2024 NOW Conference Coaches

Chris Podratz (he/him)

As a retired military officer and an accomplished CEO and entrepreneur, Chris leverages his 30+ years of extensive leadership and professional experience in serving a diverse clientele. Trained at UC Davis and certified by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC), he demonstrates his commitment to excellence in the coaching field by partnering with clients to help them discover their passion and purpose, so they build and enjoy the life they’ve always dreamed of. Chris is the founder of SeaPod Consulting, a firm dedicated to assisting...

Meredith Benedict (she/her)

I am a PCC-certified Executive Coach with nearly 2,000+ hours of 1:1 and group coaching experience. Previous to becoming a full-time coach, I spent 15 years leading teams and large-scale marketing initiatives in the corporate world at companies like Facebook/Meta and ModCloth and I bring this functional experience to all of my coaching engagements. I also have an MBA from UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business. I’m passionate about partnering with rising and established leaders to identify who they want to be in the workplace and what’s getting in the way. I work hand-in-hand with...

Shayna Zhang (she/her)

I am Shayna Zhang, an English/Chinese bilingual life coach based in America. With a background as a content creator and TV show host, I bring a unique blend of media industry insight and life coaching expertise to my clients. I am pursuing professional coaching certifications from the Co-Active Training Institute, and already finished the fundamentals & Intermediate Co-Active Coach Training.

I specialize in a variety of coaching topics, including: Career Transitions; Work-Life Balance; Confidence Building; Resilience and Adaptability. In addition to these areas, my international...

Laura Woody (she/her)

Laura Woody, LCSW, is the owner of Connections Coaching and Consulting LLC. Leaning on her 20 years of experience as a social worker, supervisor, and leader in the non-profit realm, Laura approaches coaching with empathy and humor, keeping a non-judgmental and supportive stance. Laura has a passion for supporting her clients from all walks of life in gaining insight and taking action even amongst the “brutiful” realities of life. Trained by the Co-Active Training Institute, Laura is skilled at supporting her clients in exploring their values, navigating relationships and change,...

Emma Wood (she/her)

I have a decade of experience as a management consultant and leader at high-growth companies. Before transitioning to coaching full-time, I was the COO of a private equity-backed consumer products company and have also held various roles in strategy, operations, investing, and innovation for companies such as McKinsey & Company, Sheryl Sandberg’s foundation (LeanIn.Org & OptionB.Org), ZX Ventures / AB InBev, and startups such as Haus. I have both an MBA and a BA from Stanford.

I recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest after many years in NYC and the Bay Area. I...

Chris Wilson (he/him)

Chris Wilson is a TEDx speaker, 2x author, entrepreneur, and coach. He's an ex-Helicopter and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer with over 14 years experience. He's passionate about helping the next generation impact the world. He focuses on career/executive coaching.

Chris is a Co-Active Training Institute certified coach - CPCC and an International Coaching Federation accredited coach - PCC. Chris has worked with individuals in Africa, Canada, Europe, and the USA.

He utilizes the CTI framework with his coaching style which focuses on high-level listening and powerful...

Jill Wilk (she/her)

Jill Wilk is a highly motivational executive, team, and career coach bringing corporate experience combined with expertise in all areas of Human Resources. She is recognized for her ability to partner with clients to create focus, motivation, and solution strategies. She is passionate about supporting her clients to achieve the goals that move them forward. She specializes in partnering with current and future leaders through defining goals, examining challenges and roadblocks, and accountability while achieving those “lightbulb” moments along the way.

She brings expertise...

Karye Wells (she/her)

Karye Wells, M. Ed, ACC is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach from UC Berkeley’s esteemed BECI program at the Haas School of Business and the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With two decades steeped in education and leadership development, Karye has spent the past 7 years providing 1:1 and group coaching to ignite the potential of leaders across diverse industries and backgrounds. Her coaching philosophy isn't just about hitting milestones; it's a holistic journey towards unleashing your inner leader, fostering resilience, and propelling you towards audacious goals with...

Donna Vivar (she/her)

Donna is the Senior Advisor on Equity and Belonging in the Division of Student Affairs at UC Berkeley. With 20+ years in higher education, she is a dedicated professional who leads by serving students, staff, and faculty from an equity, inclusion, and belonging lens.

In her coaching practice, she understands we are all made up of different identities and life experiences that influence the decisions we make in our day-to-day work-life juggle - the whole of you is not only considered, but celebrated. Work with her to clarify your intentions to manifest your goals. She will...

Dina Venezky (she/her)

Hi! I'm Dina, the founder of Sparkling Leaders—an inquiry-based learning company dedicated to fueling the growth of inquisitive professionals through development, coaching, and networking.

With over 20 years of experience in management, communications, and professional development, I specialize in cultivating a positive mindset. My approach involves leveraging individuals’ unique strengths to bridge the gaps between their current positions and aspirations.

My coaching journey has been enriched by a diverse background, including roles at Smith College, Stanford GSB...