CAREER CHANGE MINDSET LEADERSHIP

COACH

I'm at my best when helping others find theirs.

Whether through coaching, facilitation, or speaking, I bring a contagious enthusiasm to creative, thought-provoking conversations that help others navigate their own journey.

Hello there, I’m Nate.

My background: I grew up in the Midwest in a family of educators and coaches. This instilled in me a strong work ethic, a love of learning, a focus on goal-setting, and that gritty resilience.

My professional experience: In my 25+ year career, I led sales teams, both as a teammate and manager. I thrive in collaborative environments and excel at building strong relationships. I understand the importance of connecting people, ideas, and teams to achieve shared goals. LinkedIn

My Coaching Qualifications:

…and if you believe in this stuff, I am:

  • Insights Discovery: ‘Creative’ Inspiring Helper

  • CliftonStrengths: Learner, Individualization, Context, Communication, Woo

  • Values in Action: Curiosity, Humor, Creativity, Love of Learning, Perspective

  • Enneagram: Type 1

  • Myers-Briggs: ENFJ-T / The Protagonist

Why use a coach?

After years of chasing my dream role, I finally landed it. The reality was far more challenging than I anticipated. I faced setbacks and ultimately fell short. I consumed numerous books, articles, and videos on self-improvement/career advancement, but felt stuck in a loop.

…then I worked with a professional coach.

Working with a career coach was like discovering a hidden treasure. It wasn't an overnight transformation, and the journey took unexpected turns. While they didn't magically reveal a dream job or uncover hidden talents, they did something even more valuable: they helped me see my career in a whole new light. By aligning my values and goals, they guided me towards a career path that felt truly rewarding and fulfilling. 

What is coaching?

Coaching differs from therapy or mentoring because it doesn't offer off-the-shelf advice; it uses thoughtful questioning to help you unlock answers within yourself. Guided by the principle "Coach the person, not the problem," coaching creates clarity, deep growth, and goals aligned with your true vision. Experiencing this process firsthand was my missing piece in my career, and the moment I knew I wanted to become a coach.

I love a good visual! This idea from Co-Active sums it up well!

The Lighthouse

Think of me as your personal lighthouse. As a coach, my role is to illuminate your path forward, helping you navigate through the vast ocean of career possibilities, challenges, and uncertainties. I’ll offer a beacon of light when the fog rolls in, identifying potential obstacles you might not see. I offer guidance and support – without steering your course. You are the captain behind the wheel. Together, we’ll make use of your skills and resources to reach your destination. With me as your guiding light, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of your career journey with confidence and clarity.

My background in online sales taught me to simplify complex ideas using metaphors and analogies. Reframing a challenge unlocks fresh perspectives, reveals unexpected solutions, and keeps the coaching process engaging and fun.

My Approach

I am a passionate collector of all sorts of stuff. This includes experiences, intriguing stories, valuable lessons, meaningful souvenirs, and even unique rocks. Throughout my life, I have accumulated numerous items that hold significant meaning for me.

I’ll use four distinct things on my desk to vividly illustrate my unique perspective on coaching and how it can empower others. These items can serve as metaphors in my coaching practice, as I strive to make the complex aspects of life and career paths feel simple and accessible.

  • A polished Petoskey stone is a captivating sight: its intricate coral patterns revealed in shimmering detail. Yet, before its beauty was unveiled, it was a rough, unassuming rock. Buried beneath layers of sediment and time, its true nature was hidden.

    Like the Petoskey stone, our true selves are shaped by experiences, challenges, and time. It takes patience, effort, and sometimes a little polishing to reveal our inner beauty and potential.

    Plus, it’s a fossil of a coral that’s approximately 350 million years old! 

  • LEGO bricks are individual, often seemingly unrelated pieces. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Alone, they're just plastic pieces. However, when connected thoughtfully, they form intricate structures, characters, and entire worlds. This process mirrors how disparate ideas, experiences, or elements can combine to create something entirely new and meaningful. Just as a LEGO masterpiece emerges from a collection of bricks, innovation and creativity often arise from the unexpected connections between different components.

    I am a lifelong fan of LEGO and am thrilled to have an excuse to buy more for my daughter.

  • Ever dreamed of that perfect job, only to find it wasn't quite what you expected? Conan O'Brien's journey mirrors this common experience. After years of climbing the late-night ladder, he reached the top, but the view wasn't as fulfilling as anticipated. Rather than dwell on disappointment, he embraced change, reinventing himself and his career. Just like Conan, you might find that your dream job isn't your destiny. It's okay to adapt, to evolve, and to discover new passions. Sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones you create.

    “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.”

    -Conan O'Brien

  • A looming storm brews on the horizon. The bison charges directly into it, seeking to swiftly weather the onslaught. In contrast, the cattle flee in the opposite direction, only to find themselves trapped by the storm's relentless advance. This mirrors the professional world. 

    Some, like the bison, confront challenges head-on, emerging stronger and quicker. They embrace change as an opportunity for growth, their resilience and determination guiding them through adversity. 

    Others, like the cattle, avoid change, leading to stagnation and potential career derailment. 

    When faced with professional storms, it's the bison's approach - direct, courageous, and adaptable - that paves the way for success and fulfillment.

Connect with me

Use the form below to connect with me. Remember, I’m here to help you navigate your journey!