I quickly realized two things: I didn’t want to be a farmer when I grew up, and I needed a good education to create my own career path. That led me to earn four degrees - a BS in Math, Masters degrees in Engineering and Procurement, and a PhD in Information Technology. (Yes, I doubled down on my farming exit strategy.)
I’ve spent over 25 years inside organizations - from startups to Fortune 50 - recovering troubled projects and broken programs. They weren’t failing because of technology. They were failing because the people leading them didn’t know how to lead.
This realization changed the trajectory of my work. And my life.
In 2017, I made an intentional shift to focus exclusively on leadership development, particularly for high-performing professionals in technical fields who were great at their jobs but struggling to lead people and projects.
I know what burnout feels like. I’ve worked the 60-80 hour weeks. Missed life events. Felt buried under responsibilities and unclear priorities. I’ve sat in rooms where people in charge made bad situations worse - by pushing harder, yelling, overloading teams, and treating people like replaceable parts instead of humans.
I’ve seen what happens when good people are promoted into leadership roles without the training, support, or guidance … expected to figure it out.
And I’ve made it my mission to change that.
You shouldn’t have to guess at how to lead people well. Or have role models who are winging it as well.
Leadership isn’t innate or magic. It’s not something you’re born with. It’s a skill set - and like all skill sets, it can be learned, practiced and mastered.
And yes - even introverted technical leaders can be exceptions.
You can learn how to influence, communicate, be strategic, and think like an executive. As a respected leader, you not only earn a seat at the table - you change the conversation.
Technical people are usually great problem-solvers… it’s how they’re wired.
Far too often, they are viewed as too technical, don’t understand the big picture, are too tactical, or can’t relate to the business - and their problem-solving potential goes untapped.
What would happen if you harnessed the cognitive horsepower of engineers, technologists, and others to solve the most pressing issues companies face?
What if we equipped technical people with the skills needed to communicate, influence, and lead with the same precision they use to solve engineering problems?
That’s exactly what I do.
Leaders have a an opportunity to make a difference not only in organizations, but also in the lives of those they lead.
Technical talent is an untapped leadership pipeline, and it’s time to stop leaving it on the sidelines.
Working long hours isn’t a badge of honor - it’s a warning sign that the system needs to change.
Most leadership problems are predictable - and preventable - with the right tools.
Everyone deserves to work for a great leader.
I help technical leaders become the kind of leader others want to work for - Respected. Clear. Strategic. Trusted.
Whether you’re an individual contributor stepping into leadership or a C-Suite executive trying to grow your next level of leader, I’m here to offer tools, frameworks, and guidance that work in the real world.
I’m here to help to you win - and to build leaders who can sustain that win over time.
When I’m not coaching, developing frameworks, or leading workshops, you’ll likely find me scuba diving, traveling, kayaking, biking, hiking, or playing pickleball.
I am a serial problem-solver and obsessed with learning new things to help technical leaders build trust, get results, and change lives.
If you’re constantly buried in meetings, solving other people’s problems, and wondering when you’ll actually have time to get your own work done - you’re not alone.
This short guide walks your through the seven most common traps leaders fall into … and what to do instead.
