My Leadership Journey

My leadership journey started as an undergraduate at the University of Minnesota where I studied philosophy and leadership. I was fortunate to experience leadership both in the classroom (scholarship) and in practice through the marching band (practice). In realizing that my life was fulfilled learning and engaging with other leadership educators, I pursued a Masters of Arts in Organizational Leadership at Gonzaga University. This education would combine a foundation of transformational and adaptive leadership theories with servant leadership practices. It also became an intense case study on intentional emergence practices in virtual classrooms. Learn more about my experiences on the leadership artifacts page.

Outside the classroom, I practice leadership coaching and development as a leadership advisor for organizations looking to provide leadership education to emerging adults and personal mentorship to undergraduate students. Some of my practices can be found in the leadership projects sections of this site.

I am currently a doctoral candidate in the School of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University where I research Organizational Cognitive Development. My research focuses on the meaning-making systems which arise out of the complexity in a modern globalized society and seeks to find influences which could dismantle hegemonic systems of oppression.

I’m also interested in further research in the areas of forgiveness and methods for combatting personal violence we inflict upon ourselves that is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s society. My studies in Servant-Leadership has lead me to further investigate the relationship between a servant-first disposition and an egalitarian understanding of leadership as opposed to leader or leading focus. You can see more of my thoughts in the references found on my publications page.

Leadership Seminars

Generative dialogue and consultation

Does your community find itself constantly retreading the same problems over and over again? This session first introduces generative dialogue best practices before shifting to a unique to each group consultation session. Learn what behaviors and assumptions are holding yourself back while finding achievable next steps towards your vision.

Observations and Inquiry focused leadership

Using the Observe-Interpret-Intervene (OII) methodology and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) we focus on meaningful actions with a generative disposition. We’ll improve our interpersonal skills while maintaining a productive and effective leadership style.

leadership as a performance art

How can approaching leadership as an act of performing improve our understanding of leadership? We'll discuss and investigate the similarities between leadership and performance art through the topics of mindfulness, presence, trust, listening, action, and adaptability.

Listening and conflict transformation

Building upon the work of Robert Greenleaf, we will reflect on Servant-Leadership practices and how they can bring polarized groups together into the emerging future. Instead of attempting to resolve and avoid conflict, embrace the transformative powers of listening and conflict transformation.

Strengths based leadership in the workplace

Utilizing Gallop’s Strengthsfinder results, how can each individual contributor realize their full potential and engagement in the workplace? This session is perfect for teams starting dialogue around leadership practices in the office as well as advanced teams looking to expand on their skills.

Leadership and apotheosis

Apotheosis is the elevation of someone to the divine. We'll discuss pitfalls of placing leaders on an unreachable pedestal, and how society trains and encourages us to do just that. Through demystifying leadership, we will learn that we all have the capacity for leadership if we choose to engage in the work.

Leadership Scholar Portfolio

Soft Eyes Leadership Values