Working with Scott has been transformative for me as a leader and a school person. Any educational leader knows that reflective practice is powerful, but having the opportunity to engage in this so intentionally, guided by someone who is such a wonderful listener and whose knowledge of schools is so deep, has been an incredible experience. Through my coaching sessions with Scott, I’ve arrived at new perspectives and insights about my own strengths and areas for growth as a leader, and I leave our conversations feeling better prepared to meet both the challenges and the opportunities—and to create more of those opportunities—in my work in my school.

Emily Pressman, Dean of Teaching & Learning, St. Andrew’s School

“Stepping into a new leadership role isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a high-wire act… balancing the weight of expectations, the need for clarity, and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) voice in your head asking, ‘Am I getting this right?’ That’s where Bea Fuller comes in. Bea listens deeply, asks the kind of questions that cut through the noise, and provides the steady, strategic guidance that makes leadership feel not just manageable but meaningful. Leadership is full of moments when you must trust yourself, step forward, and own the space you’re in. With Bea’s coaching, I do that more fully, more intentionally, and with a greater sense of purpose.”

Stephanie Vagle, Associate Head of School for Academics, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School Faribault, MN

I’ve been working with Jim Leonard for the past two-plus years, and I frankly don’t know what I’ll do if he ever decides to move on from this role. Jim has been an invaluable coach, guide, interlocutor, motivator…even a bit of a gentle “noodge” when it comes to keeping me faithful to my goals. Jim is the best of all worlds — he knows schools, he knows the Head of School job inside and out, and he has offered me the great gift of getting to know me. I couldn’t think more highly of Jim Leonard than I do, and there is no doubt that he has helped me become a better — and certainly happier! — Head of School.

Alexis, Head of School, NYC

Jim Leonard knows independent schools: the business, the value, and the inevitable challenges. Over his successful and innovative tenure as a Head of School, Jim demonstrated the skills and mindset crucial to investing in and developing the talents of his team, building a positive and dynamic school culture, and effectively realizing strategic opportunities.

Christine Lehman Chair, Board of Trustees at Santa Fe Prep 2016-2020

Through my work with Michael this year, I am more cognizant of how I approach things at work and at home. I am actively thinking about having conversations, listening more, and am more conscious.

Ryan Feeley, Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, MS Head, Berwick Academy

My sessions with Bea enabled me to pause and reflect, which was rare given the crisis management that was frequently required of me due to the pandemic. Being able to process situations in a nonjudgmental setting was especially valuable, and I often left our meetings with concrete action steps that I could immediately begin. Bea was very supportive and offered patient guidance as I discovered answers to questions and made plans to be even more effective in my role.

Jason Ford (he/him/his), Trinity Middle School Principal

The accountability that a coach provides was a huge benefit for me. Knowing I would be meeting with Story was an incentive for trying out the changes I articulated with her that I wanted to make. As a result, I left our meetings having been more vulnerable, authentic, and satisfied that little was left unsaid. I don’t feel like I’m hiding anymore. I am showing up to meetings differently.

Michael Buensuceso, Assistant Head of School for Community and Equity, Berwick Academy