Dr. Debbie Plager

Biography

Debbie Plager is an executive coach and organizational strategist with 25 years of experience transforming individuals, teams, and businesses through growth, contraction, and change. She has developed a deep skill set while working at various leadership levels, including C-Suite, Divisional Presidents, and senior leaders. Known as a trusted advisor and partner, Debbie collaborates with leaders and teams to achieve marked change and sustained business results. As an executive team coach, she is recognized for her creative, direct, and supportive coaching style. Her clients often experience lasting leadership impacts, resulting in increased productivity and happiness. Significant coaching successes include facilitating a transformation for a Divisional President, improving EBITDA growth from -2% to 15%, and preparing divisional president successors for larger roles. Prior to founding Plager Group, Debbie served as Chief Talent Officer at HUB International, where she played a crucial role in building a talent function that won the Stevie’s Gold Award for Employer of the Year in 2021. Her experience spans various sectors including construction, financial services, high-tech, higher education, nonprofit, and pharmaceuticals. Debbie currently lives in the Chicagoland area, enjoys gardening, reading, and singing in a choir, and serves as an instructor in Northwestern's Master's program in Learning and Organizational Change.

Research Interests

Experience