I am an executive coach who empowers high-achieving professionals to elevate their leadership, embrace transitions, and thrive through change.

Change is hard, especially for high achievers who hold themselves to exceptionally high standards and value stability while often grappling with fear of failure.  

However, transitions don’t have to be daunting. Coaching can provide the tools and mindset to confidently navigate change with purpose and joy.

As your coach, I will partner with you through life's twists and turns, transforming these transitions into opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Through one-on-one coaching and tailored leadership development programming, I foster personal and professional growth through every step of the journey.

--

My Story:

My story is filled with many unique chapters. In short, over the course of my career I’ve been a consultant, physician, military officer, healthcare leader, medical education leader, and professional coach -- often wearing three or more of these hats at the same time. Along the way, I’ve found the most joy in providing inspiring leadership through change and helping high-achieving individuals successfully navigate transitions and challenges. I look forward to utilizing my deep expertise in leadership, professional development, and coaching to help you elevate your leadership and thrive through change.

Gretchen Rickards

Three years ago today, I published my first post on LinkedIn.

It was 114 words long, and I remember agonizing over every one of them. The fear of being visible is real. It took me about 48 hours to work up the courage to click “post.”

In the years since, I worked through that fear with the help of a LinkedIn accountability group and the discipline of posting and engaging regularly.

Along the way, I’ve also evolved in who I am as a coach, what I offer, and who I serve.

But the most unexpected part of the journey has been the relationships that have grown out of this platform. I’ve reconnected with colleagues I hadn’t spoken to in years and made incredible new friends and connections across the globe.

One thing this experience has reinforced for me, and something I often see with the leaders I work with:

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲.

So today’s post is primarily a heartfelt thank you to those who have supported my work here by connecting, sharing ideas, and contributing to the conversation along the way.

Three years ago, hitting “post” felt like a leap. I’m so glad I took it.

Executive & Leadership Coach | Healthcare & Mission-Driven Organizations | Physician

Last year my theme was 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯.

Two of those connections have become a standing monthly lunch with two brilliant coaches — one guiding women through life and career transitions, the other helping aspiring business owners explore career ownership options. We celebrate wins, offer support, and hold each other accountable. 

It’s been a great reminder that who you build alongside matters just as much as what you build.

Grateful to be on this entrepreneurial journey together, Michele Trego Garrett, M.Ed., ACC, ELI-MP and Kimberly Burress!

Yesterday felt like a full-circle career moment.

I delivered an interactive virtual workshop called 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬 for a consulting organization.

What made it especially meaningful is that my first job out of college was in consulting.

I can still picture myself at 22 or 23, sitting on the periphery of a conference room. I may have been the only woman in the room and was certainly the most junior team member. I felt more like an observer of the conversation than a participant, unsure how to enter it.

Looking back, I wasn’t quiet because I had nothing to say. I was quiet because I didn’t yet trust that what I had to say was worth the space it would take up.

That experience shapes how I think about voice and leadership today.

In yesterday’s session, we explored the subtle ways professional voice gets lost at work: minimizing language, nonverbal signals that can undermine authority, waiting too long to speak, and not reclaiming the floor after interruption.

We didn’t just name the patterns. Each participant walked away with one concrete action to try in their very next meeting.

𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀. 𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Over time, those small moments can change careers.

What would you tell your 22-year-old self about speaking up?

#LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipPresence #EmergingLeaders #CommunicationSkills

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Confession: I don’t finish most leadership books.

I read a lot of them, but I only recommend the ones that are digestible and high-yield from cover to cover.

For the leaders I work with, time is already scarce, so I put together a list of 11 that are clear, practical, and worth your time.

What books would you add?

Open article: 11 Leadership Books You Can Actually Finish (and Enjoy) — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting by gretchenrickards.com

11 Leadership Books You Can Actually Finish (and Enjoy) — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting

𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱.
𝗜𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘆 𝗯𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿.

Especially when it comes to non-urgent, non-important requests.

Before you say yes, ask:
Is this energizing?
Do I have capacity?

If the answer isn’t yes to both, it’s a no or a not now.

𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱.

Graphic credit: Liz Fosslien

#LeadershipDevelopment #SustainableLeadership #LeadershipCapacity #LeadYourWay

One of the most memorable pieces of advice I heard during medical training was surprisingly counterintuitive:

“𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲.”

At the time, it meant resisting the urge to rush into action before fully understanding what was happening with the patient.

It was also about pausing before responding.

Over time, I’ve realized the same principle applies in many ways to leadership.

I wrote a short reflection about the power of the pause in this week’s blog post.

Open article: Don’t Just Do Something. Stand There. — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting by gretchenrickards.com

Don’t Just Do Something. Stand There. — Gretchen Rickards | Coaching and Consulting

Building a professional network in healthcare takes intention. 

It's easier when you're in a room with people who share your background.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 Women in Medicine® 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 & 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 is hosting a virtual conversation on networking, open to women physicians and trainees with any connection to military medicine, past, present, or future.

This session will include dedicated time to network and connect in small groups.

📅 Thursday, May 7 | 8 PM ET 
💻 Virtual | No WIM membership required

We hope to see you there!

𝘙𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.

#WomenInMedicine #MilitaryMedicine #WomenPhysicians #PhysicianLeadership

I first came across this video around 2017 and used it as a discussion prompt with my residents at a time when morale in our clinic was very low.

The conversation that followed was rich and meaningful.

I hadn’t watched it in years, and it hits differently now. In fact, I’m in tears. Maybe because over the years I’ve been many of the people in this video, including several of the patients.

It's a powerful reminder of the unseen burdens people carry, and why empathy matters so much in the way we lead and care for others.

Thank you to Dr. Amna Shabbir,MD,NBC-HWC for sharing this today, and to the Cleveland Clinic for this beautiful, timeless message.

Video link: https://lnkd.in/e3Pe_Bzu

Ambition & Well-being Can Co-exist. Empowering high achievers to curate sustainable wellness without sacrificing peak performance - Top Podcast Host - TEDx Speaker🎤- Modern Perfectionism Strategist (read About)

View Dr. Amna Shabbir,MD,NBC-HWC’s profile

We don’t know what others are going through.

Our days are filled with assumptions and bias—toward ourselves and others.

Yesterday, I was remembering a video from my residency training orientation at the Cleveland Clinic.

It was a beautifully created message on empathy.
I had attended sessions dedicated to this topic and read books about it, but this short 4-minute, 24-second video was profoundly moving in a different way. 

Although this message is crafted in the healthcare setting, I feel it is pertinent outside of the hospital walls as well. 

💜Today, I invite you to take a literal pause, watch this video, and remind yourself of the kindness and grace we can offer—to others and to ourselves.

⬇️

I just made my contributions to Do More 24 in support of nonprofits doing vital work in Delaware. Giving ends at 6 pm on March 6 if you’d like to join in!

#DoMore24DE #SpurImpact

We know that Delaware is a small state with a BIG heart. Let’s show the world we can do more together. Join us during the last hours of #DoMore24DE and help us do more this year! United Way of Delaware

As the founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of doctors, other healthcare professionals, and patients as they share their unique struggles, triumphs, and passions. 

Through my YouTube channel and Substack Newsletter, I spotlight the human side of medicine — from burnout and moral injury to moments of purpose, connection, and hope.

As a physical therapist and three-time cancer survivor, I bring a unique perspective shaped by both clinical practice and personal experience. I serve as the Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, and an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, and the Clinician Burnout Foundation, working to promote physician well-being and advocate for cultural and systemic change in healthcare.

My mission is to build connection and create advocacy for healthy doctors, driving positive change that benefits both doctors and patients. This is a space for everyone who cares about the future of healthcare — and believes that supporting physicians is essential to healing our healthcare system!

Kim Downey

“Most people view doctors as intelligent, successful, and professionally fulfilled. The reality is often far more complex and, at times, deeply distressing. 

While medicine provides immense satisfaction, it can also burden physicians with guilt, pain, and moral distress. When left unaddressed, these pressures lead to isolation, depression, and burnout. 

In this powerful anthology, Kim Downey brings together the voices of over a dozen individuals with intimate knowledge not only of despair, but also of the courageous process of rebirth and revitalization. Their stories are honest, vulnerable, and ultimately hopeful. 

🌟 I recommend this book to every clinician and to the family members who love them. Medicine is the greatest profession. 

White Coats, Human Hearts offers actionable pathways toward the fulfillment physicians sought when they first began medical school.” - Robert Pearl, M.D. Professor, Stanford University Author of Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors and Patients

Pick up your copy today in the comments section, and gift another to a doctor in your life!

Founder, Stand Up (for) Doctors!, Fierce advocate for physician well-being, Author, Speaker, Podcast host, Ambassador for Medicine Forward, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation, Clinician Burnout Foundation, PT

🌟 What would change if doctors were allowed to be fully human?

Thank you, Lisa Muehlenbein, PhD, for the opportunity to have this conversation...full episode in the comments!

And Happy International Women's Day 💃 🤗 💖

Physician Burnout & Medical Marriage Strategist | PhD, NBC-HWC | Speaker, Author, Podcast Host | Empowering Medical Families & Healthcare Organizations with the MedLife Matrix™

Let’s talk.

If doctors were allowed to be fully human inside, Medicine, what would need to change first?

• Licensing policies?
• “Never show weakness” culture?
• Work hours?
• Leadership?
• The way we talk about (or don’t talk about) mental health?

Tell me what you think needs to change first in the comments below.

#Healthcareleadership
#medicalculture
#physicianwellbeing
#physicianburnout
#mentalhealth

You can't help but smile when you're introduced to Randall McNeely - Captain Kindman! 🥰 

Thanks for the wonderful conversation yesterday, Randy, and thanks to Tom Dahlborg for connecting us! 

Randy speaks of love and kindness, and shares ripples from our chat...

Thanks, Randy! If you aren't yet connected with Randy, you'd like to be 🤗

View Randall McNeely - Captain Kindman’s profile

Growing Love Through Kindness - Day 64 (Mar 5, 2026)

What a wonderful day to be alive! How are you my friends? I hope this message finds you feeling well, whole, and encouraged. That's saying something, given all that is going on in the world. 

The truth is, the joy in our lives has very little do to with our circumstances or what is happening around us, rather, it has everything to do with our focus. 
Something to think about.
_______________________

Kindness and connection - another day of sharing time with a wonderful new connection and with my angel wife. 

Yesterday I had another "old friend" experience. I was blessed to meet Kim Downey, physical therapist, survivor of multiple cancers, author, speaker, and overall just wonderful person. We had a delightful conversation and shared our stories with each other. By the time we finished it felt like we's known each other for a long time. 

KIndness sown, love grown.

But, that was just the beginning. With in an hour after we got off the call, Kim had already introduced me to two new potential connections Apurv Gupta, MD, MPH and Amber Pena Posey, but also re-introduced two previous connections, Dr Adam Harrison and Diana Londoño, MD with whom I haven't interacted a lot, but will now be getting to know better. 

I also had the chance to introduce Kim to my wonderful friend and business partner Elia Gourgouris Ph.D. along with Kevin D. Monroe, Kevin Smith, DIANE WOODFORD, and the joyful barry shore. 

Ripples of kindness flowing outward.

Finally, in the afternoon I had the chance to take a walk with my sweetheart. There's something wonderful about walking along and having her slip her hand into mine. Walking. Listening. Enjoying presence. It was rejuvenating for both of us as we strolled down to the mighty Mississippi River and back home.  Refreshed. 

Kindness sown. Love grown.
________________________
TIP (Teaching, Invitation, Promise)

TEACHING
Meaningful connection is one of the fastest ways to shift our focus toward joy.

INVITATION
Reach out to one person today—start a conversation, offer encouragement, or make an introduction.

PROMISE

A simple connection can create ripples of kindness far beyond what you imagine.
_________________________

What is one moment of kindness or connection that brought you joy today? Share it below.
__________________________

Remember, wherever we go, we can help love grow through kindness.

Until tomorrow...

#kindness #growlove #connection #culture #caring #joy

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The Battle

Gretchen Rickards

Kim Downey

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taplio

The Battle

Gretchen Rickards

Kim Downey

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Gretchen Rickards's LinkedIn Performance

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Performance ScoreGretchen Rickards's LinkedIn Performance