Marla’s activity-based approach to learning has inspired thousands of people to experiment and evolve their leadership. Whether coaching executives on effective communication, facilitating innovation workshops or designing new leadership development offerings for Fortune 100 companies to start-ups, Marla aims to make her work practical, useful and memorable.

Marla has taught on every continent but Antarctica. She is attuned to cultural differences across audiences and organizations. She ensures that her approach, content and methods match the people. Marla has advised executives and partnered with L&D professionals across industries, e.g., health care and pharmaceuticals, professional and financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, mining and technology. Clients have included ABinBev, Cleveland Clinic, EdwardJones, Merck & Co., Microsoft, Visa and many others.

She has authored/co-authored business books for middle managers, written articles and cases, constructed virtual learning sessions and modules, and created simulations and new teaching methods for face-to-face and virtual delivery. Marla has conducted executive presence workshops and coaching for leaders at multiple organizational levels, from C-suite to young talent.

Marla earned her BA and MA degrees from Stanford University and her PhD from Duke University. She taught MBA and Executive Education at INSEAD in France. She had a front row seat at Cisco Systems in Silicon Valley where she acted as an internal consultant and e-learning expert. She also spent more than a decade partnering with clients and leading teams as a Duke Corporate Education Managing Director. Marla has served on the board and board committees for local non-profits. She has been a people leader and mentor. 

In addition to her corporate work, Marla teaches in the MMCi program at Duke University School of Medicine where she has won an Excellence in Teaching award.

Coaching Certifications: IFC ACC with training in presence-based coaching (holistic approach embracing cognitive, emotional and somatic elements).