My Story
Whitney is an ICF (International Coaching Federation) certified executive leadership coach, a certified Global Strengths coach and a LEGO Serious Play certified facilitator. She also holds a Professional Team Coach Certification. Dr. Newcomb is certified to administer and interpret the following leadership development assessments: EQI 2.0/360; CPI 260; MBTI Step I and II; and FIRO-B.
Dr. Newcomb is skilled in consulting and leadership development areas that include: conflict resolution; mindful leadership; inquiry driven leadership; inclusive leadership; leading with appreciative inquiry; crisis leadership; data-driven leadership; mentoring; building stakeholder partnerships; team assessments and profiles; organizational influence; and emotional intelligence.
Dr. Newcomb is skilled in coaching and leadership development areas that include: team assessments and profiles; unlocking team talent; resolving conflict; team member engagement; gratitude and well-being; vision planning; stress management and mindfulness; utilizing assessments to clarify strengths; career well-being; work-life balance; utilizing appreciative inquiry to build teams; facilitating peak performance; and navigating career transitions.
Dr. Newcomb is a highly influential leader with deep-rooted experience across large public research institutions and the diverse P-20 landscape. Possessing a comprehensive understanding of culture and values, she brings extensive experience in leadership and faculty development, consistently driving sustainable change. Whitney has served the fields of education and leadership education for 30 years. Dr. Newcomb is a tenured Professor of Educational Leadership, the Chair of a Department of Educational Leadership, and has served as the Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Development in a School of Education as well as the Interim Chair of a Department of Teaching and Learning. She is the Director of a Coaching Lab for graduate students and early career alumni.
The Rooted to Rise approach to leadership development is unique because it grounds transformative growth in a deep understanding of individual strengths and values, while cultivating a mindset for influence through impactful action and sustainable results.
Our approach unearths the authentic core of each leader and team. We believe that authentic and lasting leadership emerges from a place of self-awareness, a clear sense of purpose, and a strong connection to foundational principles - the “roots.”
Our uniqueness lies in our holistic integration of inner work and outer influence and impact. We don’t just teach leadership theories; we facilitate a journey of self-discovery that empowers leaders to operate with greater authenticity, clarity and conviction, ultimately leading to more engaged teams and flourishing organizations. We cultivate leaders who are not only effective, but who are deeply rooted in who they are and where they want to go.
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Whitney Sherman Newcomb, Ph.D., ACC
If there is anything I would like to be remembered for it is that I helped people understand that leadership is about helping other people grow and succeed.
- Jack Welch
Founder and CEO
My Values
Learning and Growth
Illuminating potential and embracing the transformative power of change.
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Authenticity
Leading with unique strengths and values to inspire and empower genuine leadership.
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Integrity
Building trust and fostering authentic relationships through honesty, transparency, and ethical action.
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Connection and Relationship Building
Cultivating strong teams and partnerships rooted in empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to collective success.
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Resilience and Adaptability
Equipping leaders and teams to navigate complexity, thrive in uncertainty, and flourish through change.
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Gratitude
Fostering a mindset of appreciation, celebrating both big and small victories, and nurturing joy and satisfaction.
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Hope
Intentionally shaping thoughts, emotions, and actions with a focus on growth, possibility, and the belief in better outcomes.
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Curiosity
Embracing inquiry and exploration to spark new learning, innovation, and meaningful connections.
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Creativity
Valuing fresh ideas and diverse perspectives while nurturing imaginative and transformative thinking.