Testimonials

The late Barbara Brenner, Activist, ED of Breast Cancer Action

Change agents need partners willing to engage fully in what they are trying to achieve. Partners who will help make their vision a reality by focusing their hearts and minds and courage on the goals at hand. Partners who can help them bridge the gaps between where they are and where they need to be. Whenever I needed such a partner, I found her in Diane.

Carrie Childs, Design Director, Patagonia

In a time of transition and uncertainty, Diane helped me find clarity — not just in my role, but in how I lead. I was able to articulate my leadership philosophy, recognize the ways I've become an agent of change, and evolve key processes with intention and confidence.

Elizabeth Talerman, CEO, The Nucleus Group

Being immersed in conflict with a trusted colleague is disorienting. When I began working with Diane, I felt lost and hurt. She helped me see that my life's work is inseparable from my life itself. That clarity gave me the steadiness to make difficult, necessary choices about the future of my business.

David Nicholson, Founder, Ridgeline Climate; former Chief Climate Officer, Mercy Corps

I came to Diane leaving something stable for an unknown next phase. I knew something exciting was ahead but couldn't bring it into focus. She helped me clarify who I am as a leader and what I want to spend my time doing. I've always had a solid foundation of confidence, but our work showed me where I was being too passive, and sharpened my sense of what I want and value.

Andrew Levack, Senior Program Officer, St. David's Foundation

Diane brought us clarity and candor. She helped us see our strengths and blind spots without judgment, and guided us in conversations we’d been avoiding. We gained a clearer sense of who we are as leaders and how to work together with more trust.

Sue Levin, Co-Founder, Chief Commercial Officer, KaphaBio

Di creates trust quickly and leads people — almost effortlessly — into conversations they might otherwise avoid. She has a rare ability to find the right words for complex ideas, without ego. She doesn't put language in your mouth; she helps you discover what you need to say, and how to say it.

Catherine Schreiber, Consultant; Former COO, Women’s Foundation of California

When something exciting happens, Diane is who I want to call. When I'm confused or discouraged, my fingers type out her name in a new email. I know she’ll meet whatever I bring with real enthusiasm and empathy — and with a deep respect for the human truth that we hold power and fragility in equal measure. And just when I feel utterly stumped, she asks a question so simple and so true that everything opens. I can move again.

seema thakker, VP of Programs, Harness

Working with Di has helped me lead from a more authentic place. She coaches me to hear my deepest voice—and to trust it—an invaluable skill in a world that constantly pulls us away from ourselves. I lead with more confidence now—not because I changed who I am, but because I'm less likely to override my own knowing.