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Linda Shaffer-Vanaria

BIOGRAPHY

Linda Shaffer-Vanaria is an executive coach, author and speaker specializing in “edge” performance. Her focus in “edge” leverages the leadership mindset of individual and organizational clients to achieve their strategic objectives. Linda is currently the lead coach for one of the largest government agencies on a major coaching initiative involving wide sweeping transformational change.

Prior to starting her practice in 2003, Linda was an executive coach, leadership development consultant and business improvement change agent for a major oil company. Her position placed her in the thick of the company’s ongoing effort to globalize. Additionally, Linda has over 21 years of leadership experience as an officer and aviator in the United States Navy. She was the Navy’s third female test pilot and the first woman to command a squadron in the San Diego area; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron Thirty (VRC-30). While in command, her squadron was recognized as the 1996 Battle Efficiency (Operational Excellence) Award winner for the first time in its 21-year history. For the three years prior to transitioning to the private sector, Linda was the Director of the Naval Leadership Training Unit, the entire U.S. Navy’s Pacific Coast leadership school.

Education

Linda holds a B.S. degree in Systems Science Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania Engineering School and in 1994, was selected as a distinguished graduate, the first woman and the ninth graduate in 20 years to be so honored. Linda also holds an M.S. degree in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee. She is a graduate of both the U.S. Naval War College and U.S. Naval Test Pilot School. Linda has logged over 3,300 flight hours in 33 major types of aircraft and is an associate member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Linda is certified in three models of coaching and a number of assessment tools.

Publications:

Linda was also a featured leader in the chapter of Lead so others will follow of the book Enlightened Power: How Women are Transforming the Practice of Leadership (Linkage, 2005). Also, one of Linda’s Edge Performance concepts, the mastery of “Soft Focus” was featured in the book Leading Organizations from the Inside Out (Wiley, 2006).

Contact Information
Linda Shaffer-Vanaria
760-729-9216