Nanette A. Cowardin-Lee, PhD, has built a career defined by her expertise in workplace bullying, conflict management and coaching, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating healthier professional environments. She is a SafeHarbor member moderator with the Workplace Bullying Institute, a small business publisher with Essential Business Behaviors Publishing, LLC and a coach and consultant with Essential Business Behaviors Coaching & Consulting. Through these roles, she provides resources and guidance to individuals navigating workplace adversity while producing educational materials that address abuse, resilience and organizational accountability.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s academic achievements have been central to shaping her professional trajectory. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational psychology from Alliant International University in San Francisco, where she developed a research-driven approach to workplace dynamics that informs her consulting and teaching. She also holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from San Francisco State University, one in French and another in psychology, both conferred with honors. She was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa for academic excellence. These educational accomplishments, combined with specialized certifications in workplace bullying, intercultural communication and psychological assessment, provided the foundation for her expertise.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s achievements have been recognized through numerous academic and professional honors, including induction into Phi Beta Kappa, membership in the Golden Key Honor Society and scholarship recognition for her studies in Paris. These acknowledgments highlight both her intellectual dedication and her perseverance in the face of personal and professional adversity.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s professional path reflects a blend of academic leadership, publishing and coaching. As associate program director of organizational behavior and psychology at Alliant International University in San Francisco, she contributed to curriculum development, program oversight and student mentoring. She also taught courses as an adjunct professor, integrating her research interests with practical applications for future professionals in the field. Beyond academia, she has built a coaching and consulting practice focused on helping adults recognize and overcome workplace dysfunction, offering strategies rooted in conflict management, resilience and personal growth.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Cowardin-Lee was a fellow at the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication, deepening her understanding of cross-cultural dynamics, an asset that continues to influence her work. She gained additional experience as a teacher’s assistant at Alliant International University and as a professional organizer and bookkeeper with Doing Organization Differently, where she helped clients streamline their operations. Her professional background also includes work as a financial analyst for the Childhood Leukemia Study, further strengthening her analytical skills.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s legal career spanned nearly two decades, during which she worked as a legal assistant, paralegal and office manager at both corporate and boutique law firms. Specializing in corporate law, trust and estate planning and real estate, she developed strong skills in analysis, problem solving and client support. These early experiences shaped her ability to navigate complex systems and reinforced her commitment to advocating for fairness and equity in the workplace.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident when she founded “Maiden Voyages, The Indispensable Guide to Women’s Travel.” As founder, publisher and editor, she produced content that empowered women travelers and organized related expositions in San Francisco. This venture showcased her ability to combine creativity, business acumen and advocacy for women’s independence.
Beyond her professional roles, Dr. Cowardin-Lee contributes to the field through civic engagement and volunteerism. She has served as a volunteer blind editor for the Journal of Violence Aggression and Trauma, ensuring scholarly rigor while supporting the dissemination of research. She has long been active with BullyFreeWorkplace.org as an advocate for healthier professional cultures, and she has supported community-focused organizations such as the Bay Area Organizational Development Network and The Mosaic Project.
Dr. Cowardin-Lee’s scholarly contributions include authoring “10 Steps to Overcome Workplace Bullying: From Recognition to Resilience,” co-authoring “The Union Steward Guide to Dealing with Workplace Bullying: Featuring the Bad Boss Campaign,” and producing a variety of educational publications. She continues to expand her body of work through upcoming projects, including her book “Those Closest to Me”, which integrates theory with lived experience. Her work reflects not only professional excellence but also the courage and compassion of someone who has turned personal adversity into a lifelong commitment to helping others thrive.