Welcome to Designer Discipline
Where Leadership Meets Real Life –Through Coaching & Story
Designer Discipline is a leadership and executive coaching practice founded by Dr. Shawna Norris, author of Glass Jars & Glass Ceilings, and the parent imprint for Designer Discipline Books, which publishes work centered on leadership, health, and communication.
The work centers on leadership, identity, and power—examining how professionals navigate systems that reward performance while quietly demanding silence.
Through executive coaching, speaking, and narrative insight, Designer Discipline supports leaders and organizations in recognizing unspoken dynamics, strengthening accountability, and leading with greater clarity and intention.
About Dr. Shawna Norris
Helping People Overcome
Obstacles & Achieve Excellence
For years, I’ve dedicated my career to helping professionals and executives develop emotional intelligence, increase accountability, and lead with clarity and confidence. I’ve seen firsthand how the right coaching, strategy, and mindset can transform careers, teams, and organizations. But my passion for leadership development goes beyond coaching—it’s deeply personal.
About my Book
Glass Jars & Glass Ceilings
Glass Jars & Glass Ceilings grew out of an exploration of how personal and professional lives quietly intertwine—and the cost of sustaining identities shaped by expectation.
Olivia “Liv” Sterling, the novel’s central character, moves through workplace dynamics, marriage, friendship, and motherhood while navigating systems that reward endurance and silence. As pressures accumulate, she begins to notice what she has been managing for years: the slow erosion of voice, the emotional labor of keeping things intact, and the personal toll of remaining agreeable in environments that benefit from it.
The story is less about triumph than reckoning—what happens when awareness arrives, even when clarity offers no easy resolution.
Who I Work With
I coach and consult with leaders across various industries, helping them navigate challenges, elevate leadership skills, and drive impactful change. My clients include:
Corporate Executives & Senior Leaders
Leading teams, fostering accountability, and increasing organizational impact.
Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
Scaling leadership skills, refining business strategies, and creating high-performance cultures.
Government & Nonprofit Leaders
Enhancing leadership effectiveness, policy implementation, and emotional intelligence in high-stakes environments.
High-Achieving Professionals
Career advancement, overcoming imposter syndrome, and personal growth.
Start a Conversation
Dr. Shawna Norris works with professionals seeking clarity during moments of professional change and personal reflection.
Credentials & Expertise
Proven Leadership. Expert Coaching.
- DBA, MA, MS, BS
- International Coaching Federation (ICF) Executive Coach
- National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC)
- Expert in Emotional Intelligence & Leadership Accountability
- Speaker & Thought Leader on Workplace Transformation and Personal Growth
Testimonials
Reviews From Our Clients
FAQs
Your Questions, Answered Clearly
Have questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re curious about coaching services, Glass Jars & Glass Ceilings, or scheduling a session, our FAQ section provides clear insights to help you make informed decisions.
I specialize in:
✔ Executive Coaching – Helping senior leaders enhance decision-making, emotional intelligence, and accountability.
✔ Leadership Coaching – Empowering professionals to break through barriers and lead with confidence.
✔ Career Growth Coaching – Assisting high-achievers in overcoming self-doubt, navigating workplace challenges, and advancing their careers.
✔ Team & Organizational Coaching – Strengthening workplace dynamics, communication, and leadership culture.
I coach:
✔ Corporate Executives & Senior Leaders
✔ Entrepreneurs & Business Owners
✔ Government & Nonprofit Leaders
✔ High-Achieving Professionals Seeking Growth
Sessions are conducted virtually via Zoom or in-person (depending on availability). Each session is tailored to your unique leadership and career goals.
Leadership transformation is a process. Most clients experience significant growth within 3-6 months, with noticeable improvements in decision-making, confidence, and accountability.
It’s a novel that follows Olivia Thomas, a high-achieving professional navigating workplace toxicity, self-doubt, and personal transformation. More than fiction, it serves as a blueprint for resilience, leadership, and breaking barriers in life and work.
Blog & News
Our Articles and Blog
Book Club Guide: Discussion Questions & Themes
By Dr. Shawna Norris| April 1, 2025 Thinking of starting a…
