Martha St. Jean founded The St. Jean Studio as a natural extension of her leadership in schools, organizations, and communities. She combines the depth of a seasoned educator with the perspective of a coach and consultant, creating a space where people can explore, practice, and strengthen their leadership.
Martha earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Bank Street College of Education, a master’s in Secondary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a master’s in Journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She also holds a B.S. in Communication Studies from New York University. Her studies allowed her to examine leadership through multiple lenses, including organizational systems, people-centered practice, and the power of story, and to translate that knowledge into frameworks that leaders can use right away.
At the core of her work is The St. Jean Approach, a coaching framework that guides individuals and groups to reflect on their story and values, clarify their purpose, and design strategies for sustainable action. Through workshops, retreats, and coaching, Martha equips participants with practical and research-based tools such as leadership manifestos, personal boards of directors, and 30-60-90 day action plans.
Martha is proud to serve on the Governing Board of America Needs You, supporting first-generation college students, and she volunteers as a leadership coach with Braven. She is known for blending evidence-based practice with genuine warmth and connection. She believes leadership is both science and art, grounded in strategy and research yet brought to life through reflection, empathy, and courage. The St. Jean Studio reflects this belief, offering leaders the confidence to step forward with clarity, authenticity, and impact.
My approach is grounded in the St. Jean Seven—a research-based leadership framework I developed to help leaders align their identity, purpose, relationships, and actions. The seven interconnected domains are: