EXECUTIVE COACHING: PRACTICE & PHILOSOPHY
Coaching is one of the best ways to improve one's leadership skills. Our most requested coaching approach is for the executive who has been promoted and faces new challenges, or one who has "hit the wall" and needs a new perspective or approach. Executive Coaching begins with the realization that change needs to occur, recognizing your strengths and areas to develop, and the motivation to move toward that change/development. All coaches are skilled and experienced to help accomplish your business and personal goals.
Coaching is one of the best ways to improve one's leadership skills. Our most requested coaching approach is for the executive who has been promoted and faces new challenges, or one who has "hit the wall" and needs a new perspective or approach. Executive Coaching begins with the realization that change needs to occur, recognizing your strengths and areas to develop, and the motivation to move toward that change/development. All coaches are skilled and experienced to help accomplish your business and personal goals.
DR. JIM SMITH (Founder & President)
Jim, a Certified Executive Coach, is unrivaled in his passion for leadership development and coaching. With nearly three decades of experience he has the unique ability to effectively coach at all levels. Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, Jim will show you how to reframe your challenges into opportunities. As President and founder of LSI, Jim has assisted leaders in gaining a deeper understanding of their individual leadership style. His extensive experience includes 26 years as an adjunct trainer for The Center For Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC where his coaching was a required viewing for all new CCL coaches. Jim also teaches leadership courses at the doctoral level. With over 14,500 one-on-one coaching sessions under his belt, Jim has the experience and understanding to help map your career path and resolve any professional barrier you might be facing. Jim created and developed the Leadership Coaching Seminar which has been offered in the USA, Canada and Kenya. Jim graduated from The Citadel, class of 1977, and holds a B.S. in Education. Jim completed his Master's degree from Dallas Seminary in 1982 and his doctorate in 1999. He and Karyn reside in High Point, North Carolina and have successfully launched four young adults.
Jim, a Certified Executive Coach, is unrivaled in his passion for leadership development and coaching. With nearly three decades of experience he has the unique ability to effectively coach at all levels. Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, Jim will show you how to reframe your challenges into opportunities. As President and founder of LSI, Jim has assisted leaders in gaining a deeper understanding of their individual leadership style. His extensive experience includes 26 years as an adjunct trainer for The Center For Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC where his coaching was a required viewing for all new CCL coaches. Jim also teaches leadership courses at the doctoral level. With over 14,500 one-on-one coaching sessions under his belt, Jim has the experience and understanding to help map your career path and resolve any professional barrier you might be facing. Jim created and developed the Leadership Coaching Seminar which has been offered in the USA, Canada and Kenya. Jim graduated from The Citadel, class of 1977, and holds a B.S. in Education. Jim completed his Master's degree from Dallas Seminary in 1982 and his doctorate in 1999. He and Karyn reside in High Point, North Carolina and have successfully launched four young adults.
GENE KLANN, Ph.D. (USA & International)
Dr. Klann is a recognized expert in the areas of leadership development and crisis management. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Center for Creative Leadership. His distinguished 26 year military career included service in Vietnam, Germany, Panama, Italy, and the first Gulf War. It culminated with duty at the U. S. Military Delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He completed five command tours including one as an airborne battalion commander during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. All 600 soldiers under his command returned safely to the U.S. Overall, he received seventeen personal military decorations. The "Colonel" has a Ph.D. from the Free University of Brussels, an M.A. in International Relations, a B.A. in European History, and an executive diploma as a U. S. Army War College fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. His books include: Crisis Leadership, Building Your Team’s Morale, Pride & Spirit, and Building Character; Strengthening the Heart of Good Leadership.
Dr. Klann is a recognized expert in the areas of leadership development and crisis management. He is an adjunct faculty member at the Center for Creative Leadership. His distinguished 26 year military career included service in Vietnam, Germany, Panama, Italy, and the first Gulf War. It culminated with duty at the U. S. Military Delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. He completed five command tours including one as an airborne battalion commander during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. All 600 soldiers under his command returned safely to the U.S. Overall, he received seventeen personal military decorations. The "Colonel" has a Ph.D. from the Free University of Brussels, an M.A. in International Relations, a B.A. in European History, and an executive diploma as a U. S. Army War College fellow at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. His books include: Crisis Leadership, Building Your Team’s Morale, Pride & Spirit, and Building Character; Strengthening the Heart of Good Leadership.
NANCY LOPEZ, MSBA (Northeast USA)
Nancy is a former C-Level executive who worked for Xerox for over 25 years with a diverse background in Human Resources. She is a Certified Leadership Coach with a passion for fostering possibility thinking and providing frameworks that empower individuals to unleash their potential value. Nancy and her husband have two children and live in the Rochester, NY area. Her degrees include a BS in Business Administration from Stetson University (FL) and an MS in Business Administration from Penn State University (PA).
Nancy is a former C-Level executive who worked for Xerox for over 25 years with a diverse background in Human Resources. She is a Certified Leadership Coach with a passion for fostering possibility thinking and providing frameworks that empower individuals to unleash their potential value. Nancy and her husband have two children and live in the Rochester, NY area. Her degrees include a BS in Business Administration from Stetson University (FL) and an MS in Business Administration from Penn State University (PA).
SARA KING, M.S. (East Coast USA & International)
Sara King helps leaders increase their potential and performance through her expertise as an executive coach, speaker, author, workshop designer and facilitator. She has served thousands of executives in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofits. Her roles as an adjunct trainer at the Center for Creative Leadership have included global executive, master trainer, program manager and researcher. Sara has a B.A. in English from Wake Forest University and a M.S. in Higher Education Admin. from Cornell.
Sara King helps leaders increase their potential and performance through her expertise as an executive coach, speaker, author, workshop designer and facilitator. She has served thousands of executives in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions and nonprofits. Her roles as an adjunct trainer at the Center for Creative Leadership have included global executive, master trainer, program manager and researcher. Sara has a B.A. in English from Wake Forest University and a M.S. in Higher Education Admin. from Cornell.
MICHAEL BRYANT (East Coast USA)
Michael is a Certified Leadership Coach with strengths in personal development, team building and strategic planning. He is known for his engaging personality, ability to listen and for asking key questions to discover issues of concern. His 35+ years of consulting and business experience (28 with a Fortune 500 retail company), helps him equip leaders with tools to achieve excellence in both work and life. His unique ability to convey wisdom and trust sets the stage for him to mentor executives and leaders on multiple levels, including front line employees.
Michael is a Certified Leadership Coach with strengths in personal development, team building and strategic planning. He is known for his engaging personality, ability to listen and for asking key questions to discover issues of concern. His 35+ years of consulting and business experience (28 with a Fortune 500 retail company), helps him equip leaders with tools to achieve excellence in both work and life. His unique ability to convey wisdom and trust sets the stage for him to mentor executives and leaders on multiple levels, including front line employees.
JOE KILKENNY (Central USA & International)
Rear Admiral (RET.) Joe Kilkenny, USN, is a combat veteran who served 35 years in the US Navy. He commanded at every level including squadron, Carrier Air Wing, Carrier Task Group, Navy Recruiting Command and Naval Education and Training Command. He is a consultant with Mantraindevelop, LLC., specializing in talent acquisition/management, training and development, and leadership fundamentals. Joe is a graduate of The Citadel, has a MSM from Troy University and is working on a Masters in Educ. Leadership at Univ. of N. Florida.
Rear Admiral (RET.) Joe Kilkenny, USN, is a combat veteran who served 35 years in the US Navy. He commanded at every level including squadron, Carrier Air Wing, Carrier Task Group, Navy Recruiting Command and Naval Education and Training Command. He is a consultant with Mantraindevelop, LLC., specializing in talent acquisition/management, training and development, and leadership fundamentals. Joe is a graduate of The Citadel, has a MSM from Troy University and is working on a Masters in Educ. Leadership at Univ. of N. Florida.
DREW VAN HORN, Ph.D. (East Coast USA)
Dr. Van Horn has 30 years of experience in organizational behavior, leadership development, public relations and cultural transformations in organizations - in profit and non-profit sectors. Having served as a CEO, Executive Director and Senior Vice President, Drew has keen perspective on organizational management and organizational change, which has allowed him to work with numerous CEO’s and boards in dealing with the complexities of business. He is a Certified Leadership Coach and has advanced degrees in counseling and leadership.
Dr. Van Horn has 30 years of experience in organizational behavior, leadership development, public relations and cultural transformations in organizations - in profit and non-profit sectors. Having served as a CEO, Executive Director and Senior Vice President, Drew has keen perspective on organizational management and organizational change, which has allowed him to work with numerous CEO’s and boards in dealing with the complexities of business. He is a Certified Leadership Coach and has advanced degrees in counseling and leadership.
CHIP HOWELL (USA & International)
Chip, a Certified Leadership Coach, is currently an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity and has served two terms as Mayor of Anniston, Alabama. During this time period he was involved in the redevelopment of the largest U.S. Army installation closed in a BRAC process, and supported the elimination of the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the free world. Chip was honored in 2007 when he was chosen as the Public Official of the Year by the Association of Defense Communities.
Chip, a Certified Leadership Coach, is currently an Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity and has served two terms as Mayor of Anniston, Alabama. During this time period he was involved in the redevelopment of the largest U.S. Army installation closed in a BRAC process, and supported the elimination of the largest stockpile of chemical weapons in the free world. Chip was honored in 2007 when he was chosen as the Public Official of the Year by the Association of Defense Communities.
DON GROVES, MBA (Central USA)
Don served 30+ years as an Officer/Naval Aviator with the US Marines with command experience on both Coasts plus assignments worldwide. His coaching expertise is in Team Management, Communications, Situational Awareness and Decision Making. Don graduated from Auburn and has an MBA from Chadwick University. He also graduated from the Marine Corps Command & Staff College and US Naval War College Reserve Program. He lives in Germantown, TN with his wife. They have four sons, all who serve as Officers in the US military.
Don served 30+ years as an Officer/Naval Aviator with the US Marines with command experience on both Coasts plus assignments worldwide. His coaching expertise is in Team Management, Communications, Situational Awareness and Decision Making. Don graduated from Auburn and has an MBA from Chadwick University. He also graduated from the Marine Corps Command & Staff College and US Naval War College Reserve Program. He lives in Germantown, TN with his wife. They have four sons, all who serve as Officers in the US military.
JOHN D. BASIE, Ph.D. (Southeast USA)
John is Director of Impact 360 Institute, a nine-month leadership program for students affiliated with Union University (TN) and Chick-fil-A, Inc. He also leads the Impact 360 Institute Masters program. He is a Certified Leadership Coach and has demonstrated success in leadership coaching with college students, faculty, administrators, and company leaders. He and Marana have three children and live in Lagrange, GA, His degrees includea B.A., from Erskine College (SC); M.A., from Biola University (CA); and a Ph.D., from Baylor University (TX).
John is Director of Impact 360 Institute, a nine-month leadership program for students affiliated with Union University (TN) and Chick-fil-A, Inc. He also leads the Impact 360 Institute Masters program. He is a Certified Leadership Coach and has demonstrated success in leadership coaching with college students, faculty, administrators, and company leaders. He and Marana have three children and live in Lagrange, GA, His degrees includea B.A., from Erskine College (SC); M.A., from Biola University (CA); and a Ph.D., from Baylor University (TX).
KEN HORTON, Ph.D. (Central USA & International)
From Space Surveillance officer to former Pastor of McKinney Memorial Church, Ken has been “leading leaders” since 1984. He is Chaplain for the TCU Football Team and is a LEAD – Coach for the Hendricks Leadership Center in Dallas. Dr. Horton is an Adjunct Professor at Dallas Seminary and the South Asian Institute, Bangalore, India. His published works include “Building Your All-Volunteer Army” from Leadership Magazine. Ken leads from a wealth of experience, coaching leaders in life challenges, decision-making and goal setting.
From Space Surveillance officer to former Pastor of McKinney Memorial Church, Ken has been “leading leaders” since 1984. He is Chaplain for the TCU Football Team and is a LEAD – Coach for the Hendricks Leadership Center in Dallas. Dr. Horton is an Adjunct Professor at Dallas Seminary and the South Asian Institute, Bangalore, India. His published works include “Building Your All-Volunteer Army” from Leadership Magazine. Ken leads from a wealth of experience, coaching leaders in life challenges, decision-making and goal setting.
MARTIN SAUER, MBA (Northeast USA & International)
Martin is a C-level executive with a multi-faceted background; highly skilled in procurement and supply chain along with an ability to drive change throughout organizations. He has over 30 years experience working for ExxonMobil, BP Castrol and Graham Packaging. He is currently President of Procurement Global Partners. Martin has designed, implemented, and is now the Business Administration Director for a regional college. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Louisiana State University.
Martin is a C-level executive with a multi-faceted background; highly skilled in procurement and supply chain along with an ability to drive change throughout organizations. He has over 30 years experience working for ExxonMobil, BP Castrol and Graham Packaging. He is currently President of Procurement Global Partners. Martin has designed, implemented, and is now the Business Administration Director for a regional college. He has a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Auburn University and an MBA from Louisiana State University.
MICHAEL WALLACE, M.A. (Southeast USA)
Michael holds a BS in Communications from Appalachian State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Dallas Seminary. He is the owner of Creative Branding Designs, which focuses on social media marketing and branding, as well as an Adjunct Professor at High Point University where he teaches a course on social media communication. Michael's focus is on developing leaders through executive coaching, non-profit consulting and content development.
Michael holds a BS in Communications from Appalachian State University and a Master’s degree in Education from Dallas Seminary. He is the owner of Creative Branding Designs, which focuses on social media marketing and branding, as well as an Adjunct Professor at High Point University where he teaches a course on social media communication. Michael's focus is on developing leaders through executive coaching, non-profit consulting and content development.
CHARLIE D'AMICO, M. Acc. (Southeast USA)
Charlie has a passion for creating opportunities for leaders to thrive in exciting and challenging career environments. She holds Master of Accounting and B.S. Accounting degrees from the University of Florida. Her work includes 16 years at PwC, the world’s largest professional services firm. She has spent years on the corporate battlefield, and brings that perspective to her coaching mindset. Charlie obtained her Certified Professional Coaching credential from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
Charlie has a passion for creating opportunities for leaders to thrive in exciting and challenging career environments. She holds Master of Accounting and B.S. Accounting degrees from the University of Florida. Her work includes 16 years at PwC, the world’s largest professional services firm. She has spent years on the corporate battlefield, and brings that perspective to her coaching mindset. Charlie obtained her Certified Professional Coaching credential from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) and is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Association for Talent Development (ATD).
PAUL GUFFEY (East Coast USA)
Paul is a multi-talented marketing and business professional. He is a former Sales and Marketing Administrator for the nations number two telecommunications company, Charter Communications / Charter Business (now Spectrum Business). Paul uses his marketing and leadership skills to build team clarity while also mapping strategies to multiply brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and drive revenue. He has also written and produced music for broadcast with companies such as Firmin Ford and WVLT-TV. Paul resides in Nashville, TN.
Paul is a multi-talented marketing and business professional. He is a former Sales and Marketing Administrator for the nations number two telecommunications company, Charter Communications / Charter Business (now Spectrum Business). Paul uses his marketing and leadership skills to build team clarity while also mapping strategies to multiply brand awareness, increase customer loyalty, and drive revenue. He has also written and produced music for broadcast with companies such as Firmin Ford and WVLT-TV. Paul resides in Nashville, TN.
MELANIE WOLF, M.A. (West Coast USA)
As a Certified Leadership Coach, Melanie delivers team building and personal/career coaching with an emphasis on understanding and building upon the unique strengths of every individual. Melanie has spent many years in higher education, working at Wheaton College and Azusa Pacific University. Melanie's focus is developing life-long learners, building teams, and coaching professionals to achieve life balance. She has a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Educational Ministries/Leadership. She lives in the San Diego, CA with husband Philip and their 4 children.
As a Certified Leadership Coach, Melanie delivers team building and personal/career coaching with an emphasis on understanding and building upon the unique strengths of every individual. Melanie has spent many years in higher education, working at Wheaton College and Azusa Pacific University. Melanie's focus is developing life-long learners, building teams, and coaching professionals to achieve life balance. She has a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Educational Ministries/Leadership. She lives in the San Diego, CA with husband Philip and their 4 children.
BERT ROSS, M.S. (Midwest USA & International)
Bert has over 25 years’ experience as a trainer/facilitator in the areas of leadership and organizational development. He is a Certified Coach and holds a Professional Certification in Human Resource Management with the Society of Human Resource Management. Bert graduated from Columbia Int. University with a B.S. in Education and has a Master's degree in Leadership Development and Organizational Leadership from Trinity Graduate School and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University.
Bert has over 25 years’ experience as a trainer/facilitator in the areas of leadership and organizational development. He is a Certified Coach and holds a Professional Certification in Human Resource Management with the Society of Human Resource Management. Bert graduated from Columbia Int. University with a B.S. in Education and has a Master's degree in Leadership Development and Organizational Leadership from Trinity Graduate School and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development from Clemson University.
PATRICK JINKS, MBA (East Coast USA)
Multi-Best-selling co-author with coaches such as Marshall Goldsmith and Jack Canfield, Patrick is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and a regular contributor to Forbes.com. As an award-winning photographer, Patrick knows how to view leadership challenges through the right “lenses” to arrive at solutions. Patrick specializes in nonprofit strategy, leadership, and engagement. He was dubbed a “Game Changer®” in USA Today for his unique coaching approach to strategic planning, and a “Master of Success®” in the Wall Street Journal.
Multi-Best-selling co-author with coaches such as Marshall Goldsmith and Jack Canfield, Patrick is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and a regular contributor to Forbes.com. As an award-winning photographer, Patrick knows how to view leadership challenges through the right “lenses” to arrive at solutions. Patrick specializes in nonprofit strategy, leadership, and engagement. He was dubbed a “Game Changer®” in USA Today for his unique coaching approach to strategic planning, and a “Master of Success®” in the Wall Street Journal.
BRAD BRIDGES, D.Min. (Midwest USA & International)
Brad is a Certified Leadership Coach and V.P. of The Malphurs Group. He is founder of The Ombu Group where he coaches business executives toward alignment, leadership development, and strategic planning. He utilizes his fluency in both English and Spanish to give a cross-cultural perspective. Brad has experience as an information technology consultant, leadership development practitioner and researcher. He graduated from Davidson College, Dallas Seminary, and will soon complete his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University.
Brad is a Certified Leadership Coach and V.P. of The Malphurs Group. He is founder of The Ombu Group where he coaches business executives toward alignment, leadership development, and strategic planning. He utilizes his fluency in both English and Spanish to give a cross-cultural perspective. Brad has experience as an information technology consultant, leadership development practitioner and researcher. He graduated from Davidson College, Dallas Seminary, and will soon complete his Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University.
ROBERT GILLIAM, M.A. (International)
Robert has over twenty-five years of experience as the director of an NGO, business owner, management consultant, and leadership coach in the Middle East. His main areas of interest include one on one executive coaching, and facilitating team building, envisioning, and strategic planning among executive leadership teams. Robert graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Government and Foreign Affairs and has a Master’s Degree in Modern Middle East Studies from the American University of Beirut.
Robert has over twenty-five years of experience as the director of an NGO, business owner, management consultant, and leadership coach in the Middle East. His main areas of interest include one on one executive coaching, and facilitating team building, envisioning, and strategic planning among executive leadership teams. Robert graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Government and Foreign Affairs and has a Master’s Degree in Modern Middle East Studies from the American University of Beirut.
MARILYN SENTER (Southeast USA & International)
Marilyn's focus as a Certified Leadership Coach is in dealing with life transitions and preparing international leaders and families for overseas assignments, including the task of re-entry when they return. She has a B.S. from NC State, is fluent in Spanish, and an expert in dealing successfully with multi-cultural issues and challenges. For twelve years she and her husband Greg served as missionaries with Mission to the World. Most recently returning from Chile where they raised their two daughters they have resettled in the mountains of North Carolina.
Marilyn's focus as a Certified Leadership Coach is in dealing with life transitions and preparing international leaders and families for overseas assignments, including the task of re-entry when they return. She has a B.S. from NC State, is fluent in Spanish, and an expert in dealing successfully with multi-cultural issues and challenges. For twelve years she and her husband Greg served as missionaries with Mission to the World. Most recently returning from Chile where they raised their two daughters they have resettled in the mountains of North Carolina.
DAVID DAY (Southeast USA)
David is the Marketing Director for Assurance Financial, a private, full service mortgage banker serving the residential home buying community. He is a veteran marketing professional, certified by LSI. He graduated from LSU with a BA in Journalism and Marketing and also attended the Manship School of Mass Communication. For over twenty-years David operated The Day Group, a marketing and branding company in Baton Rouge, LA. He has won numerous Addy & Telly Awards, including the coveted Douglas Manship Torch Award for Ethics in Business.
David is the Marketing Director for Assurance Financial, a private, full service mortgage banker serving the residential home buying community. He is a veteran marketing professional, certified by LSI. He graduated from LSU with a BA in Journalism and Marketing and also attended the Manship School of Mass Communication. For over twenty-years David operated The Day Group, a marketing and branding company in Baton Rouge, LA. He has won numerous Addy & Telly Awards, including the coveted Douglas Manship Torch Award for Ethics in Business.
SUSAN LYNCH (Eastcoast USA & International)
Susan has a BA in Interior Design from JMU. Susan quickly rose to a directors role at Bassett Furniture. She chose to move from corporate leadership to an entrepreneurial role by leveraging her experiences to benefit the non-profit sector; including the development, leadership, and confidence through teaching vocational and life skills. Susan multiplied her mentoring and coaching experiences in the training of young leaders in global and economic transition, career development, and long term life strategies.
Susan has a BA in Interior Design from JMU. Susan quickly rose to a directors role at Bassett Furniture. She chose to move from corporate leadership to an entrepreneurial role by leveraging her experiences to benefit the non-profit sector; including the development, leadership, and confidence through teaching vocational and life skills. Susan multiplied her mentoring and coaching experiences in the training of young leaders in global and economic transition, career development, and long term life strategies.