Training Associates

Phil Echols is a former teacher, school counselor, and administrator of professional learning and Title I programs. Dr. Echols currently serves as an Organizational Development and Diversity Specialist for WakeMed Health and Hospitals, one of the largest healthcare providers in North Carolina. His leadership and experience in systems work span education and healthcare. Phil is a Training Associate for Thinking Collaborative and provides Adaptive Schools Foundation Seminar internationally. Areas of expertise include effective collaboration, coaching, diversity, and inclusion for large systems. He has over two decades of experience in education, consulting, public speaking, and facilitation.

Dr. Echols has a BA in Psychology from Hampton University, an M.Ed in Counselor Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University - Charlotte in Organizational Leadership. He has presented sessions on effective collaboration, facilitation, diversity, and polarity thinking for ASCD, Learning Forward, and the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools, specifically in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Bangkok. Dr. Echols believes diversity enriches community, and all have the capacity to learn and grow. His work is anchored in his mission to inspire and support individuals and groups in doing and being their best. In addition, he often teaches about the impact of high-quality exchanges in relationships, the benefits of diverse perspectives, and the importance of continuous improvement. Phil believes diversity enriches community, and all have the capacity to learn and grow. His work is anchored in his mission to inspire and support individuals and groups in doing and being their best.