The Coach Is In

Five Years of Inspiration & Insight

Launched on July 20, 2020, in response to the lockdown and the pandemic, "The Coach Is In" has become a cornerstone for spotlighting individuals who are passionate about their work. Through relaxed and engaging conversations filled with storytelling, staff have found a welcoming space to connect and gain insights from the openness and authenticity of their colleagues.

"I like how these sessions provide personal and professional experiences of professional development."

Top Ten Lessons Learned from Five Years of "The Coach Is In"

Prioritize People and Relationships

Authentic connections, mentorship, and active listening matter more than hierarchy. As a Michigan Engineering community, we can increase our impact by fostering trust, supporting each other’s growth, and intentionally building connections with students and colleagues.

Embrace Challenges as Opportunities, Not Roadblocks

Whether facing failure, uncertainty, or crisis, our setbacks can also become some of our most valuable learning moments. When we approach challenges with resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset, we can transform the obstacles in our path into stepping stones for innovation and personal development.

Lead with Purpose, Empathy, and Integrity

Effective leadership isn't about titles. It's about humility, self-awareness, and the desire to serve others. When you recognize and nurture the unique strengths and needs of those around you, everyone thrives. Being authentic and compassionate helps create strong, inclusive teams where people feel genuinely valued.

Communicate Clearly and Listen Deeply

Open, honest conversations, especially in challenging moments, help build trust and keep everyone on the same page. Sharing stories, giving and receiving feedback, and using simple, clear language go a long way in bridging gaps and ensuring everyone feels included.

Value Progress Over Perfection

Meaningful results often come from taking small, steady steps rather than giant leaps. Focus on what you can do right now, celebrate the wins along the way, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust course as you move forward. Remember that failed experiments get you closer to finding what works.

Cultivate a Learning Mindset

Curiosity and questions are powerful tools. It takes courage to “always learn” instead of feeling pressured to “always know.” Facilitate your growth by staying open to feedback, challenging your assumptions, and approaching every experience as a chance to experiment and improve.

Promote Well-Being for Yourself and Others

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Set boundaries, acknowledge your feelings, and make space for gratitude in every day. Supporting your own well-being helps you show up better for others, and it’s key to building a culture of balance, mental health, and safety in Michigan Engineering.

Create Belonging for All

Everyone deserves to feel valued and heard. Go beyond “one size fits all” solutions and strive to honor the diverse experiences around you. Removing barriers, sharing credit, and listening deeply are all ways to help people feel welcome and empowered.

Take Action and Own Accountability

It’s not enough to just notice what’s happening; taking action, even in small ways, can spark real change, particularly when it comes to addressing harm or injustice. Consider the risks, but don’t let fear stop you. Holding yourself and others accountable, with both kindness and firmness, makes a difference.

Stay Open to Change and Keep Perspective

Adaptability is key. Sometimes the best path forward comes from letting go of what you know and embracing something new. When you take a step back to see the bigger picture, you can ground your actions in your purpose and values. This approach makes it easier to navigate whatever comes next.

Meet Your Host: Dr. Heidi Sherick

With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Heidi Sherick brings a wealth of knowledge and passion as the Director of Leadership Development. Heidi’s coaching philosophy centers on self-awareness, expanding choices, and the power of developmental relationships—mentoring, coaching, role-modeling, sponsoring, and networking—to inspire growth and leadership in others. Known for her ability to connect people and ideas, she thrives on helping individuals reach their fullest potential and believes in “lifting while you climb.”

Heidi is a certified executive coach by the International Coaching Federation and holds an additional certification in group and team coaching. She completed her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, focusing on leadership cultivation in higher education. Heidi also brings creativity and adaptability to her coaching, drawing upon her engagement in the improv mindset and her commitment to positive leadership practices.

"Heidi is a great host. She knows how to get the guests to open up."

Coming up next...

Dr. Tershia Pinder-Grover,

Director - Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering (CRLT-Engin)

Cultivating Purposeful, Inclusive, and Adaptive Leadership

September 16, 2025 - Noon

From her beginnings in fire protection and mechanical engineering to directing the award-winning and nationally recognized Center for Research on Learning and Teaching in Engineering (CRLT-Engin), Dr. Tershia Pinder-Grover’s journey from a Michigan Engineering graduate student to a staff leader embodies purposeful, inclusive, and adaptive leadership.

In conversation with Heidi Sherick, Tershia will share key experiences from her career, discuss the power of building community, and offer practical strategies for fostering inclusive excellence in the workplace. Discover how her work in advancing innovative educational programming, strategic partnerships, and faculty development can inspire and empower your own professional path.

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas on team building, navigating change, or simply igniting your sense of purpose, you’ll leave with actionable insights to apply in your work and beyond.

Past Episodes

Wearing Many Hats to Connect and Inspire - April 2025

Jonathan Van Noord, Associate Director of Education at SPRL

In this session, Jon discussed how building meaningful connections and encouraging collaboration have helped boost student and staff engagement at SPRL. He shared stories about mentoring others, leading exciting research projects, and creating a supportive environment that motivates the SPRL community to do impactful work in aerospace.

Precision Under Pressure - February 2025

Emily Dickman, Senior Event Manager, Michigan Engineering

Senior Event Manager Emily Dickman engaged with us about what it takes to run big, high-stakes events at the College of Engineering. She shared how her team stays calm under pressure, adapts when things don’t go as planned, and why good communication is key to pulling off successful events, even when surprises pop up.

Failure is Always an Option - December 2024

Greg McGuire, Managing Director of Mcity

Greg talked about how embracing failure and taking risks shaped his journey from Zipcar to leading Mcity. We explored why learning from setbacks is so valuable and how failure is an important part of growing both personally and professionally. Innovation thrives on the willingness to fail, learn, and try again. So, next time you think about playing it safe, remember: failure is always an option.

Focusing on People to Drive Solutions - October 2024

Nikki Heffernan, Director of Web Services - CAEN

Nikki shared how her people-first approach to problem-solving shaped her journey, highlighting challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and how she overcame self-doubt. She talked about the importance of translating technical jargon into everyday language and how focusing on understanding people’s needs opened up new possibilities in her career.

A Conversation with Dean Thole - September 2024

Karen A. Thole, PhD, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan

Dean Thole emphasized that teamwork, aligning efforts toward common goals, leveraging personal passion, prioritizing human connections, involving the entire community in strategic planning, and recognizing staff contributions are all essential for building a successful and collaborative organization.

Session recording available here

Listening for the Story…. - April 2024

Shubha G. Kashyap, PhD, Director of Student Affairs and Faculty Relations at NEXUS

0 to 60 in 1.2 Semesters: Lessons from Starting a Department - January 2024

Kimberly Mann, Unit Administrator and Damen Provost, Director of Robotics Institute

During our time with Kim and Damen, we discussed the importance of establishing values, the art of negotiation, and the benefits of working as a team. They shared the challenges and triumphs in constructing the new Robotics Building, and how effective teamwork and living our values creates amazing outcomes.

“Do the Next Right Thing” - December 2023

Coach John Beilein, Former Michigan Men's Basketball Coach

As we engaged with legendary Michigan basketball Coach, John Beilein. We learned about his approach to developing program culture, explored his leadership philosophy, and understood ways he turns adversity into opportunity. Coach Beilein is a leader known for promoting dedication, teamwork, and accountability while proving how much he cares about his people.

Session recording available here

The Power of Engaged Staff for Student Success - October 2023

John Muckler, Director of IT Facilities and Operations CAEN & Director of Facilities for the Duderstadt

John has never strayed from his ultimate goals, which are centered around fostering student success and facilitating staff development to help propel careers forward. His journey has encompassed an unwavering commitment to providing impactful learning opportunities and dedication in work environments, plus his genuine commitment to accommodating individuals in need.

Create Your Own Path - September 2023

Magda Calvillo, Manager of Graduate Student Coaching and Community Engagement in CSE

There's a well-known saying about where the path of good intentions can lead us. Instead, focus on your actions (not your best intentions). What can you do today that will move you to a better place: a first, best, next step? Keep making small changes and they will add up over time.

Purpose, Positivity, and Propulsion - April 2023

Dr. Alec Gallimore, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, Richard F. and Eleanor A. Towner Professor of Engineering; Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Aerospace Engineering

In this session, we heard about Alec's approach to leadership and how his past shaped his future. He shared his dream to be an astronaut, his passion for social justice and building a culture of inclusivity at Michigan, and the people who have had a positive impact on his life.

Session Video Recording Available Here | Audio Recording Available Here

The “Can-Do” Attitude, Navigating Crises and Inspiring Others - February 2023

Lisa Armstrong, EECS Department Administrator - ECE

Versatility is key, so it’s easy to see why Lisa Armstrong has been described as the Swiss Army Knife of Administrative Leaders. In addition to passionately inspiring staff members through staff development and engagement activities, Lisa also ensures that the department's culture and climate are being improved even during times of staff shortages and crisis situations.

You Can't Read the Label If You're Inside the Bottle - December 2022

Kimberly L. Burton, Executive Director, Office of Culture, Community and Equity

Have you ever been so focused on your work that you look up one day and go "Woah! I've missed something big here!"? If so, you might be stuck inside a bottle of your own making without the ability to read the label. In this conversation with Kimberly, we discussed ways to climb outside the bottle and how we may have ended up there in the first place.

Cloudy with a Chance of Supervision - September 2022

Jon Merrill, M.Ed, DEI Project Manager, Computer Science & Engineering

Just like the weather, navigating supervision is a regular part of our day. Whether you are on the giving or receiving end (or both!), it takes time and energy. However, it can sometimes feel difficult to talk about openly, especially when we consider power dynamics. Jon shared how we can approach supervision in a way that centers identity and acknowledges power differentials.

Plugging in to the Mission - April 2022

Bobby Kerns, Center Manager, Michigan Center for Materials Characterization

How is what I am doing serving our mission today? That question can't be answered without first learning how to hear what the mission is; a message which is often hidden in everyday communication. While it sounds simple on the surface, by nature, the mission is dynamic, requiring flexibility and constant checks.

Lee’n on Me - Feb 2022

Michael Lee - Facilities Manager, RPM

Melissa Lee - Administrative Assistant, CARE Center, Office of Student Affairs

What makes them unique? Their partnership, dedication to serve, and critical positions within the college. Melissa serves in a student-facing support role, and Michael serves in a facility support role; roles in high demand with high pressure!

No Grit, No Pearl - December 2021

Jeanne Murabito, Executive Director for Student Affairs

Jeanne emphasized the importance of fostering connectedness and addressing student needs by actively listening, providing support, driving student-centered initiatives, embracing resilience and positivity in the face of challenges, and building strategic partnerships.

Balancing Innovation and Operations: Letting things evolve naturally - October 2021

Jonathan Fay, Executive Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship

There is a natural tension between being inventive and innovative and being operationally excellent and efficient. Balancing these two can be challenging but very important to make sure that programs stay on the leading edge while serving the students and faculty the best we can with the resources we have.

How Did I End Up Here? My Directionally Correct Journey - September 2021

Debbie Mero, Sr. Executive Director of Resource Planning and Management

Debbie emphasized valuing progress over perfection by making informed, adaptable decisions, leading with kindness and core values, and prioritizing strong relationships and support-seeking as keys to effective leadership and success.

Myths of Military Leadership - February 2021

Captain Rick Vanden Heuvel , US Navy, retired, Director of Research Development

Commander Chris Gordon, US Navy, retired, Director of the Wilson Student Team Project Center

Rick and Chris highlighted the importance of succession planning, fostering a growth mindset with adaptability, prioritizing clear communication and accountability, and empowering individuals to develop and prepare for future roles in order to build strong, resilient teams.

Sound Judgement: Choosing a Learning Mindset - February 2021

Heather Wagenschutz, Organizational Development Specialist

In this session, Heather (Wags) emphasized that purposeful, goal-driven change, rooted in a learner mindset, personal accountability, emotional awareness, and a willingness to take imperfect action, leads to impactful professional and organizational development.

Season of Gratitude: Born to Serve - November 2020

Martha “Marti” Moon, Facilities Manager, CLaSP

Starting her 54th year at the college, Marti is the longest-serving staff member in the College of Engineering. She stressed the importance of prioritizing self-care and family, cultivating gratitude through both highs and lows, practicing mindful awareness, and using an attitude of gratitude to shift energy and perspective in challenging moments.

Promoting Civil Discourse: The Ability to Disagree without Being Disagreeable - October 2020

Panelists: Jennifer Judge Hensel, Executive Director, Communications & Marketing, Pauline Khan, Director of Lecturer Development, Byron Roberts, Deputy Chief of Staff, Tina Truskowski, Director of Human Resources

Creating a space for dialogue, exchange of thoughts and different perspectives, and providing opportunities to connect are at the core of “The Coach is In” series. This special panel discussion focused on the topic of practicing collegiality and trustworthiness. We discussed engaging with mutual respect through constructive dialogue that seeks to explore and understand diverse perspectives. Panelists shared what each of us can do to help move beyond the difficulties of differing opinions to facilitate meaningful and civil conversations.

An Hour with Jon Kinsey - September 2020

Jon Kinsey, Chief of Staff at Michigan Engineering

Jon described the Chief of Staff role as one that thrives on challenge and uncertainty, serving as a strategic multiplier and problem-solver behind the scenes, valuing honest feedback, and emphasizing the importance of personal well-being and self-compassion amidst high-pressure demands.

If You See Something, Do Something: A Path to Stopping Anti-Black Racism - August 2020

Dr. Debby Covington, Director of Partnerships, Outreach and Retention, Office of Student Affairs

Debby emphasized the importance of moving from passive to active bystander by intentionally intervening using strategies like the "Change It Up" framework, expanding awareness of anti-Black racism and personal biases, and carefully weighing the costs and responsibilities of taking, or not taking, action in the face of harm..

AUTHENTIC, GENUINE, REAL: Let's Talk about Mental Health During Times of Crisis - August 2020

Angie Farrehi, CARE Center Director

Angie shared the phases of disaster response, the need for prioritizing self-care and community support for resilience, actively including community voices in recovery efforts, and embracing adaptability and non-judgmental iteration as key strategies for navigating and recovering from crises.

Facilitating the Learning Journey - August 2020

Dr. Carmeda Stokes, Strategic Initiatives Consultant Leadership Development & DEI, Organizational Learning

Carmeda shared her tips on practical ways anyone can enjoy the lifelong learning process and the benefits of investing in your personal and professional development through micro-mentoring and micro-coaching experiences.

Working by Design: Naming Our New Positive Habits and Rituals during Trying Times - August 2020

Peggy Sheagren, Director of Operations, University Human Resources

In a conversation about how navigating nationwide crises have led her to moments of growth, as a friend, mother of two boys, and campus leader. Peggy shared her thoughts on the new habits or rituals we've all developed out of necessity this year, and how - or what - to take with us into the future.

Supportive Conversations in Times of Stress and Change - July 2020

Dr. Kelcey Stratton, Clinical psychologist and Michigan Medicine's Program Manager for Resiliency and Well-Being Services

Kelcey chatted with us on prioritizing basic needs and self-acceptance during stress, setting clear expectations and shared goals, practicing mindfulness and self-compassion, and taking small, positive actions to build momentum and confidence.

"The conversations are very valuable and there are always good takeaways provided."

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