Mary Cogan
Organization Development Practitioner, Leader & Team Coach, and Project Manager in Portland, Oregon
“When working with leaders and teams, I experience a profound sense of being wholly and fully present in my own skin. My goal is to foster environments where my clients are similarly encouraged to embrace their authentic selves with complete presence and authenticity.”
Meet Mary - The Full Human Being
Warm, inviting, and deeply human, Mary's approach to leadership development and team effectiveness is a testament to her belief in the power of love and humanity in the workplace. Mary's journey of self-discovery has led her to appreciate the power of stillness and reflection. Once templated by constant motion, she now embraces the profound impact that sitting, being, and reflecting can have on creativity and leadership. This epiphany has not only transformed her approach but has also become a cornerstone of her philosophy of nurturing and developing human potential.
To Mary, a loving, human leader is one who recognizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation. She understands that these are not just personal needs but essential components of effective leadership. By prioritizing balance and looking for abundance in life, she models a leadership style that cares for the self as much as it does for others. Known for her "three C's" - Connector, Collaborator, Curator - Mary excels in creating human connections, fostering a listening culture, and curating impactful coaching resources. Her approach skillfully bridges people and solutions, deepens understanding through active listening, and ensures that coaching elements are optimally utilized for maximum effect. Colleagues often describe Mary as a remarkable listener and a guiding light for those aspiring to create more loving, human-centric work environments.
Reach out to Mary to discover how her unique blend of skills can help transform your organization into a more loving, effective, and human-centered workplace.
How Mary Can Transform Your Organization
Mary is a multifaceted organization development practitioner, leadership coach, and project manager who brings a unique blend of practical expertise and empathetic guidance to her work. Mary's proficiency lies in coaching leaders, particularly those grappling with behavioral or performance challenges. She has built a reputation for adeptly supporting and encouraging leaders in difficult situations, guiding them toward significant improvement and advancement. Her talent for designing, facilitating, and maintaining space for difficult discussions is a testament to her strong interpersonal skills and understanding of organizational dynamics.
Mary’s ability to see and foster breakthroughs—whether in one-on-one coaching sessions or during team meetings—is a hallmark of her approach. She excels in bringing clarity and crystallization to team objectives, often leading to moments of 'good shock' as breakthroughs are achieved. Mary believes in the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from understanding and leveraging the diverse talents within an organization. Her passion lies in helping individuals and teams unlock their potential, creating more engaged and effective workplaces.
To learn more about how Mary can help transform your organization reach out and engage in a conversation that could mark the beginning of a transformative journey for your team or organization.
Mary’s Story
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, in a large Catholic family with Irish, Polish, and Swedish roots, Mary's early life was steeped in a rich tapestry of cultural and familial influences. This exposure to varied traditions and values played a pivotal role in shaping her understanding of the world and the diverse people within it. Family has been a cornerstone in Mary's life. As the oldest of five children, born within a span of just under five years, she developed a sense of responsibility and leadership early on. Her parents, who met through their peace and social justice work in Portland, instilled in her the values of community service and practical life skills. Their work with various populations, including the unhomed and other marginalized communities, imbued Mary with a deep sense of empathy and social responsibility. Mary speaks with profound love and respect about her mother, whose influence remains a guiding force in her life.
Mary's academic path was unique as it was impactful. Starting in fine arts, she moved through six institutions over 24 years, demonstrating remarkable tenacity. Her diverse experiences, enriched by early business and leadership roles, refined her expertise. This journey culminated in a master's degree in Organization Development from American University, highlighting her dedication to continuous learning and self-improvement. Each element of her journey has contributed to her becoming the compassionate, insightful, and effective professional she is today. Her life story is both a narrative of continual growth and a testament to the power of human connections.
Connect with Mary to learn more about her personal and professional journey.
Mary's life is a blend of deep cultural roots, a love for the arts, a commitment to health and wellness, and a profound appreciation for the human experience. At her core, she simply delights in the company of friends, family, and colleagues. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level, combined with her passion for enriching experiences, makes her an exceptional professional yet also a delightful and inspiring individual to know. Her ability to find hope and uplift others is both a professional skill and a deeply ingrained part of her personality, making every interaction with her a warm experience.
Mary’s hobbies are as varied and colorful as her life. Live music, especially jazz, runs in her family, passed down through three generations, creating a shared bond and love for this musical genre. Her commitment to health and wellness is evident in her habit of including greens in every meal and the joy she finds in cycling – both of which are a testament to her balanced approach to life. When she is indulging in her favorite foods or drink, you’ll find her enjoying sushi or an espresso topped with fresh whip and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Whether discussing breakthroughs in organizational development or sharing a moment over a cup of perfectly made espresso, Mary's warmth and genuine love for life are infectious.
Connect with Mary to not only learn from her professional expertise but to also experience the joy and passion she brings to every aspect of her life.
Everything Else You Wish You Knew About Mary
“Mary brings a generous and grounded presence to conversations while keeping stakeholders focused on their goals. She skillfully listens beyond what is said, discerning the underlying needs of all involved. Her expertise lies in artfully adapting to the work that needs to be done as it evolves while ensuring best outcomes and driving projects to success beyond expectations.”
- JooRi Jun, ND
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