Biography
Courtney Chisholm (Peterson) has spent her life helping people rise—with clarity, courage, and alignment.
As a trained leadership coach, seasoned executive, professor, and purpose-driven woman, her work is where strategy meets soul. She believes transformation begins not at the surface, but at the root.
At Lotus Leadership Coaching, Courtney supports high-achieving leaders in navigating the “mud” of burnout, transition, or misalignment—so they can lead from their zone of genius, not just their to-do list.
An internationally recognized influencer and award-winning executive, Courtney has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations, including the Edison Electric Institute, Sidwell Friends School, the Fannie Mae Foundation, and the American Diabetes Association. Her expertise spans leadership development, culture transformation, and coaching high-impact professionals to navigate complexity with confidence.
Courtney is a Senior Certified HR Professional (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) and a graduate of the Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching Program at Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership. She has been honored as one of Savoy Magazine’s 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, a Top Women Leader in Washington, DC by Women We Admire, and a Top 100 Woman to KNOW in America by J.P. Morgan Chase.
Beyond her professional achievements, Courtney is a dedicated advocate for mental health and a passionate philanthropist. She serves on the board of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Montgomery County (NAMI-MC) and mentors young leaders through her involvement in Top Ladies of Distinction and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A member of Impact100 DC, Courtney also proudly serves on the faculty at Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies.
A devoted mother to two teen daughters, Courtney resides in Montgomery County, Maryland, where she continues to inspire, coach, and empower leaders to thrive.
Formal Training & Professional Activities
- 20+ years of experience leading human resources, organizational development and change management
- Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University
- Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation
- Over 1,000 hours of one-on-one leadership coaching with clients around the world
- Adjunct Faculty, Georgetown University (master's degree in HR program)
- BA, University of Pittsburgh | MS, Robert Morris University
Assessments & Certifications
- EQ-i 2.0,® EQ 360®
- MBTI®
- Predictive Index®
- Hogan Assessments®
- Conflict Dynamics Profile®
- SHRM-SCP & SPHR certifications
- Certified Workplace Mediator