Dr. Tammi Fleming
My professional path…
When someone asks for your bio, if you are like me, it’s easy to list the highlights—the titles, accolades, and achievements. And for me, it might sound like this: Senior Advisor at the Department of Labor under the Biden-Harris Administration. Senior Associate managing multi-million-dollar initiatives at a national foundation. PhD in Public Health. Certified Advanced Personal and Executive Coach credentialed by the International Coaching Federation. Awards like New Orleans 30 Under 30 and the Casey Foundation’s Next Generation Leader. But those are the highs. What’s often left out are the lows—the moments where there are the greatest opportunities for growth. I’d like to share a few of those moments from my career path.
I grew up in the projects of New Orleans, where my earliest career aspiration was simply to be a secretary. As a teen, I’d look around and think, “I just want to dress well and work in an air-conditioned office.” That was my dream. Life wasn’t easy—I became a teen mom and saw my options narrow quickly. But I enrolled in Job Corps, completed their administrative assistant program in six months, and landed my first professional role at a local nonprofit.
My personal journey…
When someone asks for your bio, if you are like me, it’s easy to list the highlights—the titles, accolades, and achievements. And for me, it might sound like this: Senior Advisor at the Department of Labor under the Biden-Harris Administration. Senior Associate managing multi-million-dollar initiatives at a national foundation. PhD in Public Health. Certified Advanced Personal and Executive Coach credentialed by the International Coaching Federation. Awards like New Orleans 30 Under 30 and the Casey Foundation’s Next Generation Leader. But those are the highs. What’s often left out are the lows—the moments where there are the greatest opportunities for growth. I’d like to share a few of those moments from my career path.
I grew up in the projects of New Orleans, where my earliest career aspiration was simply to be a secretary. As a teen, I’d look around and think, “I just want to dress well and work in an air-conditioned office.” That was my dream. Life wasn’t easy—I became a teen mom and saw my options narrow quickly. But I enrolled in Job Corps, completed their administrative assistant program in six months, and landed my first professional role at a local nonprofit.
That was the start of an unexpected career trajectory. My technical skills and adaptability opened doors, and within six years, I rose to become the director of the same organization. This pattern repeated as I moved into larger organizations, eventually securing a coveted position at a national organization.
It was at this pinnacle moment, however, that I encountered challenges I had never faced before. Despite my success, I found myself unprepared for the nuanced organizational and power dynamics at that level. I won’t go into all the details, but I will say that it was a humbling, difficult time—one where I questioned my skills, my place, and even my confidence.
Thankfully, I was offered the chance to work with an executive coach. That engagement transformed everything. My coach helped me see myself and my impact in new ways, asking questions that uncovered insights about my team, my organization, and most importantly, myself. I realized that some of my reactions were deflecting attention from the deeper dynamics at play.
That coaching experience gave me the tools to navigate not just that environment but every one that followed. I repositioned myself successfully within that organization and later transitioned—on my own terms—into higher executive roles.
It also sparked a deeper calling. I wanted to help others avoid the same struggles I faced. I wanted to equip them with the skills, insights, and confidence to navigate their careers and thrive as leaders. That’s why I became an executive coach—to help people transform challenges into growth and growth into lasting success.
So yes, my bio includes the highs, but it’s the lows—and the lessons I learned from them—that truly define my journey. And it’s those lessons that I bring to my coaching practice every single day.
My personal journey…
"32 Years Strong: The Team Behind Every Achievement"
None of what I’ve accomplished would have been possible without the unwavering support and sacrifice of my amazing husband. Our journey has had its highs and lows, but through it all, our shared commitment to ourselves and our family has been the foundation of every success we celebrate together.
"Duchess: My Loyal Sidekick on Life’s Adventures"
From pageant stages to everyday moments, Duchess has been my steadfast sidekick, always ready for the next adventure. Together, we’ve tackled it all, one paw at a time.
"Introverted Energy: Embracing Solo Time for Clarity"
While many believe I’m an extrovert, the truth is, I thrive in quiet moments, where I can observe, reflect, and recharge. I often remind my clients that, after a certain point in your career, relationships become the work. Yet, I’ve learned the importance of valuing solo time for my own clarity and growth. Sometimes, silence is not only refreshing but essential, allowing me to return to the world with renewed energy and focus.
"Puzzled Life: Finding Clarity Through Pieces"
When life gets overwhelming, I turn to jigsaw puzzles. The process of fitting each piece together gives me a sense of completion and clarity. I love figuring out the steps and patterns—it’s a calm and meditative escape. During the pandemic, I created a YouTube channel called “Puzzled Life,” where I combine time-lapse puzzle videos with voiceover commentary. I pair these puzzle sessions with topics like work-life balance, emotional intelligence, and successful work strategies, offering a unique blend of relaxation and professional insights.
"The Ultimate Coaching Role: Motherhood and Guiding My Children"
Motherhood has been a journey full of growth, support, love, and constant surprises. Coaching Felton Jr., Alisa, Finial, Tyriek, Diamond, and Destiny has been the gig of a lifetime—one that I cherish deeply as both a mother and a coach.
"Two Mothers, One Heart: A Journey of Love and Guidance"
Motherhood has been a journey full of growth, support, love, and constant surprises. Coaching Felton Jr., Alisa, Finial, Tyriek, Diamond, and Destiny has been the gig of a lifetime—one that I cherish deeply as both a mother and a coach. I am blessed to have had two mothers who shaped my life in very different ways. My birth mother, Josephine, loved me deeply but was unable to raise us as she faced challenges with her mental health. Her strength in the face of those struggles is part of my story. And then there was Barbara Jackson, my “guardian angel,” who stepped in and raised me with unwavering love, wisdom, and grace. In a beautiful twist of fate, we even shared the same birthday. Both women left their mark on my heart—and I carry them with me in everything I do.
"The Binge-Watcher’s Quirk: I Need the End"
"Crowned with Purpose: My Unlikely Pageant Journey"
In 2022, I stepped into the pageant world as the most unlikely contender, but the pandemic pushed me to try something new and purposeful. Using the platform to raise awareness for young parents in foster care, I discovered that a crown could be a powerful tool for change.
