About Me

I grew up in a small farming town in rural Minnesota, one of several kids in a house where both parents were teachers. I didn't know it then, but that's where I learned my first lessons about leadership — not from a title, but from watching two people who showed up for others every single day.

Years later, I found myself leading teams at Apple — one of the most demanding, well-developed leadership cultures in the world. Over 15+ years there, I got to see the difference between leaders who were simply given authority and leaders who were built and actually cared about their people.

Through it all, I discovered that a great leader isn’t a single spectacular entity that makes all the decisions. A great leader is a facilitator of their team’s skills and talents toward a unified goal. Creating an environment where others can and want to do their best work is key. I watched many leaders who had access to the same training, development, and mentorship as I did fail to successfully engage their teams and deliver results.

That experience shapes how I coach. I know what it feels like to be developed well and the difference it makes. I also understand more clearly than others the true role of a leader and how to build and foster teams that are successful.

Most people never get what I got. I want to change that, one leader at a time.

That's why I started True North Ascent — to give leaders at every level a clear understanding of what being a leader means and a real path to successfully lead others. It all starts with understanding who you are so you can show up authentically every day for your team. Then build the communication skills that unlock your team’s true potential.

Let's find your True North. Then let's ascend.

A little more about me

I've been to a few places since then, including several years living in Hawaii, but Minnesota is home.

When I'm not coaching, you'll usually find me:

• Mid-renovation. There's always a project at the house. I'm rarely between them.

• Outside, especially in the summer. Hiking, fishing, getting the family out on the pontoon, and squeezing in mountain biking with friends whenever I can.

• With my wife and kids — the people who keep me grounded and remind me what all of this is really for.

• Lost in a good movie or series. A great story is hard to beat.