Specializing in scientists and technical leaders
When the people side starts getting in the way of the technical work, something has to change.
You know the technical stuff. The people side is something else entirely. Managing a team that is not performing, navigating conflict you did not ask for, figuring out why smart people keep missing the mark, getting pulled into everything when you should be focused on the work that actually matters. These are not technical problems. They require a different set of tools.
Working with a coach gives you a trusted partner to sort through challenges, see new options, and take action, so you can feel less stressed and more in control of your path.
“Kim helped me cut through the noise and step into a VP role faster than I thought possible.“ – Senior Leader, Amazon
Kim is a former scientist turned career and leadership coach. After 20+ years experience leading biomedical research teams, she understands the realities of pressure, complexity, and tough decisions. Clients describe her as empathetic yet direct, a trusted partner who empowers them to make real progress without burning out.
“Kim is a sounding board, strategist, and mindset coach, all in one.” – Sr. Engineering Manager, Amazon
Why Work With Kimberly McDermott, PhD, PCC
The right coach changes everything.
I’ve worked with leaders for over a decade, smart, capable people who are working hard and want to make an impact.
They’re looking for a more effective way to get where they want to go, with more clarity, less second-guessing, and fewer wasted cycles. That’s where coaching makes the difference.
I’ve helped people like you:
→ Move scientific work forward across organizational boundaries, influencing stakeholders who do not speak the language of the lab
→ Stop doing the science and start leading the scientists without losing credibility with their team
→ Give feedback that actually changes behavior, instead of hoping the problem resolves on its own
→ Delegate in a way that builds trust in both directions and grows the capability of their team at the same time
→ Navigate the shift from peer to leader without losing the relationships that matter
→ Build a team that owns the work instead of waiting to be directed at every step
→ Address team conflict directly and early, before it quietly drains performance
LinkedIn Profile
ICF PCC
Certification ensures high-quality and ethical services
Trusted by leaders
10 years coaching professionals to get to the next level
20+ years as a scientific reasearcher
PhD-trained leader, analytical thinker
Real experience
2,500+ coaching hours across science and technology
Before I became a coach:
I spent 20+ years solving complex problems as a biomedical research scientist and leading teams in fast-paced, data-driven environments, including a chapter inside Amazon.
I understand the pressure to deliver, navigate ambiguity, and keep growing when expectations never slow down.
The Process
A simple, thoughtful process designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward, without the overwhelm.
How coaching works:
01. Book Your Free Discovery Conversation
Pick a time that works for you for a free Zoom call.
🔹 No pressure, no pitch, your time to see if coaching with me is a good fit.
02. Choose a Coaching Package
If we’re a fit, we’ll design a coaching engagement aligned to your needs.
I offer two types of coaching support:
- A short-term Focused Engagement (2-3 months) to get clarity and momentum fast
- Longer Comprehensive Engagements (e.g. 6-12 months) for more complex or layered situations
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We’ll figure out together which one fits best
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🔹 You’ll get fresh perspective, honest feedback, and a strategy that fits you. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what works.
03. Commit and Experiment
- At the close of each session, you leave with specific, practical action steps to try before the next conversation
- We then examine what you did, what worked, what got in the way, and what to try differently
🔹This is structured iteration on real situations with real stakes, not hypothetical exercises.
04. Documentation
- At the end of the engagement, you receive full documentation of what worked and the specific tools and approaches to move forward
- We also map out next steps so you keep the momentum going
🔹You leave with a practical reference and next steps for what actually moves the needle for you.
Client Results & Success Stories
Here’s what just a few clients had to say about our work together.
From burned out to confident and leading again.
“Kim changed my life. I came to her confused, burned out, and full of self-doubt. Through thoughtful questions and structured exercises, she helped me rediscover my strengths and values, and chart a healthier career path. I left a toxic job, healed, and found a role I love. I feel confident in myself and my leadership skills again.”
Freed up time to lead strategically, and saw his team thrive.
“Working with Kim has been one of the most impactful choices in my leadership journey. Her coaching helped me delegate better, lean on my team more effectively, and work fewer hours while improving performance. Before, I was trying to outrun failure, now I lead with clarity and see success as inevitable.”
Built confidence to speak up and have more impact.
“Kimberly blends empathy with structure in a way that truly works. She helped me gain confidence, step outside my comfort zone, and lead with more clarity. Her thoughtful approach made it easier to trust my instincts, speak up, and contribute more meaningfully at work.”
FAQ
A few things you might be wondering…
“I’m already stretched. How will I make time for this?”
Totally fair. Coaching is designed to give you time back.
Each session is 45 minutes, and we’ll meet weekly or bi-weekly, whatever works best for your schedule. Most clients say it quickly becomes the most efficient time in their week: a focused pause to reflect, strategize, and move forward with clarity.
Real traction that saves time in the long run.
“What if I’m not even sure what I need?”
You’re not alone. A lot of leaders feel that way at first.
We’ll start with a free consult to figure out what’s going on and where you want to go. If it’s still fuzzy, I’ve got tools that help, like emotional intelligence and leadership assessments, to surface insights and pinpoint where coaching can make the biggest difference.
“Is this going to be just soft skills?”
Not even close.
We’ll work on high-impact leadership skills, like influencing without authority, managing up, navigating tough conversations, and making sharper decisions.
Yes, we’ll also explore things like mindset and identity when it’s helpful, but it’s always tied to real-world outcomes.
And if something’s not working for you? I welcome your feedback so we can adjust.
“How long does it take to see results?”
Most clients feel a shift after just a few sessions (many after the very first session), and many start seeing meaningful progress within 3–4 weeks. Small, strategic changes unlock momentum.
It depends on your goals, but we’ll always work toward visible, tangible wins. I offer flexible coaching packages, from short sprints to build momentum to longer engagements (3–6 months) to provide support for bigger goals.
“What are your coaching packages?”
I offer three packages — the Sprint, the Momentum, and the Mastery — designed for different situations and different levels of depth. Some people need to get clear on one specific challenge fast. Others are ready to do the sustained work of changing how they lead over several months.
[See full package details and pricing →]
But if for any reason coaching isn’t working for you, you’ll have 30 days to request a refund for any unused sessions, no pressure, no risk.
“How do I know if you’re the right coach for me?”
The best way is to experience it.
The free consult is a real coaching session, you’ll get a sense of how I work, how I listen, and whether my approach works for you. No pressure, no pitch. Just space to see if this feels like a fit.
Here is an article by the International Coaching Fedration that has some great tips: Article Link
“What if I’m not working on leadership skills?”
Coaching is about helping you move forward on what matters most to you, not fitting into a box.
Many of my clients come in with goals like reducing burnout, building resilience, navigating a career pivot, or showing up with more confidence and calm in their current role. If something’s on your mind and you’re not sure how to move forward, that’s exactly what coaching is for.
A free consult is a great place to explore whether it’s the right next step for you.
For additional career and leadership development resouces (e.g. curated articles and my blog) click here: https://kimberlymcdermott.com/resources/
Ready to Book Your Free Discovery Conversation?
💬 “I had a legitimate breakthrough on our first call.” – Rose Y.
This conversation is all about you, no pitch, no pressure.
We’ll talk through where you are, what you’re aiming for, and I’ll answer your questions.
Whether or not we end up working together, you’ll walk away with more clarity and momentum.
🔹 30 minutes, tailored to you
🔹 Flexible scheduling to fit your calendar