ABOUT OUR TEAM
With over 25 years of experience as a consultant at three leading professional services firms, Rachel has consistently driven above market year-over-year growth by integrating data products, client advisory services, and executive coaching. Specializing in human capital management and people analytics, Rachel has developed and executed growth strategies for a portfolio of data-driven solutions across multiple industries. She partners with clients to maximize their use of analytics and strategic resources, ensuring alignment across stakeholders to drive cohesive, sustainable growth.
Known for her analytical mindset, creativity, and leadership, Rachel excels in building high-performing teams, identifying business gaps, and crafting adaptable, client-centric solutions. Her success is rooted in a deep understanding of business challenges, strong communication skills, and the ability to energize stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
Rachel holds a BA in Psychology and Economics from Indiana University - Bloomington, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. She also earned a Master’s in Applied Economics with a concentration in Political & Social Research from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is a certified Executive Coach from the Center for Executive Coaching.
Melissa is a Certified Executive and Career Coach (ICF ACC) and leadership consultant specializing in leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and strategic planning. As the founder of Tenzen Coaching and Consulting, she partners with executives and organizations to strengthen leadership pipelines, enhance team performance, and navigate complex transitions.A former U.S. Diplomat and Foreign Service Officer, Melissa has spent decades leading high-stakes leadership, strategy, and workforce development initiatives. During her tenure with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), she advised senior leaders, de-
signed and implemented large-scale talent and governance strategies, and worked across sectors to drive organizational growth, resilience, and impact.
Melissa’s expertise is particularly valuable to corporate leaders and growing organizations looking to improve partnership governance, leadership coaching programs, team performance, and new manager development. Her background in strategic planning and organizational design makes her a sought-after partner for executives navigating leadership transitions, team restructuring, and long-term business growth. As a strategic partner at NextArcs, Melissa complements Rachel Silverman’s expertise in human capital management and people analytics, bringing a leadership and organizational development lens to the firm’s work. Together, they provide comprehensive solutions that help businesses optimize leadership structures, build high-performing teams, and drive sustainable growth.
Melissa holds an M.A. in Political Sciences, International Development, and Public Administration and is certified in both Executive and Career Coaching by the Center for Executive Coaching. She also holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) distinction through the International Coaching federation (ICF). Fluent in French, Spanish, and Creole, she brings a global perspective to leadership coaching and organizational change.​​​
MELISSA FRANCIS, ACC
