Mary Ann McGowan

In the realm of leadership development and coaching, I stand as a humble advocate for the profound power of genuine human connection. My forthcoming book, Put Who First: Leading in Wise Relationship with Yourself and Others, seeks not to dictate, but to be your guide towards leading from a place of awareness, intentionality and presence. 

You'll start by looking at your whole self: identifying the sabotaging behaviors and beliefs that are hindering your leadership potential and developing new habits that will help you become the effective, successful leader you long to be. 

Building on that foundation, you’ll be guided to shift your mindset to view others from a whole-person perspective, making your team feel significant, seen, and valued for who they are, not just what they do. Because when people are treated as human beings first and human resources second, they show up engaged, functional, and willing to drive results—results that you won’t get through traditional leadership techniques. 

It is my hope that this book will help you build better relationships with your team, celebrate diversity, inspire, and create a culture that fosters growth and success. Put Who First is your invitation to lead with purpose, compassion, and confidence, so that you and your team can enjoy a workplace with reduced stress, higher efficiency, and more personal fulfillment. 

I’ve had the privilege of working with leaders and their teams for over three decades, firmly believing that people are more than their roles; they’re individuals. Conversations are where leaders truly influence, and I guide them in this art. As an experienced trainer, facilitator and credentialed coach, my approach transcends the transactional, focusing on genuine connections as well as productive outcomes.