Donna Richards is the founder and managing partner of Emerge Group, LLC, a boutique firm dedicated to cultivating self-awareness, authentic connection, and cultures equipped to meet today's complexity.

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Donna's work helps leaders and organizations move from surviving the demands of today's world to thriving within them. She works with C-level and senior leaders as well as individuals at all levels of an organization, specializing in large, complex, global Fortune 500 companies across industries. After gaining firsthand insight into the impact of life stress on work performance and the power of workplace support in building resilience, Donna expanded the scope of her work. Donna and the Emerge team bring the transformative practices of self-awareness and authentic connection not only to those in leadership roles, but to individuals throughout the organization, meeting people where they are as they navigate what it means to thrive professionally while facing life's inevitable hardships.

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Recognized for her ability to guide people into deeper, more honest conversations that spark meaningful insight and courageous action, Donna is known for her courageous authenticity, incisive questions, and gift for cutting through to the heart of an issue.

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Donna brings over 20 years of experience in leadership development, change management, and organizational performance, beginning her career at Willis Towers Watson. She holds an M.S. in Organizational Development and Adult Learning from Northwestern University and a B.A. in English and Communications from the University of Illinois. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds additional certifications in the Leadership Circle 360° Feedback, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Organizational Systems Coaching, Trauma Informed Coaching, and Cancer Coaching.

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Donna is a lifelong learner and passionate advocate that great leadership starts from within. She lives in Evanston, Illinois, and enjoys walking by the lake, biking, yoga, and trying local restaurants.