# Shera R. Sever, M.Ed-OLC, CPC, CCM > Strategic Partner |Leadership & Talent Development | Executive- Career Coach| Change Consultant | Best Selling Author-EQ. 👉I’m on a mission to enable human flourishing in our organizational cultures. Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/shera I have dedicated the majority of my global career to the people side of business in a variety of leadership, consulting, coaching, and communication roles. Currently I partner with HR and Employee Wellness programs to provide online personal and professional development coaching. Additionally I continue providing my expertise in L & D focus partnering with companies on AI integration for learning, development , performance coaching, and onboarding. With an inquiry based, data-driven approach, I have led large OD/LD initiatives and community outreach campaigns for such companies as Visa, McGraw-Hill Publishers, Bank of America, Boston Scientific Research, Berlex, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, as well as a number of universities and non profit organizations. I hold a Master’s degree in organizational leadership and culture with a focus on cognitive science in learning experience design. Methodologies include: Generative AI, hybrid/micro-learning, design thinking, and participatory collaborative processes. Psychometrics experience includes: MBTI, 360 Degree, StrengthFinder, Hogan, et al. Executive/Performance Coaching: With influences from nearly 3 decades of applied organizational psychology and human development, I have guided hundreds of mid/senior/C-Suite to become more effective communicators and inclusive, engaged leaders, managers and human beings. Coaching approach: Co Active, Ontological, Inquiry, and Action- Based. Additionally, I have helped hundreds of professionals design careers and businesses in alignment with vision, purpose, passion and values. My award winning career-development program for emerging international leaders from over 40 countries was a precursor to social entrepreneurship. My programs have been incorporated for various outplacement services and also delivered through SFSU , UC Berkeley, the Southwest Institute for the Healing Arts and Jewish Vocational Services. My early experience in global marketing, sales, and event operations has enabled me to engage in a full range of business function dependencies contributing to matrixed, sociocratic organizational designs particularly in change initiatives and pilot projects. Industry experience includes : IT, Fintech, Higher Ed, Media/Publishing, Non- Profit and Public Agency Sectors, Manufacturing, Health and Wellness, Real Estate, Entertainment, and Community Development ## Work Experience ### Organizational Learning and Culture (VP) @ Igniting The Spark Jan 2019 – Present | Global Partner with OD/HR/L & D/ leadership teams on talent/leadership development, employee engagement (EX) customer experience (CX), DEIB, and competency building. Provide thought leadership and implementation for strategic communications, coaching and blended/AI learning and development strategies for organizational transformation. Implement design process: needs analysis, development, design, delivery, and evaluation. Serve as key facilitator for virtual, hybrid, and face-to-face courses, summits and events. CLIENTS INCLUDE: VISA, Flextronics, Berlex, Boston Scientific Research, Intuitive Surgical, Pandora, InMobi, Dreamforce, Bank of America, Wells Fargo Private Investment, Morrison Forester, LLP, Swinerton Construction, DTUI.com, UC Berkeley, San Francisco College of Extended Learning, Sonoma County Office of Adult Education RECENT PROJECTS INCLUDE: SONOMA COUNTY OFFICE of EDUCATION- Participated in consortium developing 3 year plan for hybrid higher ed programs throughout the county. UNIFY CONSULTING & Design Media, San Francisco Collaborated with consultant team on OD/L & D development/digital transformation project /communication plans learning & development deliverables for Bay Area tech companies and Federal and State government contracts. Contributed to proposals, team development, GM communications, white papers, and client dossiers SOUTHWEST INSTITUTE of HEALING ARTS, Phoenix, AZ- Taught business development courses with a focus on marketing, messaging, product and service delivery for entrepreneurs launching businesses in the health and wellness industry. VIRTUAL SUMMIT/EVENT Moderator-OLC-IDEATE; Boston, MA; Bay Area Women in Technology; AoH Participatory Leadership Training (EU) CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY- East Bay: Developed The Four Pillars of Leadership Mastery – an online prototype certification course for organization/business leaders. UCSF MEDICAL CENTER-Facilitated L & D team sessions focusing on DEI commitments/initiatives. ### Executive /Career Coach @ Ivy Exec Jan 2019 – Jan 2025 | Global Serve as Executive/Career Coach guiding CEO's, VP /Director level global clients from EMEA, ASIA and North America on career advancement, career transition, and skill development. Services include executive resume writing, Linked In Profile optimization and coaching strategies designed to assist clients in designing careers and businesses in alignment with vision, skills, values. Apply a synthesis of over 15 years of best career and life coaching methodologies, neuroscience, and thought leadership developed and delivered through my own coaching and consulting services. Approaches include: Ontological, Co-Active, Inquiry/Action Based. Trauma Informed ### Leadership Development /Onboarding Consultant @ AC Transit Jan 2019 – Jan 2020 | Oakland, CA In collaboration with HR and Senior leaders developed company wide competency based on-boarding program in alignment with the new 5 year organizational strategic vision. • Facilitated focus groups, C-suite meetings, and evangelized expansion of on-going professional development at all levels of organization. • Assisted with the development and delivery of front line leadership suite of courses • Provided UX and content input for the L & D component for internal web portal. ### Senior Learning and Diversity Consultant @ Minaya Learning Global Solutions LLC Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 | Cape Coral, Florida, United States In partnership with John F. Kennedy University, consulted with President, academic chairs and faculty on incorporating diversity, inclusion and multicultural competencies into course curricula across all disciplines. • Researched and created relevant learning experiences for Graduate Schools of Law , School of Psychology and Counseling integrating the needs of JFK students and the University's commitment to DEI • As part of an additional initiative, developed “Creating Cultures of Engagement “ flagship course, a versatile, scalable leadership development experience delivered via webinars, online, and in person NOTE: as of Jan. 2021, JKFU has been acquired by National University. ### HR/Talent Development Consultant @ Enhanced Lighting & Audiovisual Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | San Francisco Consulted with CEO and VP on HR/Talent development change initiative (recruiting, onboarding, new hire orientation and employee training and engagement programs. • Introduced competency-based framework and redesigned staff roles and responsibilities. • Developed comprehensive HR policies supporting State /Federal compliance and nuances related to the event/hospitality industry. • Introduced framework and facilitated bilingual (English/Spanish) onboarding experiences for all employees and contractors. ### Instructional Designer/Content Strategist/Executive Coach @ DTUI.com (Diversity Training University International) Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | San Francisco Diversity Training University International is a free-standing corporate university offering Diversity & Inclusion, Leadership, HR, e-Learning, & Performance Improvement training seminars and consulting internationally. • Partnered with Managing Director and contributed to the re-design and content of award -winning Chief Diversity Office Certification Online and Live Trainings editing and utilizing micro learning modules, videos, facilitator's guides, excerpts, articlesm workbooks, slide decks and more. • Consulted with Managing Partner on new learning portal development, website map, navigation and user experience (UX). • Served as Executive Coach for several DEI leadership clients. ### Non-Profit Leadership, Board Development & Capacity Building @ California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Jan 2006 – Jan 2014 | San Francisco Bay Area Developed a series of scalable leadership/board development programs for CHCC Executive Leadership Institute and other Bay Area agencies and non-profit organizations addressing: • Vision, Mission, Strategic Planning • Board Development and Recruitment • Membership Communications • Fundraising & Capacity Building • Volunteer Recruitment/Retention CHCC-California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Foundation Created and launched my flagship course: Creating Cultures of Engagement at Regional and Statewide Capacity Building Seminars to Board Presidents and Program Chairs. Course was eventually made available virtually to over 700,000 business members throughout the State of California C.E.O Women, Oakland A multi- award winning organization offering micro-enterprise development training and coaching to immigrant and refugee women. • Provided business development consulting and coaching to hundreds of CEO Women clients. • Redesigned and led flagship 6 month course "Start Your Own Business" to immigrant and refugee women resulting in successful business launches for over 80% of my graduates. • Participated in content development for new Telenovela. CITY of BERKELEY • Created internal and community facing communication collateral announcing City of Berkeley organizational redesign and restructuring of services and locations. • Served as primary point person for creation of all communication collateral to performers, city partners/sponsors. • Created & implemented social media campaigns promoting the BerkeleyWorld Music Festival COLLEGE of MARIN, Board of Trustees Steering Committee Consulted on strategy & presentation content to guide the direction for the new design for Novato campus OTHER Non Profit Clients include: Bay Area Community Resources- East Bay & Marin County; Sustainable World Coalition & Pachamama Alliance; Oakland Unified School District Adult & Technical Education; California Research & Training (CARAT), Oakland, CA ### Western Region: Marketing, Product Development and Sales Leader @ McGraw-Hill Higher Education Jan 2004 – Jan 2008 | New York and San Francisco In this full time internal position, played integral role in the re-design and launch of the McGraw-Hill Higher Education International ELT and Adult Education publication division. Sales & Sales Training: Increased sales by 80% in less than one year selling over $3M in educational products to the California Community College /and US Adult Education markets. Planned and presented at over 60 regional and national conferences annually. Increased market share overseas (SE Asia the Middle East) and in key regions in the US (California, New York, Texas, Florida) Developed new strategies for product training and consultative sales to our domestic sales team Editorial (Acquisitions- Focus Groups) Expanded international and domestic markets with editorial, marketing, and sales teams, producing over 40 new publications in less than 2 years. Planned and facilitated regional focus groups guiding new authors, editors, and educators through the editorial /publication process OnLine Learning Evangelist: Contributed significantly to development and use of On-Line Learning Centers on a new platform McGraw-Hill was just rolling out in the higher education market. Change Management: As part of the acquisition initiative, successfully recruited, interviewed, hired and trained external training consultants for key regions throughout the USA. Maintained external senior consultant role after acquisition. ### Adjunct Faculty: Curriculum/Course Developer; Advisor @ University of California, Berkeley Jan 1997 – Jan 2006 | San Francisco & Berkeley, CA Contributed over 10 years in the higher/adult education and non-profit /career development sector as adjunct faculty, curriculum designer, business/career consultant, program manage UC BERKELEY, Extension- English Language Program • With super faculty team, co-designed prototype for International Communications curriculum serving over 6000 participants from over 40 countries. Taught hundreds of communications and presentation classes and coached students on academic and career goals. SFSU- Continuing Education, Faculty- Creative Work/Life Transitions programs • Designed and led courses in Life Purpose, Career Clarification, Personal Branding for professionals in transition . • Partnered with Academic Director, and spearheaded advancement of Professional Development Program offerings to emerging international business leaders, engineers, and IT professionals from Apple, Adobe, Cisco, Morrison Forester, LLP, et. al. JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES, San Francisco, CA • Co-designed, developed and delivered a new comprehensive 6-month career development program providing a career path for new employment specialists. • Course modules t included: Career Focus, Job Search Strategies, Bios, Resume & Cover Letters, Interviewing & Presentation Skills, Networking, etc TESOL Teacher Trainer, Prague Czech Republic Based on methodologies from Cambridge, RSA, developed and led three-month teacher training course for new TESOL teachers covering in depth skill development in speaking, writing, reading, vocabulary development and pronunciation for adult language learners. ACHNA, Madrid Spain:- Created curricula and taught business communications and English to professionals and graduate students preparing for Spain’s entry into the EU. Designed and led customized courses specifically for medical, marketing, and hospitality industries. Taught and designed curricula for various other English language/higher education institutes throughout the Bay Area. ## Education ### MS in Cognitive Science, Learning & Organizational Change University of California, Berkeley ### B.A. magna cum laude in Social Culture and Change University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ### Online Teaching and Learning Certificate in E-Learning California State University - East Bay ### Trauma-Informed Consulting & Coaching Certificate Program in Collective Trauma Facilitator Training; Global Social Witnessing Academy of Inner Science- Thomas Hubl ### Mastering Facilitation & Instructional Design in Adult Education & Cross Cultural Communications UC Berkeley Extension ### OpenCourseware in Organizational Leadership MIT Sloan School of Management ### Interpersonal Dynamics-T-Groups Stanford University Graduate School of Business ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sherylsever - Website: https://sherasever.com/ - Website: https://sites.google.com/view/shera-r-sever-portfolio/work-place-samples --- Source: https://flows.cv/shera JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/shera/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-08