With over 25 years in Learning and Development, Rich Braaten has developed expertise in executive coaching, performance management, and developing and leading high-performing teams. Rich’s ‘super power’ is a unique ability to influence hearts and minds helping organizations to focus on their most valuable resource, people!
As an executive coach and leadership development expert Rich has successfully launched and implemented global learning and development programs for top-tier enterprises. Rich honed his craft both at Pfizer and for the past 11 years at Crotonville, GE’s Management Development Institute. From developing C-Suite Executive Leadership programs, through leading teams dedicated to developing GE’s professional population, his focus has always been on helping others to unleash their potential, becoming the best possible versions of themselves.
Rich has been involved with coaching since 2008 having been certified as a Bluepoint coach and master facilitator. He played the lead role in rolling out the Leader As Coach across GE sales teams and was instrumental in incorporating it into the GE leadership development curriculum. Rich led an internal coach certification program while developing a ‘bench’ of internal coaches dedicated to coaching executives. Rich has facilitated sessions both in the classroom and virtually, across business units, and with external strategic customers primarily in the Energy, Aviation, and Healthcare sectors. Recognized for his ability to create an engaging, fun, and collaborative learning experience, Rich has been called on to facilitate sessions globally, including in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Rich and his husband Scott live in Congers, NY and when off the clock enjoy time biking, being with family and friends, and working around and in the antique stone farmhouse they have called home since 2019. Their grown daughters Jamie, Mollie, and Kelsey round out the picture and time spent with them is the absolute best. Also, outside of work, Rich dedicates time to working with members of the LGBTQ community dealing with identity and/or substance abuse issues.
Rich received his B.S. from SUNY Albany and also has professional certifications for the Hogan Assessment, SOQ/The View, DISC, the Speed of Trust, and Situational Leadership.