Diane Biondi Mukkala

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Executive Coach and Organizational Development Consultant

Career Background

Diane brings three decades of experience and a unique perspective to her work, having served in many different leadership roles in corporations, boards, and associations. Diane is a coach and advisor to leaders and consultants regarding strategic issues and leadership style. She has done extensive coaching and consulting in the U.S. and globally on leadership development, strategic planning and implementation, process improvement, team building, union management relations, and managing the people and systems side of mergers and reorganizations.

Diane’s strong process design and facilitation skills enable her to effectively and efficiently move leaders and groups toward accomplishing their purpose. Her clients include a variety of public and private sector organizations from manufacturing to government agencies. In addition to her consulting practice, Diane is a leadership coach and instructor for the Saline Leadership Institute (SLI).

Corporate and Plant Leadership Experience

Diane started her career at Ford Motor Company Dearborn Assembly Plant, where she held various positions that enabled her to acquire significant knowledge and experience about plant operations. In 1984, she transitioned to working on joint union-management programs at the UAW/GM Human Resource Center.

She continued her career at General Motors as an Organizational Development Manager. Her experience at GM includes progressively more responsible positions with General Motors Engine Division, Powertrain Group, Service Parts Operations, and Corporate Headquarters. While at GM, Diane coached executives and plant managers on their leadership style and strategic issues, built cooperation between union and management in the plants, and facilitated process improvement initiatives.

In addition, she played a key role in the consolidation of several divisions and the launching of new product lines in plants. During the economic downturn in Michigan, Diane had a unique opportunity to run Daycroft Montessori School, where she managed faculty and staff and all aspects of the business. Diane successfully grew programs, enrollment, and benefits while balancing the budget each year. Diane also served as the first woman Vice President and Executive Board Member for the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA) representing 30 countries.

Education & Certifications

  • Wayne State University, Master of Art, Industrial Relations

  • The University of Michigan, Bachelor of General Studies

  • Columbia University, Graduate Advance Program in Organization Development

  • Personal Decisions Inc., Orion Leadership Intensive Coaching Process

  • MSP Developing Managers Coaching Process

  • GM, Professional Training Instructor

  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator certified

  • Cambridge Planned Change Agent Program