About Us

Founded in 2009 as a part-time executive coaching practice, UpwardAction® Advisory has evolved into a specialized AI advisory serving leaders and organizations navigating strategic transformation at the intersection of technology, governance, and human potential. What began with coaching individual executives through complex decisions has grown into a full-time advisory practice focused on preparing professional services firms, corporations, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations for an AI-driven future.

We understand that digital transformation isn't just about adopting new tools. It's about building organizational capability, establishing governance frameworks, and empowering leaders to drive change with confidence. Our approach combines strategic foresight with practical implementation, helping clients identify high-value AI use cases, build team literacy, and integrate technology thoughtfully while protecting what matters most: client relationships, professional obligations, and organizational values.

Leadership

UpwardAction® Advisory is led by TC Cooper, Esq., AIGP, CIPM, a former Senior Agency Official for Privacy, Chief Privacy Officer, and Managing Associate General Counsel with over 16 years of federal service experience. She has also previously served as Acting General Counsel at a publicly traded luxury brand, providing comprehensive legal counsel for corporate operations.

TC's background includes modernizing privacy operations at scale, leading significant team growth from individual contributors to dynamic hybrid workforces, and directing enterprise-wide compliance initiatives. She has eliminated operational backlogs, strengthened incident response protocols, and consistently delivered favorable audit outcomes. Additionally, she has delivered 500+ hours of executive coaching to leaders facing complex organizational challenges.

TC holds certifications in Artificial Intelligence Governance (AIGP) and Privacy Management (CIPM) from the International Association of Privacy Professionals and is a member of the International Coaching Federation. She founded UpwardAction® Advisory in 2009 and transitioned to full-time focus on AI advisory services in 2024.

Our Approach

At UpwardAction® Advisory, we take a strategic, human-centered approach to AI readiness and governance. Rather than leading with technology solutions, we start by understanding your organization's unique challenges, regulatory environment, and strategic priorities. Our engagements focus on building internal capability, equipping your leaders and teams with the knowledge, frameworks, and confidence to make informed decisions about AI adoption.

When specialized expertise is needed beyond our core capabilities, we collaborate with carefully selected partners who share our commitment to client-focused, practical solutions. This allows us to scale support while maintaining the personalized attention that defines boutique advisory work.

Who We Serve

UpwardAction® Advisory works with firms and organizations that recognize AI as a strategic imperative but need guidance navigating the complexity:

• Law firms preparing partners and associates for AI-enabled practice
• Professional services firms training client-facing teams on AI tools and governance
• Private equity portfolio companies building AI capability during transformation initiatives
• School districts and education leaders developing AI policy and preparing staff for adoption
• Mid-market companies and government agencies establishing governance frameworks before vendor selection

Our clients value strategic thinking, ethical implementation, and practical outcomes over promises of instant transformation.