Meet Dr. Cheryl Getz 

“I believe that leadership is not just about taking action, but about deep inquiry and self-reflection.

My clients, who come from all walks of life, benefit from my understanding of adaptive leadership, organizational systems theory, and action inquiry.

Through my life experiences and frameworks, I help clients navigate complex challenges that require creativity, resilience, and transformation.”

Dr. Cheryl Getz, with short gray hair, wearing glasses, a patterned blue and white blouse, and jewelry including earrings, a necklace, and a ring, standing with arms crossed against a plain white background.

My Coaching Values

  • Inquiry and Curiosity

     I am deeply passionate about learning and encouraging others to embrace curiosity. Inquiry and reflection are key to growth, and I create an environment where individuals feel safe to ask difficult questions and explore new perspectives.

  • Holding Space for Fullness

    I believe that transformation happens in spaces where people feel safe, seen, and heard. In my coaching, I hold space for individuals to bring their whole selves—both their light and their shadows—without judgment. 

  • Accountability

    An authentic leader is one who is aware of their blind spots, strengths and areas for improvement. When working with clients, I often hold up a mirror, in the moment, to point out contradictions between one’s espoused values and daily actions. When this is out of alignment, people notice, and effective leadership is extremely challenging.

  • Holding Steady

    We are living in difficult times, and workplaces often reflect the anxiety of the community around us. Exceptional leaders are able to hold steady despite the chaos, not react to every challenge, and be thoughtful in helping others see a way forward. 

  • Community and Connection

    Leadership is not a solo journey; it thrives in connection with others, and building positive relationships is key. I help individuals and teams foster genuine, supportive communities where meaningful dialogue and collaboration can flourish.

  • Understanding Bias

    We all have bias, and oftentimes we are unaware how these biases impact our leadership. I believe that acknowledging our biases is a crucial step toward personal and collective growth and responsibility. My work focuses on creating a nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their biases, understand their origins, and work toward meaningful change.

  • Creativity and Adaptability

    Many challenges in leadership are not technical but adaptive—requiring us to think beyond conventional solutions. I encourage a mindset of exploration, where mistakes are seen not as failures but as opportunities for growth.

What this looks like for you!

Bio

Dr. Cheryl Getz is the Assistant Director of Higher Education Professional Certifications for the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN) at the University of San Diego (USD).

She recently retired from her position as Associate Professor and Director of the Leadership Minor in the Department of Leadership Studies at the University of San Diego (USD).

She also held a variety of leadership positions at USD, including Director of Graduate Programs, Associate Dean, and Department Chair. Some of the courses she taught were: Leadership for Change, Group Dynamics, Action Inquiry, Leadership and Spirituality, and the International Leadership Association (ILA) conference course.

Dr. Getz is a certified International Coach Federation (ICF) coach working with a range of clients, and she is also certified in The Leadership Circle Profile 360 Assessment instrument, and the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) to support the learning and development of clients.

For over 30 years, Dr. Getz has coordinated, designed, and facilitated a variety of leadership programming for graduate and undergraduate students, athletic teams (including Division I Women’s basketball), and other mid to senior-level leaders.

In her coaching, she integrates a systems approach as well as a variety of reflexive strategies with clients to encourage examining their various identities and to understand the impact of power and privilege individually and collectively.  Her coaching clients benefit from deepening their capacity for making meaning of various leadership and life challenges.

Dr. Getz has a BS in Education from the University of Cincinnati, an MA in Athletic Administration from Central Michigan University, and an EdD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.