities, and schools where leaders know the work matters but something keeps getting in the way of the work moving forward.
I partner with leadership teams to identify the structural barriers getting in the way and build the conditions where leaders and staff can do their best work for students.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
The thinking behind Do Better.
Leading inside complex educational systems has shown me what gets in the way of people doing their best work.
As a Black woman who has often been the first in leadership roles, I know what it means to lead without a blueprint, navigating expectations, pressure, and complexity.
“Do Better” reflects how I approach leadership. It’s not about perfection. It’s about leading with clarity, courage, and authenticity, especially inside systems that were not designed with you in mind.
I help leaders remove the barriers that get in the way of doing their best work for students.
That experience shapes how I coach leaders and partner with institutions today. Together, we step back, understand what’s actually happening, and move forward with clarity and strategy.
Working with Debra has been pivotal for my professional development. She helps shape your leadership passion into actionable plans. Her insights address daily challenges and inspire aspirational growth. I highly recommend connecting with her.
Cecily N. - MI
Debra is a professional, organized, and strategic leader. She brings calm and optimism to the emotionally charged DE&I Action Plans. Debra keeps our team accountable and engaged, guiding us to create a plan that will make our museum more inclusive.
Amy D. - CA
Dr. Griffith is an exceptional coach who helped me uncover my leadership skills and shape my experiences into a strong leadership statement and resume. Her unique methods focus on my overall value to an organization, not just a list of skills. I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Debra!
Megan S. - CA
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES
CLIENT REFLECTIONS.
My clients come into coaching already thoughtful, capable, and carrying a lot.
Our work creates space to step back, see what’s actually happening, and move forward with more clarity and intention.
What shifts isn’t just their strategy, it’s how they understand their role, their decisions, and what they choose to carry.
For Directors, Deans, Associate Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, and C-suite leaders. Many leadership roles come without a roadmap, and women of color are often navigating both the role and the unspoken rules of the room.
Executive coaching helps you step fully into the seat, leading with intention, clarity, and authority.
For women of color leaders facing racism, sexism, microaggressions, or retaliation. Too often you’re left questioning yourself or carrying the burden alone.
Executive coaching creates space to name what’s happening, protect your well-being, and determine the strategy for your next move.
For senior leaders responsible for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across institutions. The work is complex, politically charged, and often misunderstood.
Coaching helps you clarify strategy, navigate resistance, and lead equity efforts with credibility and impact.
For leaders responsible for guiding teams, navigating conflict, and building strong organizational cultures. Leadership is not just about vision, it’s about relationships, accountability, and alignment.
Executive coaching helps you lead people with clarity, intention, and confidence.
For leaders who know something in their current role no longer fits. Sometimes the work is navigating the system you're in. Other times it's recognizing when it's time to step into something new.
Executive coaching helps you assess your options, clarify what you want next, and move forward with intention and strategy.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY.
Schedule a Complimentary 20-Minute Virtual Discovery Call with Me.
I’d love to hear more about where you are in your leadership journey and where you want to go next. This call is a chance for us to connect, talk through your goals, and see how Do Better Executive Coaching can support you with strategy, clarity, and confidence.