About

Transitions happen. 

questions, answers + insights

I started my life as a journalist in high school, majored in journalism in college and worked as a reporter for a few years professionally. I believed I was put on this planet to ask meaningful questions that led to telling good stories. It was a decent match but it wasn’t fit my purpose. So I went to graduate school in psychology.

Following instinct

I studied instinct, motivation and how to use both to evoke the best of ourselves in a clinical environment. What became clear was this: we all know why we second-guess ourselves, it was the how and when that catalyzed more specific, personalized, and useful insight into why we end up second-guessing. That knowledge has a profound impact on our instincts and motivation to connect and make a difference. This led to a deep understanding of confidence levels and how those beliefs shape the choices we make from one moment to the next. Merging my dual interests in mental health and athletics, I soon realized movement and physical activity could crystalize psychological insights. The therapeutic work I was doing became more powerful and fun for my clients, while simultaneously reducing stress, which aided in melting away resistance. This made overcoming barriers so much easier.

growing like a mf

After completing my Masters, I was on my way to a doctorate when I met the woman who became my wife. She told me she’d go anywhere on the planet with me, except where I was going to complete my Ph.D. I took a one year leave that turned into 20. I got a job as a copywriter at one of the world’s biggest advertising agencies and worked. I climbed. I became a group creative director, then an associate creative director, then an executive creator, and finally, a global creative director, all the while studying what made great leaders and what made shitty ones. I started my own agency and after five years sold it.

why i was put on this planet

I maintained a very small clinical practice, and one of the clients with whom I worked was a Fortune 100 CEO. Over the course of therapy we had sessions with his wife, and a few sessions with his whole family. By the end of our work, he asked that I come to his company and work with he and his Executive Leadership Team. I told him I didn’t do that. He told me I did. I said I’d meet them all once. I sold my agency. That was 18 years ago. It was in that moment I realized I wasn’t put on this planet to tell stories. I was put on this planet to help you tell yours.

Though I don’t necessarily walk into any work situation with an eye on the motivation or psychology behind different work challenges, it helps being trained and having decades of experience assessment, diagnosis and treatment. I’ve worked with clients spanning the Fortune 500 and beyond, I’ve counseled entrepreneurs in startups, and I’ve worked with individuals and teams navigating everywhere between.

It’s gratifying to have people say they find me effortlessly disarming, that they know I’m trustworthy and put their confidence in me. Using that to help them be their best is an privilege for which I’m very grateful.

I’d be honored to bring those qualities - and results - to our work together.