Meet Melanie Cossette

What drives your passion for coaching?

I’m deeply curious about the human experience—what it means to truly live and lead, both professionally and personally. To join another person and explore, for a time, what is current for them, their narrative, and how they want to change that narrative for the better is a privilege; it humbles and inspires me at the same time. We have an opportunity as leaders to create a container of meaning within which we define our values, choose our work, seek relationships, and live from integrity, not only for self-actualization, but also to inspire and encourage authenticity and greatness in others.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of people to explore what leadership looks like for them, helping them find their values and wisdom and learn to trust them. I believe in creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and empowered to uncover what’s most authentic and meaningful in their lives and to live and lead from that place.

What do you bring to the table?

• Education: B.A. in Philosophy and Political Theory; M.S. in Organizational Leadership and Community Psychology.

• Certifications:

• Advanced Certified Personal and Professional Coaching from the College of Executive Coaching.

• ICF Certified Professional Coach.

• Certified Leadership Circle Coach.

• Certified Leader Identity Coach and Facilitator.

• Certified Team Elements Coach and Facilitator.

• Trained in Emotional Agility.

• Trained in the Values Identifier.

• Experience:

• Ran a successful wellness practice for 15 years, serving thousands of people.

• Co-developed and led organization-wide culture programs for a 5,000-member organization focused on respect, communication, and empathy.

• Designed and facilitated transformational workshops for women, empowering them to amplify their impact in relationships, communities, and the world.

• Facilitated leadership and teamwork conversations across industries to build engagement and alignment.

• Coached hundreds of people on finding wholeness, balance, purpose, and meaning in their lives.

What’s your coaching superpower?

I meet people where they are and gently help them identify patterns of thought and behavior that either support or hinder their desires. People feel seen, understood, and accepted, which creates the space where they can seek deeper understanding of themselves and authentic alignment with their leadership vision and expression. I support clarity and choice. I am a weaver – I listen intently, hearing past the story to deeper themes that I pull forward so those I work with can see more possibility, in this way, some say I’m inspirational!  

My approach integrates positive psychology, family systems theory (parts work), and an understanding of neuroscience and adult development theory. Understanding one’s values and ensuring clear communication are essential. I also bring in many other ideas, philosophies, and bodies of work as appropriate for the client with the intention of creating opportunities for insight, growth, and alignment with one’s most authentic self.

What are you currently learning?

I’m a lifelong learner and avid reader. Often, I am motivated by articles or podcasts to dive into a certain book or body of knowledge. Recently, I read Stolen Focus by Johann Hari, which explores how we can maintain focus and well-being in today’s demanding world. I’ve also recently completed 9-Types of Leadership by Beatrice Chestnut (based on the Enneagram), BIG MAGIC by Elizabeth Gilbert about creative living beyond fear, Emergent Strategy by adreienne maree brown about shaping change, and The Great Turning by David C. Korten which offers a sweeping and global history of humans and how we face the times we’re in with a commitment to hope rather than resignation. 

I’m also enrolled in a course with Susan David, the author of Emotional Agility and co-founder of the Institute of Coaching, expanding my understanding of emotional intelligence and resilience.  

What are you most proud of?

My greatest personal achievements include raising two incredible humans as a single mother and holding both of my parents through the end of their lives with love and dignity. I’m also proud of becoming a competitive rower in my late 40s, and continuing to challenge myself to learn new things like paddleboarding, partner dancing, and Spanish. One of the things I’m most proud of both personally and professionally is the quality of relationships I have with the people in my life. I cultivate rich and rewarding relationships worldwide.

What’s life like outside of work?

I nurture practices that connect me to the divine through yoga, conscious dance, meditation, nature, and symbols. I read the tarot and enjoy exploring the language of symbols. I live part-time in southern Baja, Mexico, where I enjoy the water, the culture, and the vast expanse of the desert. You’ll often find me swimming, snorkeling, or out on a boat exploring sea life, cooking fresh food, and spending time with my community of friends, laughing, dancing, and sharing our lives.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

I believe in whole-person growth. Leadership isn’t just about professional success—it’s about finding meaning and purpose in every aspect of life. My approach combines self-reflection, wellness practices, and open-hearted communication to help leaders build personal capacity, refine their skills, and create more engaged teams and organizations.

What’s one thing people might not know about you?

I challenge myself every year to learn something new. In 2024, it was paddleboarding. In 2025, it’s Spanish. I thrive on personal expansion—it’s how I create a life I love every day.

What do your clients value most about working with you?

Clients often share that my warmth, openness, and implicit respect for all human beings create a sense of safety in our work together. They feel at ease, cared for, and understood. I can break things down and separate them into pieces that are easier to handle and work with than the big, messy thing that feels overwhelming. And I bring lightness and levity to things that feel hard – a shift in perspective can change even the greatest challenge. When patterns have been uncovered and the awareness of how to work with possibility is present, then courageous action can be taken in the direction that is desired. People say they leave working with me much more empowered, and that’s what it’s all about!