Coach Antoinette Tuff

Leadership Coach | Strategic Leader | Crisis Resolution Expert | Team Engagement Advocate | Thought Leader

Antoinette Tuff is a prominent leadership coach, crisis resolution expert, and advocate for team engagement, operating through her company, ANTOINETTE TUFF LLC. She gained national recognition after a harrowing incident on August 20, 2013, when she successfully negotiated with an armed gunman who entered the Ronald E. McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. Her calm demeanor and strategic communication skills led to the safe resolution of the situation without any injuries or fatalities, marking it as a unique case in U.S. school shooting history.1 2 4

Professional Background

Antoinette Tuff's career trajectory shifted dramatically following the hostage crisis. She transformed her experiences into a platform for teaching crisis management and leadership strategies. Through her "Tuff Tactics," she emphasizes Compassion, Confidence, and Control as essential elements for effective leadership and crisis resolution. These tactics are designed to help individuals and organizations navigate challenging situations, foster collaboration, and create psychologically safe environments.1 2 4

Key Initiatives

Leadership Coaching: Tuff provides coaching services aimed at enhancing organizational resilience and employee empowerment. She works with various sectors, including corporate public affairs, law enforcement, educational institutions, and non-profits.3 5
Kids on the Move for Success: Tuff founded this non-profit organization to support underserved children by promoting educational opportunities and personal development.4 5
Speaking Engagements: As a keynote speaker, she shares her story and insights on crisis management at various events, contributing to discussions on student safety and community resilience.1 2

Publications

Antoinette is also an author; her book Prepared for a Purpose has received acclaim and has been recognized as an international bestseller. It details her journey from an ordinary individual to a national figure advocating for safety and empowerment in educational settings.2 4

Through her work, Antoinette Tuff continues to inspire others by demonstrating how personal challenges can be transformed into powerful lessons in leadership and community engagement.