Meet Coach Z

I’m Dr. Tekeisha Zimmerman, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University and a corporate learning leader with more than fifteen years of experience developing managers and strengthening teams. I am also a leadership coach and storyteller who believes learning should feel human, honest, and grounded in lived experience. My work sits at the intersection of leadership, grief, and human centered learning design because I know what it means to lead while carrying real life on your shoulders.

Masterpiece in Progress began after the loss of my son during a season when I was leading large scale learning work and trying to stay functional in a world that often asks us to separate our healing from our performance. I created this space so high achieving professionals could grow without hiding what hurts and so leaders could hold both clarity and compassion at the same time.

Today I design leadership programs for complex organizations, teach future HRD professionals at Texas A&M, and speak nationally about the emotional realities of work. I use research, hip hop influenced storytelling, and practical tools to help people lead with presence, purpose, and truth. My work has supported leaders and teams at Affirm, Amazon, United Healthcare, Citigroup, BICSI, and more.