Heather’s Story & Expertise: Culturally Intelligent Coaching
Bridging Leadership, Embodiment, and Cross-Cultural Insight
Heather Dobbin brings over a decade of experience in executive coaching, facilitation, and leadership across Asia. Her work blends transformational leadership coaching with embodied intelligence and cross-cultural fluency, making her a trusted partner to leaders and teams navigating complexity and transition.
From International Educator to Leadership Facilitator
Heather began her professional journey as an educator and trainer in public and private schools and cross-cultural organizations. Working across borders revealed the importance of cultural intelligence and self-compassion, not just as a skillset but as a mindset. She observed how miscommunication, burnout, and disconnection often stemmed from systemic patterns; patterns that could be shifted through skilled, compassionate intervention.
These early experiences led Heather to pursue advanced training in executive leadership coaching, somatic coaching, and group facilitation. Her curiosity about what makes leaders effective in different cultural and organizational environments became the foundation for her practice.
Leadership That Lives in the Body
Heather is known for integrating embodiment and nervous system awareness into her work with leaders. She believes that leadership is not just about how we think—it’s also about how we listen, pause, respond, and hold ourselves in the room. Her approach is trauma-informed, grounded, and oriented toward long-term change rather than quick fixes.
This embodied focus enables clients to manage pressure more effectively, navigate high-stakes communication, and lead with greater presence and resilience. Whether coaching a CEO preparing for a keynote or a founder leading their first team, Heather brings practical tools rooted in lived wisdom.
Deeply Rooted in Japan,
Working Globally
Based in Tokyo, Heather partners with multinational companies, nonprofit organizations, and startup founders throughout Japan and internationally. She works in English, and collaborates with bilingual partners to deliver workshops and leadership development programs across language and culture.
Her international background allows her to support professionals adjusting to Japan’s business environment as well as Japanese leaders expanding into global roles. Clients appreciate her cultural sensitivity, clear communication style, and capacity to work across power dynamics with calm authority.
Professional Background & Certifications
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Center for Coaching Certification
Certified Professional Coach & Certified Master Coach
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Coaches Rising
Embodied Leadership & Somatic Coaching, Neuroscience of Change
Values That Guide the Work
Heather’s practice is built on five principles:
Clarity over complexity
Presence over performance
Depth over speed
Structure with space
Truth told with care
These values shape every coaching engagement; supporting an individual leader, facilitating a team conversation, or guiding a group through deep transition.
She is also an experienced keynote speaker, team offsite facilitator, and leadership retreat host, with past clients spanning the fields of tech, education, finance, and creative industries.
A Human Approach to Serious Work
Heather’s style is direct but never harsh. Calm but never disengaged. She partners best with leaders who are serious about growth but uninterested in superficial fixes.
Her works isn’t just about performance. It’s about sustainability, integrity, and the ability to lead without losing yourself in the process.
