EXECUTIVE COACHING & CONSULTATION
A Guide for Navigating Change
A dedicated space to step out of the busy work of “doing,” and reflect on your next best steps — for leaders navigating change across systems and organizations.
HEART, INTEGRITY, LEGACY
Barb Putnam
MSW, LICSW, CMHS
Barb has a deep commitment to children and adolescents who are at risk for mental health challenges, and to their families and the systems that serve them. She weaves together clinical skill, coaching skill, and deep lived experience and system knowledge to guide and build a pathway to navigate change—both organizational and personal—by dedicating time and space to your needs.
Barb spent over four decades moving between clinical practice, statewide program and policy leadership, and coaching within Washington State's Systems of Care — most recently as a Certified Coach Approach for Adaptive Leadership Trainer. She now brings that same Systems of Care expertise to leadership and coaching development for individuals and organizations.
my approach
Perspective, Clarity, Hope
Step out of doing
01 - gain perspective
Working with Barb offers the chance to step out of the busy day of “doing” the work—taking time to be present with another, reflect on possible choices and best next steps, and take a deep breath to look at the “me” inside all the doing.
Set the table, name the path
02 - clarity
An astute listener, Barb sets the table for understanding the issues and clarifies next steps to move forward — building an action plan with support and focus.
03 - build hope
Towards a better future
The work continues toward actualizing a better future for children and families — shifting mindsets from individual tasks to leading and empowering teams, and learning to lead upward, sideways, and downward among all system partners.
Testimonials
WHAT THEY SAY
Ace Bulger
MS, ED, MA, CC
Barb is relationship-centered, with a rare gift for building lasting networks. As a lifelong leader in Washington State's System of Care, she's a genuine difference-maker — she understands the intricacies of governmental dynamics and systems change, and her skills translate seamlessly across state agencies, corporate organizations, and individuals alike.
In our chaotic, uncertain world, Barb sees opportunity where others see obstacles. As a consultant, adviser, trainer, and coach, she brings practical support and real hope to those striving to adapt and succeed.
Having worked with Barb for several years, I've found her purposeful, insightful, persistent, and resilient—dedicated to every goal and every person she serves. You'll want Barb Putnam on your team.
Taku Mineshita
MSW
I had the privilege of working with Barb for many years, and she is one of those rare leaders who can see both the people within a system and the larger system around them. She is a visionary and creative thinker who sees opportunities to bridge gaps, build meaningful connections, and help systems work together in more thoughtful and meaningful ways.
Her approach is deeply human-centered and healing-oriented, grounded in genuine respect for the voices of people with lived and living experience, families, and communities. With experience spanning community behavioral health, Wraparound, and state child welfare and mental health systems, she has a deep understanding of complex systems and sees the big picture, while always staying grounded in compassion, relationships, and the people at the heart of the work.
She is a trusted advisor and thoughtful partner who brings a healing-centered perspective to the work of creating meaningful and lasting systems change
HOW WE BEGIN
The first hour
I offer an initial hour to meet, sort out your needs, see if we're a match, and decide whether we want to work together. We'll negotiate everything else based on your needs.
Take a minute to send a note below. I look forward to talking with you.
Barb
Business Info
Address
Pacific Northwest
Olympia, WA
USA
contact@barbputnam.com
Send a note
Office Hours
Mon - Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm