Patti Cotton
Patti Cotton works with high-performing and high-potential executives, business owners, and professionals in the financial services industry and related sectors to engage, elevate and equip them for greater leadership at all levels. Founder of Women Who Take the Lead, a movement to help women become confident, engaged, and equipped for leadership, she is a Fortune 500 speaker, executive coach and consultant. Cotton possesses more than 25 years of leadership both stateside and abroad, in the profit and not-for profit worlds, and specifically in the realms of diplomatic relations, public affairs, marketing, and communications. She enjoys a rich background in developing team to meet seemingly impossible goals and create change.
During her tenure as chief development officer of a 5-hospital healthcare system, Patti designed a plan and led a team that raised more than $21.3 Million in 4 years – a feat that experts said could not be done. Leveraging this experience, she now helps women around the world to master their inner leader and executive presence for extraordinary results.
Her speaking and workshop facilitation address such areas as women changing the face of leadership, authentic leadership branding for greater effectiveness and confidence, strengthening executive presence for influence and impact, and creating leadership legacy. She partners with organizations to develop programs and initiatives focused on retaining, elevating, and inspiring female talent and leadership.
Cotton’s formal education includes a master’s of science degree in organizational management and development, and in English literature. She holds credentials as a professional certified coach with the International Coach Federation. In addition, Cotton is certified in Harvard University’s Immunity to Change methodology, conflict resolution in the workplace through Kenneth Cloke, and mediation through La Sierra University’s Center for Conflict Resolution. She is a guest lecturer at select universities on conflict management, authentic leadership, and advanced coaching methodologies.
Cotton’s client roster includes such notables as Bank of America, Boeing, Coca-Cola, Harvard University, Sysco, Edward Jones, Morgan Stanley, Girl Scouts of America, as well as privately-owned companies and non-profits. Her volunteer service supports the area of health and welfare for healthier, happier families and communities, and a portion of all business profits supports alternatives to domestic violence and at-risk youth. Cotton is a two-time recipient of The U.S. President’s Lifetime Award for Volunteer Service, and has just been nominated for a third one.