Coach Cora
Our narratives underscore the transformative power of environment and the ability to break old cycles to create new narratives. Our stories are deeply rooted in the intergenerational impact of familial decisions and the profound influence of purpose-driven leadership.
By grounding in purpose, I became a strength-based, values-driven leader and coach.
My story begins with the backdrop of my father's own traumatic upbringing in an abusive environment, which shaped his worldview and approach to parenting- and leadership.
My father made a conscious decision to break the cycle of abuse and committed to creating a psychologically healthy environment for his children. This choice reflects a profound shift from victimhood to empowerment, prioritizing values, and grounding in purpose. This act of courage easily transferred to who he was as a leader. Despite his own uncertainties and imperfections, he served as a beacon of guidance and leadership, emphasizing values over mere authority.
As an observer of my father's work, I experienced firsthand the transformative impact of guiding through purpose and values, leaning into strengths, and understanding our own and other’s shortcomings.
By breaking free from the shackles of the past and embracing purpose and values, my father paved the way for a brighter future for his children, as well as my own daughter and future generations.
As my father’s daughter, I had a front row seat to the pivotal role leaders play in shaping environments and cultures. As leaders, we have the capacity to either damage or build people up. To choose if people leave your organization better or worse than when they entered.
Show Links:
The People Playbook
Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora is a weekly leadership and business radio show for owners, managers, and professionals who understand that their business rises and falls on their people.
Hosted by organizational development consultant and executive coach Cora Lonning, the show delivers practical, real-world conversations about the people challenges leaders face every day — and what actually works to solve them. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience working with organizations across Texas and beyond, Coach Cora helps listeners turn unclear leadership, hiring struggles, communication breakdowns, and retention issues into opportunities for stronger teams and healthier workplaces.
Each episode focuses on clear leadership, smart hiring, effective communication, and building strong, resilient teams. Conversations are professional but approachable — like sitting down with a trusted colleague who understands the realities of running a business and leading people.
Listeners can expect:
- Actionable leadership insights grounded in real workplace experience
- Honest discussions about people problems leaders don’t always talk about
- Practical guidance they can apply immediately with their teams
Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora airs Saturdays at 2:00 PM on KLUP Radio 930 AM The Answer and is also available as a podcast after broadcast.
Because great businesses aren’t built by accident — they’re built by leaders who know how to develop their people.

