Executive Coaching

Thoughtful partnership for leaders navigating complexity.

Private coaching conversations grounded in curiosity, perspective, and partnership.

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Portrait of Joanne M. Black

About Joanne

I'm an ICF Associate Certified Coach with a law degree and more than two decades in higher education, policy, and leadership. I have worked inside institutions on the hard parts: policy, labor relations, compliance, and the people decisions that sit behind them.

I coach leaders who carry a lot of responsibility and want a thinking partner, not a cheerleader. My work centers on perspective, curiosity, and the space to sort through complexity before deciding what comes next.

I'm also the founder of SEEN Advising, a nonprofit that offers free pre-law advising to people underrepresented in the legal profession. I'm based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and work with clients virtually.

J.D. · M.S. · ICF ACC · DISC Certified Practitioner · Team Coaching Practitioner

Work

Coaching

Executive Coaching

One-on-one coaching for leaders working through change, complexity, and high-stakes decisions. Private, thoughtful, and built around your goals.

Nonprofit

SEEN Advising

A 501(c)(3) I founded in 2021. SEEN offers no-cost, personalized pre-law advising for people underrepresented in law, with partners at law schools and public-interest organizations.

Writing

Notes on Perspective

Short reflections on leadership and perspective, shared on LinkedIn and Substack. Each one closes with a question for reflection.

Who I work with

Founders, executives, attorneys, physicians, academic leaders, and accomplished AuDHD professionals.

Experience

  • 2019 – Present

    Founder & Executive Coach

    Diverge and Thrive Coaching / J. M. Black Coaching

    Coaching for academic, nonprofit, and corporate clients, including neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and mission-driven professionals.

  • 2021 – Present

    Founder & Executive Director

    SEEN Advising

    Lead governance, outreach, partnerships, and daily operations for a nonprofit providing free pre-law advising.

  • 2024 – 2026

    Academic Affairs Deputy Chief of Staff

    Elon University, Office of the Provost

    Supported senior academic leadership on promotion and tenure, faculty immigration, and collective bargaining. Designed and led training on the collective bargaining agreement and served as a liaison with the faculty union.

  • 2019 – 2021

    Commissioner, District 5

    City of Greensboro Human Relations Commission
  • 2011 – 2018

    Assistant Professor of Sociology & Criminal Studies

    Salem College

    Taught courses in criminal justice, law, and sociology. Led the Pre-Law Program and worked with campus partners on Title IX and Clery compliance.

  • 2011

    Title IX & Policy Consultant

    Elon University

    Reviewed sexual harassment policies against federal guidance and led an anti-hazing policy project.

  • Earlier

    Student Affairs & Residence Life Leadership

    The Washington Center, Lake Forest College, University of West Florida, Averett College

Education

  • J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law
  • M.S., Criminal Justice, University of New Haven
  • B.A., Sociology, Behavioral Science & Law, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Credentials

  • ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC)
  • ICF Mentor Coach (in progress)
  • DISC Certified Practitioner, Assessments 24x7
  • Team Coaching Practitioner, Clutterbuck

Apply to Work Together

Tell me a little about yourself and what you're working through. If it looks like a fit, we'll set up a one-hour conversation.

Prefer email? joannemblack@proton.me