Luann Barndt

Dr. Luann Barndt is a transformational leadership coach, trainer, and facilitator with several decades of experience developing leaders and teams to navigate complexity, elevate performance, and lead with purpose. A retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain with command and training expertise, she brings a mission-driven and deeply human-centered approach to cultivating conscious leadership and optimal performance.

During her military career, Captain Barndt served as Coast Guard Chair and Faculty at the National Defense University. Mastering core teaching responsibilities, she played a pivotal role in designing and delivering a cutting-edge pilot Strategic Studies program aligned with a Presidential Executive Order to develop National Security Professionals. Her leadership was instrumental in developing the next generation of senior leaders, and she was handpicked to serve as adjunct faculty at the Marshall Center Security Seminar for international professionals. Student reviews consistently praised her for going “above and beyond” in tailoring instruction to real-world events, sharing knowledge selflessly, and inspiring others to achieve more than they thought possible.

At the Coast Guard’s only boot camp, Captain Barndt served as Training Officer, leading staff in the military indoctrination and development of 4,000–6,000 recruits annually. She oversaw compliance with training schedules and standards, coached staff and recruits to elevate performance and retention, and chaired hundreds of boards for staff qualifications and recruit outcomes. Her leadership fostered resilience, discipline, and commitment to core values among both trainers and recruits.

In her post-military career, Dr. Barndt led transformational learning experiences across sectors. As Lead Instructor for the NEXT Leadership Academy and faculty for the e-Co Leadership Coach Certification Program, she supports leaders in embodying presence, emotional intelligence, and systemic awareness. She coached and trained leaders in executive programs—earning recognition for the lasting impact of her guidance.

Known for her grounded, understated leadership style and her ability to spark trust, clarity, and momentum, Dr. Barndt creates brave learning spaces where leaders can explore challenges, deepen resilience, and align their actions with values. Her work is guided by the belief that the most effective leaders are those who elevate others and lead from a place of integrity, curiosity, and connection.