Who is Dr. Ruth Zaplin?

Dr. Ruth Zaplin is an expert in leadership development, executive coaching, and organizational transformation.
She is known for fostering innovative leadership and capacity-building approaches, particularly in complex and dynamic environments. Ruth often focuses on helping leaders understand their unique strengths and challenges while guiding them through transformational growth to maximize their impact.

Dr. Zaplin often speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing insights on leadership development and organizational effectiveness. Her work has had a profound impact on many leaders and organizations, particularly those seeking innovative solutions to complex challenges. Learn more >

We help turn complex challenges into springboards for learning, insight, & effective action.

We offer personalized one-to-one coaching that blends deep listening, strategic inquiry, and a strengths-based approach to support transformative leadership and personal growth. learn more

We deliver dynamic workshops and speaking engagements that inspire reflection, foster connection, and spark meaningful change through practical wisdom and interactive learning. read more

We provide consulting services that combine strategic insight with a human-centered approach to help organizations navigate complexity, foster innovation, and lead with purpose. learn more

Ruth and The Zaplin Group empower your leadership by accessing and enhancing your inner resources.

From Our Blog

Blog
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Dr. Ruth Zaplin Leads RAIN Meditation at 2025 Leadership Conference
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Dr. Ruth Zaplin is now a Global Leadership Profile Coach
Dr. Ruth Zaplin is now a Global Leadership Profile Coach

In addition to her positions as Professor and Senior Executive-in-Residence at American University’s School of Public Affairs and Director of Coaching for the Key Executive Leadership Programs at American University, Dr. Ruth Zaplin’s recent certification as a Global Leadership Profile (GLP) Coach adds a valuable dimension to her expertise in leader development.

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Recommendations for increasing our capacity to lead in complexity: Start with Self-Leadership
Recommendations for increasing our capacity to lead in complexity: Start with Self-Leadership

A constant refrain from public sector leaders at all levels is that they are over their heads when dealing with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity beyond imagination. That, coupled with the post-pandemic, there is significant disagreement about how to deal with what is going on and what should happen.

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What Story Are You Living In?
What Story Are You Living In?

Our perception of the world around us is significantly influenced by the stories we create about our experiences. The more we become entrenched in our stories, the more challenging it becomes to perceive objective reality with clarity. Often, we’re unknowingly swayed by a complex interplay of thoughts and emotions.

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“Resilient Leadership: Strategies for Thriving in Complexity and Chaos.”
“Resilient Leadership: Strategies for Thriving in Complexity and Chaos.”

On December 7, 2023, American University’s Key Executive Leadership Programs held its annual conference, “The Future of Leadership: Leading Through Chaos,” at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC. Drs. Ruth Zaplin and Marcia Ruben led an experiential session titled “Resilient Leadership: Strategies for Thriving in Complexity and Chaos.”

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