Martha Lasley, MBA

“As a transformation geek, I help people connect with their personal power and unleash the magic of individuals, teams, and organizations.” Martha is passionate about mentoring leaders to develop a coaching culture that improves interpersonal communications and brings spirit into team building. “My vision is to develop transformational coaches and facilitators so that social change organizations all over the world can thrive.”

A founder of Coaching for Transformation, Martha combines her experience from coaching and leadership development to create results-oriented programs. She creates courses that inspire, motivate, and transform. She doesn’t just give a nudge, she asks you to jump in with both feet and prepare for a life-changing event. “I surround myself with people who take risks and look for new ways of doing things; we explore both the solid ground and the edges of transformation.”

“Blending coaching with Nonviolent communication is the most powerful work I do. Over and over, this practice shows me that compassion in action can change intractable problems.” Martha believes replacing judgment and animosity with honest dialogue leads to awareness and change at multiple levels. “It’s the most liberating practice I’ve found. And that’s why I want to share our evolving processes with leaders and key players, so that together we can awaken people to new possibilities.”

Martha discovered the transformative power of coaching by using it to create the life she wanted. “Coaching creates safe space for discovery. People get in touch with their deepest desires, give voice to their dreams, and find the support they need to make them real.” Martha is especially keen on bringing coaching to progressive organizations, where people are serious about change but need the clear vision and leadership skills to ignite the team. “For me, there’s nothing more enriching than seeing team members challenge each other and support each other’s growth and development.”

Outside the office, Martha shifts her energy to cooking and enjoying the outdoors. An avid gardener, she grows the juiciest strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries anywhere. Martha lives with her husband Dave in Troy, Pennsylvania and says, "I love hanging out with my children--my favorite teachers."

Martha earned her MBA from Syracuse University, is a certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication and is a professional member of the Indian Society for Applied Behavioral Science. She has written three books: Courageous Visions; Facilitating with Heart; and Coaching for Transformation. She served on the faculty and coached MBA students at Capella University for ten years.

A life-long learner, Martha explores different cultures and continously seeks out new methodologies and modalities. Multicultural awareness and Appreciative Inquiry fuel her desire to make change irresistible. “My work amazes me – I get to facilitate and witness profound evolution and growth – both in myself and others.”