Guidance grounded in experience
Pelican Leadership is a founder-led boutique leadership advisory firm that delivers executive coaching and strategic people advisory support in partnership with individuals and small and mid-sized businesses.
As the Principal Executive Coach, Human Capital Strategist, and Founder of Pelican Leadership, Maxine architects the strategies and frameworks that help our clients navigate pivotal moments of growth, organizational transformation and career evolution.
Her background encompasses over fifteen years’ experience providing tactical and strategic HR leadership across a variety of industries ranging from AEC Design Consulting to Higher Education and the Non-Profit sector, and over a decade of experience coaching leaders within organization on everything from strategic workforce planning to performance management, enterprise-wide transformation, change and transition management.
Recognized as a trusted advisor to c-suite leadership, her approach combines strategic insight with evidence-based coaching, empowering leaders to make informed decisions, cultivate trust, and employ human-centered leadership.
A few words from our Founder
Maxine T. Garcia | Founding Principal Consultant | Executive Coach
Pelican Leadership was founded on the premise that no leader succeeds in isolation – it takes a village.
I believe the strongest leaders embrace diverse perspectives, are strengthened through community, and refined through their commitment to continuous growth.
I value leaning into the conversations that matter, cutting through the noise and providing coaching that translates. When people are empowered to lead authentically and fully own their seat at the table, they don’t just transform their own careers — they inspire engaged teams, build resilient, inclusive cultures, and strengthen the communities they serve.
Maxine is committed to developing the next generation of leaders, has served on advisory boards supporting workforce development and music education and serves as an active mentor with the Chicago chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) where she invests in the growth of emerging HR professionals and leaders.
She holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Development from the Evelyn T. Stone College of Professional Studies, Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Science in Management, Marketing and Industrial/ Organizational Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College.