Marla Kessler

About the Coach

Senior Strategy Coach | Healthcare Executive & Business Transformation Expert Marla Kessler is a seasoned healthcare executive with a proven track record of scaling and transforming businesses across life sciences, advisory, tech/SaaS, and real-world data. A champion for gender equality and educational access, Marla is dedicated to empowering the next generation of female leaders and ensuring top-tier education is accessible to girls globally. She brings a distinctive mix of analytical rigor, creative thinking, and team empowerment, shaped by her senior leadership roles across the U.S. and Europe.

Education

• Duke University, The Fuqua School of Business - Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
• Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Economics

Career & Leadership

• Executive Leadership: Served as CMO, Chief Customer Officer, and SVP of Strategy at leading global firms including Datavant, IQVIA, Pfizer, and McKinsey.
• Public Board Member: Brings high-level governance experience and a commitment to institutional impact through her service on a public board.
• Team Empowerment: Known for building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of mentorship, storytelling, and creative thinking within corporate environments.

Coaching & Impact

• Advocate for Girls' Education: Strategically coaches female applicants to break barriers and secure spots in top-tier educational programs.
• Professional & Student Mentor: Extensive experience coaching both university students and corporate employees to navigate complex career transitions and achieve their goals.
• Strategic Storytelling: Expert in helping candidates translate their technical skills and analytical rigor into compelling narratives focused on making a human impact.

Focus & Specializations

• Gender Equality in Leadership: Specialized coaching for women aiming for executive-level roles and elite academic programs.
• Career Roadmap Development: Guiding students and professionals from foundational roles to high-level leadership positions.
• Healthcare, Tech & SaaS Tracks: Strategic preparation for students entering data-driven healthcare, advisory, and technology sectors.

Languages

• English