Our Team
Ryan Whitley
CO-FOUNDER + COACH
Ryan is a Senior Software Engineering Manager at Planet, the leading provider of global, near-daily satellite imagery data and insights. With over 20 years of experience, he has also led cross-functional data and software engineering teams at software companies like Tableau and Salesforce.
Throughout his career, he has had the privilege of working with renowned organizations such as NASA, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and The American Red Cross, among others, delivering high-quality geospatial solutions that enable data visualization, analysis, and decision-making. As a leader, he prioritizes the growth and development of his teams, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages continuous learning and innovation.
Ryan is passionate about promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. He has founded internal coaching practices at both Planet and Salesforce, focusing on supporting underrepresented employees as well as mentoring aspiring technologists of color.
To connect with Ryan directly, please contact him via email at ryan@fullorbitcoaching.com. See Ryan’s LinkedIn profile here.
Sarah Mitchell Parker
CO-FOUNDER + COACH
With over two decades of experience in the aerospace industry, Sarah Mitchell Parker now serves as the Director of Technical Program Management (TPM) at Saildrone. Her transition from space to ocean exploration has proven exhilarating, showcasing her adaptability and passion for cutting-edge technologies.
Throughout her career, Sarah has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring out the best in people. This natural talent led her to pursue coaching, where she found a perfect synergy between her leadership skills and desire to help others excel. Sarah firmly believes that while technical challenges may be similar across projects, it's the people who truly differentiate successful outcomes.
Drawing from 15+ years in management roles, Sarah has collaborated with professionals at all levels, from entry-level positions to C-suite executives. These diverse experiences have sharpened her emotional intelligence and deepened her understanding of the unique challenges within the tech industry.
To formalize her coaching expertise, Sarah completed training from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and is currently working toward her International Coach Federation (ICF) certification.
Sarah has a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan, Dual MSE in Engineering Management / MBA from San Jose State University, and is a Certified Yoga instructor.
A Michigan native now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sarah enjoys all things outdoors, mom’ing, and thinking up new startup ideas (and sometimes even attempting to make them happen – she feels really good about this one!)
To connect with Sarah directly, please contact her via email at sarah@fullorbitcoaching.com. See Sarah’s LinkedIn profile here.
Vandhana Lal
PARTNER + MENTOR
Vandhana is a mentor and an aspiring leadership coach passionate about empowering individuals to discover their potential and achieve their career aspirations. With a strong foundation and commitment to lifelong learning, Vandhana is dedicated to guiding others through career transitions, personal development challenges, and professional growth opportunities.
Her diverse background includes roles in senior management across various industries, where she gained firsthand experience in strategic planning, team dynamics, and executive leadership.
Vandhana’s mentoring approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and goal-oriented coaching. She believes in creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their strengths, clarify their career goals, and develop practical strategies to overcome obstacles.
As an aspiring leadership coach, Vandhana is eager to leverage her ongoing coaching training to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives. She is committed to helping clients navigate career choices, enhance their professional skills, and achieve personal fulfillment in their chosen fields.
Vandhana actively volunteers with local career development programs and mentors students interested in coaching. She enjoys contributing to community initiatives that promote STEM education and career readiness.
For more information on Vandhana’s volunteer mentoring services please contact her via email at vandhana@fullorbitcoaching.com. See Vandhana’s LinkedIn profile here.
Rick Thompson
PARTNER + COACH
Bio coming soon!
To connect with Rick directly, please email at rick@fullorbitcoaching.com. See Rick’s LinkedIn profile here.