Testimonials

The leadership training, consulting and executive coaching we have received from Catalyst have helped us shift the leadership culture of WEAVE, improve communication at all levels of our organization, and increase the skill sets of our current and emerging leaders.

Beth Hassett
CEO
WEAVE, Inc.

When I was given the opportunity to partner with an executive coach, I interviewed several to find the perfect fit for me. I instantly felt a connection with Marla because communication with her was easy plus her years of experience at the executive level was both valuable and relatable. During our engagement, she also coached our executive team and provided leadership training to our leaders. Her adaptability to the varying dynamics and leadership competencies was exceptional. No matter the setting, I always took away new, useful information from her. 

For me, it was important to have an executive coach I could trust, who really listened, and could provide me with practical skills that would foster collaborative relationships. Marla exceeded my expectations in all of these categories. Her personalized approach met my needs and learning style to a tee. The tools she provided during our engagement have supported me both professionally and personally. I would highly recommend Marla to transform you and/or your team.

Janiece Nichols
CFO, St. Anthony North Health Campus
Centura Health

I had the opportunity to work closely with Marla in my position as Vice President of Operations St. Anthony North Heath Campus. Marla was contracted as an executive coach for me and other leaders within the organization. Marla was the third coach I had worked with in my career and by far the absolute best. She helped me to stretch (although sometimes it was not comfortable) and learn about myself as a leader. When confronted with a challenging situation, she has shown a great level of professionalism and presence during these times. 

I greatly value the time I got to spend with Marla and would work with her again anytime. I believe Marla’s work ethic, skill sets, and strengths can be valuable to any organization wanting to advance their team to the next level of leadership. I highly recommend her with confidence and enthusiasm.

Tami Taylor, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President Operations, St. Anthony North Health Campus
Centura Health

At the largest prison hospital in the world, CALPIA delivers two programs, auditing and training, to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prior to Diane’s advanced level presentation classes, CALPIA participants training delivered training and presented to small and large groups.

Diane delivered a very comprehensive customized train-the-trainer training program which enhanced the delivery of ideas and concepts, and helped an audience to retain what they heard in a presentation. The program consisted of how to read an audience; how to present new subject matter material using a structured delivery method; how to tell your story which reached your audience on an emotional level; and how to understand and apply the four learning-question styles when teaching or presenting to maximize the impact and value to an audience.

All participants were thoroughly engaged in Diane’s training. From the start and throughout Diane’s training, participants enjoyed and valued what they learned. Ongoing, all participants planned to use daily the tips, tools, and methodologies when interacting with one individual or a large group.

The learning and development resulted in a significant increase in participants’ confidence and effectiveness when training or speaking with others. And added benefit, all participants have developed strong business relationships as partners with those they continue to train.

Today, all participants continue to apply successfully the presentation skills learned in Diane’s training sessions.

Gary Bush
CFO
California Prison Industry Authority

Marla has been my coach for a year. She has been tremendously helpful in making me aware of the behaviors that build relationships and align my team. As a result, I make better decisions and take decisive action which has been noticed by those I support and serve. What has mattered most is the feeling that Marla is in my corner and genuinely cares about my success and the success of the team I serve.

Matt Furlan
Vice President, Enterprise Transformation
Sutter Health

I selected Marla to be my coach after several interviews with prospective coaches. What stood out to me was her direct communication style, support in identifying new leadership skills to develop, follow-up, accessibility and humor – we laughed a lot! I was immediately at ease and knew we had a deep trust relationship which allowed me to communicate openly and with full disclosure. During the course of our coaching engagement, she clearly demonstrated her depth of executive experience. She successfully challenged me to take executive actions I wanted to take, but would not have felt confident in doing without her guidance and support – in other words “I grew outside my comfort zone.” In sum, Marla’s coaching has greatly improved not only how I perceive my own leadership skills, but also how I am perceived as a leader within my organization. I now have a much greater ability to mentor and develop other potential leaders.

Mark Willis
Director, Grid Operations
SMUD

I am the Chief Medical Officer for Sutter Health Valley Area. I have been in senior leadership roles in healthcare for the last 24 years and have served in Chief Medical Officer and CEO roles. My mission in life is to be the best I can be, make a difference in the world, and improve the health of our patients and communities. I am an avid student of leadership, a true believer in inspirational and servant leadership, and life-long learning.

I met Diane when she taught a highly interactive presentation skills class to leaders as part of a system-wide Leadership Academy. As a hospital CEO, Diane worked closely with me to bring a leadership academy to my leadership/executive team. Diane provided a comprehensive, customized 8-day training program delivered 2-days quarterly. The key development areas were Communicating Your Vision & Leadership Perspective, Time Management, Giving & Receiving Feedback, Team Engagement, and Creating Proactive Solutions which had transformational results.

Diane is a dynamic person who is an inspiration for leaders. She is a wonderful communicator who’s in command of the audience and gets their attention. Yet her style is non-intimidating, engaging and effective. She is so good at getting the best out of people. She understands the big picture as well as the particular dynamics of organizations. If I work with a teacher or a coach I have to respect that person. I respect Diane and have full confidence in Diane.

Ash Gokli, M.D., MMM, FACPE
Chief Medical Officer
Sutter Health

If you are looking to improve your business practices, jump start your marketing efforts, as well as reflect within to reinvent yourself as an entrepreneur, Marla Collins at Catalyst Leadership Group is definitely the one!

I engaged Marla as my Executive Coach at a crucial juncture for my business. Marla took the time to truly get to know me, effectively coached me through my fears, and clearly understood how deeply invested I am in my company. Regardless of her impressive track record and extensive experience working with larger organizations, Marla continued to value what I had in mind, and checked in often to make sure that I was satisfied with the direction my practice was heading. I am grateful for Marla’s professionalism, how she challenged my thinking and perspectives, and the genuine concern she had towards my vision, so near and dear to my heart.

I highly recommend Marla as a powerful Executive Coach who knows how to partner to produce results, as well as deeply connect with her clients.

Tomoko “TJ” Vidales
K-12 Public School Educator, Executive Function Consultant & Coach

I cannot say enough about how much I’ve valued my relationship with Marla over the last year! Marla has helped me to unlock my potential by helping me to grow as a leader. Our journey together has been a huge success. Marla did a tremendous job of meeting me where I was at the time, partnering with me to create a development plan that felt right, and helping me emerge as a better leader at a critical point in my career. Our discussions were full of practical applications, which were great and immediately impactful, but I gained equally as much from our honest and frank exchanges and being able to count on her as a coach, confidant and, in the end, a trusted friend.

Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Marla to anyone who wants to work towards reaching their full potential and being their best self. Thank you, Marla!

Brandon Sherretts
Director, Informatics
Sutter Health

Marla is a rare gem of a coach and colleague. In the time we have worked together, I have come to deeply respect Marla’s wisdom and calm presence. She brings a level of professionalism to every conversation that draws out the best in those around her. The leaders who were coached by Marla consistently gave very high praise for their work together. I am confident that anyone lucky enough to work with Marla will be changed for the better and will always remember her brilliant mind and kind heart.

Sue August
Senior Performance Improvement Consultant
Sutter Health

Marla Collins works with clients to develop a vision of where they need to go next both in their companies and in their careers. She brings valuable coaching and mentoring skills to help that clients become aligned with company goals and strategies. Marla brings important resources to the developmental training process including validated assessment tools, business case studies and highly regarded management tools. Her breadth of knowledge and experience enables her to work with companies and clients to develop individualized development plans for managers and executives in any industry.

Marla also develops customized training for industry-validated leadership competencies. Her supportive approach permits clients to gain in-depth understanding and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. Her coaching style is strong and supportive. She probes for what motivates clients and designs programs and activities to drive the best possible outcomes.

Maria Robinson, J.D.
Labor and Employee Relations Consulting

Marla has been an excellent coach. She has worked with me personally and with my leadership team and staff. She is great at understanding and diagnosing situations and helping me get at the meat of the issue through provocative questions. She thinks about her clients and strategizes on how she can best help them. Marla has helped me discover new insights about myself and become a better leader! Thank you, Marla!

Claire Rogers
Director, Audit Services
SMUD

Michael’s unique ability to challenge while inspire is second to none. Given his depth of leadership and management experience, I found his guidance to help me navigate the next chapter of my career to be invaluable. His wisdom and no nonsense approach lend to his credibility and capacity to serve as a meaningful sounding board. Most of all, he focuses on what matters and encourages with confidence, allowing me to see that I have all the resources and skills to bring my dreams to life.

Solome Tibebu
Founder/CEO
Cognific

My recent coaching experience exceeded my initial expectations. Although I am required to be a leader of a very diverse workforce, I am a very private person. I generally only share my inner thoughts with a small group of people. However, Marla was able to successfully join the inner circle and has helped me through a transition period of my career.

I enjoyed my time with Marla. She was a great listener. I also appreciated that there was not any predetermined schedule or plan. I learned new ways on how to be a more effective leader and team member.

Mike Deis
Director, Substations, Telecommunications & Metering Assets
SMUD

As a new Director it was so helpful to have weekly sessions with Diane to bounce ideas off of, sharing situations, and having her provide direct and honest feedback. Her knowledge and experience really helped me in areas that I wanted to work on.

I was provided a coach because I was new in the role, not because I was struggling or was “required” to do so. From our first meeting, Diane guided me, coached me and challenged me. This was not an hour that was wasted discussing how our weekend was (that did happen here and there, to get to know one another and build rapport), all 60 minutes were productive and tailored to assist me in being a better leader.

Diane has had an amazing impact on me personally and professionally. and our relationship, from the beginning, was one of mutual respect and a commitment from both sides to help me succeed. She was kind and honest, not shy about pushing me to be better and provided guidance. I have more confidence, know how to show up better and am not as fearful as I once was. I obviously did the work, but Diane guided and ALWAYS encouraged me. Her encouragement was one of the most profound aspects of her impact on me.

In life we meet people, they are peers, leaders, acquaintances, friends, etc. Some you have life-long relationships that provide much needed support on many levels. Others will be in your life for short periods of time but make lasting impacts, that although you do not interact regularly, you are forever better for knowing them. Diane falls squarely in that area and I foresee using concepts and advice she shared for years to come.

Jason McAlister
Director, Grid Assets Strategic Services
SMUD

Marla had a tremendous impact on not only my ability to be successful in my career, but also to improve my life at home and outside of work. She clearly has a strong interest in coaching the whole person, not just the professional.

Erik Krause
Director, Retail Product Delivery & Sales
SMUD

Marla Collins, my coach, was wonderful to work with throughout the coaching process. She always focused on helping me grow as a leader and helped me successfully go outside my comfort zone.

Maria Veloso
Director, Grid Planning
SMUD

Marla is a wonderful person to work with. Her insight and thoughtfulness are delivered in such an accessible way that it feels instantly natural. She challenged me to grow throughout our coaching process and I came away with a greater capacity to develop than I had understood going in. It was a really valuable experience thanks to Marla’s approach and deep knowledge of all aspects of management and professional development.

Obadiah Bartholomy
Manager, Distributed Energy Resources
SMUD

Marla Collins gained my trust instantly with her practical knowledge and years of experience. Her customized goal setting process and candid feedback laid the foundation for my success.

Tracy Carlson
Director, Customer
SMUD

Marla has been a pleasure to work with over the past year. She took the time to understand my background as well as my role and responsibilities in order to appropriately craft her approach. She is always amicable and constructive, and I’ve found our time together to be very beneficial. I look forward to continuing our work together in the future.

Aaron Adams
CFO, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center
Sutter Health