© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
At Skyline Talent Development, leadership is more than a title—it’s about presence, impact, and growth. This section highlights coaching and training designed to help leaders at all levels build confidence, strengthen emotional intelligence, and navigate complex transitions. You’ll find programs that combine one-on-one coaching with group learning experiences, all rooted in evidence-based practices and customized for the realities of today’s workplaces. Whether the goal is preparing emerging leaders, guiding executives through change, or enhancing team dynamics, this is where leadership development becomes practical, personal, and transformative.
Leadership growth starts with self-awareness. This interactive experience invites you to explore your unique leadership style through realistic scenarios and guided reflection. Instead of simply telling you about leadership, it engages you in choices, uncovers patterns in how you think, and translates those insights into an action plan tailored to your strengths.
Whether you’re preparing for a new role, developing your team, or stepping into bigger responsibilities, this tool is a starting point for your leadership journey. It transforms assessment into action—helping you see not only who you are as a leader today, but also who you can become.
Every leader brings a different mix of strengths, experiences, and challenges. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all leadership development. Instead, I start by understanding the leader’s context—their role, team dynamics, organizational culture, and personal values. From there, I adapt the coaching or training experience so it aligns with how they naturally lead, while also stretching them into new capabilities.For some, that might mean sharpening decision-making and assertiveness; for others, it’s deepening empathy, listening, or stakeholder influence. I use tools like leadership style assessments, 360 feedback, and structured reflection to surface patterns, then pair those insights with practical exercises and action plans. The result is a coaching process that honors each leader’s unique style while helping them grow into the leader their organization needs.In practice, this means leaders walk away with strategies they can actually use—and organizations see stronger performance, healthier teams, and a leadership pipeline that reflects the diversity of strengths in their workforce.
Want to explore a tool we may use in leadership coaching? Executive presence is often called the “X factor” of leadership — the ability to project confidence, communicate clearly, and inspire trust. Sylvia Ann Hewlett describes it as gravitas, communication, and appearance. This exercise helps you reflect on those three areas, rate yourself, and identify small changes that strengthen how you show up. Download the handout below to begin building a stronger, more authentic presence.Once you've done the exercise, set up a free 30-minute exploratory coaching session with Eric.
Leadership communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about helping people understand, care, and take action. The Think–Feel–Do model breaks communication into three parts: what you want others to know, what you want them to feel, and what you want them to do. This exercise helps you reflect on your current communication style, identify strengths and gaps, and practice crafting messages that inspire clarity, connection, and follow-through.Once you’ve done the exercise, set up a free 30-minute exploratory coaching session with Eric.
The Emerging Leader Program is a 3-day, 21-hour cohort experience designed to turn high-performing individual contributors into confident first-line leaders. Blending action learning, coaching, and high-fidelity practice, the program equips participants with skills they can immediately apply on the job—reinforced by a 60-day runway of continued application.As a client, you can bring me in to deliver this program directly to your team, or license it as a complete, ready-to-run training package. Either way, your organization benefits from a proven framework for strengthening succession and accelerating leadership readiness. Participants leave with tangible evidence of growth—shippable artifacts, sponsor feedback, and a 30/60/90 plan—while sponsors see ROI in readiness ratings, time-to-productivity, and engagement lift.Grounded in leading research and aligned to your organization’s competency model, this program offers both rigor and flexibility. It’s more than leadership training—it’s a structured journey that builds capability, confidence, and a strong leadership pipeline.
Strong leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s developed through reflection, feedback, and practice. Coaching creates a confidential space for leaders to explore challenges, build confidence, and translate insight into action. It is equally valuable for individuals investing in their own growth and for organizations investing in their talent pipeline.
Gain greater self-awareness of your strengths and blind spots.
Build confidence in managing people, priorities, and pressure.
Learn to navigate brave conversations, delegation, and conflict with clarity.
Strengthen emotional intelligence to inspire and engage your team.
Turn 360 feedback or sponsor guidance into concrete, sustainable change.
Develop leaders who can deliver results while fostering engagement and trust.
Strengthen succession by preparing high-potential leaders for broader roles.
Increase retention and productivity by equipping leaders to create positive, high-performing teams.
Demonstrate ROI through improved readiness ratings, sponsor feedback, and measurable performance outcomes.
I work with new leaders stepping into their first roles, seasoned leaders working through 360 feedback, and high-potential leaders identified by their organizations for accelerated development. Coaching is not about fixing—it’s about unlocking potential and accelerating growth, creating lasting benefits for both the leader and the organization.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
Career change can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This section introduces coaching and tools designed for professionals navigating new roles, industries, or stages of life. Through structured reflection, practical strategy, and personalized guidance, clients gain clarity on their values, strengths, and direction. Whether you’re an academic moving into corporate, a leader stepping into a bigger role, or someone reimagining their career path, these services provide the support and tools to move forward with confidence and purpose.My unique approach to coaching is built on a foundation of systems thinking and holistic development. I believe that to truly succeed, you must understand not only your individual skills but also how you fit within the larger systems of your organization. I’m an instructional designer and a leadership coach, so I see your development as a puzzle with many interconnected pieces. My coaching is designed to help you with everything from improving a specific skill to navigating complex office dynamics or managing a team through a difficult transition.My background sets my coaching apart in two key ways. First, I use a data-informed approach to all my work. We'll move past abstract goals to establish clear, measurable targets. I'll help you track your progress, allowing you to see the real impact of our partnership. Second, I am a natural innovator and self-starter. This means I am not tied to a single, rigid methodology. I pull from my diverse experience in adult learning theory, change management, and even cutting-edge AI-enabled strategies to provide a completely personalized and flexible experience that will meet your specific needs.Ultimately, my goal is not just to coach you, but to empower you to achieve measurable results. As a coach, I've helped more than 50 professionals, with 90% achieving or exceeding their defined development goals. If you’re ready to grow, lead, and make a tangible impact, I’m ready to partner with you.
Coaching isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about creating lasting change. Below you’ll find a short presentation that introduces my transition coaching approach, what to expect, pricing, ect.
Below you'll find a variety of practical activities you can try right now to get a feel for the some of the topics we can explore in the process.Each exercise gives you a taste of the tools and reflections we’ll use together to help you define your values, set goals, overcome challenges, and grow in your career.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
That little voice that whispers “you don’t belong here”? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to believe it. This exercise helps you spot imposter thoughts, challenge them with evidence, and reframe your story with confidence. Download the handout below to start quieting self-doubt and owning your success.
SMART Goals for Career Transitions
Transitions stall when goals are vague. This tool helps you write SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—and convert them into weekly milestones and small first steps. Download the handout to build momentum toward the role you want.
Tame Your Inner Critic
We all have an inner critic — that nagging voice that questions our choices and holds us back. This coaching exercise helps you recognize the critic, understand what it’s really trying to protect, and reframe its messages into something more constructive. Download the handout below to quiet self-doubt and replace it with clarity and confidence.
Personal Syllabus
Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to reframe the problem. The Personal Syllabus is a simple coaching exercise I designed for educators who want to bring fresh energy and structure to their next chapter. Think of it as writing a syllabus for yourself — clarifying what you want to learn, explore, and practice as you grow. Download the handout below and use it to spark new perspectives and possibilities.
Learn. Be. Do.
Big challenges don’t always need big answers — sometimes they need a shift in perspective. This exercise helps you look at obstacles through three lenses: what you need to learn, who you need to be, and what you need to do. Download the handout below to turn stuck moments into opportunities for growth.
Motivation Through Self-Regulation
Motivation isn’t fixed — it’s something you can build. Based on the work of educational psychologists Barry Zimmerman and Dale Schunk, this exercise uses the self-regulation cycle — forethought, performance, and reflection — to help you stay on track even when energy dips. Download the handout below to learn how to plan, act, and reflect your way into stronger, more consistent motivation.
Identify Values
Everything starts with clarity. In this exercise, you’ll uncover the values that guide your choices and give your personal and professional life meaning. Try it now — and imagine how much more powerful your vision could become when you work with me to align your values with your daily actions.
Wheel of Life: Taking a Personal Inventory
Sometimes it helps to see your life in one picture. The Wheel of Life invites you to draw your own wheel, choose the categories that matter most, and rate your satisfaction in each one. Download the handout below to create your wheel and discover where to focus your energy for more balance.
Start. Stop. More. Less.
Small changes often create the biggest impact. The Stop–Start–More–Less exercise helps you step back and see your habits and choices in a new light. By asking what to stop, what to start, what to do more of, and what to do less of, you’ll uncover clear, practical steps to move forward with purpose. Download the handout below to turn everyday patterns into a roadmap for growth.
Emotional Intelligence
The first step in building emotional intelligence is learning to name emotions — both in yourself and in others. This simple practice helps you pause, reflect, and respond with more empathy and intention. Download the handout below to start strengthening your self-awareness and relationship skills.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
This section highlights examples of instructional design projects that blend creativity with evidence-based practice. Each piece demonstrates how complex ideas can be transformed into clear, engaging, and actionable learning experiences. From microlearning modules to data storytelling dashboards, the portfolio reflects a commitment to human-centered design and measurable results. Whether for corporate teams, higher education, or executive training, these projects illustrate how thoughtful design can elevate learning and drive real-world performance.
ADDIE Project Documentation
Great instructional design is grounded in process. Using models like ADDIE, I lead projects from analysis through evaluation—ensuring every solution is aligned with business needs and learner outcomes. My documentation demonstrates not just the ability to design, but the ability to guide teams, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and keep projects on track from start to finish.
Handling Difficult Conversations at Work — Instructional Design Report
This project applies the Dick & Carey Systems Approach to one of the toughest leadership skills: navigating high-stakes workplace conversations. Drawing on research and frameworks from Crucial Conversations, Radical Candor, and Difficult Conversations, the report outlines goals, objectives, strategies, and evaluation plans that turn conflict into collaboration. It shows how evidence-based instructional design can equip leaders to prepare, communicate with clarity and respect, and move from assessment to measurable action.
Building Psychological Safety on Teams – Instructor-Led Training Design
This instructor-led training demonstrates how I integrate Adult Learning Theory and Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy to address a critical workplace issue: psychological safety. Designed for emerging and mid-level leaders, the session combines self-directed reflection, role-play, and problem-centered activities so participants apply every concept directly to their own team challenges.Learning objectives move intentionally up Bloom’s hierarchy—from understanding what psychological safety is, to analyzing real breakdowns, to creating a tailored Team Safety Agreement. Grounded in Malcolm Knowles’ principles of andragogy, the program ensures relevance, immediate application, and measurable outcomes for both leaders and their organizations.
Human-Centered & Learning-Centered Design
At the heart of my work is a belief that learning should start with people. Through human-centered design, I conduct research, develop learner personas, and test prototypes that respond directly to audience needs. These case studies highlight how I bring empathy and creativity into design, and how I help organizations see their learners as partners in the process.
Collaboration & SME Engagement
No instructional designer works in isolation. My role often involves building bridges between subject matter experts, business leaders, and learners. In this section, I highlight how I facilitate conversations, translate expertise into engaging learning, and create shared ownership of the final product. Strong collaboration is what transforms ideas into learning experiences that stick.
ID Project Analysis
Great learning design is a team effort. I work alongside subject matter experts, sponsors, and stakeholders to ensure projects are grounded in real needs and aligned with organizational priorities. To make that collaboration efficient and transparent, I use tools adapted from Streamlined ID (2nd ed.).The downloadable handout in this section is one of those tools. It guides conversations around needs, learners, context, and content—helping everyone contribute their expertise while building shared ownership of the project. It’s not just documentation; it’s a framework for dialogue that keeps design practical, relevant, and focused on outcomes.
Interactive Course Design
Engagement matters. I design interactive modules in tools like Storyline and Rise that move beyond information delivery to create practice, reflection, and decision-making. These modules show how I combine technical expertise with learner-centered design, making complex ideas accessible and memorable while ensuring the experience is ready to ship in modern LMS environments.
Microlearning: Emotional Intelligence & Relationships
A Rise 360 course (enhanced with custom code) that helps professionals build real-world EI habits. Scenario-driven, science-backed, and designed for immediate on-the-job impact.
Project Management & Team Leadership
Instructional design is as much about leadership as it is about design. I have managed cross-functional projects where timelines, resources, and expectations all needed to align. Here, I showcase how I plan, coordinate, and motivate teams—balancing creativity with accountability so that learning solutions arrive on time, on budget, and with impact.
LMS Transition: Thinkific to Docebo
This case study highlights my ability to lead complex learning technology projects that demand both technical depth and organizational change leadership. For a regulated FinTech, I directed a six-month migration from Thinkific to Docebo, aligning people, platform, and content with strict compliance and security requirements.The project involved a full audit of risks and reporting gaps, vendor coordination to repair SCORM packages, SSO and SCIM provisioning, and the design of a clean information architecture. By piloting first and managing a phased cutover, the transition launched smoothly and sustainably. The outcome: defensible compliance records, lower support demand, and an LMS governance model that positioned the organization for scale.
Evaluation & Learning Analytics
Design doesn’t end at launch—it continues with evaluation. I use learning analytics, surveys, and performance data to measure the impact of training and identify opportunities for improvement. These reports demonstrate my ability to turn data into insights and insights into action, ensuring that organizations see real ROI from their learning investments.
Interactive Data Storytelling — First Destination Survey
Transformed raw career outcomes data into an interactive presentation that revealed key trends and gaps. Gave leaders clarity and confidence to link strategy with evidence.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
A strong professional presence starts with a simple, polished online profile. This section introduces a new service designed for academics, coaches, and consultants who want to showcase their expertise but don’t have the time or technical know-how to build a site. Using streamlined templates and tools, I create one-page professional profiles with a custom domain, clear messaging, and a modern design. The result is a site you own and control—affordable, easy to maintain, and ready to share with recruiters, clients, and collaborators.
Most professionals need a website but don’t have the time (or desire) to figure out domains, web builders, and design tools. That’s where I come in. Online Profile Design is a simple service where I set up your professional homepage for you.Here’s how it works:
You send me your basics – name, photo, short bio, and what you want people to know about you.
I set everything up – I’ll register your custom web address, create your site using a clean, modern template, and add your content.
You launch with confidence – in just a few days, you’ll have your own professional site you can share with recruiters, clients, and colleagues.
The ongoing cost is minimal: about $20 a year for your web address and $20 a year for the site platform. That’s it. No complicated tech, no hidden fees, no overwhelm. Just a polished, professional online profile that you own and control.
Starter Package ($150–$200):
Domain setup & Carrd account creation
1-page professional site using my template
Content insertion (bio, headshot, cv/resume, services, contact form)
Estimated time: 2–2.5 hours
Pro Package ($300–$400):
Customization of sections (up to 5)
One 30–45 min coaching session for refining messaging
Basic SEO setup
Estimated time: 4.5–5 hours
Premium Package ($500–$600):
Everything in Pro
Additional custom design tweaks (HTML/CSS, integrations)
Integration of Calendly, LinkedIn, or PDF portfolio
20–30 min video walkthrough
Estimated time: 7–8 hours
Ongoing Costs (Paid by Client)
Domain: approx. $13 first year, then $20/year (Name.com)
Carrd Pro Account: $20/year
These costs are separate and paid directly by the client.
👉 View Anne Lewis’s Example ProfileWondering what an online profile might look like for you? Meet Anne Lewis, Ph.D. — a fictional academic consultant I created as a demo. Her page shows how a simple, one-page site can highlight professional expertise, showcase services, and make it easy for people to connect.If you’re an academic, coach, or consultant who’s ready for a professional online presence but doesn’t want the stress of building a website from scratch, this example gives you a clear picture of what’s possible. Clean, affordable, and professional — just the kind of profile you could have in a matter of days.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
Skyline Talent Development was founded by Eric M. Stauffer, ACC—an executive coach, educator, and instructional designer with more than 15 years of experience in higher education and corporate learning. Eric’s work blends leadership coaching, career transition support, and innovative learning design to help individuals and organizations thrive.As an International Coaching Federation–certified coach and adjunct graduate faculty member in James Madison University’s Learning Design & Technology master’s program, Eric brings both academic rigor and practical experience to every engagement. Skyline Talent Development, LLC exists to create learning and leadership solutions that are clear, human-centered, and results-driven—meeting clients where they are and equipping them for growth.At the core of my work are the values of calmness, confidence, assertiveness, strength, kindness, and reliability. These guide how I coach, design, and partner with clients. Outside of Skyline Talent Development, I enjoy teaching, practicing Tai Chi, and exploring new ways to bring creativity into daily life. My goal is simple: to help people and organizations grow in ways that are sustainable, authentic, and human.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.
Career change can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This section introduces coaching and tools designed for professionals navigating new roles, industries, or stages of life. Through structured reflection, practical strategy, and personalized guidance, clients gain clarity on their values, strengths, and direction. Whether you’re an academic moving into corporate, a leader stepping into a bigger role, or someone reimagining their career path, these services provide the support and tools to move forward with confidence and purpose.
© 2025 Skyline Talent Development. All rights reserved. Skyline Talent Development is the business of Eric M. Stauffer, providing instructional design, educational technology, and professional coaching services. All content, designs, and materials on this site are the intellectual property of Skyline Talent Development and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written consent. Coaching services are not a substitute for therapy, counseling, or other professional advice, and all learning materials are provided for informational purposes only.