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How will clients benefit with you as their coach?

I call the people I coach Thinkers, because the answers are already within them. Thinkers get a safe, confidential space to work on whatever is holding them back, whether that's stepping into a new leadership role, navigating a career transition, or finding the confidence to speak up with their CEO and board. With 25+ years in coaching, training, and professional development, I quickly hear what's underneath and help Thinkers see the blind spots that keep them stuck. They set the agenda, and they leave each session with clarity, a shift in mindset, and a concrete next step, so they can lead as their authentic selves.

What results have clients reported after working with you?

New roles and promotions, stronger relationships with their CEO and board, the confidence to speak up in meetings, greater confidence in their roles, seeing leadership as a skill they can build rather than a personality they lack, and clear, actionable next steps, often after a single session.

What do clients say about working with you?

"I recently had the pleasure of attending an ASAE webinar that Lori was leading. During the webinar Lori offered 'laser coaching' (three minutes to focus on one issue) to a few lucky attendees, including me. Lori asked insightful questions that helped me see the issue more clearly and offered clarity on next steps. I couldn't believe how in only three minutes she was able to guide me toward a solution for an issue I'd been struggling to navigate for several weeks. She shared her contact information at the end of the webinar. When I messaged her that afternoon, she replied immediately and set aside time for us to chat. She is an insightful, caring, and passionate coach (and possibly a magician...she's that good!)"
- Aliza Epstein, CAE, Principal, Association Consulting LLC

"I met Lori Bruhns through my research into the American Society of Association Executives. She left me with the impression of a perceptive coach who is highly skilled at the Socratic Method to help a client zero in on challenges and options for moving forward. She comes across as a warm, vibrant, optimistic ally who can quickly establish rapport with serious professionals. As a result of meeting her, I feel equipped with some practical, actionable next steps and eager to continue my exploration."
- Andrea Orlando, Nonprofit Executive Leading Development

"I worked with Lori for a short coaching session at a professional conference. At the beginning she promised that I had all the answers and she would help me find them. By the end she delivered on that promise! I came away with some tangible next steps as well as helping shift some of my mindset to be more productive for my future. I only had the chance to work with her for about 1 hour - I can only imagine the gifts she can give someone with a longer relationship."
- Alexandra Ade, Non-Profit and Member Association Professional

What is your coaching philosophy?

Leaders don't need to be fixed. They need to be unleashed. My Thinkers already hold their answers. My role is to create a safe space, ask the questions that reveal their blind spots, and offer tools when they help, so they can lead as their authentic selves rather than performing someone else's version of leadership.

What strengths do you have as a coach?

Breakthroughs, fast: I've coached hundreds of leaders, so I quickly hear what's underneath what someone is saying. Through laser coaching, I can support Thinkers resolve an issue they've struggled with for weeks in as little as a few minutes, and they often leave our first conversation with an aha moment and a clear next step.
Supporting Thinkers see their blind spots: I listen deeply, reflect back what I hear, and give the Thinkers space to see how they may be getting in their own way.
Authentic leadership: I support Thinkers stop performing leadership and start leading as themselves, without forcing them into an old-school executive mold.
Association insider: As an ASAE CareerHQ coach, ASAE keynote speaker, and leadership trainer and strategist, I turn insight into action plans that stick.
Bilingual coaching in English and Spanish.

What types of clients do you work with?

Teams
Association executives building executive presence
Emerging leaders
Women leaders
Newly promoted directors stepping up to leadership
Professionals in career transition

What is your professional background?

I am an ICF Professional Certified Coach with an Advanced Certification in Team Coaching (PCC/ACTC) with 25+ years in coaching, training, and professional development, and the President and CEO of Lori Bruhns, LLC, the executive coaching and leadership development firm I founded in 2007. I am also certified in DiSC and hold a Business and Professional Coaching Certificate from NC State University.

Since 2023, I have served as an Association CareerHQ coach with ASAE, helping association professionals navigate career transitions, build executive presence, and shift from managing to leading. I have coached attendees at the ASAE Annual Meeting, presented ASAE webinars and CAE leadership training, and spoken at back-to-back ASAE annual conferences in 2025 and 2026. I also know associations from the inside, having served as a chapter president of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

As a leadership trainer and strategist, I design and facilitate programs for organizations including Duke University, Duke Health, SAS, and Cone Health, Peter Millar er Millar and Hendrick Automotive Group.

Order online below. Once your order is received, a member of our team will contact you directly to facilitate the connection to your coach.

Lori Bruhns, PCC/ACTC

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