Transformative Coaching Based on Research and Experience
Leadership isn’t just instinct—it’s a skill that can be developed through proven models, metrics, and methodologies tailored for senior executives. At Leaders By Design, our coaching is grounded in rigorous research and decades of real-world experience. Co-founders Peter J. Dean and Molly D. Shepard bring a unique blend of insight and expertise, delivering high-impact coaching that’s both strategic and deeply personalized.
Peter J. Dean, MS, Ph.D. and
Molly D. Shepard, MS, MSM
Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean help C‑suite executives and Boards navigate the challenges and opportunities of leading today’s complex global workplaces. Drawing on decades of experience coaching and advising senior leaders, they apply affirmative leadership principles to inspire employees, strengthen Board and team relationships, and drive positive results.
Molly D. Shepard, MS, MSM
Molly D. Shepard, Partner at Leaders By Design, is a dynamic leader with over 30 years of empowering executives and transforming organizations. With a wealth of experience in leadership development, executive coaching, and career strategy, Molly has dedicated her career to guiding leaders to unlock their full potential and achieve meaningful impact. A sought-after keynote speaker and moderator, she inspires audiences with her forward-thinking insights and commitment to creating lasting change. Passionately advocating for senior women in business, Molly has made it her mission to break down barriers, amplify voices, and create pathways for women to rise, thrive, and lead with confidence and purpose at the highest levels.
Peter J. Dean, MS, Ph.D.
Peter J. Dean, Partner at Leaders By Design, is a visionary in leadership development with over 30 years of shaping the potential of executives and organizations worldwide. As a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, Peter brings a rare blend of academic excellence and real-world impact. He has held influential roles at The Wharton School, Fordham University, and the University of Iowa, where his thought leadership has inspired the next generation of leaders. With a Ph.D. in Learning Psychology and Human Resource Management, Peter’s lifelong mission is to elevate leadership through insight, purpose, and transformation. His work has earned him multiple teaching awards and a reputation for empowering leaders to drive meaningful change.
News from Leaders By Design
Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Leadership
March 9, 2026 | Leaders By Design
Even the most accomplished executives plateau without self-awareness. Blind spots, ego protection, and low feedback tolerance quietly erode authority. In this installment of Cultivating Leaders, I explore why executive self-awareness is the true competitive advantage — and how structured leadership coaching helps senior leaders confront blind spots before they become derailments.
Beyond the Confidence Gap
February 24, 2026 | Leaders By Design
Women executives need more than confidence—they need strategic mentorship. Learn how executive coaching helps senior women leaders identify the right mentors, expand influence, and accelerate advancement at the highest levels of leadership.
Cultivating Leaders, Part I: Emotional Intelligence
February 2, 2026 | Leaders By Design
For C-suite executives, the ability to regulate emotion, manage fear, and influence others ethically is what separates positional authority from true leadership effectiveness. In today’s high-pressure environments, emotional intelligence is a decisive performance advantage.