Hi, my name is Gregg, and this is my “superhero” origin story:
What Most People Know About Me:
I am “warrior-like,” in that I love to confront any and all challenges that emerge. I grab them and don’t let go until they are utterly conquered.
Because I am wired to overcome struggles by meeting challenges head-on, I began training for and competing in triathlons at the age of fifty, and I LOVE it!!! I love pushing myself and finding my perceived limits, only to propel myself past those self-imposed boundaries. As a coach, I help others triumph over their perceived limitations to get to where they are longing to go. I feel exhilarated, proud, and powerful when I conquer challenges like this. Crossing my first triathlon finish line with my eyes filled with tears of satisfaction and pure joy is a moment I will never forget.
Mystery and transformation have also filled my life; thus, I can also show up as a mysteriously visionary “adventure guide” that creates safe and sacred spaces.
I am happily married to the absolute love of my life, and my favorite title has always been “Dad” to two incredible young adults. I grew up as the oldest of three sons in a stable, competitive, and loving household. I am blessed and lucky to have had a wonderfully imperfect family. Still, it has been a key to my ability to help others find stability in a radically shifting world. I consider myself an artist and a film aficionado. I think deeply, and I love to travel. When I look at my life, there is a magical trust and intuition that everything will work itself out because of several dramatic shifts I have made in my life (including a couple of career changes). This experience has been the foundation for me to create safe, open spaces for others to explore and find their magical adventure! When people spend time with me, they see me as their “adventure guide,” engaging them with passion and playfulness. I am dedicated to the success of the people I serve.
What Most People Don’t Know About Me:
I have always been a driven perfectionist and extremely hard on myself.
This “warrior-like” way of being may have helped drive me to excel and achieve, but it also has a shadow side that has been damaging my soul. For example, getting into physical therapy school was challenging with its tremendously competitive entry requirements. I now recognize the journey is much more important than the destination, and I am always learning to treat myself more gently along the way. Instead of viewing life as a war, life can be a flowing dance filled with beauty and ambiguity. I am not naturally graceful, but I “dance” with whatever shows up at each moment.
I had experienced times when my life lacked meaning and purpose to the point of being in tears on my kitchen floor.
Although there are things I loved about my first career as a physical therapist, it wasn’t enough. I knew my life was supposed to impact the world significantly, but I didn’t know how to get there. After careful discernment, I moved my family two thousand miles away to attend seminary so I could follow my heart to lead more extensive groups of people as a Christian pastor in The United Methodist Church. What had worked up to that point could not take me into this uncharted territory. I have now become clear about my deep sense of purpose, which guides my decisions and propels me forward. Now, as a coach and a consultant, I guide people toward the “magic” of finding meaning in their life’s journey. Sometimes what got us where we are will not ultimately bring us where we want to go.
Leadership is hard, and I have encountered the soaring heights and crushing lows of being a leader.
I have been paralyzed with fear and anger, questioned myself and my decisions, and wondered if I was taking the proper steps or was even in the right place. I have, at times, even confided in mentors that I didn’t want to lead anymore. Paradoxically, I have also had times where I felt as if I was the only person who could lead in a particular time and place, as well as moments of tremendous affirmation and even standing ovations. In my life, I have been asked to lead in many ways:
As a big brother and as the ringleader in the neighborhood.
As a team captain and as a peer mentor.
As a business owner and as an entrepreneur creating new lines of service.
As a board member and as a clinic manager.
As a friend and as a husband.
As a parent and as a pastor.
As the chairperson for our Board of Ordained Ministry and as a District Superintendent/area supervisor.
As influential leaders, we must work to get to know ourselves deeply and manage our anxiety for people to follow us. We also embrace our endless questions and spiritual searching. I know I am still imperfect and make mistakes, but the difference is I engage those feelings and don’t get deterred or lose sight of where I am going. What challenges are you confronting as a leader right now?
My family and I have experienced several existential crises that shook us to our core.
We wondered if we would ever experience “normal” again after my nephew’s tragic death. This event and other illnesses and injuries caused me to question my ability to lead my family in times of crisis. How can I lead others effectively if my family feels like it is falling apart? Through those times, I have realized that leading often means focusing on what is right in front of me and seeing that life is simultaneously filled with darkness and light, ugliness and beauty, meaninglessness, and a profound sense of purpose. As a coach, consultant, or trained conflict mediator, I help others find that deep resolve. I am not afraid to enter dark places and ask the hard questions no one else is willing to ask you – with deep empathy, compassion, and playfulness!
The Six Cousins: Taylor (1999-2018), Olivia, Max, Julian, Joe, and Jack.
I am highly competitive. Even minor competitions have fiery potential if I’m not careful.
I lived in seven houses in three states before I was ten, cultivating an ability to connect readily and make new friends.
My right index finger is fused because of an accident at age two, and my first indelible memories arise from that time. I learned that what has happened in our past doesn’t have to limit our future.
Older kids in elementary school bullied me, which helped me to be resilient and instilled a deep desire to protect anyone vulnerable.
Throughout my life, I have struggled with using food for comfort and body image issues, but this reminds me that the path to healing is to embrace my imperfections, live in the present moment, and love myself more fully.
My wife and I are vegan because of our compassion for animals, the world, and our health.
I can sometimes be a complete goofball, and I quote movies constantly.
I believe in the power of coaching so much that I pay for amazing coaches to coach me.
