About
Coaching has always been a core element in my professional life, whether fighting fires, helping men discover their inner wisdom, or training competitive show-jumpers.
I combine the lessons I’ve learned from the raw power of nature (some the hard way!) with my diverse leadership experiences into an organically transformational experience, unique to each client.
It all began when…
I started my coaching career as a Horse Trainer in the early 80’s. I spent 30 years training children and adults to compete in the showjumping arena at a national level. I often draw on the Horse-Human relationship when working with corporate clients. If you’ve ever worked with horses, you know you can’t steer a horse by thought alone. Horses respond to feelings and the ability to communicate clearly.
And you know what? I’ve discovered humans aren’t much different.
My trial by fire
In 2010 I became a volunteer firefighter with the Lefthand Fire Protection District in Boulder County, and in 2013 I became an EMT.
The extensive training in the Fire and Emergency Medical Services has enabled me to confidently lead under life-threatening circumstances. I have also developed the art of maintaining situational awareness, the essential practice of knowing one’s surroundings and remaining observant of anything that changes. That awareness, of each team member, our surroundings, and our equipment, is critical to success and life.
As an Engine Captain, I carry the responsibility of knowing where my crew and the surrounding crews are, what they are doing, and if what we are doing is effective or not. These are the components of what is necessary to ensure the preservation of life and property.
My experience with the fire service has trained me to take in my surroundings, assess what’s happening, make split-second, strategic decisions, and communicate them clearly and efficiently. This is the same focused awareness I utilize with my clients. Leveraging the art of leadership and performing under pressure is a skill I continue to master and enjoy teaching to others.
The “Hero’s Journey”
Ten years ago I was introduced to The ManKind Project, an international men’s organization whose mission is to empower men to step fully into their authenticity. This came at a very necessary time in my life, as I was in the middle of a very painful breakup. In working in such an intimate way with men, I learned how and where I was not showing up fully in my masculine power, and how those patterns continued to attract women who were not what I truly desired. I was craving a different way of being!
Men’s work has provided me with an acute awareness of and desire for authenticity, accountability, and integrity. It has been incredibly impactful, so much so that I have stepped onto the certified leadership development track, currently serving as a CoLeader Candidate. The wisdon I gain from this work is the backbone of the Leadership skills I bring and teach in my coaching work.
I am fulfilled and energized in being a part of other men’s transformations, but it’s not all about men! Through doing this work, I have also come to know myself, how to authentically relate with women, and how to be the present and loving father I have committed to be for my son.
But what do I know?
These three different yet parallel leadership experiences have provided me with a unique set of skills to capitalize on when working with clients.
I know that…
- Leadership is natural for only a select few of us. However, the rest of us can develop it easily with focused awareness and intention.
- We are not often taught to be honest, authentic and open with our own experience or to pay attention to how our actions are affecting those around us. This is where most leaders fail.
- Communication is the basis for all effective leadership. Most leaders miss the importance of choosing their words – language is a powerful tool.
To be effective, change-makers need a passion for leadership combined with personal and organizational transformation expertise. These are the areas where I excel and I can guide you to develop these crucial skills.
Working with me
When I look back on my journey, it’s so obvious, although I changed jobs, I never changed purpose.
I learned that when I slow down, I develop new and greater perspective. I help people do the same. Together, we find their center from which they can access their power and inner wisdom.
How do I do this? I do this by working with real-life experiences, where I can walk clients through what happened. We get curious and explore different perspectives of how the client could engage differently with similar experiences in the future. This process allows me to slow down the client’s experience so they can see new ways to work with familiar challenges.
For people to change behaviors, they first have to be conscious of them in real-time. Slowing down someone’s experience offers them the chance to see how their behavioral patterns and beliefs might be limiting them from creating the best possible outcomes. Using this process, I create space for new possibilities to arise. When new possibilities arise, so do different choices…and different choices create new outcomes. With conscious awareness, we can track patterns and make changes that lead to direct and measurable success.
The “fine print”
I hope you’ll want to work with me because it feels like a good fit. However, I know certifications are important to some! Here are the degrees, trainings, and courses that have helped shape the man:
- California State University, Northridge 1983 – 1985, 1987 – 1989
- Bachelor of Arts, Communication Marketing/Sales
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins 1998 – 1999
- Updated degree from BA to BS
- Coach training: 4 Gateways Certification (1-year training) Including:
- Shadow work
- Voice dialogue
- Archetypal Energies
- Dynamic Dialogue
- Circles Certified Guide™
- Nonviolent Communication (NVC)
- Fireline Leadership Training/Certifications:
- L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline
- L-280 Followership to Leadership
- L-380 Leading Emergency Responders
- Engine Captain
Wait! Before you go…
In addition to being passionate about helping leaders develop their full potential, I’m also turned on being in nature, playing to my own fullest adult potential (think: Burning Man, Apogea, festival production)… but those are stories we can swap in person!
And finally, as a new father, I’m learning more about myself than ever…I’m used to being responsible for human lives, but it’s totally different when it’s your own son! I can’t yet fully imagine how this deepening new awareness will serve me in all areas of my life…ask me in a couple of years when I hope to be getting regular sleep.
What else can I tell you?
