Who is Whitney Hess and What Drives Her Work?
Whitney Hess is all about improving the human experience—one day at a time. She’s a coach, writer, and designer who’s passionate about putting humanity back into business. Whitney believes empathy isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation that builds empires. Her mission? To help progressive creative leaders design their careers and accelerate their missions by gaining self-awareness, spotting blind spots, navigating obstacles, and bringing their whole selves to their work. It’s coaching with heart and smarts combined.
The Main Benefit of Whitney’s Approach
Whitney’s work delivers real, tangible benefits for leaders and organizations looking to evolve. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Over a decade of experience as a user experience consultant, making technology easier and more pleasurable to use.
- Recognized collaborations with prestigious institutions like the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
- Co-inventor on a U.S. patent with American Express, showcasing innovation and practical impact.
- Certified Integral Coach and Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation.
- Strong academic background with two degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Human-Computer Interaction and Professional Writing.
- Active voice in the coaching and design community through her blog, podcast, and speaking engagements worldwide.
Whitney’s Unique Styles and Strengths
What makes Whitney tick? Her personality and strengths paint a vivid picture. She’s an Enneagram 8 with a 7-wing—think The Challenger and The Maverick—someone who’s assertive and inspirational. Her Myers–Briggs type is ENFJ, often called The Protagonist or The Teacher, highlighting her natural leadership and giving spirit. Add to that her DiSC profile of D/i, which means she’s both assertive and inspirational. Her CliftonStrengths include Activator, Maximizer, Futuristic, Strategic, and Relator—basically, she’s a powerhouse who gets things started, pursues excellence, dreams big, plans smart, and connects deeply.
How Whitney Connects and Communicates
Whitney’s approach isn’t just about strategy and coaching techniques—it’s deeply personal. Her conflict style is Collaborating, meaning she believes in win-win solutions. When it comes to love language, she values Quality Time, showing her preference for undivided attention and meaningful connection. Even her astrological signs—Cancer sun, Pisces moon, Scorpio rising—reflect a complex, intuitive, and passionate personality. All these layers come together to create a coach who’s not only effective but genuinely relatable and empathetic.
Whitney’s Professional Journey and Impact
Before diving fully into coaching, Whitney spent over ten years as a user experience consultant. She worked with a diverse range of clients, from nonprofits to tech companies, always focused on making technology more accessible and enjoyable. Her work has been recognized by major organizations, and she’s even named on a U.S. patent. Today, she combines her design background with coaching to help leaders and teams thrive in complex environments. She writes on her blog, Pleasure & Pain, co-hosts the podcast Designing Yourself, and speaks at conferences and corporations worldwide. Plus, she’s planning a circumnavigation with her partner—talk about living life fully!
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Promoting mental and emotional wellness through coaching.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Empowering leaders with knowledge and self-awareness.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supporting progressive leaders to create thriving workplaces.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Encouraging inclusive leadership and culture change.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Fostering empathy and collaboration in organizations.
Contacting Whitney Hess
For those interested in connecting or learning more, Whitney can be reached via email at whitney@whitneyhess.com or by phone at 207.358.0355. Based in Maine with her partner Fredrick Selby, Whitney continues to inspire and guide leaders worldwide, blending her rich background with a warm, engaging style that makes coaching feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.
