LEADERSHIP TEAM

blue mesa group

Blue Mesa Group’s philosophy and methods are based on time in the trenches.

We have been senior leaders at national and global organizations ourselves, so we understand the common pressures and problems that come with your responsibilities. We know how organizations typically function, as well as potential points of difficulty.

We’re able to hit the ground running with our clients, whether we’re working with an executive, team, or entire organization.

Our coaches are practiced in all of the International Coach Federation (ICF) core competencies and adhere to their Code of Ethics. Many are also ICF certified.

Micki McMillan, M.Ed., MCC

CEO and Founding Partner

Micki McMillan’s powerful combination of coaching expertise and business acumen enables her to facilitate lasting change while meeting objectives for fast turnaround and measurable results.

Micki has enabled business leaders, executive teams, functional groups, and individuals to generate new possibilities and put their deepest values into action. Blue Mesa Group’s executive coaching, leadership development, and whole-systems-thinking methods have benefited such organizations such as Merck & Co., Inc., Yale New Haven Health, Colorado State University, Entergy, DTE Energy, Trinity Health, Centura Health, and Royal Dutch Shell.

Micki is one of just over 600 Master Certified Coaches in the world, a designation given by the International Coach Federation (ICF) only to those at the top of their field in terms of experience, education, and skill. As regional director of distribution operations at Xcel Energy (then Public Service Company of Colorado), she was the highest-ranking woman in gas and electronic operations.

Her corporate experience, both domestic and international, gives her insight into the specific challenges executives face, as well as into organizational dynamics, values, and motivating factors.

Patricia Barlow, MCC

President and Founding Partner

Pat brings her whole self to her coaching and consulting practice. Her ability to balance external business objectives—sales, profits, and growth—with the internal conditions that support success—skilled leadership, clear objectives, and strong corporate cultures—makes her a sought-after executive coach and thought leader.

In her coaching and consulting capacity with Blue Mesa Group, Pat has brought her visionary leadership from such diverse environments as Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and Wall Street, developing unique insight into—and agility within the global marketplace. She is committed to translating her unique experience into meaningful conversations and outcomes around cultural competence for leaders.

During her time at both Merck and Citigroup, Pat’s experience spanned cultures, industries, professional functions, organizational levels, and financial climates, redefining the term “globally savvy”. Serving in executive HR leadership roles, Pat lead such varied functions as leadership of divestitures and acquisitions, diversity leadership, organizational and team development, strategic planning, labor negotiations, senior executive advising, and leadership assessment and development.

Deborah Westcott, MSW, LCSW, PCC

Vice President of Operations and Leadership Coach

Deborah Westcott holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and has been working as an educator, coach, consultant, and psychotherapist for more than 30 years.

She specializes in helping clients learn to be responsible for their lives, make choices that serve them and learn to use their own voices to move them forward toward their professional and personal goals.

In addition to her coaching and consulting work, she has managed a counseling practice and taught at Colorado State University. She has served as president of the board of The Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center (SAVA) in Fort Collins, CO, and offers classes for women and girls on topics such as body image, self esteem, and self expression.

Deb is known for her direct questioning style and her optimistic approach to problem-solving and change management.

She also approaches healing, goal-setting, and personal and professional growth from a unique holistic sensibility.

Shelli D. Lind, M.A., SPHR, PCC

Leadership Coach

As a facilitator, coach, and consultant, Shelli uses a multi-disciplinary approach and proven behavioral science methods to guide individuals and organizations toward improved self-awareness and effectiveness.

She has worked as an internal coach and consultant for Colorado’s largest healthcare provider for 17 years. As a senior professional in the Human Resources field, her focus and passion is leadership development.

Shelli serves as president of the Colorado Healthcare Association for Human Resources Management, after holding the office of treasurer for many years.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Organization Management and Development from Fielding Graduate University, is a graduate of Fielding’s evidence-based coaching program, and holds an advanced certificate in Transformational Coaching. With the International Coach Federation, she is a Professional Credentialed Coach.

Additional credentials include certification as a Human Capital Strategist, Crucial Conversations instructor, Achieve Global facilitator, and Targeted Selection administrator. Shelli is also an accredited practitioner for Insights Learning and Development, Ltd., and a Strategic Programs 360-degree coach.