Coaching Testimonials

"My work with John became a journey of self discovery. It has led me to knowing how I can show up as an authentic leader and how to lead from my strengths." ~ Stephen Chaney, Sr. Director, Microsoft

"Through my coaching work with John I have learned to align all arenas of my personal and professional life with my core purpose. I enact commitments in a way that allows me to stay the course toward my most important goals. I am clearer about what is mine to do and what isn't. I am more confident that I can achieve my vision and do my part to create a successful company and a better world." ~ Steve Anderson, CEO, Index Sensors and Controls

"My work with John has been a fun and wild ride. I laughed, I cried, and most importantly, I discovered how to follow my path toward my deepest desires. I have a renewed sense of who I am, what I stand for, and how I can generate that in my life. I am now fiercely committed toward what I want and yet patient with the journey as it unfolds." ~ Sara Jones, artisan, writer, and business development consultant

"It is important to have a level of self awareness and be comfortable leading in the face of ambiguity – attributes I strengthened through my coaching with John. Through our work together I am now more grounded in leading from my strengths and capable of moving into conflict to reach critical decisions and achieve the results we stand for." ~ Tricia McKay, Executive Director, Medina Foundation

"The question I would ask is can you create from possibility or just solve problems? There are no formulas for great leadership, but now I have the capacity, the confidence and the freedom to lead in all that I do." ~ Diana Elser, Director Market Research & Analysis, Group Health Cooperative

"For me, John's work goes right to the core issues of awareness, courage and clarity of choice toward my goals. His keen insights saved me years of enduring the more traditional methods of analysis and assertion of will. This work has enabled me to go from a struggling corporate misfit to a thriving teacher and leader in my life." ~ Janelle Aberle

"I gained a vision, or rather a North Star, about how I approach my decisions and the business results I am leading my teams toward. And I assess my behavior, and how I am living up to my intentions, through the lens of that North Star. It has made a huge difference in my exercise of leadership." ~ Michael Griffin, Service Line Director, Group Health Cooperative

"If you want to evolve from 'manager' to 'leader' then I highly recommend coaching with John. He has helped me to discover my authentic leadership voice and to chart the path to my next level of responsibility." ~ John Ginn, Sr. Director Business Strategy Group, Microsoft

Centered Leadership

The Centered Leadership course was the best leadership course I have ever taken in my life. I have been in numerous courses over the years, many of which were helpful in terms of tactics and even in terms of creating a vision, but the impact of this course was much more than that. This course is focused on the person, as a whole leader. I gained clarity about the difference I want to make... In my company, in my life and in the world. I have more hope than ever about what is possible. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue learning with you both in the upcoming Leader’s Journey (4-month) course this fall. Thank you." ~ Valerie Bone, Pacific Market International

"The Centered leadership training is an extraordinary way to rebalance yourself in your life and around what is important for you. It helped me to better deal with my emotional reactions in challenging circumstances." ~ Jean-Philippe Grenet, Sr. Director, Commercial Technical Support EMEA, Fortune 100 tech firm

"I am now more thoughtful about the way I see myself in the world. It was a great experience that enhanced my leadership skills, my self confidence, and my compassion for others." ~ Jennifer Teunon, Program Officer, Medina Foundation

"They say leadership is about doing the right thing and Centered Leadership was a great course for this. The best part of the training is that success truly comes from the right core principles - putting the team first, staying open and connected, yet staying focused on vision. John uses practical wisdom and real-world applications to enable me to create positive results in the most difficult of situations." ~ Stephanie Saad, Group Program Manager, Microsoft

"Centered Leadership was a memorable and truly life changing experience. The three power-packed days launched me through what could have been years of work in self-discovery, bodily awareness, confidence building, and leadership skills. I came away with a full tool kit and new ways of viewing the world and myself that were immediately useful. It was a truly magical journey, and something I would recommend to anyone looking for clarity in the midst of confusion or uncertainty in any area of life." ~ Angela Kilkenny, mother of 2, in transition back to work

Leadership Journey

***CLICK HERE to see an article featuring the Leadership Journey in the March 2011 issue of Seattle Business Magazine***

"I reached a point in my career where I recognized I could not move forward without a trusted guide. Through coaching and the Leadership Journey I was able to get in touch with my purpose and I discovered how to manifest this purpose in my daily life. I also gained a sense of how to lead from my authentic leadership presence. I would highly recommend John and the Ascent Institute to other senior management." ~ Jack Schlafer, Senior Principle Operations Excellence Manager, Fortune 100 tech firm

"The Leadership Journey in India was a powerful force that shaped my life. As a result of the journey, combined with the support of my coach (Virginia Rhoads), I am more open, joyful, centered and secure. I am happier. I am able to speak my truth, from the heart, in a manner that gets results and builds trust and relationship. More concretely, I was able to smoothly transition from my career as a Chief Marketing Officer for Fortune 500 firms to my new purpose-driven venture – a positive media company devoted to inspiring a better world." ~ Ginny Hutchinson, Co-Founder, Better Because

"Before I began the Leadership Journey I was not aware how much I lived behind a mask that kept me from truly connecting with others. I am now more relaxed, present, and able to connect with people in a way that builds partnership and trust. I have new skills that help me use my mind, body, and life energy in a way that I can only describe as authentic and effective. The coaching, combined with the Leadership Journey, were by far the most impactful and life changing experiences of my personal and professional life." ~ Ben Bennett, Senior Director, Microsoft

"The adventure, people, and scenery of the Leadership Journey to India were well worth the price. Combining the trek with an intense personal growth experience, supported by world-class coaches, led to astonishing results: breaking through patterns that have held me back; discovering my life purpose which I now express daily; learning how to lead more effectively, with less effort and suffering; growing my business (including my best sales to date – all in the face of current economic slowdown). In my experience, personal growth courses begin to fade over time. Nine months after my return from India the results continue to stick with me. Each day my connection to that experience has helped me to see new possibilities, be joyful and appreciate my life as never before. I highly recommend this powerful journey!" ~ Robert Landis, Principal, Capitol Media, Inc.

"It is difficult to describe the changes that have occurred in my life since the Leadership Journey to India. In the past I let many opportunities pass me by because I was paralyzed by fear. Going to India was the hardest and best thing I have ever done for my family and myself. During the Leadership Journey I learned who I really am – a loving, committed, courageous woman. I gained confidence and learned to love myself. Since my return I have been able to help many people that are struggling with similar challenges. The Leadership Journey literally changed my life and that journey continues to unfold, long after my return from India." ~ Niki Bennett

"In early 2008 I found myself lacking motivation and excitement towards life. In an effort to access my passion I began coaching and signed up for the Leadership Journey to India. It didn't take long to notice changes. First I started to be more aware of my body and how to deal with discouragement as it came. While in India, I was able to get a glimpse of the person I am deep down. I became very aware of my strengths and conversely my weaknesses and the beliefs that were limiting me. I developed friendships with total strangers who are now some of my best friends. The realization of the different masks I was wearing, and how to take them off, has changed my relationships with family, friends, clients, and colleagues. Through the discovery of my purpose I now have a guiding light that I can use to make important life decisions and to measure my progress each day. The strength and energy that has come from this has been nothing short of life changing." ~ Aaron Tyler, Partner, Capital Financial Mortgage