Alumna Spotlight: Jennifer Dowling Maxson

Congratulations to Jennifer Dowling Maxson, Xi Psi-Grand Valley State (MI) on being named a 2025 Top Executive Coach by Real Leaders Inc., an honor awarded to just 80 coaches worldwide. With nearly three decades of experience in learning and development, Jennifer has spent her career empowering leaders at every level. In 2018, she launched Jennifer Maxson & Associates, a leadership development firm dedicated to helping individuals and teams “lead to the max.” 

She credits Delta Zeta as one of her earliest leadership experiences and encourages current members to take advantage of the opportunities offered. Whether you’re just starting out or stepping into a new chapter, Jennifer reminds us that leadership is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Read below to learn more about Jennifer and her journey. 

Tell us about your journey to becoming an executive coach and what inspired you to start Jennifer Maxson & Associates. 

I have been in the learning and development field for 29 years and during this time, I had the opportunity to coach leaders at all levels and in different industries. In 2019, I decided to invest in myself and enrolled in a coaching certificate program. I participated in the certified professional coach program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This has been the best investment that I have made in myself, both personally and professionally. Since graduating from the Wisconsin-Madison program, I have received additional certifications from the International Coach Federation and Global Team Coaching Institute.   

In 2018, I founded Jennifer Maxson & Associates, a leadership development organization that inspires leaders at all levels to “Lead to the Max!”. After 22 years of working for others, I decided to go out on my own. Having my own organization allowed me to create a culture that truly supports our team to be the best version of themselves personally and professionally. I am proud of our team, and Jennifer Maxson & Associates continues to grow nationally. 

What does being named a 2025 Top Executive Coach mean to you personally and professionally? 

Being named by Real Leaders Inc. as a 2025 Top Executive Coach is a significant honor as only 80 coaches from all over the world made this list. Receiving this recognition is rewarding, inspiring and motivating to keep coaching leaders. Having others see and recognize the impact my coaching has on others builds momentum to keep coaching and help leaders at all stages of their careers be successful. Through coaching, I am often reminded of our Delta Zeta Creed, “To those whom my life may touch in slight measure, may I give graciously of what is mine.” For me as a coach, this means being present for someone else, offering a different perspective and championing future leaders. 

How do you approach leadership coaching, and what has been one of the most rewarding aspects of working with your clients? 

As a coach, my approach is to provide support, focus, feedback and accountability in a nonjudgmental and psychologically safe environment. Coaching is tailored to meet the unique needs of leaders at all levels from new professionals, emerging leaders, executives and teams. One of the most rewarding aspects of working with clients is seeing them set a goal and achieve it. This success builds confidence and energy to keep moving forward. 

Can you share any key moments or success stories from your coaching career? 

I worked with a leader who was asked to step into a key leadership role and help a department that was struggling with achieving results. She accepted this role, however felt unsure whether she was ready and was the right leader for the team. Through coaching, she found that her strengths and experiences were what the team needed to be successful. The first thing she did was to schedule an individual meeting with each team member to get to know them as a person, not just their responsibilities. We coached around how she could empower and support the team to achieve success. She advocated for her team to the executives and highlighted their successes throughout the organization. The best moment was when her team thanked her for being the leader that they needed. 

What advice do you have for young women looking to make an impact in their careers and communities? 

Delta Zeta was one of the first real opportunities that I had to make an impact on others and our community. The leadership development and learning opportunities as a collegiate member have been fundamental in my approach to leadership. To our current collegiate members and recent graduates, I want you to know that your career is a journey and there will be twists and curves along the way. Second, we all need mentors throughout all stages of our career — find individuals that are willing to be formal and informal mentors. Your mentor does not need to be in the same industry or profession; the best mentors are those that bring you different perspectives. Consider connecting with other Delta Zeta sisters, including alumnae — we would be honored to be a mentor. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for leadership development opportunities. Delta Zeta has many formal and informal leadership opportunities. If you are just starting your professional career or are established in your career, look for internal classes your organization provides or consider working with an outside coach.