Women Leaders Association Welcomes Dr. Megan Laabs as Washington Coaching Partner

Empowering Women Through Executive Coaching: Dr. Megan Laabs Joins Women Leaders Association

In a groundbreaking move for women professionals in the Washington area, the Women Leaders Association (WLA) announced Dr. Megan Laabs as its inaugural Coaching Partner. This initiative aims to connect members with elite executive coaches, addressing a pressing need for quality coaching in an ever-evolving professional landscape.

As the largest organization for female professionals, boasting 43,000 members across over 130 chapters, the WLA emphasizes the importance of tailored coaching for women navigating complex work environments. Executive coaching is widely recognized as a crucial investment for career advancement, yet many face challenges in finding qualified coaches. The new Coaching Partners program addresses these concerns, making it easier for members to find trusted guidance.

Dr. Megan Laabs is not just another name in the coaching field; she comes with a unique blend of expertise as a clinical neuropsychologist and a certified coach recognized by the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Her motto, "High-Performance Leadership, Backed by Science," reflects her emphasis on integrating neuroscience with leadership principles. With a rich history of serving the Department of Defense, she spent nine years at the Office of Naval Intelligence developing operational psychology programs and advising senior leaders. Dr. Laabs earned distinction throughout her career, including a Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

The Coaching Partners Program: A Game Changer for Women Professionals

The Coaching Partners program aims to simplify the coaching selection landscape for WLA members. Many women report that while coaching significantly impacts their careers, identifying a suitable coach can be a daunting task. By vetting prospective coaches for certifications, experience, and client reviews, the WLA ensures that members engage with proven professionals. This initiative allows women to approach coaching sessions with confidence, knowing they are receiving high-quality support.

For Dr. Laabs, the coaching partnership is an opportunity to empower women executives who face unprecedented challenges in their careers. “Women executives are navigating more complexity and pressure than at any point in their career, and they deserve more than generic advice,” she states. By applying insights from neuroscience, her coaching approach allows women to gain clarity on their patterns, enhance resilience, and build confidence—key components for effective leadership.

Dr. Laabs provides one-on-one coaching that emphasizes decision-making, strategic clarity, communication, and resilience. Through specialized assessment tools such as the EQ-i 2.0 and Hogan assessments, clients benefit from a data-driven approach to identify strengths and growth areas.

In addition to individual coaching, Dr. Laabs will lead tailored leadership seminars designed to help teams optimize their performance and align their goals. This holistic approach ensures that women are not only equipped to navigate their careers but also to thrive in them.

A Broader Mission

The launch of the Coaching Partners program in Washington is part of a larger, national strategy aimed at extending the WLA’s impact across its network. The association seeks to elevate the status of women in the corporate arena and increase transparency in career advancement. This initiative complements the WLA's Glass Ceiling Score project, which uses big data to assess how effectively major U.S. companies promote women into leadership roles.

Women in the workforce still earn approximately 15% less than their male counterparts, and the WLA is committed to addressing this disparity. By offering resources that include coaching and access to valuable insight about employers, the association empowers its members to navigate their career paths effectively.

Dr. Laabs is enthusiastic about her new role, stating, “I am honored to partner with the Women Leaders Association to help Washington's women professionals keep rising.”

For local women, Dr. Laabs’ profile, including her credentials and focus areas, is available for consultation through the WLA’s platform, making it easier than ever to embark on a transformative coaching journey.

The Women Leaders Association, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of women in the workplace, continues to pave the way for women's success by producing valuable resources, hosting events, and celebrating top female leaders. With initiatives like the Coaching Partners program, the WLA remains at the forefront of empowering women in business and leadership roles.

For more information on Dr. Laabs and the Coaching Partners program, visit WashingtonWomenLeaders.org.