Tracey K. Gardner
Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives in Human Resources, New York University
Helping current and aspiring leaders clarify their goals, navigate complex challenges, and experience increased fulfillment in their professional and personal lives.
Tracey’s coaching philosophy centers on empowering clients to take the driver’s seat in their own leadership journey. She structures each session as a “road trip” on which she helps clients identify their desired destination or goal. She uses a roadmap of tools and perspectives to help them see blind spots, navigate potential roadblocks, make informed decisions at critical crossroads, and celebrate experimentation and success along the way.
Having personally experienced the transformative power of coaching, Tracey is passionate about sharing this powerful gift with individuals who actively seek growth and transformation. She takes pride in creating coaching spaces in which her clients feel seen, heard, valued, and inspired toward progress.
As Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives in Human Resources at New York University, Tracey leads initiatives focused on leadership development and career advancement. She recently co-created and co-facilitated an innovative program designed to equip leaders with foundational coaching skills that help them become more confident, empathetic, and effective managers. In her prior role as Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, she gained a profound understanding of the unique needs of higher education leaders, especially during leadership transitions and other uncertain moments.
Tracey earned a BA in English from Wesleyan University, as well as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Certificate in Professional Coaching from NYU. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is also certified as a Genos International Emotional Intelligence Practitioner, Prosci Change Practitioner, and ELI Civil Treatment Workplace Facilitator. Tracey is pursuing certification in the Neuroscience of Coaching, which leverages knowledge of how the brain functions to help clients uncover deeper insights, change their behaviors, and transform their lives.
A lifelong learner, Tracey is preparing to take the DALF C1 (Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française) examination, which confirms an advanced level of French proficiency. Being a mom is the joy of Tracey’s life. While she takes great pride in her professional endeavors, she also prioritizes spending time with family and friends, taking long walks, and cultivating her interests.