The Executive Master of Public Leadership (EMPL) program at the LBJ School is committed to developing leaders poised to make a lasting impact. A key component of this development is the executive coaching provided by Alotten, an Austin-based strategic talent management and consulting firm. Through a personalized coaching experience, EMPL students gain insights into their leadership styles, clarify their career goals, and develop the skills to navigate complex systems and drive meaningful change.
Alotten’s approach to executive coaching is grounded in its core value of transformative expertise.
“Our core coaching philosophy centers whole-person development,” said Chief People Officer, Head of Coaching Philippa Strelitz. “We are committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs, goals, and challenges of each of our coachees and we work with them to achieve their desired outcomes.”
Alotten’s coaches understand the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of EMPL students, offering a highly customizable coaching process. Whether students are navigating career transitions or seeking to align their personal and professional goals, the coaching provided by Alotten helps them gain clarity and build resilience.
Rebecca Dix (EMPL ’24) noted the profound impact of executive coaching on her personal and professional growth. “Working with Philippa was a great experience,” she shared. “She helped me reframe how I approached selling myself and my experience, particularly in the interview process.” Dix emphasized how Strelitz guided her in developing effective strategies for interview preparation, allowing her to leverage her skills and advance her career.
Dix's coaching experience proved invaluable during a significant career transition. After more than 23 years at her previous agency, she faced uncertainty in translating her skills into a new line of work. “I talked at length with Philippa about the career change I made shortly before starting EMPL. Within a month of my last executive coaching session, I sought a new position at work, completely different from anything I had done previously,” Dix said. Equipped with the techniques and exercises from her coaching sessions, she excelled in the interview process and secured a significant promotion.
“I even used the negotiating skills and lessons learned in the Strategic Communications course to negotiate a higher salary offer for the job. I’m so grateful for the experience I had with the EMPL and the opportunity to participate in executive coaching. The lessons learned, the experiences I enjoyed and the friendships I made will all last a lifetime. EMPL is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
The impact of executive coaching on EMPL students is profound. Anonymous surveys collected at the end of each program reveal that many students consider coaching to be one of the most meaningful aspects of their EMPL experience. Feedback highlights the practical guidance received on navigating challenging stakeholder conversations, the clarity gained in vision and purpose and the sense of optimism about the future.
The partnership between the LBJ School’s EMPL program and Alotten demonstrates the power of executive coaching in shaping future leaders. Through personalized and holistic coaching, EMPL students are empowered to unlock their potential, clarify their career goals and confidently navigate the complexities of public leadership.
Learn more about EMPL and executive coaching at an information session.