Member Spotlight - March 2025
Denise Netta, MD
Master Certified Physician Development Coach
Favorite quote:
"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." It speaks to the idea that growth and learning unfold when someone is truly ready to embrace change, and that support will naturally come at the right time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to the community?
Hi I’m Denise Netta. As a practicing physician and certified coach, I support physicians and healthcare professionals in finding more joy and fulfillment in their lives and careers. Drawing on my background in positive psychology, neuroscience, and leadership development, I help clients navigate challenges with greater clarity and purpose. Through both individual and group coaching, I help foster growth, connection, and well-being experiences.
What sparked your interest in becoming a coach?
I never set out to be a coach, but after a significant personal transformation, a mentor shared that I had a natural gift for helping others realize their own potential. As I began supporting more colleagues and peers who came to me for guidance, I realized that coaching was the best way to help others achieve similar growth—without needing a life-altering event to spark their change. That’s when I decided to pursue coaching and bring this gift to others.
Can you share a bit about your coaching training journey?
I initially earned my coaching credentials through the Physician Coaching Institute (PCI) and have since expanded my training with several programs, including positive psychology, neuroscience in coaching, group coaching essentials, positive intelligence, change facilitation, leadership development, and the Science of Happiness. Each of these experiences has enriched my approach to coaching, allowing me to support clients with a diverse toolkit.
What are you passionate about?
I’m passionate about supporting physicians, advanced practice providers (APPs), and healthcare professionals in finding more joy and fulfillment, helping them navigate the demands of their careers while cultivating a sense of purpose and balance in their lives.
Who’s your ideal referral partner, if you have one?
My ideal referral partner is a physician, APP, or healthcare professional who is committed to living a joyful and fulfilled life. I work with those who are ready to invest in their personal growth and find greater balance in their life.
What challenge did you encounter at the beginning of your coaching journey and what solution did you find?
One challenge early on was building trust with clients in a dual-role environment. Over time, I learned to develop clear boundaries in partnership with my clients, creating a space where they felt safe to be both honest and vulnerable.
Can you share an unexpected lesson you’ve learned from a client?
I’ve learned from clients how important it is to create space for reflection and silence. Sometimes, breakthroughs happen not from talking, but from being present and allowing thoughts to settle.
What would (fill in the blank) say are your 3 most positive qualities?
My family said my three most positive qualities are listening skills, empathy, and compassion. I also take pride in my ability to apply knowledge across different areas, such as understanding how neuroscience influences responses and behavior, which helps me bring a deeper perspective to my coaching.
Share your favorite activities outside of coaching and how they contribute to your effectiveness as a coach.
I’m passionate about reading, learning, and personal growth. I also value spending quality time with family and friends. These activities keep me grounded, recharge my energy, and allow me to bring a fresh, balanced perspective to my coaching.
What is one opportunity you seek from ICF New Jersey?
I’m looking for opportunities to collaborate with other coaches, learn from their experiences, and continue developing my skills through shared knowledge and networking. Connecting with like-minded professionals can help me stay inspired and improve my coaching practice.
What is the best reward as an ICF New Jersey Charter Chapter volunteer?
The best reward is seeing the positive impact I can have on both my clients and the coaching community. Volunteering with ICF New Jersey has given me a platform to learn from others as well as share my insights.
Denise lives in Somerset County, and is one of the members who sparked our monthly peer-to-peer coaching initiative called “Fishbowl Coaching.” Denise teamed up with other Somerset County members to host a Coffee with Coaches event. We’re grateful for how she embraced President Kelli Kombat’s message of “get in where you fit in” to make our community welcoming and inclusive.
If you want to connect with Denise, you can reach out to her on ICF Engage or Linkedin.
Let’s keep the connections growing and stand together in support of each other as a community. – Member Engagement
