Executive Coaching & Leadership Consulting for Education Leaders & Organizations
Helping leaders identify what's getting in the way, strengthen systems, and move meaningful work forward.
28+ years leading across California State University, California Community Colleges, and a 25-school charter network. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Executive Coaching & Leadership Consulting for Education Leaders & Organizations
Helping leaders identify what's getting in the way, strengthen systems, and move meaningful work forward.
28+ years leading across California State University, California Community Colleges, and a 25-school charter network. Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Organizations I've Worked With
How We Can Work Together
My Story & Leadership Philosophy
Do Better Involves Stepping Back, Removing Barriers, Then Stepping Forward With Intention.
As a Black woman who has often been the first in leadership roles, I know what it means to lead without a blueprint, navigating expectations, pressure, and complexity. Leading inside complex educational systems has shown me what gets in the way of people doing their best work.
“Do Better” reflects how I approach leadership. It's not about perfection. It's about being willing to learn, grow, and continue becoming the leader you want to be.
That experience shapes how I coach leaders and partner with institutions today. Together, we step back, understand what's actually happening, and move forward with clarity and strategy.
The Griffith Method
A leadership coaching and organizational consulting approach that helps leaders understand what's really happening, address the conditions getting in the way, and move meaningful work forward.
See the Barrier
Before we move to solutions, we need to understand what's really happening. We look at the culture, relationships, competing priorities, and systems that may be getting in the way.
Strengthen the System
We build on what's working, address what's not, and create the conditions for people and teams to be successful. The goal is to make the work sustainable, not dependent on one person.
Move the Work Forward
We turn what we've learned into clear priorities, shared ownership, and intentional action. The focus is on making meaningful progress, not simply doing more.
Client Success Stories.
My clients come into coaching already thoughtful, capable, and carrying a lot. Our work creates space to step back, see what's actually happening, and move forward with more clarity and intention.
As a woman of color at a predominantly white institution, I didn't realize how much I needed a safe space to learn and grow as a leader until I started working with Debra.
Shanilka N.
Medical Director
Dr. Griffith has been a catalyst for change in my life personally and professionally. My lens shifted from our very first conversation.
Alia D.
Director of Equity & Student Success
Debra has a deep understanding of institutional dynamics and an uncanny ability to help leaders make sense of what they're navigating. Her guidance is both practical and transformative.
Ankita R.
Senior Higher Education Leader
