Alison Steel, coach and organization developer

I’ll show up for you.

My name is Alison Steel.

I’m an International Coaching Federation certified coach, a Gallup Strengths certified coach, facilitator and organization development leader.

I live by the William Makepeace Thackary quote: “Whatever you are, try to be a good one.” And, in over 20+ years in high tech I’ve worked with leaders, teams and individuals to be the best version of themselves, be ready and able to thrive in change, and ultimately, to enjoy life.  

I’d like to do the same for you.

  • In the two years we spent together Ali helped me navigate a world-changing pandemic, the birth of my second child, and a career transition.

    There’s no way I could have managed all of this successfully on my own and I’m grateful for her guidance, the tough questions, and most importantly having someone to listen to me.

    Karim I - San Francisco, CA

  • Working with Ali has been truly life changing.

    Though her coaching techniques and tools I’ve grown professionally and personally. I’ve learned how to show up as the leader I am in any given situation, gained confidence and have built resiliency.

    Jennifer S - Pleasanton, CA

  • There’s a reason why even the best athletes in the world always have a coach; we always have more to learn.

    The personal reflection and self-growth is incredibly profound. And if you’re lucky enough to go through coaching with Ali, she’s sensational and you won’t regret it.

    • Larsen G, Austin, TX

  • Ali is a life changer! Through a series of coaching sessions, I was able to transform.

    Our discussions taught me how to understand better the challenges holding me back. Which helped me break down barriers I never knew existed. Coaching is essential to career growth, and Ali understands how to guide that growth. I have learned many things from our sessions, but one important aspect is, to be honest with yourself and your coach. Good luck with your adventure!

    • Chad H, TX

The word behind the bird

I discovered the Northern (red) Flicker bird, my logo, when I took my first roadtrip (as a Brit, roadtrips in the American sense were something wild and exciting… and it proved to be true!) 

I was in the Visitor Centre in Death Valley when I saw a photo of this stunning bird and was immediately drawn to it.  I continued to think about it when I got home, and researched its meaning. 

Across Celtic, Christian, Chinese and Native American cultures the Norther Flicker represents:

  • courage and resilience in difficult times

  • a source of inspiration to embrace change

  • living life in balance or harmony

  • the strength to be true to yourself

  • creativity and ‘fire’

  • a guardian through life’s ups and downs.

It felt like this bird found me.  I hope it finds you too. 

A few changes I’ve experienced:

  • more org changes than you can shake a stick at;

  • the dot.com bust;

  • a lay-off;

  • break up of a six-year relationship;

  • losing my parents.

And a few changes I’ve consciously chosen:

  • changed careers (three major ones);

  • moved countries (UK to France to UK to USA);

  • created a vision for the life I want to be living;

  • spent time volunteering for causes that I feel passionate about, including Child Advocates, ScholarMatch and finding myself a non-profit Board;

  • taken French conversation classes, to try to get my fluency back;

  • taken care of myself, mentally and physically, prioritizing cycling, yoga and time with friends.

What changes do you want to be ready for? What changes do you want to choose?