Chief Morale Officer
Hi, I'm Elliott, the mini dachshund, and I proudly serve as the company mascot at Break the Norm Leadership. Most days, you'll catch me "sleeping on the job," but that's because I believe in embracing a relaxed and joyful approach to leadership. My presence reminds everyone to break away from the conventional and create a stress-free, inclusive workplace that values camaraderie and comfort. BARK the Norm!
RACHEL SAATHOFF
(she/her)
Founder/Owner/CEO
Meet Rachel Saathoff, the dynamic CEO and owner of Break the Norm Leadership. With a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from The George Washington University and certification as an Agile Scrum Master, Rachel ensures seamless coordination and delivery on all our projects. Her expertise extends beyond project management; as a certified Professional Coach with over 7 years of experience in leadership training and development, she has made a significant impact on organizations like Columbia Sportswear and Adidas. Rachel's passion for challenging traditional leadership norms drives her mission to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential.
Chief Learning Officer
Driven by a deep passion for helping others, Ramien has dedicated more than 20 years to developing leaders across multiple sectors. Beginning his career as a middle-school history teacher, he went on to support performing arts management leaders during a 5-year tenure at The Kennedy Center, followed by 10 years working with aerospace engineering leaders at NASA. For the past two years, he has been passionate about helping Black corporate professionals advance towards the C-Suite. His expertise includes program evaluation, talent development, imposter syndrome, psychological safety, and team dynamics. Motivated by an unwavering desire to support those committed to learning and growth, He firmly believe that leadership development should be a collaborative, team-oriented effort.
Director of Curriculum Development & Training
Karli believe that leadership is unlocked in everyone when given the right opportunities, support and resources. BtNL provides students with the opportunities to learn, the support to grow in their confidence and the resources to make a difference in their community. It is important to develop leaders at a young age who are self-aware, creative, and active around the issues that affect them. Young people need to learn how to work together for a common goal and how their unique strengths and passions are essential to a team’s success.
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Curriculum Designer
Experienced in leadership development, curriculum design, and program management, Cynthia is thrilled to contribute to the work of Break the Norm Leadership. She believes leadership means empowering others to realize their potential and fostering environments where success can flourish. Leveraging a deep understanding of leadership theory, adult learning principles, and K-12 pedagogy, she has successfully designed and implemented impactful programs for diverse audiences, including military personnel, classroom educators, and K-12 students. Cynthia thoughtfully structures curricula infused with creativity, fostering dynamic learning environments that meet the unique needs of participants and deliver lasting educational outcomes.
Graphic Designer
With years of experience as a graphic designer in boutique marketing agencies, Lawton Rhee has honed his ability to create visually striking designs, particularly within the food, travel, and culture sectors. His expertise goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on building cohesive brand identities that deeply resonate with audiences. From the start of Break The Norm Leadership, Lawton has been pivotal in shaping its visual story, turning client ideas into impactful collateral that reflects their values and strengthens their brand across various platforms. His commitment to blending creativity with strategy ensures that each design element contributes meaningfully to the business’s overall vision and success.
Executive Coach/Trainer
Dr. Peter A. James is a certified executive and leadership coach with over two decades of diverse leadership experience, ranging from military service as a U.S. Army officer to chairing a university's Business School and entrepreneurship. With a background in sales and marketing at a Fortune 100 company, along with military multitasking and project management skills, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his coaching practice. His tenure as a Faculty Chair and professor has deepened his ability to unlock leaders' potential, emphasizing that leaders can find their own solutions but benefit from a coach to expedite their growth. Specializing in leadership development, transformational change, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Peter's true passion lies in helping leaders achieve once-seemingly unreachable goals through executive coaching.
Executive Coach/Trainer
Ariela is a globally experienced leadership coach and training expert with over two decades of expertise in designing and delivering learning and leadership programs across diverse regions, including Africa, Central & South America, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. She collaborates with leaders, teams, and organizations to foster greater awareness, inclusivity, and trust, driving purpose-driven transformations. Ariela specializes in crafting large-scale solutions such as management training, executive leadership programs, mentorship initiatives, and inclusive leadership programs. With a background as Vice President of a global non-profit, she provides strategic partnership to empower leadership potential. Her international living and work experience, intercultural mindset, and commitment to inclusive learning inform her approach to leadership development. Ariela holds certifications in leadership coaching, is qualified to administer various assessment tools, and incorporates mindfulness and meditation practices into her coaching process. She holds a master's degree in international development from Brandeis University and is fluent in Spanish.
HR, Executive Coach and DEI Practitioner
Isaac Dixon has over 30 years of HR experience. He has worked for renowned organizations including NIKE, GE Capital, Providence Health and Services, and government departments like Oregon Military and Transportation. Isaac also held HR leadership roles at Lewis & Clark College and Portland State University as Associate Vice President.
He earned his degrees from Warner Pacific College (BS), Marylhurst University (MA), and Capella University (Doctorate). He contributed to various boards, including Central City Concern (Chair and Vice Chair), Urban League of Portland, Oregon State Bar Association, and Portland Human Resources Management Association.
Isaac is a lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, joining in 1992 via the Zeta Nu Chapter in Portland, Oregon. He resides in Portland with his wife, Lauri.
Executive Coach/Trainer
Ranieka Weston boasts more than two decades of expertise in commercial learning and talent management, making her a seasoned development strategist and executive leadership coach. Throughout her career, she has assumed various roles, including Sales Manager, Head of Commercial Training, VP of Talent Management, and serving as an independent consultant and coach. Currently, Ranieka serves as a coach at Harris and Weston Consulting LLC, specializing in executive leadership coaching and HR consulting. Her unique skill lies in assisting individuals she affectionately refers to as "game-changers in hiding," helping them overcome obstacles that hinder them from realizing their true identity and unlocking their full career potential.
Executive Coach
Bobbie Sue Wolk is an accomplished professional with over 30 years of experience. She's a certified executive coach, mentor, psychologist, accountant, consultant, author, and entrepreneur. With expertise in organizational success, she's the first certified International Coach Federation (ICF) coach in Alaska and holds a Master Certified Coach designation. Bobbie Sue's strengths-based coaching focuses on emotional intelligence and positive psychology, making her a sought-after advisor for executives at all levels. She teaches courses on leadership and emotional intelligence at universities and conducts workshops nationwide, empowering leaders and organizations to thrive.
Curriculum Designer/Facilitator/Coach
Tiffany Haliburton is an accomplished speaker, trainer, and facilitator with over 20 years of experience in fostering inclusive, results-driven environments that encourage innovation and meaningful outcomes. A trusted advisor to senior leaders, peers, and subordinates, Tiffany excels at creating spaces of trust and transparency, empowering organizations to enhance collaboration and align with their values. Her expertise in HR allows her to streamline processes and ensure optimal outcomes for customers. Tiffany’s career includes significant contributions to National Security and prior roles with the District of Columbia Public School System and the Office of the Inspector General. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University, a Master’s in Executive Leadership from Georgetown University, and is a Senior Certified Professional (SCP) through the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Executive Coach
Cristina Custodio, a Puerto Rican executive coach, is a global leader in the field of coaching for social change. She believes in coaching's power to create belonging and build bridges. This belief is her guiding purpose.
As a social leadership coach, Cristina coaches leaders who are working for a more equitable and sustainable world. She has individually coached hundreds of global changemakers in the areas of business, education, health, climate change, gender equity, social justice, STEM, arts/culture, philanthropy, government, corporate ESG and the United Nations.
Cristina has also coached and facilitated complex group transformation processes for hundreds of social change organizations across the Americas.
CORETTA ROSS
(she/her)
Program Manager Youth Programs
Coretta Ross offers a strong balance between business savvy and education methodology. Possess 20 years of experience contributing to projects as a Professor, Coach, Developer and Project Manager. She is able to communicate with students, staff, parents and community partners equally well. She excels at leveraging expertise in education, numerous programming structures and technologies, vendor selection and management to align day-to-day operations with business goals and client objectives.