About Amanda Riegel

Being a confident woman means that I pay more attention to my instincts about emotional intelligence. I am wary of women who are threatened by other strong women, and I am drawn almost immediately to women who are vulnerable. In fact, I see vulnerability as an essential currency in all relationships, allowing people to breathe a sigh of relief when they can be raw and unfiltered. I value self-reflection, vulnerability, and transparency, and I encourage clients to be assertive in taking space for themselves. I believe that success in leadership also requires a space for transparency and trust. Feeling seen, held, and celebrated is essential to be able to thrive, and  I love exploring new ways to help people achieve those goals in their personal and professional lives.

As a client of psychotherapy for decades, I have always appreciated the opportunity for self-reflection with a trusted confidant throughout various life stages. However, becoming an executive coach allowed me to shift how I see active partnership in service of professional and personal growth. Learning how to really listen (without reacting or offering advice) has allowed me to be a more effective partner in all areas of my life. Active listening, centered on whoever I am in conversation with, is a dynamic process that yields deep connections.  I love coming to each conversation with a fresh perspective, focusing on wherever the client feels the most energy (positive or negative). I stay nimble, offering the flexibility of being able to pivot among skill-sets or prior experience, and I find that the most impactful work comes from following my instincts about what a client needs to feel understood and celebrated. Details matter, and I encourage people to take moments in their day to celebrate small victories.  The collection of those details has a profound effect on long term success and fulfillment. 

Inspired by my belief that success in leadership requires a space for transparency and trust, I originally founded Excelle to give women a place for personal and professional self-care, and I am thrilled that we have expanded our offerings to include transitioning new heads of school as well as coaching.   I know that emotionally intelligent leadership drives success, and I am thrilled to have found a vehicle through which leaders will gain strength and confidence. I am proud that Excelle is a place to get "filled up," and I am excited to make the positive effects of Excelle exponential in impact.

With over 20 years working in/among independent schools and as a former search consultant at a leading search firm, I understand the foundational power of relationship-building and unique characteristics that will optimize success in school leadership. While recruiting women heads, I saw a trend of incredibly talented female leaders reluctant to take the plunge because of how the position is perceived, specifically related to potential work/life sacrifices. Additionally, as past Search, Transition, and Board Chair at The Gordon School, I worked closely with a female head of color and observed first-hand the complexities surrounding the role.

Motivating people and working on teams has been a foundational element of my life. As a Division One student-athlete in college, I experienced the highs and lows of performance pressure and maintaining mental and physical health.  I am also the fierce mother of two teenage girls, and I am acutely aware of how early some of the societal pressures on women begin to shape young minds.  I had the opportunity to start the Girls on the Run Chapter in RI, and I was profoundly grateful to learn from the women that this unique and impactful organization attracts.  I am happiest walking our two labradoodles, hosting friends for dinner, relaxing for pizza/ family movie night, and working up a good sweat before 8am!

ACT Leadership and Performance Coaching Certification, Brown University School of Professional Studies

MEd, Harvard Graduate School of Education

BA, Psychology, Elementary Education, The College of William and Mary