Stephen Badger

Stephen has a deep passion for the power of coaching, having benefited from it in business as well as life and witnessed its transformative power with many individuals, in both a personal and professional capacity.

He attended Duke University, Reed College, and graduated from Union Institute in Cincinnati with a BA in Anthropology.

Stephen was deeply involved as an investor and ultimately as the President of Seeds of Change, an organic seed and food company, from 1992-2004, before his appointment as the Global Director of Corporate Affairs for Mars, Incorporated.  In March of 2008, Stephen joined the Mars Board and became Chairman in 2011, completing his first three-year term. As Chairman, he oversaw the creation of Mars’ first ever 25 year Vision and significantly evolved the Board to be more strategic and intentional.  In March of 2017 he assumed the Chairmanship again (rotating off in March of 2020), having overseen the creation of the first Purpose for the company in its history: “The world we want tomorrow starts with the how we do business today.” Stephen also stewarded the creation of the Compass, a four quadrant model with the Purpose at its center that sets targets, which include non-financial metrics like positive social impact.

Other board service includes The Association for Traditional Arts, the Muscle Shoals Music Foundation, the Economics of Mutuality Foundation, and Santa Fe Preparatory School.  Stephen’s advisor roles include Bruvi, Regeneration, and Drew’s Cookies.

Stephen also produced the documentary Muscle Shoals, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013 to a standing ovation.  The film was sold around the world, including to PBS’ premiere network ITVS in the United States. Stephen thrives on time in nature, whether that be hiking, skiing, or mountain biking–and loves doing all three with his son and friends.

Story Reed Leonard

With a certification in executive coaching coupled with 35+ years in Independent Schools, both boarding and day, Story is fully committed to re-energizing school leaders. The onslaught of Covid was depleting beyond measure, exacerbating an already burgeoning mental health crisis. The demands we place on educational leaders only keep growing, yet professional development and support have not kept up. Story believes that coaching is one way to address this gap. Over the past two years, she has coached associate heads, DEI leaders, deans, and department chairs with the goal of reconnecting their values and strengths to a clear sense of purpose in their work. This process provides leaders with renewed positive energy and focus. Having the space to reflect upon and then articulate who you are as a leader and how you want to lead is transformative. 

Story also coaches clients to conduct conversations more effectively: giving difficult feedback, addressing parent anger, advocating for a new position, and managing up, to name a few. We build culture in our schools in each conversation we have; how we listen matters immensely. 

Prior to creating Coaching@Altitude with Jim and Stephen Badger, Story served as the Director of College Counseling for 13 years at Santa Fe Prep. She also relaunched girls’ lacrosse in New Mexico in 2001, dedicating herself to growing the sport. Story began her independent school career at Pomfret School (1986-1992) and The Mountain School of Milton Academy (1992-1999), where she held a range of teaching, coaching, and administrative responsibilities, including Admissions Director, Head Advisor, and Dean of Women.

Story is a 1984 graduate of Williams College and received her Master’s degree in Liberal Arts in 1993 from Dartmouth College. She and Jim have three daughters, all graduates of Santa Fe Prep: Kelsey ‘11, Molly ‘12, and Campbell ‘20.

Bea Fuller

A certified and experienced leadership coach, Bea is motivated to guide clients to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for their unique strengths and draw on them to be intentional, thoughtful, and energized leaders in all aspects of their lives. During her time with C@A, Bea has coached school leaders at many levels, including Head of School, associate head of school, CFO, division directors, admissions directors, academic deans, and DEI leaders. 

In her more than 35-year career in independent schools, Bea has served as a high school principal, director of college counseling, Leadership teacher, English teacher, art teacher, and athletic coach at a wide range of schools, including Severn School, Georgetown Day School, Barrie School, and Holton-Arms in the Maryland/Washington, D.C. area, and boarding schools: Northfield Mt. Hermon in Massachusetts and Midland School in California. In every school, she has focused on building strong community spirit by inspiring clear communication across constituents. 

A graduate of Williams College, Bea was a double major in English and studio art and a three-sport captain in field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse. She earned a Masters of Science in Education degree from Johns Hopkins University, including a graduate certificate from the Association of Independent Maryland Schools in Educational Leadership and Supervision for Independent Schools, while working full time and raising three sons. Her young men, who attended Landon School and graduated from Severn School, all currently serve in the military: two are first lieutenants in the US Navy and one graduated West Point and is deferring his service commitment to play professional rugby. Her partner is also a life-long educator and has served as Head of School for 23 years.