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Spotlight: Nina J. Morel
1 - Where are you from, and how did you choose to live in Middle Tennessee?
I have lived here in Nashville all my life. I grew up in Green Hills and graduated from Hillsboro High School. Now we divide our time between Nashville and our second hometown, New Orleans (my husband's family is there.)
2 - What is your professional background, and why did you become a coach?
I started in journalism and lobbying and then decided to become a teacher. As a district administrator for Sumner County Schools, I was seeking ways to improve teacher performance and I discovered coaching. I trained with Jim Knight (Instructional coaching) at the University of Kansas, and started a district wide coaching program for teachers. Along the way I wrote a book about this experience. I came to Lipscomb as a college professor and administrator, and here I learned about ICF. I went back and got my coach training in an ACTP program and began coaching administrators in higher education, the state of Tennessee, and directors of non-profits.
3 - How did you choose your specialty area?
I have been the executive director of a non-profit, the dean of a college, and the director of several divisions in a large school district. The experience of working for a board of directors and the other nuances of education and non-profit work help me in coaching others who experience this. I feel like individuals in these situations often get fewer resources for professional development and I can help make a difference. I work for the College of Business at Lipscomb, so I also get to coach executives in for-profit organizations and am developing more expertise in that area.
4 -What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards of your career?
Recently I have begun coaching MBA students at Lipscomb in my role as Executive Director of Coaching and Leadership Development. The challenges young people face as they begin their careers has required me to pivot a bit in my coaching and learn to work with folks who have limited experience and in some cases few leadership competencies. I have lead in the development of a competency based leadership development program that helps MBA students and our university partners develop the same communication skills coaches use. This has led me to an interest in managerial coaching.
5- What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?
I am pretty much an open book so I am not so sure there are many surprises! However, being a native Nashvillian usually surprises people - there are not many of us!
6- How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I love to read, travel, try new foods, and hang out with my 2 grandsons (and one more on the way!)
