In a world where leadership is often tested by uncertainty and constant change, Donna Dahl stands out as a guiding force for those who seek to lead with intention. Recognized as a transformative coach, author, and mentor, she has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to rise above self-doubt and embrace their full potential. Known for her ability to combine clarity with compassion, Donna doesn’t just provide strategies—she inspires lasting change. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that true leadership is less about titles and more about purpose, vision, and the courage to act.
As one of the “Most Admired Business Leaders to Watch in 2025,” Donna shares her journey and insights in her own words. In the following interview, she speaks candidly about her philosophy, her inspirations, and the values that continue to guide her work.
“Donna Dahl doesn’t just coach leaders—she empowers them to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”
1. Could you walk us through your professional journey and what inspired you to establish Donna Dahl Coaching International?
“From the slow lane to the global stage, my journey began with a fable and was forged through resilience.”
Aesop’s Fable of the Tortoise and the Hare left a lasting impression on me, highlighting contrasting approaches to leadership. The story resonated especially after I experienced a car accident that dramatically slowed me down. Recovery was a decade-long process, supported by those around me. Through perseverance, I rebuilt my career—from publishing and branding to coaching, public speaking, and writing—demonstrating how challenges can lead to growth and meaningful achievement.
Like many journeys, mine took twists and turns I could never have predicted. Early on, I found inspiration not only in the stories that shaped my perspective but also in the setbacks that tested my resolve. The lessons I learned from adversity taught me that leadership is not a destination but a continuous evolution—a practice of refining one’s approach and rising above challenges.
My passion for personal growth grew into a calling to champion others. Through education, real-world experience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, I cultivated the tools needed to support leaders in unlocking their full potential. Each step, whether measured or bold, added to my understanding of what it means to guide others with dignity and empathy.
By weaving together the art of storytelling and the science of transformation, I sought to create a space where leaders could reflect, grow, and thrive. The drive to foster authenticity and resilience within others became the cornerstone of Donna Dahl Coaching International. My work as a leadership accelerator is exhilarating. It is energizing. Every person I work with brings a unique story, and it is in these stories that the seeds of empowerment are sown.
2. What sets Donna Dahl Coaching International apart from others in the coaching space?
“I don’t just coach leaders—I ignite transformation that lasts.”
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills; it’s about the courage to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. My coaching blends the science of how the brain works with the art of human connection, helping leaders move from stuck to start and from good to exceptional.
I work one-on-one, in a private and confidential space, where each leader’s goals and challenges are met with strategies tailored to their unique strengths. My proven system empowers leaders to master communication, build high-trust teams, and navigate complex change with resilience.
Clients often tell me that working with me feels like “finding the missing gear” they didn’t know they had. Many quote my words years later—proof that when a message resonates deeply, it doesn’t just spark change in the moment, it sustains it over time.
3. How would you describe your leadership style? How does it impact the culture in a workplace environment?
“I lead by empowering others to lead themselves.”
My leadership style is empowerment-centered and vision-driven. I lead with curiosity, clarity, and a deep belief in the potential of people. My style is not about dictating the path—it’s about equipping others to navigate it with confidence.
I not only accelerate leadership — I am comfortable with digging down to get at the root of any barriers and addressing them. I listen intently, ask the kinds of questions that spark insight, and challenge leaders to stretch beyond what they thought possible. In a workplace, this style fosters a culture where initiative, trust, and collaboration thrive.
Leaders who embrace my approach to empowerment often carry those lessons forward, quoting and sharing them long after our time together. The result is a culture where communication becomes more transparent, ideas flow more freely, and individuals feel valued for their contributions—a place where both performance and people flourish.
4. What trends do you foresee shaping the future of coaching and consulting?
“The future of coaching will be more human, even as it becomes more high-tech.”
We are seeing a powerful convergence of technology and personal connection in coaching and consulting. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and advanced analytics are creating new ways to simulate real-world challenges, measure progress, and personalize learning. Yet, the more we integrate technology, the greater the demand will be for coaches who bring deep empathy, nuanced listening, and the ability to navigate the human side of leadership.
I also see a shift toward shorter, more targeted engagements—leaders seeking rapid, measurable breakthroughs without losing the depth of transformation. The words exchanged in these high-impact sessions will be even more important; the right phrase at the right time can anchor a leader’s mindset for years to come.
In the future, the most impactful coaches will be those who can blend data with discernment, tools with trust, and innovation with a genuine commitment to human growth.
5. How has your personal background influenced your business philosophy?
“I didn’t just learn about growth in business—I learned it in the fields, one season at a time.”
As a farmer’s daughter, I understood early the value of caring for what we’re entrusted with—whether it’s the fertile soil beneath our feet or the seed in our hands. Farming taught me to plant with intention, nurture with consistency, and steward each stage until the harvest is ready.
Coaching is much the same. Each session plants a seed of insight. When a client reaches out years later, quoting something I once said, I know that idea has taken root and grown strong. That’s the beauty of words—they can outlive the moment and influence choices long after they’re spoken.
My philosophy is simple: every person deserves the opportunity to grow at their own pace, in their own space, confidentially and without judgment. In both farming and coaching, the greatest rewards come when you honor the process as much as the outcome.
6. What are some misconceptions people have about working with a coach?
“Coaching isn’t a rescue mission — it’s a growth accelerator.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about working with a coach is that it’s only for people who are struggling. In truth, coaching is just as valuable for high performers who want to sustain momentum, explore new opportunities, or prepare for their next leap in leadership.
Another misconception is that a coach will simply hand you advice or quick fixes. My role is not to prescribe, but to partner—helping clients uncover solutions that align with their strengths, values, and vision. When that process is done well, the ideas and insights stay with them for years, often resurfacing at exactly the right moment.
And then there’s the myth that coaching is a one-size-fits-all process. The most effective coaching is highly personalized. Every leader’s path is unique, and my job is to meet them exactly where they are and walk beside them as they build clarity, confidence, and lasting impact. That’s what a leadership accelerator does.
If you think of me as being a fractional member of the C-Suite, both part-time and temporary, that would be appropriate. I must add, however, that while I do not ascribe to creating dependency on me as your coach, I do have clients who book periodic appointments long after our contract has ended just to get their “donna fix,” as they put it.
7. What core values or guiding principles do you prioritize when working with clients?
“Values are the compass that keeps the coaching journey on course.”
When I work with clients, my core values are not just guiding principles — they are the bedrock of every conversation, every decision, and every strategy we create together.
First, respect is non-negotiable. Whether we are exploring challenges, celebrating successes, or navigating sensitive topics, respect sets the tone for trust. Without trust, coaching cannot flourish.
Second, I prioritize integrity — showing up authentically, speaking truth with kindness, and holding myself accountable to the same standards I encourage in others.
Third, I embrace curiosity. Rather than rushing to provide answers, I ask the kinds of questions that unlock new perspectives and inspire clients to see beyond their own boundaries.
Fourth, I value commitment — from both sides of the relationship. True transformation doesn’t happen overnight; it’s the result of consistent effort and a willingness to stretch beyond comfort zones.
And finally, empowerment is at the heart of my work. My role is not to hand you a ready-made map, but to equip you with the tools, clarity, and confidence to create your own.
When these values align, clients don’t just meet their goals — they exceed them, often in ways they never imagined.
8. What impact do you hope to make — not just in business, but in your community or industry at large?
“If words can outlive the speaker, then my greatest impact will be measured in echoes.”
As a thought leader and as a leadership accelerator, I hope to continue inspiring people long after the conversation ends—whether through my coaching, my keynote speeches, or my books like Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise, which readers have described as insightful, heartfelt and transformative. The fact that people still quote me years later tells me that words, when chosen with care, have the power to take root and grow in ways we can’t always see.
Here is what one reader wrote:
Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise: “This book fascinated me, and I took many notes about my thoughts on life and living! The book is certainly a reflection of my life, as “the hare” who has let many good opportunities pass by. One can also realize that the “race of life” is not over, and it is not too late to get moving and set out what I was destined to accomplish!”
“It is the ONLY book in my life that I have ever read TWICE and would gladly read again!”
“I have known Donna Dahl since 2005, and her loving, passionate, thought-provoking insightfulness never ceases to amaze me! It is a privilege to know such a zealous human being and experience her Greatness!”
Throughout history, we revisit the words of those who came before us because they shape how we think, act, and dream. I’ve often been called a thought leader, and I take that responsibility seriously. If my words can shift perspectives, challenge assumptions, and spark meaningful change—whether I am your keynote speaker, your podcast guest, your editor, or your coach—then my impact will be felt not just in business, but in lives and communities for years to come.
I am grateful for the amazing clients with whom I have been invited to work. I am grateful for a timeless fable, a life-changing accident, my talent with words, and an unshakable drive to lead with purpose. May my work and my words inspire you.
Donna Dahl Brief Bio
“Donna Dahl doesn’t just develop leaders—she magnifies their strengths.”
Donna Dahl, B.Ed., Master Empowerment Coach and Leadership Accelerator, is recognized for her ability to help leaders move from stuck to start and from good to exceptional. Drawing on neuroscience-based strategies, decades of leadership expertise, and a gift for asking the questions that spark transformation, she works one-on-one in a private, highly customized setting. Her book Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise has inspired readers worldwide, and her coaching has left a lasting imprint—clients often quote her words years later. Whether speaking from a stage, guiding a leader through a breakthrough moment, or editing a manuscript, Donna’s mission remains the same: to cultivate clarity, confidence, and courage so leaders can make an impact that endures.
Web Link: www.donnapdahl.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnadahl/
Let’s Chat. calendly.com/donnadahl
