Kristin Asher
Coach | Founder | Advocate for Emerging Leaders
Certified Executive Leadership Coach
Kristin Asher is the founder of Do Leadership and a certified executive coach dedicated to empowering emerging leaders. With a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota and an Executive Leadership Certificate from Cornell University, Kristin has built a 25+ year career progressing from technical roles to leadership positions, including City Engineer and Public Works Director— where she currently leads over 55 staff and is a member of the city’s leadership team—Kristin brings real-world leadership expertise to her coaching practice.
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association, Kristin coaches with a “lead with grace” philosophy that centers honesty, clarity, and compassion.
Lead with Grace
I believe great leadership starts with grace and authenticity. When you lead as your full, honest self, you create a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Leading with grace isn’t about being soft—it’s about being intentional. It’s about having the courage to be vulnerable, the wisdom to listen, and the strength to have the conversations that matter.
When you lead this way, you can:
- Create space for growth—for you and your team
- Inspire and energize your team
- Build lasting trust and loyalty
- Boost morale and confidence
- Navigate conflict with clarity and confidence
- Increase team engagement and productivity
- Build emotional intelligence and self-awareness
I’ll help you become the kind of leader your team respects and rallies behind—if you're ready to lead with honesty, humility, and courage.
How Do Leadership LLC Works
Services Designed Around You
Whether you need a one-time consult or ongoing support, my services are designed to meet you where you are. I offer:
- Leadership coaching (single sessions or ongoing development)
- Emergency or “in-the-moment” support
- Negotiation coaching
- Resume review and preparation for leadership roles
From navigating tough conversations to preparing for your next big opportunity, I'm here to support your growth and success.
Flexible Meeting Options
Your time matters. That’s why I offer flexible meeting options that work for your schedule and comfort level. We can meet:
- Virtually over video or by phone
- At a coffee shop or over lunch
- While walking (walking meetings are great for fresh thinking!)
Wherever and however we meet, my focus is on making our time meaningful, productive, and tailored to your needs.
A little about me.
Very early in my career, I received surprising feedback that helped shaped the way I approach leadership. As a young project engineer, I learned coworkers thought I was unapproachable. I was caught off guard but thanked them for sharing their perspective. That moment was a turning point for me. I have come to realize that feedback and intention are everything—that to become the leader I wanted to be, my actions had to align with my goals. Since then, I’ve worked intentionally to be more vulnerable, approachable, and effective.
Over the past 25+ years, I’ve grown from a technical engineer into a seasoned leader, serving as City Engineer and now Public Works Director. Along the way, I've learned that honesty—even in difficult conversations—is key to helping people truly thrive. My background in Sociology and Civil Engineering, along with credentials from the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, and the American Public Works Association, and countless conference sessions and books, shape my holistic approach to leadership.
What I’m most passionate about is helping new managers transition into confident, compassionate leaders. That’s why I founded Do Leadership—to provide emerging leaders with coaching, tools, and support that empower them to grow beyond managing into leading with authenticity and intention.
The core of my coaching philosophy is simple: lead with grace. I prioritize honesty, clarity, and compassion over rigid frameworks, tailoring my approach to meet your unique journey. Whether you’re navigating difficult conversations, building stronger teams, or managing relationships with supervisors, I’m here to help you become the best leader you can be.
One of my earliest clients described our work together as a “10 out of 10,” highlighting breakthroughs in team communication and stronger foundations with new leaders. Stories like these are why I love what I do.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, gardening, and cheering on my favorite football team. I believe leadership is as much about connection and humanity as it is about strategy and skill—and I’m excited to help you lead with both.