Founder, Step Out Coaching & Consulting | Author of Inclusionable: Transform How You Lead and Elevate Your Team’s Performance
Where I Come In
I work with people who know that they want to change something but are not sure how to do it. It might be something you are already doing well and you want to get to a deeper level of expertise. Or perhaps you want to branch out into a new territory. Maybe what “got you here” won’t “get you there,” and your go-to strategy is no longer sufficient. Together, we pause to notice what is happening, name the pattern, and consciously choose the next direction.
The Way I Coach
I consider you to be already being creative, resourceful, and a whole, wonderfully complex human with unique life experiences. Together we design our partnership (think of it as an alliance). I support you to be accountable for your learning and growth, paying special attention to the environments you are part of and what is going on around you. We use tools like values identification, journaling, and concrete ‘one sure thing’ steps to ground our work.
What Shaped My Work
I have worked for over 30 years as an internal organization development consultant in mostly STEM organizations, challenging and coaching senior leaders through complex issues. As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) for over 10 years and an instructor at UC Berkeley’s Extension program, I believe that if I ask you to become more self-aware, I must be willing to do the same myself. I earned my doctorate in organizational change and leadership from USC, which led to a commitment to amplifying inclusion at work and to writing my Amazon best-selling book, Inclusionable: Transform How You Lead and Elevate Your Team’s Performance.
What People Say
“Working with Christine has been transformative. She created a safe and thoughtful space where I never hesitated to bring my recordings to her, trusting she would offer feedback that was both honest and kind. Her willingness to tell me exactly what I needed to hear has genuinely upleveled my coaching, and I am deeply grateful for the time we shared together.”
~ Doran N., Berkeley, CA
“Christine is an exceptional coach whose presence elevates both confidence and capability. Most recently Christine supported me as a mentor coach while I earned my ICF credential. Throughout our work together, she demonstrated a rare blend of deep expertise, intuitive listening, and a genuine commitment to my growth. Christine has a gift for asking the right questions—the kind that unlock clarity, challenge assumptions, and spark meaningful action. Her coaching style is both grounding and energizing; she creates a space where reflection feels safe and progress feels inevitable. What I appreciated most was her ability to balance strategic insight with heartfelt encouragement. Christine didn’t just help me refine my skills—she helped me expand my perspective and step more fully into my leadership. I’m profoundly grateful for her guidance and partnership.”
~ Jennifer B. Indianapolis, IN
“I worked with Christine Barnes as my coach for six months beginning in February 2025, initially to prepare for an internal VP role application and later to navigate the uncertainty of delays and organizational change. Throughout that time, she was a steady and thoughtful sounding board who supported my growth with warmth, insight, and genuine encouragement, and her approachable style made it easy to build a strong connection even virtually.”
~ Surinder K, San Francisco, CA
If You’re Ready to Talk
If you’re standing at a crossroads and wondering which path to take (or just trying to see a path), let’s talk. Conversations create possibilities, and possibilities create new worlds.
Email: info@betweenward.com
Note to send: “I’d like to explore coaching with Christine.”