Co-Founder

The thornier the problem to solve, the more excited I am to solve it. I am known for my heart-forward candor and my bold, collaborative, and decisive approach to solving problems.

I lead our Executive Coaching and Organizational Strategy practices. I am an accredited, certified coach who supports clients in senior leadership positions and those moving into larger management roles.

Prior to founding The Leadwell Group (formerly Jodi Akst Coaching), I was a Partner at TNTP for 17 years during which I launched multiple business lines and led TNTP’s flagship program, NYC Teaching Fellows (NYCTF). Under my leadership NYCTF hired over 8,000 teachers for the New York City schools.

I hold a BS, magna cum laude, in Social Policy: Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University.

I live in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD with my husband and two kids. During my daily walks you will find me listening to podcasts or audiobooks about the true stories of others’ lives. When I need a break, I relax by watching bad reality TV. I am a Trustee on the Boards of Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, and the Jewish Educational Services of Baltimore.

jodi.akst@theleadwellgroup.com

Co-Founder

There are two things you should know about me.

First, I love supporting people to lead in ways that align with their purpose, values, and strengths. Here at Leadwell, this includes coaching individuals, facilitating group programs, and bringing the Leadwell Accelerator to districts and mission-driven organizations. I draw from years of experience at TNTP - as a people manager, teaching pathways designer, and talent acquisition leader - as well as previous work at Bates College designing career exploration programs.

Second, I excel at making the complex… simple. At Leadwell, I support mission-driven organizations with growth and strategy planning by listening deeply, asking the right questions, and leading stakeholder feedback processes. I bring experience from prior roles with City Year as a district engagement leader and OneGoal where I used human-centered design to innovate and scale student support programs.

I hold a B.A. from Northwestern University and an Ed.M. in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. I completed coach training through the CoActive Training Institute.

When I’m not supporting Leadwell clients, you might find me browsing in my local bookstore, exploring a rocky Maine beach, or playing backyard baseball with my sons.

christina.patrick@theleadwellgroup.com