Professional Role and Expertise
Dr. Paul L. Corona serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Management & Organizations at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He is an award-winning leadership coach specializing in executive coaching focused on helping leaders achieve true fulfillment, which he posits as the foundation for sustainable success. His teaching and coaching effectiveness is quantified by an average rating of 95/100, underscoring high recognition from participants.
Dr. Corona also functions as a workshop facilitator catering to organizations and executives, with a coaching philosophy centered on the integration of personal purpose and relationship strengthening to amplify leadership impact.
Professional Achievements and Recognitions
- Recipient of the Leading Global Coach award.
- Finalist consideration for the inaugural Thinkers50 Marshall Goldsmith Coaching & Mentoring Award, an accolade recognized as a pinnacle ("the Oscars") of management thought leadership.
- Creator of the Lee’s 3 Habits system, a proprietary framework designed to help motivated professionals cultivate stronger relationships and enhance happiness.
- Author of _The Wisdom of Walk-Ons: 7 Winning Strategies for College, Business and Life_, reflecting application of practical leadership concepts across various domains.
Educational Background
- Earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 1998, with a dissertation focused on custom-built executive education programs, highlighting an early dedication to tailored leadership development.
- Holds an MBA from the University of Michigan State University (as referenced indirectly in the leadership books mention).
- Undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Southern California between 1980-1984, earning a BS degree.
Industry Experience and Career History
Dr. Corona’s career encompasses senior leadership roles across multiple sectors including:
- Fortune 500 corporations, demonstrating corporate leadership experience at large-scale enterprises.
- A Big 4 accounting firm, indicating exposure to top-tier professional services environments.
- Prominent research universities, linking academic rigor with practical leadership application.
- His multifaceted background underpins his ability to coach executives from diverse fields including legal and medical professionals, executives perceived as “difficult,” and high-potential leaders.
Teaching and Course Design
Dr. Corona teaches advanced leadership courses at Kellogg focused on personal leadership insights, self-awareness, and executive development:
- Personal Insights for Early Career Professionals (LDEVM-461-5): An experiential course engaging participants in developing flexible, intentional leadership and life plans, requiring active participation and reflection.
- Personal Leadership Insights (LDEV-461-5): This course highlights self-awareness and relational leadership in group settings, emphasizing vulnerability, feedback, and ongoing development without traditional grading.
The courses stress candid engagement, rigorous reflection, and the use of lifetime leadership toolkits, supporting transformational leadership growth.
Coaching Approach and Current Focus
Dr. Corona coaches executives and leaders who prioritize meaningful fulfillment beyond traditional measures of success. His coaching practice has evolved over 23 years, recently expanding with the integration of advanced tools including Generative AI applications, which he is exploring thoughtfully to enhance leadership development.
He frequently communicates thought leadership insights on LinkedIn and other platforms, demonstrating active engagement with evolving leadership themes and reflective practice.
Communication and Contact
- Office: Global Hub 5183, Northwestern University
- Phone: 847-467-7948
- Available Resources: Personal website ([paullcorona.com](https://www.paullcorona.com)) featuring coaching philosophies, client testimonials, and educational content.
This profile of Dr. Paul L. Corona reflects his unique positioning as a highly credible and accomplished leadership coach and academic, with a specialized focus on executive fulfillment and sustainable success, bolstered by rigorous academic credentials and multidimensional professional experience. His work is ideal for leaders seeking transformation through deep personal insight and relationship strengthening within demanding organizational contexts.
