Dr. Kim Burns

It’s International Coaching Week!

consulting core values in higher ed

International Coaching Week is a celebration of professional coaching. According to the International Coaching Federation, it was launched in 1999 and aims to educate the public about the value of working with a professional coach. It also acknowledges the results and progress made through the coaching process. This year’s theme is Reimagining the Future. If […]

The Benefits of Reflection

self aware consultant in higher ed

After working remotely since March 2020, Juniper Networks recently welcomed 600 employees back to their Westford office to begin a hybrid work schedule. I had the privilege of contributing to their Welcome Back Week activities with a Welcome Back Walk. The purpose of the walk was to reflect on the experience of working from home, […]

How I Use Laundry as a Parenting Tool

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I wrote this for my March newsletter and received such positive feedback that I thought I would share it here. What I say: Happy 15th Birthday! You are now responsible for your laundry.What I mean: My responsibility as your parent is to teach you how to be a productive member of society. Adulting is hard. […]

Six Book Recommendations for College Administrators

books for higher ed administration

I love to snuggle up with a book, a cup of tea, and a warm blanket. If you are looking for a work-related read, I recommend the following selections for their relevance to our current times. Colleges are experiencing high turnover in key positions If you (or if you are working with colleagues who) are […]

Brave & Bold Leadership Group Coaching Program

group of admin in higher ed

At one point while working from home at the height of the pandemic, I had an overflowing inbox, and a long task list, and for some reason every member of my family was in my home office needing something from me (including the dog). It was just too much. I was taking care of everyone […]

Enhance your leadership with journaling

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I used to co-facilitate a leadership development program for employees interested in professional growth. Before the program began, we gave participants a journal and asked them to read a Harvard Business Review article Want to Be an Outstanding Leader? Keep a Journal. Research demonstrates the power of journaling to level up your leadership Great leaders […]

The Struggle Is Real

stressed admin in higher ed

Women everywhere are struggling. You may have heard of the women in Boston who gathered for a collective primal scream. I get it. This sucks. Women faced gender-based barriers at work before the pandemic. Now, everything is just so much more difficult. I have such deep empathy for all women, especially for moms of young […]

Use (and practice) your personal scripts

higher ed admin being coached

“Let me think about that and get back to you.” “That’s interesting. Let me look into that.” “Let me look at my calendar before I commit to that.” Personal scripts are phrases you have developed, and practiced in advance, that you use when you need to say something but you are unprepared to address the […]

Exercise vs. anything else

higher ed consultant exercising

Right now, I wouldn’t call myself an athlete. Between Halloween and Easter, I’m more of a chocolate and cookie fan. During this current COVID spike, my anxiety is quelled with sugar. I’ve had athletic periods in my life, for sure I played sports in high school. I’ve done boot camps with friends. I joined Curves […]