Phyllis Ponte
Ponte Consulting LLC

Credentials

• I am a graduate of the Corporate Coaching Program of Corporate Coach U, and a member of the International Coaches Federation. I have also received certification from the Enneagram Institute (Riso and Hudson). I am a member of the International Enneagram Association (IEA) and currently serve as co-President of the Northern California Chapter of the IEA. Please see Coaching FAQs/Links to learn more.
  
  
• My professional background includes a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and over 20 years of experience as a research scientist and manager in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. I held a variety of management roles and I have a broad understanding of the pressures and realities of the corporate environment.
  
  
• I have experienced a wide spectrum of management training programs and I am certified as a facilitator for two comprehensive management skills programs. Thus, I can act as a resource for you in many of the professional skills that are fundamental to success.
  
  
• I am certified in a widely-used behavior styles tool and have had extensive training in the Enneagram system for personality. My workshops on both behavior styles and the Enneagram have received high marks from participants.
  
  
• I have long been a serious amateur athlete and I am an expert rock climber. My experiences as a climber have taught me much about success and failure, decision-making, risk-taking, and moving beyond fear. These topics often emerge as client issues during the coaching process.
  
  
• My special coaching strengths are my exceptional analytical and problem solving skills, my strong perceptive and intuitive senses, and my high level of creativity and imagination. The values I bring to our coaching relationship are integrity, honesty, and respect. Also, I really like to laugh.
  
  

My mission is to help my clients find the path that is right for them, the path that will take them where they want to be, personally and professionally.

Client Testimonials

Clients

"When we began eight months ago, I really had no clear idea what my goals were, let alone how to prioritize and achieve them... I was stalled and felt overwhelmed by my own inaction... Here we are eight months later and I have achieved all my original goals... I no longer dread and worry about what I could do, would do, and should do. I decide, plan and act. You are a remarkable coach!"

MFP, educator

“Often the most difficult problems that I deal with are those that exist in the “backfield” such as issues of personal organization, communication, and problem individuals. These are the issues that too often I fail to address or indefinitely delay. With Phyllis, that stopped. Phyllis was able to help me gain clarity on those issues with which I’d been struggling, whether large or small.  She required that I confront issues, achieve understanding, seek solutions and implement them. She helped me achieve a greater focus on issues by requiring me to discuss and confront the problems, bring them into focus.”

R.S.  Research Scientist and Manager

"Since I started working with Phyllis I have seen incredible improvement in my role as manager. This is the first time in my career that I've had someone who really takes the time to understand me. We work together on specific actions I can take to be a better manager and team leader. Phyllis genuinely cares about me and is just as happy as I am when things are going well. I recommend anyone who is looking for a great coach to consider hiring Phyllis."

DK, Engineering Manager, Biotechnology Company

”Phyllis has, through the use of the Enneagram personality analysis system, helped me to understand … my behavior and those of colleagues, friends and family. I have gained insights which have allowed me to develop new, and more productive, techniques for reacting to my issues and those arising from friends, family and colleagues. This understanding has led me to more productive interactions …

One of the real strengths of Phyllis’ approach is the use of specific activities, and provision of active tools, that allow one to explore the sources of issues and allow one to act on the need for change. Her approach does not just rely on talking about issues, but provides specific actions, actions that one can apply on a daily basis.

I initial approached coaching as a task that would be highly uncomfortable… This has not been so. This progress has led me to a quieter mind, greater peace with myself and others, and increased my joy in living.”

FL, Vice President, Biotechnology Company

About my Workshops

I have loved this workshop… The impact this workshop had on me is to help me … have a more tolerant (and appreciative!) attitude towards others and myself. Also, by learning about my type, it has helped me to observe some of my unwanted, unnecessary (e.g., neurotic!!) behaviors and occasionally (!) modify them. You created a caring environment that was also marked by a wonderful lightness and sense of humor. I would recommend this course to others. I will be missing it very much.

JA.

I have recently completed the Wisdom of the Enneagram workshop facilitated by Phyllis Ponte. She creates a warm, nonjudgmental and no-pressure environment (and) approaches the discussions with openness and a sense of humor. I definitely experienced a number of AHA! moments, seeing my behaviors and fears perfectly described as a particular personality type. Many of the most valuable insights came from the other participants in the group sharing their observations and revelations. Anyone interested in self-reflection and in understanding personal interactions will find this workshop invaluable.

JS.