Dr. Justin T. Samuel is an image + branding coach. He helps clients worldwide maximize their image.

Bio

Justin began his time coaching others as a student leader at The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied natural sciences – including biology, chemistry, and human development and family sciences.

Justin then moved to the Midwest to pursue his master’s degree at The Ohio State University, where he studied under renowned scholars in higher education and student affairs.

After working exclusively in higher education sectors for several years, Justin went back into the classroom to pursue and earn his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy at his alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin.

Justin has three current professional appointments in higher education: as a senior-level student affairs professional and as a clinical faculty member in two separate colleges. Justin has served as a mentor for the NASPA Undergraduate Fellows Program (NUFP) since 2015 and had the privilege of serving on the faculty of UT Austin’s CHANGE Institute (2014) and LeaderShape (2018), as well as NASPA’s Dungy Leadership Institute (2018) and APIDA Leadership Academy (2023). In all of these roles, Justin is unequivocally known for polishing – people and programs – until they shine!

An award-winning presenter both locally and nationally, Justin has spoken widely on topics related to identity, personality, and leadership. In 2018, Justin became a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory® and in 2022, he became certified by Gallup® as a Strengths Coach, and is currently recertified through 2026. As an educational leader, Justin has received countless accolades, including at the local, regional, and national levels.

Justin’s research agenda includes: South Asian American identity development, caring and community training efficacy for professional leaders, and work/life integration for millennials. His dissertation research involved a phenomenological inquiry into South Asian American college students’ sense of belonging related to identity intersectionality.

Justin provides many services to the community outside his professional and scholarly roles. These include coaching, photography, consulting (travel, image, and organizational effectiveness), and public speaking.

As a coach, Justin’s areas of focus include: career transition for millennials, work/life balance and integration, and personal brand development. He leverages clients’ talent themes to: think strategically about setting goals, boost effectiveness, celebrate mini and major wins, and ultimately… Maximize Their Image!

Education

  • Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, The University of Texas at Austin
  • M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University
  • B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin

Notable Credentials

  • Gallup® Certified Strengths Coach
  • Intercultural Development Inventory® Qualified Administrator