A Harvard-trained psychologist with over 20 years of experience coaching senior leaders and transforming organizations across industries.
Jeni Harnden-Koehler, Founder and President of the Talent Acceleration Group, is a seasoned coach, organization consultant, and talent development professional with more than 20 years of experience coaching senior leaders and teams.
She spent eight years in the Pharma/Biotech industry in talent development and HR partner roles in Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Sarepta Therapeutics and Ironwood Pharmaceuticals. She worked with R&D, commercial and technology organizations supporting leaders transitioning to new roles, accelerating new team formation, and supporting organizations on their journey through transition.
She spent seven years at Fidelity investments where she led the development of Fidelity's high potential program and was involved in the creation of an enterprise-wide Leadership Success Profile, and accompanying 360 tool, that served as a framework for the selection, development, and talent management throughout the company. She supported all areas of talent management including: talent review and succession planning, performance management, leadership development, and management training.
Before having her own consulting practice, Jeni was with RHR International where she worked extensively in the consumer products and financial services industries as well as in biotech/pharma, technology, manufacturing, and utilities. At an individual level, she assessed and coached senior executives to develop stronger leadership skills in order to help their teams hit critical business objectives and conducted assessments for selection for executive leadership roles. At a team level, she specialized in improving team functioning and action-learning to build soft skills and business acumen while accomplishing strategic business imperatives. At an organizational level, she used her skills in assessing organizational dynamics using custom designed questionnaires, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews to craft targeted interventions to support organization health and agility.
Jeni also has a special interest in developing women leaders, which was expressed in her involvement in designing leadership programs and business resource groups for women as well as being part of the Women's Network Advisory Board of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Simmons' Women's Initiative. She also conducted independent research looking at the factors impacting the progression of women leaders into senior roles in the biotech/pharma industry.
Ph.D. in Psychology
Completed doctoral research in clinical psychology and psychoneuroimmunology.
B.A. in Psychology and Neuroscience
Foundation in behavioral science and neuroscience informing her approach to human potential.
Groundbreaking research identifying specific barriers and enablers affecting women scientists' advancement to senior leadership in biotech/pharma, revealing critical disconnects between organizational promotion criteria and capability assessment.
Download Research PaperComprehensive leadership development and organizational transformation services
Individual assessment and coaching for senior leaders to enhance leadership effectiveness and achieve critical business objectives.
Comprehensive talent review, succession planning, and leadership development program design and implementation.
Team formation, coaching, and action-learning programs to improve functioning and achieve strategic objectives.
Evaluating organizational dynamics through custom questionnaires, focus groups, and interviews to create targeted interventions.
Specialized programs, research, and advocacy initiatives to advance women into senior leadership positions.
Developing and implementing comprehensive assessment tools, 360 feedback systems, and leadership frameworks.
Jeni lives just outside of Boston with her husband, three children, and two schnauzers. An avid outdoor enthusiast, she enjoys travel, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding, hiking with her family, and painting (admittedly, not very well!).
She is an active volunteer with the patient advocacy group, the Immune Deficiency Foundation.
