Happier Mondays offers academic leadership coaching rooted in well-being.

Hi, I'm Kim Bartels

My mission in founding Happier Mondays is to give leaders in higher education a safe, confidential space to question, learn, reflect, brainstorm, and problem-solve. It's my hope that you find your professional and personal lives becoming more joyful and fulfilling with our work together.
At the start of my career, I earned my Ph.D.  and became a tenure-track professor before pivoting to coaching. I also juggle a busy home life and family.  With over 20 years of experience in leadership coaching, I have guided and helped many leaders and subject matter experts. 

Where are you in your academic career?

​Whether you are new to higher education leadership or are in mid-career, having a leadership coach who understands the  higher education workplace can be invaluable. I can help you gain clarity about your goals, identify next steps, discover new perspectives, alleviate stress, and leverage your strengths.
Former faculty, new leader getting your bearings
Assistant Deans, Interim Deans, and Department Chairs benefit from coaching that emphasizes becoming an effective administrative leader. Coaching might include a focus on developing management and delegation skills, navigating institutional politics, and anticipating and adapting to the pressures of a decision-making position. 
Seasoned, but struggling
Seasoned leaders face challenges such as budget constraints, administration or policy changes, and a growing list of stakeholders. These leaders benefit from brainstorming solutions with an outside sounding board who can provide a fresh perspective. It might also prove helpful to discuss self-care habits to prevent burnout.
Looking for more responsibility
Faculty and staff who are looking to be promoted or are curious about what they might do to take on more responsibility benefit from coaching that explores options based on their experience and goals. Having a coach who understands the hierarchy of academic leadership and the skills and qualities the next position requires helps people clarify what they really want and the specific steps to get there.

Leadership coaching with a higher education perspective

Our colleges and universities need compassionate, strong leaders who are confident in their strengths and can pull together teams to solve problems and meet challenges. I have an approachable and caring coaching style. Clients tell me they feel seen and heard in expressing their concerns and that my insights and pragmatic strategies help them become happier overall and more passionate about their work. With a unique combination of higher education and leadership coaching experience, I specialize in coaching higher education leaders, both privately and through their institutions.

"Insight into the challenges of academic leadership"

Working with Kim has been a game-changer for me as I navigate my career path in higher education. Her insight into the challenges of academic leadership and her practical strategies for growth give me clarity and confidence to move forward. I'm truly grateful for Kim's support and highly recommend her to anyone looking to take the next step in their higher ed career.
–Vice President of Academic Affairs

Encouraging, supportive, knowledgeable, inspiring.

Your partner for creating many happier Mondays.

I'd love to learn more about you. Book your free introductory call to get started. ​

"I found an academic position that values my experience and expertise"

When an unexpected closure of an academic department caused the loss of my tenured faculty position, I was at a crossroads. Kim helped me identify my strengths as well as my broader hopes for my work and professional identity. My time spent with Kim solidified my career goals at a challenging time in my professional life, and I found an academic position that values and capitalizes on my experience and expertise. I highly recommend working with Kim when faced with a transition, a pivotal point in your career, or are just exploring a change.
​–University Professor