Lotus Leadership Coaching

Certified Leadership & Executive Coach | Fractional Chief People Officer

Courtney Peterson | Fractional Chief People Officer | Leadership Coach

Courtney is a career human resources professional, DEI practitioner, philanthropist and leadership coach. She is also on the faculty at Georgetown University and is deeply invested in shaping the next generation of HR and DEI leaders. Recognized internationally as a top influencer, Courtney serves on the board of directors of National Alliance on Mental Illness - Montgomery County (NAMI-MC) Her community service endeavors also include membership in the Top Ladies of Distinction as the Advisor to the Top Teens of America in Montgomery County, MD as well as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She is a Senior Certified Human Resources Professional through HRCI (SPHR) as well as a SHRM Senior Certified HR Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Courtney has served in HR and DEI leadership roles for a variety of illustrious organizations including the Edison Electric Institute, Sidwell Friends School, the Fannie Mae Foundation and the American Diabetes Association.

An award winning and celebrated executive, Courtney drives business results as a workplace culture strategist and people champion. She has been awarded both national and international recognition for her leadership in transforming workplace culture and developing leaders within organizations as a Chief HR Officer, Chief Diversity Officer and as a leadership/executive coach.

A mom to two teen daughters, Courtney is a fierce advocate for mental health in the workplace and leadership development. She resides in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Formal Training & Professional Activities

20+ years of experience leading human resources & diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging (DEIB)
Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University
Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation
Over 1,000 hours of one-on-one leadership coaching with clients around the world
Adjunct Faculty, Georgetown University (master's degree in HR program)
BA, University of Pittsburgh | MS, Robert Morris University

Assessments & Certifications

EQ-i 2.0,® EQ 360®
MBTI®
Predictive Index®
Hogan Assessments®
Conflict Dynamics Profile®
SHRM-SCP & SPHR certifications
Certified Workplace Mediator

Awards & Recognition

✨Women We Admire, Top Women Leaders in Washington, DC
✨100 Women to KNOW in America, J.P. Morgan Chase
✨Top 15 Chief Diversity Officer, Diversity Global Magazine
✨Top 50 Chief Diversity Officer, OnConferences
✨Top 100 Diversity Officer, National Diversity Council
✨Game Changer: Introvert to Watch, HushLoudly
✨Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, Savoy Magazine

Services

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Fractional Chief People Officer

As a Fractional Chief People Officer (CPO), I provide expert HR leadership on a flexible, part-time basis, tailored to meet the unique needs of your organization. My role is to help you cultivate a thriving workplace culture, develop strategic people initiatives, and drive organizational success—without the full-time commitment.

Why Fractional?

Engaging a fractional CPO allows you to access top-tier HR expertise and strategic guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive. Whether you’re a growing company in need of advanced HR leadership or an established business seeking specialized support, I provide the flexibility and insight necessary to drive your human capital strategy forward. Let’s work together to transform your HR function and empower your organization’s greatest asset—your people.

What I Offer as a Fractional CPO/CHRO

Strategic HR Leadership: I bring a wealth of experience to create and execute HR strategies that align with your business goals, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive organizational culture.
Talent Management & Development: From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and leadership development, I ensure that your talent strategies are effective, efficient, and scalable.
Organizational Design & Change Management: I help you navigate through periods of growth or transformation by designing organizational structures and managing change initiatives that support your long-term objectives.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Strategy: I design and implement comprehensive DEI strategies that create more inclusive workplaces. From assessing current practices to facilitating training and development programs, I help you cultivate an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.
Employee Relations & Culture Building: My expertise includes resolving complex employee issues, implementing best practices for workplace culture, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
Compliance & Risk Management: I ensure that your HR practices adhere to legal requirements and industry standards, mitigating risks and protecting your organization.

Leadership & Executive Coaching

Coaches work with clients to help them unlock their personal potential. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the world's largest organization for coaches and defines coaching as "partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential."

Ethics are particularly important in coaching, and as a formally trained coach who is ICF certified, I maintain a steadfast commitment to the ICF Code of Ethics.

A coach can serve as a thought partner, accountability partner and catalyst for change in your life. Whether you are looking to enhance your leadership in a professional space, work on personal goals, launch a new career or uncover what is possible for your life, I am a coach who will partner with you in service to the full realization of your goals, passions and purpose.

Contact

courtney@lotusleadershipcoaching.com

Tools of the Trade

“Courtney has not only invested in the professional training to be a deeply qualified coach, she also has her own set of professional experiences in leadership and self-transformation. She is well read, always providing space to explore new ideas and helped to me create new possibilities in my life."

Safety in Risk Taking

"Courtney knows how to hold safe space for deep exploration. There is no such thing as a 'dumb idea' when working with her. Through working with her, I pushed myself to come up with solutions and ideas that I did not even know I had in me."

Innate Qualities

"I didn’t know how impactful coaching would be until I had this experience or how well trained of a coach I would have. Though it feels like Courtney also possesses many innate qualities that just make her special."

Sandra Fisher

Lotus Leadership Coaching

Services

Strategic HR Leadership: I bring a wealth of experience to create and execute HR strategies that align with your business goals, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive organizational culture.

Talent Management & Development: From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and leadership development, I ensure that your talent strategies are effective, efficient, and scalable.

Organizational Design & Change Management: I help you navigate through periods of growth or transformation by designing organizational structures and managing change initiatives that support your long-term objectives.

Employee Relations & Culture Building: My expertise includes resolving complex employee issues, implementing best practices for workplace culture, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Compliance & Risk Management: I ensure that your HR practices adhere to legal requirements and industry standards, mitigating risks and protecting your organization.

Contact

Let's Connect

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