Yes, you can thrive and enjoy being a confident leader.

Are you ready to move forward in your leadership journey?

I'm Kim Bartels, founder of Happier Mondays. I have deep experience in both academic life and leadership coaching. I'd love to help you prepare for and enhance your success as an effective leader.

Leaders and emerging leaders face unique challenges. As a Ph.D. and Board Certified Coach, I've helped many leaders in the past 20 years at all stages of their journeys. Learning how to navigate, view, and optimize the dynamics of your workplace while taking care of yourself are critical skills to develop. 

​You work in higher education to make a difference. Let's make sure you are empowered and excited for this stage of your professional life.
Colleges and universities experience considerable pressures from inside and outside their campuses, including financial limitations and political and social upheaval. As a leader at your institution, no matter how long you've been at it, you may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or conflicted about your position. 

​Clients who work with me report enjoying more confidence in their current position, finding new perspectives for meeting challenges, and clarity about achieving future goals. 
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I'm a compassionate, informed Board Certified Coach and creative thinker and problem-solver. I'm well-versed in the dynamics of the higher education workplace and challenges you may face growing into a leadership role. I'd love to learn more about you in a free introductory call.

Clarity, relief, and peace of mind extend beyond your professional life

Being happier in your work life brings perks to your home life too. My clients tell me they experience health benefits including stress relief, restorative sleep, a return to a normal routine, and a more positive mental outlook!

"I am a more fulfilled and confident person"

Working with Kim as a leadership coach has been instrumental to my growth, success, and overall satisfaction in my role as Executive Director. Her ability to thoughtfully navigate and address the obstacles that were holding me back in my career has not only improved my workplace happiness and strengthened my relationship with my supervisor but has also contributed to my personal well-being. I’m a more fulfilled and confident person because of her guidance.
–Executive Director of HR, Community College

Your institution is only as strong as your leaders

With my background as a Ph.D., tenure-track professor for four years and teaching experience at six different universities, I am well-versed in the unique challenges that face emerging and current leaders in today's higher education workplace.

I have worked with leaders at all stages of their careers. Experienced administrators in higher education face different challenges from those who are just moving out of teaching careers to positions of academic leadership. With over 20 years of coaching experience, I can help your institution cultivate, strengthen, and support your leaders so you retain them long-term as happy, fulfilled employees.

Exemplary institutions have exemplary leaders

I'd love to tell you more about how I can help leaders at your institution strengthen negotiation and delegation skills, enhance confidence and well-being, solve problems creatively, and enjoy satisfaction in their employment. I offer a free introductory call to get started.

Frequently asked questions

​Do you help with resumes, cover letters, and job applications?
​I don't offer job search and job application help as a stand-alone service. Instead I specialize in leadership coaching to guide clients to clarity about next steps and confidence-building about the positions they hold. If you are a leadership coaching client, then I can help you with those practical aspects of finding a new position.
​Do you work with people outside of higher education?
​I specialize in helping leaders currently in an academic leadership role or looking for a promotion in higher education. However, I also work with other individuals who are interested in working with me, if we both feel it's a good fit. For example, I currently have coaching clients who are leaders in corporate and nonprofit settings.
Sometimes it is not a good fit. For example, someone who would not be a good fit for my services would be an individual who is not in a leadership role and is looking for their next job in their current industry. 
​How much does coaching with you cost?
​The short answer is it depends. 
Private-pay clients
I offer two different coaching packages for individuals who plan to pay privately for their coaching: 
  1. Semester Package
  2. Academic Year Package 
I share that pricing with you after we hold our Free Initial Call, when I have a better understanding of what you will be needing in a leadership coaching package. I try to work with each client to find a financially viable coaching package that also meets the needs of my business.
Employer-sponsored clients
I also offer my coaching services to colleges and universities interested in hiring me to coach one or more of their leaders; in that case, the institution pays for the coaching. For employer-sponsored leadership coaching, my rates are similar to the market rates charged by other Executive Coaches with over 20 years of experience. I will discuss these rates when I meet with the institutional leaders who have the authority to hire and pay me for coaching one or more of their academic leaders.​
How do I get started?
I offer a free, 20-minute introductory call for prospective clients and institutional inquiries. If we decide it's a good fit to work together, I follow up with a proposal that includes pricing. Upon acceptance, follow-up meetings initiate the coaching process.

Confidential, compassionate, experienced, insightful.

Your partner for creating many happier Mondays.

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

"I feel empowered to bring my whole self as a leader"

Throughout my time working with Kim, I appreciated her insight as a sounding board to navigating challenging situations. She has had a significant impact on my passion/work drive. Kim has inspired me to grow authentically in my current role and beyond. I feel confident and empowered to bring my whole self to the table as a leader and as a parent at the same time.
​–Accounting Manager, University Alumni Association