Kim E. Dooley
Dr. Kim E. Dooley is the Chief Executive Officer of The TECH Training Group and recently retired Regents Professor from Texas A&M University. She has spent nearly four decades in education and professional development, blending her extensive academic experience with hands-on consulting. Over the past 25 years, she has built The TECH Training Group into a full-service firm focused on training, evaluation, and coaching, with a rebrand five years ago to emphasize mentoring and leadership development. Kim is also an author, speaker, and certified life coach, committed to helping individuals navigate transitions and achieve personal and professional growth. Her professional focus centers on adult education, human capacity building, project and impact evaluation, and career coaching. Kim leverages her expertise to empower clients in navigating career reinvention, enhancing leadership skills, and creating meaningful, lasting impact in their organizations. She approaches her work with a philosophy that blends practical strategies, mentorship, and personalized guidance, helping individuals and teams thrive in complex, evolving environments. Throughout her career, Kim has earned recognition for her contributions to education and professional development. She is affiliated with the International Association for Agricultural Extension Educators, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Committee, and the Brave Thinking Institute. Her dedication has been acknowledged through honors such as the Distinguished Achievement Award from Texas A&M’s Association of Former Students.
• Certified Training Professional and Certified Mediator
• Certified DreamBuilder Life Coach
• Texas A&M University - Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Educational Human Resource Development
• Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M
• Distinguished Outstanding Achievement Award for Faculty Mentoring
• Fellowships - Food Systems Leadership Institute, American Association for Agricultural Education, Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education
• USDA Food and Agriculture Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award
• Professional Skill Award and Good Award for Educational Projects from the Association for Communication Excellence
• International Association of Agriculture Extension Educators
• American Association for Agricultural Education
• International Leadership Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to four transformative decades in education, culminating in a celebrated tenure as a professor at Texas A&M University. While I retired from the university in August—honored last year with the Distinguished Achievement Award—my mission to guide others has only grown stronger. For 25 years, I have led a consulting company, which I rebranded five years ago as The TECH Training Group, specializing in project evaluation and professional development. Today, I am intentionally pivoting my work to focus on the coaching and mentorship I loved most as a professor.
My experiences living and working across 50 countries have given me resilience, perspective, and stories I now capture in a memoir-style book of transformative short stories. These experiences inform my approach to helping others navigate complex life and career transitions. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals whose identities have been deeply tied to their careers, helping them move through disorientation and discover a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Ultimately, my greatest joy comes from guiding others to build lives of intention, resilience, and impact—helping them recognize that the end of one chapter is just the beginning of a vibrant, purposeful next phase.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
What do you get when you don't get what you want? Experience! I am a believer in life-long learning and trying new things every day!
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering the field to view transitions as opportunities rather than setbacks. Seek out mentors and coaches who can guide you, and commit to continual learning and growth. Don’t be afraid to reinvent your professional identity—each change is a chance to discover new strengths, refine your skills, and shape a career that aligns with both your purpose and your potential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
On a recent podcast I discussed the need for emotional intelligence. We need to create a culture that is based upon a growth mindset and helping people reach their full potential. Several years ago I conducted a study that looked at executive leadership competencies. Those include:
- Stay focused on purpose
- Communication purpose & vision
- Establishing & maintaining a positive environment
- Developing others
- Leading teams
- Making decisions in a complex environment.
These are still critical today.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In both my work and personal life, I value curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. I believe in approaching challenges with openness and creativity, whether I’m mentoring others, leading a project, or exploring new experiences. Outside of work, I pour that same energy into my hobbies—I’m in a band, where I sing and play keyboard, and I’m excited for an upcoming trip to Italy in June to perform in a concert. These creative pursuits keep me grounded, inspired, and energized for everything I do professionally.
