Some backstory
For nearly twenty years I’ve worked with startups and established organizations on clarifying vision, persuasive communication, and building strong business practices.
For over a decade I’ve worked with creative leaders and projects in the social benefit sector to solve problems, increase their impact, and realize their potential. My job is to catalyze hidden capabilities in both individuals and groups so they can find a path to success.
Since 2008, I’ve run a successful think tank and action lab for innovation and creative philanthropy called Jumpstart. During that time I’ve worked with dozens of projects and hundreds of leaders globally, training, mentoring, and supporting their efforts to launch and scale new organizations, projects, and causes.
I’ve been lucky to work with a very diverse group of creative and inspiring leaders who are building great organizations dedicated to making the world a better place. In my time in the business and social good sectors, I’ve observed that successful innovation is largely the result of asking the right questions, and being open to unconventional answers. That insight is what led me to become an executive coach, a discipline based on thoughtful inquiry and expansive exploration.
I’ve discovered that effective leadership is about awareness and balance. Great leaders are very tuned into what motivates them internally and what they do well. They are acute observers of other people and complex social situations which helps them plot strategy and navigate through challenges and around obstacles. But they also are aware of their own limitations and seize every opportunity to balance their strengths with the skills and knowledge of others. It’s that understanding – of self, of environment, and of other people – that allows them to succeed where equally creative or talented people fail.
Some deets
- BA in Mass Communications: University of California Berkeley, 1992
- MBA in Nonprofit Management: American Jewish University, 2005
- Member of Power in 2020, Inaugural Cohort LA, 2020
- Certified Facilitator: Resetting the Table, 2019
- Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential: International Coach Federation, 2016
- Certified Professional Coach: Center for Nonprofit Management, 2015
- Inaugural American Jewish World Service (AJWS) Global Justice Fellow, 2014
- Certified Family Philanthropy Advisor/Trainer: 21/64, 2013
- Member of Selah Leadership Network, Cohort 6: Bend the Arc, 2010
- Certified Facilitator: Center for Leadership Initiatives, 2009
- Co-founder, Jumpstart Labs, 2008
- Founder: Ikar, 2005