As a Vietnamese American who immigrated to the US
with my family, my career and passions have taken
me around the world, from Ho Chi Minh City,
to Baltimore, to Boston, and now – to Seattle.
With over 10 years of hands-on technical
and management experience, I intimately
understand the challenges that professionals
in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) face through
my own journey in the field.
My journey bridges two worlds: the precise realm of computational genetics and the transformative power of human potential. Like many in STEM, I began as a domain expert facing the classic challenge of translating technical expertise into organizational influence. Working with my first career coach revealed how small, intentional changes could create meaningful impact, leading to the promotion I was pursuing and opening my eyes to broader workplace dynamics.
Ten years into my career, I was living my dream as a mid-level manager at a startup developing novel therapeutics through global genetics and multiomics research in under-represented populations. This role perfectly aligned with my goals as a computational and translational geneticist, and aligning with intentional corporate decisions that impact patients, communities, and consumers. For the first time in my career, I found myself in an unexpected position. I had achieved exactly what I’d always wanted to do, but unlike before, I did not have a planned next step.
During this time, I was also exploring peer coaching with diverse women professionals through the Cru program and mentoring students at the University of Washington. It was there where I experienced the moment that ignited my coaching passion – witnessing a student’s eyes light up as they discovered their own solution, not through being told what to do, but through unlocking their own insights.
From this journey, I discovered an exciting new chapter: pursuing formal coach training and founding KD Nguyen Coaching in 2024.
Today, I combine my technical expertise with coaching skills to help early and mid-career professionals in STEM, especially those from underrecognized backgrounds, navigate their career journeys with confidence and authenticity. I believe in the power of early intervention to meaningfully shift one’s career trajectory. Whether you’re seeking to expand your influence, navigate organizational challenges, or discover your next chapter, I look forward to working with you to unlock your own path to success with your unique strengths and solutions.
My coaching journey has been shaped by incredible mentors, including Coach Jackie from Jackie C Ross LLC, Diane Chang from Diane Chang Coaching, Kristina A. Williams’ Unpacking foundational DEI training, the visionary community at The Cru, and the transformative training at iPEC.