| The purpose of this study was to explore the role that coaching plays in supporting women leaders to thrive as leaders in the academic workplace. Increasing workloads, sense of overwhelm, and desire for balance are all warning signs that the current hierarchical, and traditionally male-dominated, structures are not working for women in higher education.;This study examines the impact of coaching on women in academic leadership positions in higher education. Qualitative interviews were conducted in order to answer the research question: What are the experiences of women in academic administrative leadership positions who have had a professional coach? The principles of narrative research were used to focus on the women's stories, analyze the findings, and generate conclusions.;Three key themes emerged from the results of the research. The impact of coaching for women in leadership roles in academic administration resulted in increased mindfulness and presence, self-awareness and confidence, and ability to take action resulting in transformative change. Coaching women in higher education just might be a way forward to advance leadership, resilience, and perhaps even thriving of school directors, program heads, deans, and administrators in higher education as we contemplate the future of organizational life in academia. |
