About Us

We facilitate sustainable transformation within social impact organizations using integrated approaches to unleash potential and strengthen overall effectiveness.

We are experts at facilitating the process of self-discovery and commitment to action. We believe true power and wisdom resides within each of our clients.

We help clients to define success, set goals, and take courageous action towards their commitments.

leadership coaching

Why Choose Us

mike gellman

Our Philosophy

A key principle that guides our work with clients is rooted in a holistic “teach to fish” approach which helps our clients develop greater self-sufficiency and confidence for achieving breakthrough results. There are four cornerstones to our approach:

  1. We create a safe zone for our clients by listening deeply, without judgement, so they can freely share their challenges and concerns.
  2. We challenge our clients’ underlying assumptions and beliefs to expand their thinking beyond the obvious.
  3. We are “truth tellers” who share candid feedback around blind spots that may hold our clients back from even greater success.
  4. We help our clients be accountable by taking action for achieving their desired results.

Our Mission

We facilitate sustainable transformation within social impact organizations using integrated approaches to unleash potential and strengthen overall effectiveness.

Our Vision

We inspire, equip and empower leaders and teams with greater capacity to consciously and collaboratively confront challenges and navigate organizational change; opening new pathways for attaining greater significance, satisfaction and success.

Our Clients

Executives

Corporate and nonprofit executives develop leadership skills to engage and inspire their employees.

High Potentials

Support development needs among high potential employees and emerging leaders.

Teams

Combine a coaching and consulting approach to create greater team cohesion and reduce conflicts.

Technical Professionals

Technical professional reach maximum potential in their field through individual career coaching.

About Our Founder

Mike Gellman is an expert coach and HR professional with over fifteen-years of experience within Fortune 500 and nonprofit organizations. Mike is an ACC certified coach with the International Coach Federation, and has coached over 100 clients. Mike is the author of Pipe Dreams: 7 Pipelines of Career Success, offering an insider’s perspective on harnessing your career.

Mike earned a Master’s degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and mentors UC Irvine Executive MBA graduate students, as well as San Diego State University undergraduate students.

“I am committed 100% to my own ongoing development as a coach, entrepreneur, father, friend, and to put it simply – being the best person I can possibly be.”

  • Executive Coaching
  • Development Consulting
  • Coaching Culture
  • High Potential Leader Development
  • Career Management
  • Teambuilding

Our Team

  • Mike Gellman

    CEO & Founder

    Mike is passionate about coaching and has devoted his career to helping employees, leaders, and...

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  • Arlene Kaplan

    Consultant, Career Coach

    Arlene’s coaching is driven by her commitment to shift clients’ perspective, so they are more...

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  • Mickey Gubman

    Consultant, Business Coach

    Mickey professes that it is important to change the way we view business. He encourages his clients...

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  • Wendi Fast

    Consultant, Trainer

    Wendi Fast is an experienced professional who has been an independent consultant directing organizational...

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  • Jewell Lynn

    Client Services, Career Coaching

    Jewell is proud to work directly with High Five clients to help them fulfill their coaching needs....

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  • Heidi Prescott

    Consultant, Career Coach

    Heidi is a trained and certified career coach with over 12 years experience helping individuals...

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Our Testimonials

“I like how the NetWalks bring different nonprofits together. It gives me a chance to meet and network with different organizations in the community. From my standpoint as a Career Services Manager, my role is to find opportunities for students in the Nonprofit Fundraising and Development certificate program at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. So it’s a great way for me to connect with employers and organizations who are hiring for students and alumni. I would definitely recommend the Nonprofit NetWalks to others who are thinking about going into the nonprofit profession. You can build really good professional relationships.”

Roxanne Farkas
Career Services Manager, UCSD Extended Studies

“The first thing I think about with Nonprofit NetWalks is the friendly environment. You don’t feel the pressure of networking. You can just show up, and it’s a friendly environment where everybody feels comfortable. You can just walk and talk about anything. I also like the fact that I’ve had the opportunity to meet local organizations that I didn’t know, or who don’t necessarily get as much visibility. The NetWalks give organizations a chance to present themselves.

It’s also a great way to get out and explore your own city. Get away from the computer, get outside, and get some exercise in a friendly environment. No pressure, no commitment. It’s a great opportunity to connect with other nonprofit professionals in a friendly and free outdoor space. Once you go to one event, you can feel it’s a project created by a genuine person who believes in the power of collaboration and educational opportunities for everyone.

The Nonprofit NetWalks are also unique and fun opportunities for our students in the Fundraising and Development certificate program to build connections, find career growth opportunities, and learn from other professionals’ experience, without attending expensive conferences or networking events.”

Chiara Cescon
Program Manager Business Program, UCSD Extended Studies

“Enjoyed a fantastic time at the Nonprofit Netwalk! Gratitude to Goodwill Industries of San Diego County for graciously hosting this event. It was an excellent opportunity to break away from the office and engage with fellow San Diego leaders!”

Zaudy Miranda

Tools We Use

Strategies for Leaders

Every week, Mike hosts free livestreams with practical and proven strategies, techniques, and tips for leaders and anyone looking to advance in their careers.

Learn to conduct tough conversations, develop high potentials, and dig deep about your own career goals.

Join us every week on Tuesdays at 5pm PT, and Fridays at 12pm PT.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn, or watch on High Five’s Facebook or Youtube.

Looking for Expert Career Coach or Organization Training?

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