A true passion for learning and continuous growth perfectly defines Jeff Miller, Ph.D. With educational psychology at the core of his consulting practice, Jeff believes all of us are students and every situation is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to thrive. He is continuously curious and consciously leans in to support people, helping them be more productive and feel more whole.
Most recently, before joining SSCA, Jeff was the Chief Learning Officer and Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at Cornerstone OnDemand, where he oversaw employee engagement and motivation, learning and development, career mobility, the executive leadership development program, internal communications, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. While at Cornerstone, he introduced Development Day and the idea that everyone is both a teacher and a learner. Employees began hosting “Crafternoons” teaching an area of their interest to others, from baking to foreign languages to advanced programming to leadership practices; it was the learning exchange that mattered more than the topics, and the program became a wild success.
Before Cornerstone, Jeff first worked as Director of Training and Development at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, then at Anna’s Linens. During that time, he established learning and development programs and created systems for thousands of employees worldwide that aligned with organizational goals and helped people get unstuck. Jeff is continuously fascinated by the processes and content implemented by leaders across different industries and organizations, which has shaped his “inquiry-based” coaching style that identifies challenges and opportunities.
Jeff’s voracious appetite for learning and motivating people developed early in his career as a middle school teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District and later designing student success programs at Santa Monica College. His impactful style and the resulting success of his students taught Jeff that anything is possible with the right leader. He launched a consulting company and began working with students in (what others called) some of the most dangerous, struggling schools within the district, further expanding his influence throughout the city.
Jeff was tenured professor of educational psychology at the university level for more than 25 years, giving up coveted tenure (thrice!) to broaden his reach beyond the traditional classroom and into the boardroom. He continues to be his best in front of a group, likening the recognition of new concepts and ideas to “turning on lights in a dark room,” no matter if that room is full of teenagers or C-Suite executives. Jeff says the moment the energy changes, people can play, ask questions, and begin to transform.
