Meet Amber

How Did I Get Here?

From Corporate to Coach

With over 14 years of experience in the corporate world, including 11 years navigating the the fast-paced, highly competitive city of New York, I have cultivated a profound understanding of leadership and organizational dynamics.

Throughout my career, I consistently gravitated toward leadership positions, showcasing a natural inclination to take charge and make a difference, even in the absence of a formal title. Mentoring and advising others has been an inherent part of my journey, beginning in my college years.

My firsthand experience working under ineffective, undeveloped, dysfunctional, and toxic leaders ignited a passion within me to create positive change. It led me to seek my own coach over five years ago, which proved to be a transformative turning point. I discovered the power of coaching in unlocking personal and professional growth, and it became my ultimate goal to help individuals and organizations thrive.

With my extensive experience as an ICF credentialed Certified Executive Coach and backed by certifications in Hogan and the American Management Association-Certified Professional in Management®, I bring a unique blend of education, expertise, and business acumen to my coaching practice.

However, what truly sets me apart is my innate leadership predilection and my ability to build immediate and deep rapport with others.

When you choose me as your Executive Coach, you can expect a unique, thoughtful, and deliberate approach. I pride myself on recognizing what isn’t being said and creating a safe space for exploration and growth.

Together, let’s embark on a transformative journey to develop your organization’s leaders in order to improve the bottom line and create a thriving environment.

My Coaching Philosophy

All Leaders Face Challenges...
An Experienced Coach Teaches You to Rise Above Them.

Person-Centered Coaching

Amber believes in coaching the person, not just the problem. Her approach involves understanding the individual's relationship to the challenge, deconstructing and reconstructing beliefs to foster growth and development.

Building Understanding & Accountability

Amber's aim is to increase the individual's understanding and build self-accountability. She approaches with curiosity and encourages openness, and reflection, empowering individuals to take ownership of their growth journey

Belief in Potential

Amber assumes positive intent and believes in the person's potential. She recognizes individuals as wholly resourceful and capable, challenging them when appropriate to unlock their full potential.

Balanced Approach

Amber employs a balanced approach of coaching and mentoring, utilizing questions to stimulate insight while also providing guidance, resources, and information when appropriate. As a coach, she ensures not to be attached to the answer or outcome, allowing for exploration and discovery by the individual. Additionally, there are times when Amber sits back and acts as an empathetic sounding board, allowing the person to feel heard, seen, and valued.

Evidence-Based Approach

Amber utilizes evidence-based approaches and proven methodologies to enrich the coaching experience, drawing from research in coaching methods, organizational psychology, leadership development, and economic circumstances shaping the environment.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Amber is committed to continuous learning, constantly updating her knowledge in coaching methods, organizational psychology, leadership development best practices, and other relevant domains to deliver the highest quality coaching experiences.

Multi-Modal Learning

Amber provides multiple opportunities for learning and application, utilizing various modalities to cater to different learning styles and preferences.

Continued Application

Amber ensures there's a structured plan in place for post-engagement continued learning, application, and reflection, facilitating sustained growth and development.

What Clients are Saying

Executive LeaderOutdoor Education Organization
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Having a coach has provided me with professional mentorship, a sounding board, and a neutral lens into working through growth opportunities at work. By having someone on my team, but removed from the workplace, I feel that I have someone both rooting for me, being honest with me, and helping me realize exactly what I'm capable of. Having Amber as an Executive Coach has helped me evolve as a more confident leader, a clearer communicator and helped me navigate challenging situations in ways that stay true to my personal values and professional goals.
Assistant DirectorAlumni Career Services, Higher Education
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Amber excels as a subject matter expert on leadership and career development and as an insightful presenter. She provides easy-to-understand, actionable steps to empower individuals to advance their careers. Amber's approach to coaching sets her apart in her ability to provide unique insights and a fresh perspective which she incorporates into her presentations. Her practical advice leaves a lasting impact on her audience.

Amber's genuine care for people and their success is evident. Whether it's guiding leaders to foster healthier workplace environments or helping individuals find personal fulfillment in their careers.

I had the pleasure of working with Amber as an Alumni Expert. Her enthusiasm, knowledge of current workforce trends, and common-sense approach with attainable action steps were just a few commendations Amber received from the audience. As a career coach for more than 15 years, I was able to apply some of her strategies to my own career growth.
Chief Operating Officer (COO)Tech Company
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As a lifelong student in the art of effective leadership, having Amber Waugaman as my coach has been incredibly valuable. Things I thought I had learned in my 20s have been revisited and polished. She holds me accountable and makes me a better leader each time we speak. As I continue to transition into an executive role within my company, Amber has become one of my closest confidants. I am so grateful to have access to her unique coaching style and would recommend her service to anyone who oversees others and wants to be better.
Executive LeaderArt Education Organization
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Because of her, I landed my DREAM JOB with a 50% increase in pay, plus more work-life balance, time off, and more. I honestly can't recommend Amber enough. She has been so strategic, supportive, and genuine. She was the missing piece to help me get unstuck, and I plan to keep working with her, because I know she's going to keep elevating my professional skills.
Senior LeaderArts & Entertainment Industry
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Thank you again for helping me think differently about work and leadership. Because of our work together, I have been a lot more direct (respectfully) and I speak the hard truth. I ask more about the goal or the outcome and I delegate more intentionally.
Senior Vice President (SVP)Arts & Entertainment Industry
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Bringing Amber on board for coaching has been a game-changer for our team. The impact on confidence and collaboration is remarkable. Amber's approach is spot-on, making the whole experience not just effective but genuinely enjoyable. I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone looking to level up their team dynamics and individual growth.
Leadership ExecutiveMarketing
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Amber is a terrific executive coach and strategic business advisor. I engaged Amber to coach marketing leaders in my team who were new to leadership. She took a thoughtful approach unique to each individual that directly led to increased confidence, stronger team relationships, and skill development of my team. Amber was a valuable advisor to me throughout the process and I plan to work with her again in the future.
Associate DirectorGovernment Organization
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Amber is dedicated to the study of leadership and career development. When I worked with her, Amber didn't give me a cookie cutter formula to follow. She asked a lot of questions about my company, my work, and the players involved to come up with a plan tailored to our individual situation.

Whenever we speak, it seems she always has some new study, article, or general insight to share about corporate strategies and employee relationships. For that reason, I always look forward to her newsletters which always have topics that are relatable to my workplace.
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Fun Facts

I play the piano

I love to hike

I’ve lived in big cities across the U.S., before moving to rural VT (well water, dirt road, and no cell service!) after 11 years in NYC

I HATE mustard

I learned to drive on a tractor!

I’m a huge animal lover

I’ve been told that I’m “so out of touch with pop culture it’s charming”

I have a natural ability to make friends wherever I go, even though I’m an HSP

I was the drum major of my high school marching band (the girl out in front!)

I hired my own coach at 34 to make a big life change (leaving NYC), and I still work with her 6+ years later

I’m an AVID spinner

What Can You Expect From Me as a Coach?

Expect a coaching experience that is as unique as you are and as unique as your organization is. I prioritize genuine connection, active listening, and a collaborative approach.

I will challenge you to think about your leadership, relationships, and skills in new ways. Whether it’s honing leadership skills, navigating transitions, fostering a thriving work culture, or simply wanting a sounding board, our sessions will be focused on your specific needs.

I aim not just to be your coach but a supportive partner in your journey.

My clients tend to be driven and ambitious individuals and organizations, who are fully committed to their growth.

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