About Stan Proffitt
Stan Proffitt brings over three decades of experience in mental health leadership, organizational development, and executive coaching. He began his career in the mental health field, where he spent 10 years in progressively responsible roles, culminating in his position as Director of an inpatient mental health program. This clinical and systems-based foundation informed the next phase of his work: 12 years of leadership in learning and development and organizational development across both health systems and corporate environments.
In 2010, Stan founded Shoshin Leadership, Inc., an executive coaching and leadership development firm, where he collaborated with leaders and organizations to enhance functioning, clarity of thinking, and principled, systems-based action.
While leading Shoshin Leadership, Inc., Stan deepened his theoretical grounding through three years of post-graduate study in Bowen Family Systems Theory at The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center in Washington, D.C. He subsequently joined the faculty, where he served as Head of Learning and Development and directed the Post-Graduate Program, contributing to the advancement and application of systems-based thinking in both clinical and organizational contexts.
After 12 years with Shoshin Leadership and 6 years on faculty with The Bowen Center, Stan stepped away from this work to undertake a three-year sabbatical dedicated to continued study of science, theory, and their application to human development.
During this period of sustained reflection and inquiry, a clear next phase of vocation emerged. This led to the founding of Cornerstone Institute for Advanced Coaching, where Stan now works with seasoned coaches seeking to deepen their capacity for disciplined, systems-based thinking, expand their theoretical grounding, and advance precision in their coaching practice. His work focuses on strengthening the coach’s ability to translate theory into practice and stimulate client agency, self-awareness, and self-directed change.