Shalini Madan Benson is an executive coach who brings creativity, curiosity, and warmth to her work with leaders navigating complexity, transition, and growth. She draws on more than 25 years of leadership experience across the federal government, private sector, and nonprofit organizations. As a former member of the federal Senior Executive Service, she led large, complex operations, managed teams of more than 50, and oversaw budgets exceeding $5 billion. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for developing leaders and transforming teams to achieve their full potential.
Shalini’s coaching approach is grounded in deep listening, thoughtful inquiry, and a whole-person perspective. She partners with clients to explore not only what they do, but also how they think, show up, and lead, paying attention to both what is said and what remains unspoken. Her style combines structured reflection and practical application with mindfulness and self-awareness, integrating Eastern and Western perspectives. She believes that “the work is in the wobble” and helps clients navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and find greater balance as they grow.
Shalini works with executives, senior leaders, and high-potential talent across the government, education, nonprofit, and private sectors. Clients often seek her support when stepping into larger roles, leading through ambiguity, strengthening their executive presence, managing complex organizational environments, or aligning their leadership with a deeper sense of purpose and impact.
In addition to her coaching practice, Shalini serves as adjunct faculty at Georgetown University, where she teaches coach education and training. She has delivered more than 1,250 hours of executive coaching and over 1,000 hours of leadership development programming. She has also designed and facilitated more than 100 leadership modules and debriefed over 200 360-degree assessments, helping leaders translate insight into meaningful action.
A first-generation Indian American with New Jersey roots, Shalini brings authenticity, cultural perspective, and a grounded presence to her work. She is also a mother of three, spouse, nonprofit board member, and small business owner. These experiences shape her belief in leading with purpose, humanity, resilience, and balance.