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Struggling with your leadership development when it comes to navigating high-stakes pressure, while managing a team and doing what’s best for your constituents?
Hi! I’m Elaine Lou Cartas, Executive Coach for elected officials and political leaders. Before I became a coach, I was a political organizer in different local and statewide campaigns throughout the country (California, Iowa, Montana, New Mexico and Massachusetts) and I know firsthand how hard it is to lead when everyone is watching your every move.
So I get it. Your staff relies on you for direction and decisive action, your constituents expect results even when the system is stacked against you, and your family needs you to show up at home after you’ve given everything in the room.
The pressure doesn’t clock out, and neither do you.
MSN awarded me as a top Leadership & Executive Coach in 2024, and LA Weekly awarded me as the #1 Thought Leader for my Conscious Conversations® framework.
But enough about me — let’s talk about you:
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Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure how to lead with clarity when everything feels urgent?
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Are you craving a trusted sounding board outside your political circle: someone with no agenda, no constituency, and no stake in the outcome?
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Dreaming of even five minutes where you aren’t managing a crisis, a camera, or competing demands?
Here’s the truth: Holding public office shouldn’t mean sacrificing your well-being or your values. Through my trauma-informed coaching approach, we’ll cut through the noise, foster Conscious Conversations® and build the internal clarity and external systems that let you lead with intention, not just reaction.
As a daughter of refugees and first-gen Asian American professional seeking to improve my assertiveness, leadership, and navigate my first role as an Executive Director for a dynamic and growing non-profit organization, I was fortunate to find Elaine Lou Cartas. Her unique approach to coaching has not only enhanced my communication and leadership abilities but also provided invaluable insights into personal growth and self-advocacy.
From the start, Elaine demonstrated a keen understanding of my cultural Asian background, enabling us to delve into complex topics without the need for lengthy explanations. Her deep empathy and compassion fostered a safe environment for me to explore sensitive issues, such as the impact of my upbringing in a patriarchal household (and broader society) on my career.
Elaine’s guidance has been instrumental in developing my ability to articulate my thoughts effectively and assert my needs both in the workplace and beyond. Her expertise in workplace politics has empowered me to confidently navigate difficult situations and stand up against oppressive behaviors.
— CHRISTINA T., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
“Working with Elaine helped me get a new job where I doubled my income. She has also helped me become more assertive in the workplace. Elaine focuses on the systems that will make your business successful. Those systems have allowed for me to have 80% of my client renewals completed early.”
— Lindsey, Market Director
Why should you work with an executive coach who understands political leadership?
You may already be surrounded by fellow elected officials and political allies, but there’s no one you can fully open up to. Because everything is political. Everything is confidential. And everyone has an angle.
Often, leaders in public office get so caught up in serving their constituents that they lose themselves in the process. I’ve worked with political leaders who came to me burned out, reactive, and running on empty and through our coaching engagement, they found their footing again. They started leading with intention, navigating high-stakes moments without losing themselves, and actually showing up for their families after years of putting everyone else first. They learned to set boundaries without losing influence. To communicate with clarity under pressure. And to advocate for themselves the same way they advocate for the people they serve.
So how am I different from other executive coaches offering leadership coaching to political leaders, and why does that matter for you?
I am a proud first generation Filipino immigrant. I acknowledge the privilege I have because of all the generational sacrifices made before me. Here’s a pic of me with my dad, grandma, and a picture of my great-grandfather all who were grapevine workers that immigrated to Central California and a reminder of my roots and resilience.
I was a former grassroots organizer and fundraiser.I have worked on local, state and federal campaigns. Here’s a pic of me in the Capitol at 22 when I helped a congressional member get elected.
I’ve faced workplace bullying, and learned how to stand up for myself. Here’s a pic of me at the first event I hosted June 2018 to help women of color and allies to put themselves first.
I negotiated a $12k raise for myself, and got my first $100k contract. Now I teach my clients to do the same when it comes to negotiation, boundaries and assertiveness.
I successfully pivoted industries, increasing my salary by $26k while raising $8.2 Million in Community College Scholarships
Running my coaching business for 7+ years. I’ve served 11k+ clients in 58 different countries, hosted 57 events and retreats, became a Trauma-Informed Coach, and Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation.I also have online courses with LinkedIn, Duke, Brown, John Hopkins, USC and 30+ more universities. And I want to check in with you
“One of my favorite learnings from your session is to always take feedback, but you don’t always have to use it (paraphrasing of course). Thank you for the valuable tools!”
– Cynthia Byrnes, Coca-Cola
Director of Customer Service
“My favorite part was your ability to let others SHINE. You showed us our own power and knowledge by permitting us to help each other out. It sometimes takes people like you to bring it out of us.”
– Vicki Goizueta, PHR, SHRM-CP Acosta Group
Human Resources Business Partner
Conscious Conversations®
We use our Conscious Conversations® 6-prong approach to guide high-performing leaders and their teams to:
- Reduce burnout and foster happier, more productive teams
- Tailor solutions to each team member’s unique needs, ensuring goals are met with less stress
- Build accountability for leaders and their teams
Our approach centers on these pillars:
- Pause: Reflect on your communication and leadership style, drawing insights from past projects and interactions to uncover growth opportunities.
- Perspective(s): Gain clarity on others’ goals and leadership styles to improve communication and productivity.
- Priorities: Understand goals from all team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment and focus.
- Prepare: Strategize effectively for meetings, projects, and challenging situations.
- Perform: Execute with confidence to lead impactful meetings and achieve outcomes.
- Passion: Remind yourself why you are passionate about your role, and the projects you are working on.
Imagine this:
- You and your team members confidently achieving their goals
- Hitting fundraising goals, and the board supporting you
- Peace at work and your life
Conscious Conversations® equips leaders and teams with the tools to lead and foster thriving, engaged teams.
I want to implement conscious conversations
“I loved the 6-prong framework, I’ve leveraged it and plan to do so, as it’s easy to remember the 6-Ps organized around the visual of the heart. Passion at its core. I just had a real time conversation yesterday. I was part of a team that led a big networking event last week, and when I stepped in and around with the attendees, I owned the room!”
– Brenda Valley, Albertsons
Finance Officer
Need a trusted guide to navigate high-stakes conversations with your team, while still making space to recognize how far you’ve come?
My executive coaching sessions for political leaders are designed to help someone at your level move through the pressures and possibilities of public office, including:
- Supporting your team through transitions, turnover, and the unexpected
- Strengthening your office’s culture with transparency, accountability, and shared purpose
- Leading with your values intact even when the political climate is testing them
- Protecting your well-being so you can sustain this work for the long haul
What’s possible for you:
- Imagine being present with your family because your team has your back and can carry out your legacy
- Seamlessly navigating change while fostering trust and commitment within your team, board and donors
- Developing strengths-based leadership styles that encourages your team to do the same.
- Building a team culture where individuals respect and support one another to achieve shared goals
- Creating a base of happy, loyal donors who rave about your service and refer others
- Defining success and happiness by your own terms — and knowing that it’s possible.
Curious about my programs?
While there are different types of coaching, it’s important to know that I do not have a cookie-cutter program that’s built for everyone–I acknowledge each company has its own struggles, challenges, and needs and create a custom program for you. This is not a one-size-fits-all experience, our work together will consider your whole humanness and your team’s, so you can grow as a unit.
I love scheduling a 30-minute Legacy Business and Career Review Call where you will receive 3 action-items. And after the initial coaching conversation, you will receive an individualized proposal to meet your needs and outline the deliverables.
My coaching style is personalized and professional, customized to your unique needs as an individual leader and as part of a cohesive team.
So instead of forcing you into a templated program, we’ll identify three goals to help you develop your leadership skills while ensuring your team meets deliverables.
“As a business owner knee-deep in day-to-day operations for my restaurant, I needed high-level support with strategy and creating a game plan that my whole leadership team could get on board with. Elaine was our answer! During our sessions, she created a safe space where everyone felt comfortable bringing ideas to the table. Furthermore, she kept an open line of communication amongst all involved, so everyone could share their thoughts equally! Every time we leave a session with her, we have more clarity and direction, which has led to more productivity and a positive boost in our morale in the workplace.”
— JENNY VALLES, CO-OWNER, SAMPA RESTAURANT
Are you an organization looking for team coaching, facilitation or a speaker?
Email us at [email protected]
Want me, Elaine, in your corner with exclusive, personalized coaching? You get a direct line with me to help you:
- Streamline systems to hit fundraising goals, and team productivity
- Boost collaboration and creativity while simplifying processes
- Navigate the goals of board members, team members, donors and other stakeholders goals while learning how to communicate effectively and collaborate seamlessly with them
My one-to-one mentorship is tailored to your leadership goals with two 60-minute coaching sessions per month, and we can add coaching services from our dream team of coaches who specialize in marketing, operations, intuitive guidance and financial strategy.
I work with political leaders who…
- Want to create change and develop their own leadership and coaching skills while building trust and commitment to their teams
- Are grounded in their values and want to lead with purpose
- Are open to self-reflection and willing to grow as leaders
But I’m not the coach for you if:
- You do not have a growth mindset
- You don’t believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion
- You aren’t willing to truly listen and learn from your team
“I was so impressed with Elaine’s ability to command the room of 20+ executives, coaches and mentors for the training we brought her in to lead to kick off our Cohort #1 Mentorship Coaching Circles. Elaine is such a natural speaker and brings with her an amazing energy that creates an inclusive, safe and inspirational environment. She spoke to an audience of Mentors for the Project Management Institute’s San Francisco, Bay Area chapter’s coaching circles to provide them with the tools they would need to mentor a group of Project Managers and aspiring Project Managers. The group was engaged, taking notes, sharing their experiences and gave such great feedback after the training. I am really glad I had her speak to this group to kick off our coaching circles, the wisdom and energy she left them with has certainly made a huge impact on our program.”
— JULIANA WISE, CERTIFIED PROJECT MANAGER,
OWNER, JWISE PROJECT
Trained, coached and presented to Fortune 500 Executives & leaders from:
Tired of how things are going, and ready to create change?
Then schedule a 30-minute Leadership Nonprofit Review Call to receive a coaching plan three individualized action-items and a custom proposal to support you and your nonprofit team for sustainable results.
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