Mary Lou Décosterd is a leadership and children's book author. She is also founder and managing executive of the Lead Life Institute, a leadership consultancy offering programs and services to help executives, teams and organizations become their best. Dr. Décosterd has 25 years of experience in human and organizational development, applied psychology and university teaching. She has authored the leadership books titled, "Right Brain Left Brain Leadership: Shifting Style for Maximum Impact" and "Right Brain Left Brain President: Barack Obama's Uncommon Leadership Ability and How We Can Each Develop It," along with her newly released book, " How Women Are Transforming Leadership: Four Key Traits Powering Success. Mary Lou also wrote the heartwarming and highly regarded children's book, "Magical Max Makes Friends."Mary Lou currently works as an executive coach to leaders and leadership teams and as a facilitator, speaker, designer and trainer for both profit and non-profit organizations. Her current work focus is the advancement of women at all levels of leadership. Prior to founding the Lead Life Institute, Dr. Décosterd was a partner at a Chicago-headquartered international consulting firm, a tenured university professor and held high-level leadership positions in the nonprofit sector. Mary Lou actually began her career working with children, families and special needs populations. She worked as a psychotherapist, clinical director and administrator in varied settings such as special act schools, residential treatment facilities, colleges and in community mental health and taught graduate and undergraduate human services and psychology courses.Recognizing the special challenges and opportunities our young people face today, she wanted to develop an experience to support their development as well. She began work on the Magical Max children's book. The Magical Max book is inspired by the antics of Mary Lou's real-life Westie, Max, who has shown himself to be a remarkable puppy and wonderful role model for children of all ages.Dr. Décosterd has lived and worked in the U.S. and abroad. She is a graduate of the University of Hartford, the University of Oklahoma and the Fielding Institute. She holds a BA in Psychology, master's degrees in Educational Psychology, Organizational Development and Clinical Psychology, post-master's certification in School/Community Psychology, and a PhD in Human Development. She has been recognized by "Who's Who in Teaching" and "Outstanding Women of America." She was most recently named as one of the VIP Women of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women.