Gail Southwell is an executive coach, lecturer and author.
Bio
Gail grew up in Detroit as one of eight children. She worked full-time on the assembly line while attending school to pay for college and graduated in 4 years. Managing work and studies sparked her interest in teamwork and respect in the workplace. She was among the first women in labor relations. Gail started her career in 1973 and, by 1976, had become a Human Resources professional at Ford Motor Company, working in various locations. Her focus on labor relations led to her role as Director of Human Resources at Ford. She is an executive coach, works with their teams, and teaches Human Resources at Bethel University and Athens State University.
Gail’s background and education shape her work as an executive coach, writer, and negotiator. She helps leaders build strong relationships through clear, fair communication, aiming for systems that benefit everyone. Gail has a BA, MA, and PhD in Depth Psychology, with a focus on achieving success in negotiation. In her research, she uses stories and memories to show how to make lasting agreements. As a professor, she helps students learn the values and habits needed to become leaders who act on their principles.
Gail offers executive coaching grounded in hands-on experience leading HR and culture transformation at Fortune 100 companies during periods of rapid change. She is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful professional results and develop into leaders who inspire confidence and build cohesive, productive, and profitable teams.
Gail has over 30 years of executive experience in manufacturing, finance, and the not-for-profit sector. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and specializes in building sustainable relationships. As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coach Federation, she coaches leaders seeking to build high-performing teams. Gail also teaches Negotiations, Performance Management, and Human Resources at Bethel University and Athens State University.
During times of division, Gail offers practical advice. If you want real leadership that creates strong relationships and positive outcomes, she is someone to follow.
After retiring from Ford Motor Company executive Gail moved into executive coaching. Clients have included Honeywell, Bridgestone, Caterpillar Financial, Kaiser Aluminum, FRAM, Zele dyne, Orbis, Michigan Financial, Columbia Sportwear Company, Dana Corporation, Hyundai, Fifty Forward, and The Frist Museum.
In 2026 Gail published Lessons in Leadership, Laughter and Love in which she chronicles the journey and wisdom of Medford Q. Lee, Ford Motor Company’s legendary labor negotiator.
Lessons in Leadership, Laughter and Love
The wisdom of Medford Q. Lee, Ford Motor Company’s legendary labor negotiator.