Biography

Dr. Brooke Wilken is an ICF executive coach, behavioral scientist, and cultural psychologist who helps brilliant, analytical minds translate technical mastery into high-impact leadership. Operating at the intersection of rigorous empirical science and executive execution, she specializes in helping scientists, researchers, and public-sector leaders dismantle the cognitive distortions of imposter syndrome and navigate the "Brilliance Trap."

Prior to launching her coaching practice, Dr. Wilken spent over 13 years directing advanced social science research and mixed-methods program evaluations within high-stakes institutional environments. Her background includes serving as a Lead Behavioral Scientist at the MITRE Corporation, where she routinely advised federal and DoD sponsors on psychological processes. Holding an active Top Secret security clearance, she possesses an intimate, first-hand understanding of the unique bureaucratic friction, organizational matrixes, and acute stress that leaders face within the federal government and defense contracting ecosystems.

Dr. Wilken utilizes data-driven frameworks and motivational psychology tailored specifically to the cognitive styles of analytical thinkers. Additionally, she leverages a deep academic foundation in Cultural Psychology, including a National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowship in Kyoto, Japan, and a trilingual college education, to coach global executives on decoding subtle communication patterns and building high-trust, diverse teams across boundaries.

Whether partnering with newly promoted STEM directors or seasoned defense sector executives, Dr. Wilken provides a confidential, scientifically grounded space where high-performing leaders can master the human variable and optimize their strategic presence.

Credentials & Education

• Ph.D. in Social and Personality (Cultural) Psychology – University of Wisconsin-Madison
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellow
• Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance
• Member, ICF Global and ICF Metro DC Chapter
• Language Education: English, Spanish, Japanese, Mandarin