What makes Joan tick?
Joan Clark takes a personal and individual approach to everything she does. That includes her interactions with you.
You see, it isn’t enough for Joan to have her clients follow a generic “roadmap to success.” Why? Because no two people are alike. And because businesses are made up of people, no two organizations and no two cultures are alike either.
Joan approaches each opportunity with meaningful conversation, a purposeful interaction, and an incisive assessment. Then she customizes her work to suit what you need to get you where you want to go. No two solutions are ever the same. (Sensing a theme here?)
What is consistent is Joan’s desire to help people become empowered to change their own lives (or careers). Because even though the path to freedom may be foggy, Joan can help you improve your vision, so you can find the way to your extraordinary.
Author
Common Sense Leadership is a COMPASS to help both new and experienced leaders understand what’s expected in today’s world, gain clarity on what it means to lead, and embrace how to lead well. This clear and practical leadership excellence operating manual provides:
- Actionable insights for getting things done proactively and effectively.
- How to use “soft skills” to navigate thought-provoking conversations.
- Defining the roles, responsibilities, and scope of an effective leader.
- Helpful tips, tools, templates, and worksheets that can be readily leveraged
to streamline tasks and gain confidence. - Inspiring words of wisdom to keep you focused, organized, and on target!
Common Sense Leadership: A Practical Guide to Making Leading and Managing Teams Simple is the book you’ve been waiting for!
Joan recognized the need for a practical leadership guide to help leaders at all stages of their journey—whether they are aspiring leaders—or experienced professionals looking to improve their leadership skills. Common Sense Leadership: A Practical Guide to Making Leading and Managing Teams Simple was created for individuals across all sectors, including corporate, nonprofit, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and civic organizations. This book is being used by leaders, managers, and talent developers to guide discussions and develop high-potential talent, ultimately leading to stronger teams and more effective leadership.
Awards & Honors
California Legislature Assembly, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Excellence and Dedication
Council on Aging, Southern California (COASC), Board of Directors
National Human Resources Association (NHRA), Human Resources Executive of the Year
National Human Resources Association (NHRA), Strategic Leadership Award
Certifications
AchieveGlobal, Master Trainer
Hudson Institute, Certified Hudson Institute Coach
Society Human Resources Professionals (SPHR)
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree – Organizational Management
Subject Matter Expertise
Partnering with authentic leaders to gain a competitive advantage through:
- Executive Coaching
- Thought Partnering
- Consulting
- Facilitation
- Leadership Development
- Organization Design and Re-design
- Mentoring of Human Resources Professionals and High Potentials
Speaking Presentations
Chapman University
Council on Aging, Southern California (COASC)
Cypress Women’s Conference
Joint ERG Summit and Elevate Forum
National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
State of California, Women’s Conference Speaker
University of California, San Diego (UCSD), Rady School of Management
University of California, San Diego (UCSD), adjunct faculty member
Webster University Commencement Speaker
Podcast Interviews
INTERVIEW:
“From Fortune 500 to Founder: The Courage to Start Over”
The Courageous Choice Podcast, hosted by Jamie Jacobs, July 9, 2025
Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write Common Sense Leadership, a practical guide for emerging leaders.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aNo9zd8uo6Qeq5xEBDkEL
YouTube: https://youtu.be/6LSDnq01SfE
Blog: https://www.thecourageouschoice.gigtalentagency.com/episodes/joan-clark
INTERVIEW:
“Authors in the Field”
Hudson Institute of Coaching, hosted by Hudson Coach Cheryl Sorgi, November 19, 2025
Joan was interviewed on the topic of her book, Common Sense Leadership.
Tailored for coaches this conversation provides insights into how writing a book can enhance your coaching practice using shared language and framework with clients; structure for discussing leadership clarity, readiness and accountability. Known for her practical, compassionate, and strategic approach to leadership and leadership development, Joan offered tips for navigating today’s evolving workplace including strategies for leading with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
INTERVIEW:
“Money Loves Women” Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Topic: Build Your Wealth by Building Those Around You (Episode 33)
- How executives can lead more effectively by achieving self-mastery
- How to identify the types of people you want to have in your mastermind group
- Joan’s money rules for managing her wealth
- Internal satisfaction vs. external satisfaction in building wealth
- The five most important success principles that Joan lives by
INTERVIEW:
“Money Loves Women” Podcast
Hosted by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Topic: Step Into the Next Best Version of Yourself (Episode 138)
- Transitioning from a corporate to a self-owned business
- Being a lifelong learner
- Tips for women of all generations who are in the workforce
- Joan’s book recommendations