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Coaching From the Desert Podcast
Episode 5
Coaching Compassionately:
Empowering Nonprofit Teams and Communities with Purpose
Guest: Torrie A. Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona & ICF Arizona President-Elect
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm (Arizona Time)
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In this inspiring episode of Coaching from the Desert, we sit down with Torrie Taj, CEO of Child Crisis Arizona, a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Under Torrie’s guidance, Child Crisis Arizona has broadened its impact, strengthened its infrastructure, and deepened its commitment to creating safe and nurturing environments for vulnerable children and families.
As a passionate advocate for professional development, Torrie discusses her exploration of integrating professional coaching into the organization's fabric, not merely as a leadership tool but as a powerful resource to support staff resilience and empower clients on their healing journeys. In this conversation, Torrie reflects on leading through complexity, embracing innovation, and the potential of coaching as a mechanism for sustainable, human-centered growth.
About
Torrie A. Taj, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
Dynamic and Strategic. Torrie Taj is a passionate and dedicated professional with more than 33 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy. Known as a change agent, Torrie is a heartfelt leader who loves to create big visions for the future while embracing a theory of abundance. Her energy is contagious and attracts the best talent of individuals who want to make a difference today and for the next generation.
As CEO at Child Crisis Arizona, Torrie provides support and leadership to her team to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, creating safe kids and strong families. Torrie started her career as a volunteer in 1991 and worked her way up, overseeing a variety of human-service programs and departments before being recruited to lead Child Crisis Arizona in 2015.
Torrie, a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2007, has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater AZ Chapter for 28 years. She served as Board President in 2016 during her 11-year Board term and on several committees, volunteers as a mentor in the Professional Mentor Program, attended numerous events, and was the proud recipient of the 2015 “Outstanding Fundraising Executive” award on National Philanthropy Day. Torrie encourages her staff to give back through volunteer work in the community. Leading by example, she enthusiastically served as Board Chair in 2022/2023 for AZ Impact for Good, serves on the Governor’s Council on Child Safety & Family Empowerment, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and taught for more than a decade to undergrad students at ASU, her alma mater . . . Go Devils!
Her WHY is to mentor, motivate and inspire incredible people who collectively work together so that our community is a better place for everyone. For fun, Torrie loves spending time with her three children, gardening and traveling! Her determination and love for humankind drive her to achieve extraordinary results. Her life is filled with gratitude, optimism, and lifelong learning which keep her inspired and moving forward.
Carrie received her undergraduate degree at Duke University and her master's in Strategic Communications from Columbia University. She serves on the Board of Mentally Anonymous as the Director of Emotional Growth and Well-being.
Welcome to "Coaching From the Desert": the official podcast of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Arizona Chapter! Hosted by the ever-charismatic Dave A. Cornelius, DM—aka Dr. Dave—this podcast brings the vibrant energy of the coaching world to life right from the heart of Arizona’s majestic desert. In the future, we may have conversations from other deserts worldwide.
Each episode explores the lived experiences of coaches, partners, community members, and industry experts, sharing the day-to-day joys, challenges, and transformative moments that define the coaching profession. From breakthrough client stories to insider tips on building impactful practices, "Coaching From the Desert" provides a 360-degree view of what it truly means to help others unlock their potential.
Dr. Dave’s warm, conversational style and knack for uncovering inspiring narratives make every episode feel like a heartfelt conversation under the desert stars. Whether you’re a seasoned coach, an aspiring one, or just curious about the magic behind coaching, you’ll walk away with fresh perspectives, practical insights, and a deeper appreciation for the power of coaching to change lives.
So, grab your favorite drink, find a comfy spot, and join us as we explore the coaching landscape—one story, one insight, and one transformative moment at a time. Welcome to "Coaching From the Desert"—where wisdom blooms like a cactus flower!