Life’s Crucibles

 

Just steps away from becoming a U.S. Navy fighter pilot my close friend Steve made a fatal mistake. Unfortunately, when his jet approached the aircraft carrier something went dramatically wrong and he ended up crashing into the back of the boat.Walking away from the memorial service I couldn’t reconcile this loss and the risks involved in this profession with my deep desire to move forward. My first landing on that same aircraft carrier had been scheduled for the day after Steve’s accident.  I was now rescheduled to attempt my qualification in two weeks, which gave me fourteen days and nights alone with my thoughts.

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DEFINING MOMENTS We all have those pivotal moments where we have to dig deep and choose a way forward.  Every flight in the military is thoroughly briefed and debriefed; yet I still made mistakes daily.  I no longer felt invincible.  The support of my friends and family allowed me to keep my resolve.  That and a dream held since childhood to become a fighter pilot. DREAMS are powerful things and we all have them! Imagine if you woke up tomorrow and a miracle had happened.

  • Everything in life was as you dreamed it could be.
  • You understood who you are and why you are here.
  • Your closest relationships were filled with love, respect and joy.
  • You looked forward to Monday because every aspect of your company was thriving.
  • You no longer felt stretched because everything on your calendar was intentional.

WHAT’S NEXT? You have your own personal WHY:

  • It’s the reason that you get out of bed each day
  • The reason you live life as you do.

The level of peace and fulfillment in your life is in direct proportion to how your life aligns with your values and strengths.

  • On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your fulfillment?
  • What would you like it to be? 
  • What would it take to get there? 

A FATAL ACCIDENT Two years ago I suffered what should have been my fatal accident.  I spent five weeks in the ICU and eighteen months at Craig Hospital here in Denver.  God spared my life; there is no medical reason that I am still alive.  This experience has been a crucible.  As iron sharpens iron, my purpose in the second half of my life has become crystal clear.

A CALLING So my WHY is to help others experience a life that is full of significance. I am accomplishing this as an Executive and Leadership Coach where I get to inspire and equip leaders to move forward into their promises of tomorrow. Unofficially I have been coaching individuals and teams for twenty-five years through my many roles as a:

  • Navy fighter pilot
  • Entrepreneur
  • Fortune 100 management team member
  • Board Chair
  • Founder of two non-profits

The experiences and knowledge I have gained throughout my life have prepared me for what I am now called to do. My many years of coaching have helped me to develop a style based on the practice of briefing, executing, and de-briefing, that I learned in the military.  This approach benefitted me enormously in my business career.  As an executive coach, I use these same skills to enhance others’ lives at work and at home. Working together we will strive for:

  • Experiencing the fulfillment that comes from living out your purpose
  • Focusing your energy in areas of strength
  • Getting clarity on your goals
  • Nurturing the relationships that matter most
  • Taking back time in your day for family and fun

WHAT’S NEXT If you would like to learn more about this I encourage you to email me or visit my website.