Michael McElhenie, Ph.D.

Michael is a Senior Consultant for Being First and has over 25 years of experience as a consultant, executive coach and advisor to global leaders. He understands the complexity of the multi-national business context and his mastery at using an approach that integrates key facets of human development (intellectual, interpersonal, emotional, ethical, physical and spiritual) has made him extraordinarily effective in developing leaders.

Nationally recognized for coaching, assessment, and change processes related to emotional intelligence, Michael also leads executive events, leadership journey and strategic planning retreats.

Michael designs and implements successful and innovative strategic planning, leadership development and change management processes for organizations of all sizes that drive organizational strategy and results.

An executive communications expert, Michael has successfully advised leaders in the areas of crisis and change communication. He is often called on to prepare leaders for crucial communications such as those with industry analysts and corporate boards.

One of Michael’s key areas of expertise is in the area of executive assessment. He works with corporate boards and key stakeholders to evaluate and select c-level and executive talent.

Over his career, Michael has developed industry expertise in airlines, banking/financial services, call centers, consulting, convenience stores, energy, government, healthcare, high-tech, insurance, legal, manufacturing, NGO’s, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, retail, sales, utilities, and in companies ranging from start-ups to the Fortune 500 level.

Professional History

Michael received his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Florida and his Doctorate in Organizational, Clinical and Experimental Psychology from the University of North Texas. He is a practicing licensed psychologist, a PCC-level coach and a graduate of the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland’s Organizational Systems and Development program.

Michael’s background includes three years with Human Dynamics as a Curriculum Designer, Trainer and Consultant, over nine years with ASSESS Systems as an Assessment Services Manager and Senior Consultant and three years with HayGroup as the Director of Organizational Effectiveness and Management Development.

Micheal is certified in a wide variety of tools, and the following is a sample:

• ASSESS Systems
• Cattell’s 16 PF
• Dynamic Results’ LeadershipEdge
• DiSC
• Emotional Competency Inventory
• Firo-B
• Gallup’s Strength Finder
• HayGroup Leadership Styles & Climate
• Hogan Assessments
• Lominger (VOICES)
• MBTI
• Strengths Deployment Inventory
• Thomas Kilman Conflict Mode