Our leadership model

United by a shared vision

toward life.

For four decades, New Ventures West has supported how people come alive in possibility. Our leadership model reflects how that shapes our organization.

Learning from alongside

A different approach to leadership.

In many organizations, the primary way of relating to one another is hierarchical—of one expert or leader to many, or of one teacher or guru leading their students.

We approach learning and leading from another way of being. We honor the relationship between individuals with a deep respect for the process of learning. We see every conversation as a mutual exchange that is unfolding and changing both parties, whether that is within our teams here at New Ventures West, or between our faculty and students.

Fostering trust and mutual support

Guided by four managing partners.

Since 2020, our equal partnership invites a diverse array of experiences, skill sets, perspectives, and ways of being that strengthen our work together. This brings a sense of balance to all we do, including how our gifts contribute to the rich history of this work, this organization, and this community that we are privileged to steward.

Learn more about the principles that guide New Ventures West at every level.

Sahar Azarabadi, Business Development

Sahar brings a vast background in coaching, executive leadership, and self-development into her role of expanding Integral Coaching into organizations. Additionally, she supports graduate enrollment and coordinates aspects of the Professional Coaching Course, where she also serves on the leader body. She has her own coaching practice and is continually exploring new opportunities for growth and learning. She lives in Oakland, CA.

Suzanne Kanick, Operations

As a trained engineer and experienced project manager, Suzanne is a master at coordinating multiple moving parts into a seamless flow—in other words, the perfect person to oversee the finances and daily operations at NVW. She graduated from the Professional Coaching Course in 2018 and brings the wisdom, compassion and skill of an Integral Coach to her role. Suzanne, her husband Chad, and their little girl Amara live in the Pittsburgh area.

Adam Klein, Integration & Marketing

Adam’s focus is on integrating NVW’s purpose and bringing it to fruition. He oversees strategy, tech, and the flow of various internal work streams, as well as supporting graduates and ensuring ICF compliance. Adam regularly leads the Professional Coaching Course, hosts our orientation events in San Francisco, is creator and host of the NVW podcast Stepping In, and has his own business coaching leaders and individuals. He lives in Petaluma, CA with his wife Robyn and their daughter Genesis.

Cynthia Luna, Learning and Development

Cynthia supports the growth and development of our faculty, the alignment and deepening of our pedagogy, as well as strengthening our relationship with international affiliates. A longtime Professional Coaching Course leader and executive coach, she brings an extensive background supporting leaders and teams across multiple industries. She lives with her three rescue dogs, and her husband and business partner Max, in Claremont, CA, where they run their own coaching and leadership development company.

Foundations of Coaching

Together, we create things unachievable alone.

At its heart, Integral Coaching is about helping people access more of the meaning, belonging and contribution that is waiting within their own lives. Take the first step towards experiencing this work for yourself.