John Burnett is an executive coach specializing in empowering leaders of color through appreciative inquiry. His expertise is facilitation, individual executive coaching, and consulting. Following the pandemic, he noticed the effects of burnout in schools and since then, has been committed to empowering leaders through the use of strengths-based coaching, reframing self-care as a priority (especially for leaders in the social sector) and leading intensive retreats that enable attendees to increase their capacity to take care of themselves, in service of others.
John is an Associate Diversity Coach, dedicated to supporting individuals and organizations in fostering inclusive environments. With an ACC (Associate Certified Coach) credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF), he brings a blend of professional expertise and a passion for helping clients navigate diverse perspectives.
John has had a diverse career spanning education, technology, and venture capital. He started his teaching career as a Teach for America corps member (in the 2008 Atlanta corps). He later worked for CenterCity Public Charter Schools and CityKidsDC. Where he worked to improve educational outcomes for underserved youth. They then moved to Visa, where they focused on payment systems and financial inclusion. John also worked with a tech startup and a Black-owned venture capital firm in the DMV, supporting diverse, early-stage companies.
He moved to Brooklyn, New York, to teach at Excellence Boys Middle School, where he taught culturally relevant texts to a gifted group of 7th graders, leading them to the highest state test scores in Uncommon Schools. He then transitioned to leadership as Dean of Curriculum and Instruction. John’s next role was at KIPP Northeast College Preparatory High School, where he served as Assistant Principal before becoming Principal, gaining three years of experience in school leadership.
John is a Morehouse Man, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, a steward of the Black community, and most importantly, a proud father of his 8-year old daughter Rose.