Supporting mission-driven leaders who want to go from surviving to thriving at work

I’m Eleanor Smith (she/her), Somatic Leadership Coach.

I am deeply committed to supporting the professional development and personal well-being of mission-driven leaders. Through Somatic Leadership Coaching, I will help you clarify priorities, remove barriers and build confidence to realize your career dreams.

I understand the unique culture, career ladders and challenges faced by professionals in nonprofits and philanthropic organizations. Over three decades, I served as a:

  • Foundation Grantmaker

  • Front-line Nonprofit Staff

  • Development Director

  • Board Member

  • Fundraising Consultant

  • Strategy & Evaluation Consultant

  • Workshop Trainer

  • Philanthropic Advisor

  • Founder & Instructor of Nonprofit Management Certificate Courses at State Universities

Eleanor Smith, Somatic Leadership Coach, smiling with glasses and earrings, standing outdoors near trees and sand.

WORK WITH ME!

I have twice experienced work-related burnout caused by relentless external pressure and complicated by my intense drive to succeed. Both times, burnout took a serious toll on my body and spirit and demanded a long recovery.

Today I am called to help hard-driving professionals like you explore options and gently explore your impulse to achieve. Through transformative body-based coaching, you’ll gain deep clarity on what matters most. I’ll affirm your strengths and support you to build a career of deep presence, purpose and a joy.

I’m on a mission to guide you to the work you love without sacrificing your health.

I received training from the International Coaching Federation-accredited academies of Coaches Rising and Coach Training Alliance.

Core Values

I am curious, empathetic and eager to engage authentically with others and to listen and learn from them. I sometimes share relevant stories from my long career. Clients have said they appreciate my openness, compassion and sense of humor.

In life and in coaching, I am guided by the following values:

  • Care and Compassion

  • Honesty and Transparency

  • Commitment to Social Justice and Climate Advocacy

  • Respect

  • Kindness

  • Patience

  • Humility

  • The belief that clients ultimately know what’s best for them

A consummate learner, I read about and write regularly on trends in leadership and self-leadership, management and other social sector topics. See latest posts here.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area with my husband and two sweet cats. I enjoy daily walks, hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, reading, yoga, traveling and sharing and laughing with friends.

Eleanor Smith, Somatic Leadership Coach, smiling in sunglasses, wide-brim hat, and brightly colored outerwear enjoying a kayak on a lake with rolling hills and scattered trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.