Executive Employment

Nicolette Johnson M.B.A. ’00

Are you doing work that sets your heart on fire? As the founder of Welcome Passion, I can help you unearth your passions and discover your unique talents – so that you can build a life that you love.

With career coaching expertise built at Duke, Indiana University, and Thrive Scholars, in addition to Human Resources leadership experience at GE, The Home Depot, and JCPenney, I have 18+ years of coaching people across a variety of levels and contexts.

Let’s discover your passions and welcome them in! Join me in a judgment-free zone where you can dream big, and your passions can take flight.

In addition to passion, I can help you discover your unique talents through CliftonStrengths as well as provide tips to help you become an interviewing star.

Certifications: Co-active Coaching (CTI), Gallup CliftonStrengths, Myers Briggs (MBTI), DDI Facilitation

Education: MBA, Duke; JD, Vanderbilt; BA, DePauw.

Laura Castaing ’05

Laura partners with experienced entrepreneurs to get unstuck and move faster. Her clients lead fast-growing start-ups and small to mid-sized businesses. They value their health, family, and building sound businesses, but can sometimes feel bogged down. She works alongside them as a strategic thought partner and provides tactical support and advice when it's in her wheelhouse. Her background includes 20+ years in operations, working directly with and for entrepreneurs. She has been coaching since 2017 and has a mechanical engineering degree from Duke and an MBA from Kellogg at Northwestern.

Rayner Jae Liu, '16

I help conscious leaders stand tall. In an age where old systems are crumbling and each individual is called to empower themselves and discover their unique leadership style, I help creative problem solvers make their visions an undeniable reality. My clients include organizational leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, highly sensitive professionals, and activists. Through deep inner and outer work, I help you gracefully handle complex situations, expand what you can accomplish, and claim your place in the family of things. A certified Integral Coach® and faculty member in New Ventures West’s ICF-accredited professional coaching course, I have worked with leaders from the Big 4 and Fortune 100 and have been recognized by 4x NYT Bestselling Author Marianne Williamson for my insight on the human condition. Through our work, you’ll learn how to find your frequency and establish new patterns in the world.

Kelly Brown (Sanchez), '06

Whether you’re switching careers, trying to find greater balance in your current career, or not sure what you’d like to do next, I specialize in helping people move forward with clarity and confidence. Clients describe our sessions as effective, warm, and inspiring and our conversations often lead to immediate and meaningful change. 

I’ve been coaching for over ten years and hold certifications from the University of California Berkeley, and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. In addition to my private practice, I’m currently a Faculty Coach at UC Berkeley and a Career Coach at Parentaly.

Prior to becoming a coach, I worked at Google and Duke Corporate Education. My knowledge of the corporate world helps me understand the nuances and rewards of building a career while juggling a personal and family life. 

On a personal note, I’m a mother of three, a lover of RV camping trips with my family, and a frequenter of coffee shops. I’ve called many places home including Chicago, Durham, and currently, San Rafael, California.

Andrea Crane ’08

Andrea is the founder and CEO of Bigwin Talent, an executive recruiting firm focused on operator roles at PE, VC, Search fund and family office backed companies.  Bigwin focuses on middle marketing and lower middle marketing companies looking for either generalist "Swiss Army Knife" operators or functional leaders.  Prior to starting Bigwin, Andrea was an operating executive for several private equity backed portfolio companies backed by Alpine Investors and Pacific Lake Partners.  Andrea holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BA in Public Policy Studies from Duke University, where she was a member of the Varsity Soccer team.  

David Cheong '01

David is a Partner at Antler Capital, a US$800M global venture capital firm with 27 offices across six continents. Previously, he looked after Partner executive recruitment at McKinsey & Company. Based in New York, David brings deep experience and expertise coaching executives on how to effectively navigate career transitions. David has served a broad range of prominent corporate clients around the world and has helped hundreds of executives prepare for and secure aspirational job opportunities. He has cultivated a deep global network and leverages the full breadth of his relationships across the US, Europe, and Asia helping candidates - and Duke alumni - navigate their careers.

Anna Mann, '12

Anna Mann is the Senior Vice President of Talent and Culture at GovExec. Anna Is responsible for leading the company’s talent and employee engagement strategy. She has extensive experience in talent acquisition, talent management, benefit plan design, and compliance. Before joining GovExec, Anna served as the Director of Talent and Culture at Atlantic Media. Anna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Duke University.

Deanna Molina, A.B.'01

People professional with deep business partner experience. Career experience has spanned recruitment, generalist, and internal communications responsibilities within fashion, sports, and non-profit organizations. 

Jessica Efird, '05

Jessica Efird (A.B. '05, Psychology and History double major, English minor) has over 10 years of experience as an HR Generalist and holds PHR, SHRM-CP, and PHR-CA certifications. Her career has included roles in HR, academic editing, and account management, so she has personal experience in making career transitions. Jessica is currently self-employed/an independent contractor in both HR and editing roles. 

Dana Feller, A.B.'95

Dana founded Hudson Gate Partners in 2010. Hudson Gate is a 100% female owned, New York based, boutique executive search firm with deep expertise in placing talent at leading private equity firms, hedge funds, VC firms, investment managers, fintechs and banks. Before founding Hudson Gate, Dana previously spent over ten years at Lehman Brothers, in both New York and London, where she served as a senior strategic business partner to both the Investment Management and Investment Banking divisions. Dana has an MBA from Stanford University and a BA from Duke University.

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