Transform Mission-Driven Leadership Coaching
Original research integrating Transformative Learning Theory and Intentional Change Theory
Help develop the first evidence-based coaching approaches designed specifically for mission-driven leaders who need both perspective transformation and sustainable behavioral change.
The Leadership Crisis You Haven’t Heard About
Mission-driven leaders are leaving at catastrophic rates
What Makes This Research Unique
- First study to integrate Transformative Learning Theory (Mezirow, 1978) and Intentional Change Theory (Boyatzis, 2006)
- Mixed-methods design: Validated surveys + in-depth interviews
- Focus on mission-driven leaders who experienced transformation
- Doctoral dissertation research with IOC-ICF Graduate Student Fellowship Grant application ($10,000)
- Evidence-based approaches designed for values-driven leadership contexts
How You Can Partner
- Refer mission-driven leader clients who experienced transformation
- Leaders complete validated surveys (45-65 minutes total)
- Some participate in follow-up interviews
- You complete a brief coaching behaviors assessment
- All responses confidential and aggregated
- Recruitment begins early 2026
Who Qualifies
Certified Coaches:
- Any legitimate coaching certification (ICF, CCE, IAC, etc.)
- Experience with mission-driven leader clients
- Can identify clients who experienced transformation
Mission-Driven Leaders:
- Leaders in nonprofits, churches, ministries, faith-based organizations
- Received coaching in past 3 years
- Experienced cognitive shifts OR sustained behavioral changes
- Coach observed genuine transformation
The Impact
- Develop evidence-based coaching frameworks for mission-driven contexts
- Better outcomes for leaders working to solve world problems
- Advance the science of coaching through rigorous research
- Reduce leadership attrition in nonprofits and ministries
- Create specialized approaches for values-driven leadership
- Bridge the gap between transformation theories and coaching practice
Meet the Researcher
Greg Ellis is uniquely positioned to conduct this research, combining extensive practitioner experience with academic rigor. As someone who has lived and worked in mission-driven contexts for over two decades, he understands the unique challenges these leaders face.
Credentials & Experience:
- • Founder, Missional Coaching (2018)
- • EdD Candidate in Leadership (Coaching & Consulting) – Trevecca Nazarene University
- • ICF ACC (working toward PCC) | 1,000+ coaching hours
- • IOC Associate (Institute of Coaching – Harvard Medical School affiliate)
- • 20+ years nonprofit sector experience
- • 10+ years as educator
- • Ordained in the Evangelical Covenant Church
Research Integrity: Greg is deliberately not using his own clients to maintain proper research objectivity and distance.
Ready to Transform Coaching Together?
Join groundbreaking research that could revolutionize how we serve mission-driven leaders. Your partnership will help develop evidence-based approaches for leaders working to solve hunger, injustice, and spiritual emptiness.
Request More Information
Fill out this form and Greg will contact you within 24-48 hours to discuss the research partnership opportunity.