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dr-Margaret Li-executive-coach-menlo-park

Hi, I'm Margaret

Psychologist. Executive coach. First-generation high achiever.

dr-Margaret Li-executive-coach-menlo-park

My Story

I know what it's like to be an outsider in rooms built for insiders. As a first-generation college student and child of immigrants, I learned early that success required more than talent — it required navigating unwritten rules no one taught me.

I became a psychologist because I wanted to help high achievers build success that lasts — not just promotions, but presence. Not just performance, but fulfillment. Today, I work with leaders, founders, and professionals who are navigating the same tensions I know firsthand: How do you lead powerfully without losing yourself? How do you succeed at work and thrive at home?

I don't have a formula. But I have 15 years of experience, clinical training, and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest levels — and still build a life that feels whole.

Credentials & Expertise

Clinical Depth Meets Silicon Valley Rigor

Education

Doctor of Clinical Psychology
The Wright Institute

Bachelor of Arts, Social Welfare
University of California, Berkeley

Corporate

Executive Coach for Employee Assistant Programs (EAP) across leading Silicon Valley companies.

Licensure

Licensed Clinical Psychologist, California State Board of Psychology

Experience

15+ years in private practice, focused on the unique psychological mechanics of elite leaders.

Languages

English, Mandarin, Cantonese

Modern Office Space

My approach

Coaching Beyond Surface Level

I bring clinical depth to leadership challenges. That means I don't just help you manage symptoms like stress or conflict—I help you understand the patterns underneath.

My work draws from evidence-based frameworks like CBT and Gottman Method, adapted for the realities of the workplace: manager-report dynamics, co-founder tensions, high-stakes communication, and the pressure to perform. But strategy alone isn't enough. I take a whole-life approach—because how you lead at work is connected to how you show up at home.

I am a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the world's largest organization for professionally trained coaches. ICF membership represents a commitment to rigorous ethical standards, evidence-based practices, and ongoing professional development. This credential, combined with my clinical psychology training, ensures you receive coaching grounded in both scientific research and real-world effectiveness.

I offer both in-person sessions at my Menlo Park office and virtual coaching for clients across California—whatever helps you show up fully.

Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation.

Ready to lead with unfiltered clarity? I work with a selective number of high-achievers. Let's explore if we're the right fit to build your sustainable success.

Limited Availability • Menlo Park & Virtual

Coaching Inquiry

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