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Adam Gierlach, M.A., PCC
Leadership Coach, PhD Candidate in Leadership Studies, Former DI Men's College Basketball Coach • Comprehensive Leader Development for Collegiate Athletics Programs, Coaches, and Student-Athletes
Adam Gierlach, M.A., PCC is a leadership coach and PhD candidate in Leadership Studies based in Spokane, Washington.1 He has a diverse background that combines academic pursuits, coaching experience, and a history in collegiate athletics.
Professional Background
Adam is the owner and operator of Adam Gierlach Coaching, a business he started in July 2018.1 Through his company, he offers comprehensive leader development coaching and consulting services, primarily focusing on collegiate athletic teams, coaches, and student-athletes.
In addition to running his own coaching practice, Adam serves as a leadership coach for two notable organizations:
- The Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University
- Ama La Vida, where he works with executives and leaders across various organizations1
Credentials and Expertise
Adam holds several professional certifications that enhance his coaching practice:
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Certified leadership coach through Rice University's Doerr Institute for New Leaders
- Certified in EQ-i 2.0 and EQ 360 Emotional Intelligence Assessments
- Certified in DISC and Motivators Behavioral Assessments1
Academic Background
Adam's academic pursuits include:
- Currently a doctoral student in Gonzaga University's School of Leadership Studies
- Earned an M.A. in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Servant-Leadership from Gonzaga University
- Holds a B.A. in History from Rice University1
Previous Experience
Before transitioning to leadership coaching, Adam had a career in men's college basketball:
- Served as an Assistant Coach at Rice University
- Worked as an Assistant Coach at Cornell University, where the program achieved its most successful season in eight years1
Research and Publications
Adam's research focuses on servant-leadership, leader development, and well-functioning relationships, particularly in athletic contexts. His work has been published in:
- The International Journal of Servant-Leadership (2022)
- The Palgrave Handbook of Servant Leadership (2023)
- The Financial Manager magazine (2022)1
Adam Gierlach's diverse background in coaching, academia, and athletics provides him with a unique perspective in his role as a leadership coach, allowing him to draw from various experiences to support his clients' growth and development.