Christine R Williams

Leadership and Executive Development

Meet Chris Williams

Chris has over 30 years experience designing and creating programs and strategies that enable organizations and individuals to improve performance and achieve their goals.  Her cutting edge programs are considered world-class by both industry and Government standards and she is frequently invited to speak internationally on the topics of leadership development, organizational change, executive coaching and the application of advances in neuroscience to improving employee learning and organizational effectiveness.

Prior to establishing the consulting division of ‘Otto-Williams Limited, a company which she co-owns with her husband Stephen, Chris served as the Director of a number of NASA’s most successful agency-wide and organizational and leadership development programs including NASA’s Executive Coaching Program and the agency’s first technical leadership program, the Systems Engineering Leadership Development Program (SELDP).  For 20 years she helped build the next generation of leaders at NASA, an organization that now enjoys the distinction of having the best leadership in the Federal Government.

Chris has long joined with industry, non-profits, and international partners to conduct research and build new models for individual learning and organizational change.  

Chris is hard wired to focus on the achievement of mission success.  She uses her knowledge of the dynamics of complex systems to help individuals and organizations successfully achieve their goals within their unique environment and culture.

Among her many awards Chris received the Leadership in Action Award from the Council for Excellence in Government, NASA's Outstanding Leadership Medal, External Achievement, Creative Management, Innovative Management, and Space Flight Awareness Awards.  She serves on the Advisory Boards of the Neuroleadership Institute and the Conference Board’s Executive Coaching Conference.

Praise for Chris' work

“Chris possesses the rare ability to think strategically and implement tactically, which enables her to envision innovation and then carry it to completion. She has built her career on a commitment to organizational change through learning. As an advocate of realized human potential, she practices the higher-order thinking that motivates others to greatness.”

— Gary Clemmons, Former President, GC Ink Co.

“Chris stands out as one of a handful of federal executives who demonstrate the excellence and commitment that can transform government.”

—Jolie Bain Pillsbury, President, Sherbrooke Consulting Inc.

“Chris developed and led the single best focused and most effective leadership development program I have ever seen. Powered by experiential learning and storytelling in a framework driven from objective data, the NASA System Engineering Leadership Development Program took a generation of NASA technical leaders to the next level.”

—Dr. Michael Ryschkewitsch, NASA Chief Engineer, Ret.

“I highly recommend Chris Williams as a keynote speaker. She draws on her creativity, insight, and vast experience with research, tools, and program design to tell leadership development stories that enlighten and inspire. What always stands out for me is her calm presence, clear communication, and ability to connect with any audience on the fly. She engages her audiences in a very genuine way that hits home with leaders looking to reach the next level.”

—Ana Reyes, CEO, New Worlds Enterprise

Chris has taught and coached leaders from . . .