Diana Echols

About Diana Echols

I help leaders and organizations find clarity in complexity—whether that\'s an emerging leader navigating imposter syndrome or a company opening new markets.My practice, True North Advisor, blends executive coaching with fractional consulting and business development. The through-line is the same: values-driven work, built on trust, aimed at sustainable results.My approach is shaped by my philosophical heroes—Aurelius, Frankl, and Stockdale—and a core belief: clarity without denial, optimism without illusion.I\'ve commanded in a combat zone, become an Amazon Bar Raiser, and driven growth across aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. I know you can lift those around you and achieve results while being a genuine human being.That\'s my True North. What\'s yours?Background: Combat command | Amazon Bar Raiser | 30+ years in aerospace, defense, and industrial markets

Experience

1. Founder and Principal

   True North Advisor Llc

   Mar 2025 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   With 30 years of experience in aviation and defense, I bring deep expertise in business development, program management, product strategy, and integrated logistics. A PMP-certified leader since 2012, I have led global programs and high-performing teams, driving efficiency, cost savings, and operational excellence. My background includes turning around underperforming organizations, optimizing product lifecycles, and executing strategic sales initiatives. As an Amazon Bar Raiser, I developed a rigorous eye for leadership talent and organizational growth.Today, I’m expanding that work through True North Advisors, LLC, where I focus on leadership coaching, consulting, and fractional executive support. I specialize in helping ambitious professionals move from self-doubt to clarity and authentic confidence, while also partnering with organizations that want to streamline operations and strengthen leadership capability.Whether through coaching, consulting, or fractional leadership, my goal is the same: helping people and organizations find their true north and move forward with confidence.

Education

• Trident University International

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Military Management

  2011 — 2012

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Master of Science - MS, Leadership and Organizational Development

• The University of Texas at Arlington

  Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theater

  1989 — 1992

Skills

• Military Operations
• Knowledge Management
• Configuration Management
• Security Clearance
• Aviation
• Project Management
• Engineering Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Certified Project Manager
• Earned Value Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Project Planning
• Navy
• Army
• Requirements Analysis
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Program Management
• Air Force
• Technical Writing
• Information Assurance
• Command
• Risk Management
• Government Contracting
• Process Improvement
• Operational Planning
• Operations Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Proposal Writing
• Military Logistics
• Systems Engineering
• Government
• Military
• Certified Knowledge Manager
• Integration
• Analysis
• Aircraft
• Talent Management
• Helicopters
• Dod