Dr. Shonna Waters is an award-winning organizational psychologist and executive with broad expertise in people strategy and transformation, bringing over two decades of experience as a university professor, coach, operational leader, researcher, and scientist. Most recently, she was a Vice President and early-stage employee at a unicorn startup, BetterUp, where she built and led teams in multiple functions including behavioral science, strategic partnerships and alliances, and executive advisory. She has supported Fortune 500 companies and leaders as a consultant and advisor to drive strategic growth and address complex human issues. She combines cutting-edge data-driven insights with practical guidance and experience to help companies reshape thinking, processes, and practices for lasting impact.

 

Dr. Waters' work sits at the intersection of science, scale, and service, drawing upon scientific knowledge around individual, team, and organizational performance to create accessible and effective solutions. During her time at BetterUp, Shonna supported the go-to-market organization as a leader, subject matter expert and executive sponsor on accounts, marketing events, and as an expert spokesperson (e.g., PR). As a founding member of BetterUp Labs, she led the development and validation of BetterUp’s Whole Person Model assessment suite, which provided the measurement model that underlies the world's largest dataset on improving human thriving through coaching as well as BetterUp’s human transformation platform and thought leadership. She also contributed to business and product strategy related to Government, professional services, strategic partnerships, research, product marketing, coach operations, analytics and data storytelling. As an ecosystem leader, Shonna developed strategic (generally custom) partnerships with strategic consulting firms, systems integrators, and technology companies including Microsoft, Workday, Salesforce, SAP, Degreed, Gloat, Bain, and Accenture as well as coaching industry leaders such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Institute of Coaching (IOC), and the New York University (NYU).

 

She has published peer-reviewed journal articles, handbook chapters, magazine and blog articles, as well as over 60 technical reports. Her insights have been featured in prestigious publications like the Handbook on the Practice of Industrial / Organizational Psychology, Talent Management Handbook, Handbook of Employee Selection, Psychological Bulletin, Personnel Psychology, Human Performance, and International Journal of Selection and Assessment. She has also been cited in renowned media outlets such as CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and Axios.

 

Dr. Waters' expertise extends beyond research and writing to encompass a deep understanding of the practical realities of business and human capital transformation. She began her career as an internal and external consultant across sectors and industries, advising organizations on a wide range of people systems issues, including selection, development, leadership and succession, performance management, governance, and compensation. Prior to joining BetterUp, she served in executive leadership roles at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the U.S. Government.

 

Shonna is a recognized thought leader in human resources, psychology, and business, and a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, corporate events, and podcasts, where she shares her insights with audiences worldwide. She is also an ICF certified coach, having completed her certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University's Leadership Coaching Program. Her passion for coaching stems from her belief in the power of individual and organizational development to drive positive change.

 

She received her Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology and Statistics from the University of Minnesota. She is the author of two award-winning books -- The Practical Guide to HR Analytics and The Coaching Shift: How A Coaching Mindset and Skills Can Change You,Your Interactions, and the World Around You.

 

Dr. Waters is fueled by the deeply held belief that organizational performance and individual thriving are not tradeoffs to be made but mutually reinforcing. She is the mother of three daughters, a “devout wing woman” and pilgrim, and is currently writing a book on the causes and consequences of ineffective leadership and how to address them.