Education / Training / Certifications

  • Smith College, BA

  • University of Pennsylvania, MSEd

  • Columbia University, Doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership

  • PCC-level coach (International Coaching Federation)

  • Certified in:

    • Korn Ferry 360 Voices

    • Learning Agility Instruments

    • DDI Instruments

    • Immunity to Change (individuals & teams)

    • Hogan Assessment System

 

Languages

  • English

Nayla Bahri EdD, PCC

Location: United States

Dr. Nayla Bahri, EdD, PCC, is an experienced coach, consultant, and educator with over 20 years of expertise in leadership development, career growth, and organizational learning. With a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Columbia University and certifications in several leadership assessments, she partners with leaders across industries to build clarity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and relationship skills. Formerly the Dean of Students at Columbia Business School, Nayla co-founded the Leadership Lab and led global learning initiatives in a private equity-backed medical diagnostics firm.

Now running her own practice, Nayla works with clients from firms such as Apple, American Express, News Corp, PwC, and the Royal Bank of Canada. She brings warmth, humor, and a research-backed approach to coaching, creating safe, engaging environments where leaders explore identity, change, and purpose. She also teaches at Columbia, speaks at leadership events, and co-hosts the career-focused podcast Inside Job.

Notable Engagements

  • CEO, Software – Board management, talent management, change management

  • Chief Legal Officer, Private Equity – Relationship management, change

  • Chief Research Officer, Medical Diagnostics – Executive leadership, strategic change management

  • SVP, Operations, Retail – Interpersonal relationships, team leadership

  • Director of Sales, North America, Software – Emotional self-regulation, delegation to direct reports

  • VP, Global Customer Service, Pharma – Building new global team

  • SVP, Finance – Transition to new role, return to work after maternity leave

Specialties

  • Career Development
  • Developing, Coaching, Mentoring Others
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Managing Up
  • Relationship-Building / Networking
  • Self-Development / Self-Insight
  • Vision and Strategy
  • Women in Leadership

Client List

Nayla has worked with leaders across a wide range of industries and organizations, including Royal Bank of Canada, Vista Private Equity, News Corp, the City of New York, H-E-B, Pantheon Software, Apple, Colgate University, Columbia University, American Express, Stripe, Ruggable, The Nature Conservancy, Appian, Jefferies, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Regeneron, PwC, and many others.