Confidently own the
“people-side” of leadership

Navigate challenges with ease, align teams, and create workplaces where people thrive

At Phern Education Studios, we help managers and organizations navigate team dynamics, build trust, and create workplaces where people feel valued and heard—using a people-centered, empathy-driven approach.

Leading People is Hard - We Make It Easier

Here’s how we can support you:

  • Two women sitting on a beige couch, having a conversation, one holding a notebook and the other gesturing with her hand.

    Coaching

    One-on-one guidance for managers and leaders caught in the middle navigating team challenges, difficult conversations, and leadership roadblocks.

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    Workshops

    Interactive sessions that help teams and organizations improve collaboration, navigate workplace dynamics, and handle tough conversations.

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Trusted by Managers & Organizations

We’ve partnered with organizations in health, education, philanthropy, and community sectors through our workshops, coaching & consulting to create meaningful change.

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Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey logo with shield, globe, book, and mountain symbols, and the year 1955.
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Logo for California Health Access, with stylized 'H' and 'A' in blue and teal, and text 'Health Access California'.
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Empathy in Action

Leadership in Practice

Leadership is about people first, not just policies and strategy. Our people-centered, empathy-driven approach ensures that managers and organizations have the tools to navigate challenges effectively.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • People-First Leadership

    Whether you're managing a team or leading an organization, success starts with people. We help you create workplaces where trust, collaboration, and open communication lead to better outcomes.

  • Guided, Not Prescribed

    Every leader, team, and organization is different. Instead of one-size-fits-all solutions, we work with you to develop tailored approaches that fit your unique challenges, leadership style, and organizational goals.

  • Solutions You Can Use Right Away

    Leadership and organizational challenges don’t wait. We provide tools and strategies that managers and teams can immediately apply to improve communication, address tension, and create a more cohesive workplace.

  • Tangible Results That Last

    Meaningful change isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about long-term impact. We help managers and organizations build trust, strengthen leadership, and create work environments where people want to stay and grow.

  • Deep Experience, Meaningful Change

    With 20+ years of experience supporting managers and organizations across sectors, we understand the complexities of leadership and team dynamics. We help you move from feeling stuck to creating environments where both leaders and teams thrive.

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Leadership Can Feel
Like a Balancing Act.

Managing people isn’t just about strategy—it’s about navigating team dynamics, trust issues, and tough conversations. Whether you're a manager caught between expectations or an organization striving to build a stronger workplace, leadership challenges can feel overwhelming.

That’s where I come in. I’m Abbiola Ballah (she/her), Founder of Phern Education Studios, and I’ve spent over 20 years helping leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of managing people.

I’ve worked with mission driven organizations in various sectors where managers face the pressure of delivering results while building trust across their teams. Through coaching, workshops, and consulting, I guide leaders in resolving tensions, bridging communication gaps and creating workplaces where people feel valued and heard.

Leadership doesn’t have to feel like a constant struggle. When you have the right tools and support, you can build teams that collaborate, communicate, and thrive.

Learn more about us

  • "Abbiola fosters an openness in her spaces that allows for the most real and honest conversations."

    Brooke M.

  • "Working with Abbiola resulted in a truly transformative journey that has deepened my understanding and empowered me to drive positive change through the work I do."

    Joanna W.

  • "At times we had to discuss 'difficult' topics but Abbiola created a brave space that was full of rich dialogue, questions, and reflection."

    Laneen W.

  • "Abbiola is a great facilitator and helps us to think about things in a streamlined organized way to make the most of our time together."

    Anonymous Workshop Participant

Better leadership starts with the conversations you have today!

Get in Touch