Meet Christine Stoffels

What drew you to leadership coaching and consulting?

I am passionate about fostering inclusive, human-centered organizations where leaders and teams can thrive. My career began in nonprofit leadership, and over the last two decades, I’ve worked to create spaces where everyone feels seen, safe, and valued. Leadership is an action, and I view my work as a way to catalyze equity and inclusive leadership to build healthy, safe organizations and communities.

What do you bring to your work with clients?

I combine strategic leadership development with a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and organizational core values. My approach integrates cross-cultural facilitation, a “listening to understand” philosophy, and a data-driven business strategy. Clients appreciate my ability to align leadership voices with organizational values, foster inclusive team environments, and drive operational effectiveness.

Key Highlights:

• Certifications:

• Twice-certified ACC-level ICF Leadership Coach (working toward PCC-level).

• Leadership Circle Profile Certified.

• Career Experience:

• Group Executive Director for the YMCA of Greater Seattle.

• Leadership Coach & Organizational Transformation Consultant

• Leadership Coach and Curriculum Developer for Bias Reduction in Medicine, training 100 pediatricians to confront and reduce racial bias.

• Former Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala, where I developed my equity-focused leadership philosophy.

• Expertise: Leading transformative DEI initiatives, facilitating antiracism workshops, Team Assessments, Executive Thought-Partner & 1:1 Leadership Coaching, Team Coaching & Facilitation, Strategic Planning, Change Management & Communication, and coaching leaders to embed equity into their core business strategies.

How do you approach your work with leaders and teams?

My focus is always on “listening to understand.” Over 70% of communication happens without words, so I pay close attention to body language, tone, and unspoken cues. I approach each coaching relationship with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn, fostering collaboration and respect in every conversation.

What are you currently learning?

I am growing my coaching presence by staying present to big emotion, learning how to integrate the Enneagram, LCP, and other leadership development tools, and deepening my understanding of and commitment to my antiracism practice through Caste by Isabel Wilkerson and White Tears, Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad. Music like “Lockdown” by Anderson. Paak and “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday also inspire me. Learning is a lifelong journey, and I believe in embracing diverse perspectives to enrich my work.

What are you most proud of?

Professionally, I am proud of my growing coaching practice through different client engagements at different leadership levels; facilitating meaningful team coaching sessions and providing strategic thought leadership and coaching to support leaders showing up wholly with their unique strengths and as the best version of themselves. Personally, I'm proud of supporting my family through life's ages and stages and learning how to adjust as my kids become adults, while focusing on what gives me joy - music, friends, and sailing.

What’s your happy place?

Traveling—near or far—is my ultimate joy. I also love live music (especially jazz), sharing good food with friends and family, and diving into a great book. Sailing is another favorite; it’s where I find peace and inspiration.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

Real change happens one step at a time. I’m dedicated to creating environments where people can take those steps with confidence, courage, and authenticity. Leadership is about aligning actions with values and fostering spaces where people feel empowered to contribute their best.

What’s a standout moment in your career?

One highlight was leading the assessment and implementation phases of a major initiative with the C-suite of a renowned health system. My work supported a more inclusive organizational culture, improved team dynamics, and led to meaningful results for the organization and its people.