Photo by Sarah Deragon

Co-founder coaching

I specialize in supporting co-founders and executive teams to repair, strengthen and develop their partnerships. I believe that…

  • great companies are built through healthy relationships rather than smart individuals;

  • leaders are uniquely responsible for modeling healthy relational dynamics in their org; and

  • high relational competency amongst leaders is a powerful business differentiator that drives

This is the work I love to do. I help executives develop more fluency in how they relate to themselves, each other, and their companies. Then, I help them use those skills to build better products and organizations.

This covers a lot of ground:

  • Experiencing and articulating the dance and dynamic of the partnership

  • Increasing internal comfort with vulnerable leadership

  • Navigating conflict in a way that creates connection

  • Learning the impact of their communication skills

  • Improving decision-making skills, especially in times of high ambiguity

  • Managing transitions and changing relational roles

My practice is grounded in IFIO, the relational model that builds off of Internal Family Systems.

“We came to Natalie proactively as two first time co-founders looking to strengthen our partnership, improve communication and understand ways to manage conflict. We hadn’t done professional coaching before and weren’t quite sure what to expect. We’ve been working with Natalie for over a year now and can confidently say finding Natalie has been one of the great blessings and best investments we’ve made as founders. She is empathetic and inquisitive. She is good at listening and deft at keeping our discussions focused and impactful. She has invested in understanding us as individuals and as partners. She somehow figures out how to guide us when we’re tired and loopy and overworked. She’s intuitive and capable of asking the right questions when we’re unfocused or stuck. One of the most important pillars of our success to date is the strength of our relationship as founders and one of the big planks in the foundation of that relationship is Natalie.”
— Toby Kraus and Ben Parker, Co-Founders, Lightship RV

Individual coach-advisory

I selectively support founders and leaders in the craft of product development as an advisor/coach. We’ll spend time digging into and improving your product strategy, talking through gaps in your thinking, and making your execution process smoother. But we’ll also hone in on the unspoken topics where you may feel insecure, overcommitted, or overwhelmed, and find some clarity and relief. I love helping people zoom out, find focus, and commit.

This work can also cover a lot of ground:

  • Deepening awareness of and compassion towards your internal experience

  • Learning to notice, feel, and work with the wisdom of your emotional and physical body rather than just your head

  • Clarifying your default mental models and articulating your values

  • Making difficult decisions amidst ambiguity and uncertainty

  • Creating support systems for your work

  • Crafting meaningful learning goals for yourself

  • Identifying skill gaps and learning how to fill them

“Natalie is a brilliant coach. She is kind and honest. She says it like she sees it but in a manner in which you would be receptive to it. She can articulate concepts/problems very clearly, which helps me think through them and convey them to my team. She asks pointed questions and avoids telling you the answer but instead lets you discover it - and then articulates it better for you. ”
— Arnav Sharma, Co-Founder and CTO, Enterpret
“Natalie has helped me integrate my sense of self with the challenging expectations of a fast-paced early-stage startup. Our coaching sessions are one of the highlights of my week: I come with both interpersonal and technical questions and get feedback from an attentive and empowering partner. Natalie has changed my view on coaching, as it has impacted how I show up in my personal life, too. I have more confidence in my leadership, and more security in myself.”
— Rafael Alves, Head of Product, Nilo Health
“I had the most fun and felt like I was doing some of my best work while working with you. You constantly inspired me to take risks and expand my thinking beyond the easy or low hanging fruit. Your energy is contagious and consumes the entire room, which inspires everyone daily to do better and go bigger. I feel that everyone is willing to go on this journey with you because of the dedication and hard work that went into building the team dynamic.”
— Director of Product, Quizlet
“Natalie’s coaching style is incredibly broad-ranging: she did everything from ask probing questions to sharing resources to encouraging self-reflection to designing homework to help me achieve specific goals. I was surprised that I got emotional during several of our sessions! Natalie encouraged me to be vulnerable and provided almost a therapeutic experience as I worked through some complex feelings around my career. She’s is a great fit for people dealing with a new role and looking for a coach who will help build their confidence.”
— Head of Product, Series B healthcare startup

I bring to my work sharp attention, pattern recognition of messy dynamics, and a healthy appreciation of the absurd. Sound fun? Reach out.