Coach, consultant, and higher education leader supporting thoughtful change, emerging technology, and equity-focused transformation.
I’m Dr. Michelle Fischthal, a coach, consultant, and higher education leader who partners with individuals and organizations navigating complexity, change, and transition.
Through reflective coaching, collaborative consulting, and facilitated conversations, I create space to think clearly, surface what’s getting in the way, and move forward with greater intention and confidence.
My work is grounded in the belief that meaningful change—whether personal or institutional—requires time to pause, reflect, and learn. I bring a systems perspective shaped by decades in higher education leadership, alongside a human-centered approach informed by Gestalt principles of awareness, patterns, and wholeness.
International Coaching Federation (ICF) member
25+ years in higher education leadership and organizational strategy
Strategic planning, leadership development, and institutional change
Equity-centered innovation and emerging technology integration
Experienced facilitator and national presenter
Data governance, research, and organizational infrastructure
Cross-sector and intersegmental collaboration
Engage Summit 2025 – Keynote: Integrating AI with Purpose and a Plan
EDUCAUSE Annual Conference 2025 – Panelist: Institutional AI Readiness & Implementation
CAIR Annual Conference 2025 – Ethical Foundations for Generative AI in Higher Education
AI Futures Summit 2025 – Human-Centered AI & Institutional Transformation
ASU+GSV 2025 – Panelist: The Equitable AI Alliance
Digital Universities US 2024 – Bias in Data & Student Success
Teleos Coach Development Program, Teleos Leadership Institute
Doctor of Business Administration
Master of Arts, Higher Education Leadership
Bachelor of Music
Certificate in Instructional Technology
Credentialed Mediator, National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC)
ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), certification in progress
Whether working one-on-one, with leadership teams, or in learning communities, my goal is the same: to create space for thoughtful reflection, shared learning, and meaningful forward movement. I work best with people and organizations ready to pause, ask better questions, and engage change with intention.