Client Stories
As a coach, workshop leader, and keynote speaker, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and teams in both long-term and short-term engagements.
Together, we’ve merged coaching excellence with expertise in areas including problem-solving & decision-making, team performance enhancement, program & change management, organizational design & development, conflict resolution, innovation management, and strategic and systems thinking.
I’ve helped clients achieve breakthrough moments, overcome challenges, and experience transformative growth. These experiences have been incredibly rewarding and impactful, and it’s an honor to share their stories.
INDIVIDUAL COACHING (LONG-TERM ENGAGEMENTS)
Before I made coaching my full-time job, I was a coach, mentor, and senior leader. My first formal client was a mentee of mine when I was an executive. Now, through multiple promotions and team expansion, she and her team continue to be clients today.
Sarah Kehoe, PhD (Current Client for 4+ years) — given in 2022
Vice President Innovation, Incubation and Delivery, Danaher Diagnostics
A few years ago, I experienced a rapid rate of growth in my own career. I needed a mentor to help me thrive as I left my comfort zone behind while also building a new organization within the Danaher Diagnostics Platform. Heather came highly recommended to me by one of the Senior Vice President/General Managers in my company. Her reputation preceded her as an executive with a proven track record of successfully growing teams and organizations. Despite being highly sought after, Heather made time for me and met with me weekly for over two years.
In looking back on my time with Heather, I deeply appreciate the incredible impact that she had on my Clinical Insights Team’s success and on my own personal and professional growth journey. Heather taught me how to delegate, how to give real-time and fair feedback, and how to be self-aware. Most importantly, Heather taught me how to be an effective and authentic servant leader, even under times of stress. Heather’s empathy-based, logical decision-making techniques to problem-solving enabled me to create a high-performing team without compromising my values of ensuring psychological safety and intellectual honesty. She also helped me to look at my organization’s talent holistically to balance both the discovery and delivery skills that I needed to guarantee business success. Heather has an incredible dynamic range and can help people “see the big picture”/high-level strategy all the way down to deployment of practical tools that help with tactical execution. I can’t thank Heather enough for all her wisdom and guidance over the past several years. She is one in a million!
Executive Coaching clients often appreciate a coach who has “walked in their shoes.” Matt, a former colleague turned client, attests to this value.
Yu Li (Matt), PhD (Prior Client)
Manager, Scalable Ventures, UC Irvine
I have had the great pleasure of working with Heather as both a colleague and (more recently) as her client. I have seen her expertise firsthand as both a manager and a coach. It’s not a coincidence that those who have worked closely with Heather speak highly of her work ethic and expertise.
Specifically when looking for a coach, I was seeking guidance from someone who has successfully climbed the summit and knows the perils and the rewards. Heather embodies the track record to be credible, the empathy to be engaging, the professionalism to stay focused, the depth to guide fruitful introspection, and the experience to produce results. This combination makes her a uniquely effective communicator and guide.
When I started my formal coach training program from iPEC, Logan was one of the first clients to explore Core Energy Coaching and the Energy Leadership™Concepts. Here she highlights her transformative experience.
Logan Haller, MSPH, PMP (Current Client 2+ years)
Sr Manager, Danaher Diagnostics
A couple of years ago I decided to move out of my comfort zone and switch to a different role. I had many thoughts and internal critics circling around in my mind, doubting if I was capable of this new role, adjusting to a more strategic business way of thinking, and interacting more with professionals and leaders from across the company. I was provided with an amazing opportunity to have Heather as my coach. I had seen how Heather motivated and transformed others on my team, and I knew Heather could bring success out of me as well.
I have been extremely fortunate to have Heather as my coach by my side. Heather’s coaching has been invaluable and has opened an entirely new chapter for me around Energy Leadership™. Heather has taught me that I am human, and it is important to understand how you show up under stress and how to be a leader from the best version of you. Heather has taught me how to gain awareness of how we perceive the world and that we have the power to stop, re-evaluate, and choose how we respond allowing for intentional and effective responses, rather than reactive ones. Heather has also been teaching and encouraging me and the team to be aware of the higher levels of energy to enhance our productivity and performance. This shift has led to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.
Heather’s approach, which combines empathy, logical decision-making, and determination, provides an environment of psychological safety and intellectual honesty. Heather has this incredible way of knowing when we need to re-evaluate and focus more on particular topics even when we may not realize it is a barrier. Heather has played a critical role in building my confidence by encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and providing the guidance and resources needed to succeed. Heather has an incredible tool belt to bring out the success in an individual and a team and I am fortunate to have Heather as my coach, sounding board, and key influencer. Heather is truly incredible and can’t wait to grow and learn more with her coaching!
As a lifelong learner, I love to explore innovation in coaching. Kausik shares my passion for learning and innovation and is often the first to embrace new techniques and methods. Here is his story, which exemplifies the power of innovation in coaching.
Kausik Das PhD (Current Client 1+ years)
Innovation Strategist, Portfolio Manager, Danaher Diagnostics
As my career has evolved from being a lab scientist to a science-strategist my professional landscape has transformed alongside my partners’ evolving expectations and our interactions. Now as a science-&-business strategist, I interact on a regular basis with professionals and leaders from a diverse background. Heather’s coaching has played a pivotal role in navigating these intricate work relationships and steering my thoughts in a way to best guides the team toward our collective objectives.
Heather’s coaching has taught me the invaluable skill of understanding diverse personalities and working styles within and beyond our teams. Having a definition of different working styles, and understanding the dynamic interaction between each style, are not only fascinating but also extremely useful in any cross-functional setup. These lessons transcend mere professional settings, leaving a lasting impact that I hope will endure for years to come. Her coaching has empowered me to delve into my subconscious, gaining insights into the deep motivations that influence my thoughts and actions, and equipping me with tools to manage these influences effectively to achieve what is best for the team or project.
As a coach, Heather creates a safe and supportive environment that has encouraged me to challenge myself, embrace introspection, and foster curiosity in understanding my professional counterparts. Each session with Heather is not only enlightening but also exciting,and invigorating, as I explore tools that enhance my self-awareness and understanding of the dynamic interactions that define our complex professional environment. Looking back, I wish I had benefited from her coaching earlier in my career, and I believe everyone would benefit from such an opportunity with Heather or a coach like her.
Coaching is truly a transformative process. Through it, we evolve into a higher version of ourselves. Christine has made multiple, high-impact transitions in her career and is now ready for her next leap forward. Here is her story:
Christine Serway, PhD ( Current Client 1+ Years)
Principle, Clinical Insights and Alliances, Danaher Diagnostics
Heather is the ultimate executive spirit guide, leading you on a journey of professional awareness, growth, and eventual transformation. She takes you is exactly where you need to go, helping you understand the importance of professional development, all of its intricacies and value of the journey itself. Heather’s unique approach combines her easy-going nature, kindness, interwoven with her use of expert tools and deep insight in both the process and the individual. Working with her will help you become a more evolved and effective version of yourself, unlocking your greatest potential.
On a more personal note, Heather has expertly guided my transition from a diverse background in laboratory benchwork, translational science, clinical applications, business administration, and big data to becoming a leader in Oncology Diagnostics innovation. She has helped me transform this broad skill set into a superpower, inspiring ideation, leading teamwork, and teaching me to be an empowered leader in a matrix environment. Heather has refined my ability to navigate complex corporate situations with grace, consistently achieving outcomes that exceed my expectations. Her impact on my professional growth has been invaluable, and I highly recommend her to anyone ready to commit to self-reflection and true professional evolution.
One of the most valuable benefits of a long-term coaching relationship has been the trust we’ve built, which has been instrumental in supporting organizational change.
Lorie Fiber (Current Client 1 year)
Science and Technology Content Strategist, Danaher Diagnostics
I have had the good fortune to work with Heather in my role at Danaher Corporation. Heather has proven herself to be an effective resource during a time of significant change for both my team and our company. Kudos to my leadership for recognizing the value of embedding Heather in our team in an ongoing manner, and kudos to Heather for her down-to-earth, actionable approach to coaching teams and individuals through transformations. Whether it’s after one of Heather group trainings or coming out of my 1:1s with her, I find I have greater clarity and specific actions I can take to advance the business and expand my impact. I strongly recommend Heather for any organization that finds itself navigating through a complex transformation.
As many of my clients come from scientific and engineering backgrounds, they truly appreciate my evidence-based, scientific approach to coaching. This method not only resonates with their analytical mindset but also aids their understanding of the biology behind the techniques. By reducing self-judgment, this approach fosters self-efficacy and empowers them to achieve their goals.
Sneha Hariharan MS, MBA
Director Diagnostic Insights & Alliance Management, Danaher Diagnostics
I had the privilege of working with Heather during a pivotal moment in my career as I transitioned out of management consulting into a new role with a dynamic, startup-style team within a Fortune 500 company. Heather’s coaching has been nothing short of transformational, and I’m deeply grateful for the positive impact she has had on both my professional and personal growth.
Heather brings a remarkable combination of empathy, logic, and a science-based approach to her coaching. She creates a space where you not only grow but learn to approach challenges with confidence and compassion—for yourself and others. Her prior leadership experience at Danaher adds immense value, allowing her to provide real-world insights that go beyond traditional coaching.
One of the most impactful aspects of our work together was Heather’s introduction to Energy Leadership. Through this, I gained a deeper understanding of my intrinsic energy levels, the role and value of different energy states in various circumstances, and actionable ways to apply this knowledge. This framework has been invaluable for navigating difficult conversations, improving self-advocacy, and fostering greater self-awareness.
Heather also helped me uncover and manage my inner critic—a subtle yet powerful force that can often limit our potential. Rather than simply silencing these restrictive thoughts, Heather taught me how to redirect them positively, leading to greater clarity and confidence in my decision-making.
Another standout feature of Heather’s coaching is her scientific approach to understanding personalities and interpersonal dynamics. Her insights into how different personality types interact were incredibly useful, particularly in my interdisciplinary and cross-functional role. I now approach team dynamics with a new level of insight and intentionality.
Heather’s subject-matter expertise is another key strength. Beyond coaching, she leveraged her extensive industry knowledge to support me with a workshop I led on organizational design. Heather went above and beyond, dedicating hours to help refine the material and ensure it met my goals—her commitment was unmatched.
Finally, Heather has been a steady, empathetic guide throughout the changes I experienced during our coaching journey, including a job change and shifts in leadership. She remained action-oriented, helping me stay focused on my career goals and navigate transitions with resilience and confidence.
I wholeheartedly recommend Heather to anyone seeking a thoughtful, science-driven, and empathetic coach. Her ability to combine strategic guidance with personal insights makes her a game-changer for anyone ready to take their career and leadership skills to the next level.
I am incredibly grateful to my former colleagues and clients who have confidently recommended me. Their referrals are the highest form of appreciation, reflecting the trust and impact we’ve built together. Every client has come to me through direct referrals, and this speaks volumes about the power of word-of-mouth in my coaching practice. I believe the greatest thank-you gift is a referral, as it allows me to continue empowering more individuals to reach their full potential. Here is one example.
Marian Navratil, PhD
Vice President Development, Freenome
Heather is a well-rounded professional – her strong technical foundation seamlessly meshes with her business acumen and highly refined soft skills to influence stakeholders and get things done. Heather is a very perceptive, trustworthy, and adaptive leader – she draws on her experience to adjust her style to the situation which makes her very effective at working through a variety of complex organizational challenges. I have often sought Heather’s counsel since she has a terrific ability to read people, view situations from unique angles, and come up with creative solutions. She has always been happy to lend a helping hand which makes her a great coach and mentor – I have seen a number of people whom Heather took under her wing thrive and grow both personally and professionally. I would jump on another opportunity to work with Heather in a heartbeat – she is the best
INDIVIDUAL COACHING (TRANSITIONAL CLIENTS)
The journey of transition clients often highlights common challenges, such as underestimating their skills, uncertainty about their “wants versus needs,” and struggling with confident networking or self-introduction. Each client is unique, so the tools from the HTV Coaching toolkit were tailored to their individual needs. The results? Clients gained the confidence to articulate and emphasize their values and skills, focusing on who they were Being, not just what they were Doing. Today, they are thriving in roles they desired, with several negotiating higher positions and salaries. Here are two of their stories.
Kartik Radhakrishnan
Program & Portfolio Management Associate Director, BD
In the process of looking for my next role, I was connected with Heather through my network… Her extensive experience in the Program Management Office (PMO) space was a bonus given this is where I wanted to continue my career. From the five coaching sessions I had with Heather, I developed a greater awareness of the key skills; (technical and soft) required in the PMO space; a clearer understanding my “haves” vs development areas; a better way to position myself for the roles I was targeting; and most importantly, a higher level of confidence level that I could be successful in those roles.
Heather, I am grateful to have met you and worked with you! Looking forward to future opportunities to work with you!
Brianna Pyka
Passionate Fundraising Professional for Nonprofits and Libraries, BrandRaise
I love being coached by Heather. She is kind, patient, and clear and provides exceptional resources and realistic tools for application. Each coaching session is very focused and organized. I always look forward to our time together! I look forward to continuing to work with Heather and highly recommend working with her!
TEAM COACHING, FACILITATION & WORKSHOPS
Engaging with teams as part of their growth and development is exhilarating, whether the team is forming, storming, or norming! Teams come in many shapes and sizes, including project teams, departments, Business Women’s Circles, or simply groups of individuals wanting to learn together. Whether it’s a full-day Advancing Team Performance™ Event, a 2-hour virtual DiSC® or Energy Leadership™ Workshop, or a custom-built Leadership Mastery workshop, the benefits are substantial. Participants can expect improved collaboration, enhanced performance, increased innovation, adaptability, and heightened awareness.
Marlais Brand, Director of Business Development, Outward Bound (BWC member)
Heather is a fantastic group and individual coach. She facilitates my Business Women’s Circle professional group, catalyzing very engaged 360 problem-solving and delivering super targeted workshop sessions. Heather is an excellent, active listener. She expertly synthesizes information and knits together ideas, making connections visible, and ah ha’s possible! I’ve had some big breakthroughs in Heather’s group. She helps me chart my leadership course with detail and care, showing me trends in my behavior and aspirations, and providing relevant call backs to previous successes and challenges.
Heather is a true teacher — she doesn’t tell me what to do, she shows me how I can lead. She gives me the tools, frames up the situation with perspective, then asks me just the right questions to help me identify and choose the best solution for me. Heather has a deep toolbox, and is well-versed in leadership assessments, and goal management, but her superpower is positive, empathic problem-solving and goal-setting support. Heather will challenge you, but nothing makes her happier than helping you find your next best step– whether that’s solving a personnel problem today, or making a career move tomorrow. When I worked one-on-one with Heather, she helped me find my next career adventure. Heather’s wisdom and perspective amplified my confidence in this important decision. She’s an excellent role model, mentor, and coach. Anyone who wants to grow their leadership is in very good hands with Heather.
Donald H. Harkness, DVM MS Director, Clinical Affairs, Beckman Coulter
Heather did several sessions with my functional team. She was especially impactful when discussing and training around the topics of intellectual honesty and psychological safety, personalizing the material, and asking for a call to action from team members. Heather has a passion for leadership and coaching and a talent for inclusively engaging individuals and teams. I highly recommend Heather for leadership coaching and training.
SPEAKING
Speaking engagements provide an exceptional platform to impact many people at once and share my insights on Leadership Development. One of my favorite topics is High Conscious Leadership. Often, our focus is on what we are doing, as society tends to measure us this way. But what if we flipped that script and focused on who we were being in every situation, through every challenge and change?
Can one presentation really make an immediate impact? Here is a story from a leader who attended my keynote in the morning, took some ideas away, and then came to the afternoon workshop to share her success with the whole group.
Geraldine Marks
Program/Product Management | President, CEO | Board Director
About a month ago, PMI MN Chapter had the pleasure of having Heather Tibbles-Vassilev as the keynote speaker at our Project Management Professional Development Days. It is an annual event where PMI MN provides the opportunity for close to 3000 members to learn, network, and nurture their professional careers. This year Heather’s presentation was on “High Conscious Leadership, A New Way of Being” This resonated with me as the timing was just perfect. I was struggling with a complex, messy task assigned to me with the pressure to learn and turn things around “yesterday” So many things were going through my mind, I started questioning my abilities and had doubts that I could ever tackle this monstrous task.
Listening to Heather, the lightbulb went off for me, I suddenly made the connection that it was not the task weighing me down but how I was choosing to perceive and react to it. Just a few hours later I had the perfect opportunity to practice what I had just learned from Heather’s presentation. I changed my mindset, allowing myself to open up my mind to understanding and learning whatever I could about the assignment. Truly, just by having a mindset shift, I immediately felt so much relief, I gained the confidence that I can do this and am happy to say that not only have I been able to tackle the assignment I have gone a step further to improve the process. Heather, thank you so much for the meaningful presentation on being a highly conscious leader, being open to looking at things differently, and experiencing a mindset shift. I am definitely looking forward to future coaching opportunities with you
Click here to check out HTV Coaching’s blog. Or click here to reach out to Heather.