Lani Marsden (they/them) is a transformative leadership coach who specializes in guiding diverse professionals through periods of transition with compassion, strategic insight, and embodied wisdom. As a nonbinary, mixed race, neurodiverse parent, they bring nearly two decades of cross-sector experience to their coaching practice, offering a uniquely intersectional perspective that resonates with clients navigating complex personal and professional landscapes.
Drawing from their extensive background as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company's People & Organizational Practice and eight years in the social and public sectors, including valuable experience at the Gates Foundation and World Bank, Lani excels in helping clients develop authentic leadership presence while masterfully navigating organizational dynamics. Their coaching approach integrates strategic business acumen with somatic practices, creating a holistic framework for sustainable transformation.
Lani's clients particularly value their ability to hold space for the full complexity of human experience while maintaining clear focus on tangible progress. Whether working with new joiners adapting to unfamiliar cultures, executives facing strategic inflection points, or individuals weathering major life transitions, Lani combines powerful questioning techniques with intuitive guidance to unlock new possibilities.
Lani's coaching methodology is especially impactful for professionals who feel like an "only" in their environments – those breaking new ground in leadership while honoring their full identities. Having lived in multiple regions including Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and coached clients across diverse backgrounds and geographies including China, Poland, Costa Rica, and throughout the United States, Lani brings cultural fluency and deep respect for individual differences to every engagement.
Currently pursuing advanced coach certification with emphasis on somatic transformation, Lani remains committed to creating environments where authenticity and growth flourish. Their ultimate vision is a world where women and queer leaders of color step fully into their power, transforming organizations and communities through their unique gifts and perspectives.
