Training. Coaching. Pie.

Fifteen years ago, the CEO of a $2 billion construction company looked me in the eye and asked, “Can you help me develop leaders who can keep the company going so I can retire?”

I hear that question a lot, along with:

  • How do you teach people to become leaders?
  • Can technical people really learn soft skills?
  • Is teaching them worth the investment of time and money?

I’ve field-tested a powerful and practical toolbox of tools, lessons, and stories that have helped hundreds of emerging leaders grow into successful firm leaders.

Mountaineer

How can I help?

I help emerging leaders resolve conflict, build great relationships, get more done, communicate effectively, and grow your team. And when everyone grows, your organization becomes a place clients pursue and where talented people want to work.

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About Me

When I’m not making pies for clients, family, and friends, I coach and train emerging leaders and consult owners on leadership transition. I particularly love working with engineers who are technically smart but challenged in emotional intelligence.

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Wait… What’s with the Pie?

I grew up surrounded by apple orchards in the Hudson Valley of New York. I learned to make pies using varieties like Empire, Cortland, Jonathan, McIntosh, and Spitzenburg. I knew it had gone too far when my own mother stopped making pies for me and started asking me to make pies for her!

I could say pie is some kind of metaphor for my brand, but frankly, the promise of a pie in the last session is a powerful way to keep students attending workshops.

Click here if you want my recipe.

Our staff view Leo’s programs as an important resource to help them grow in their careers. Staff are more productive with their time, more self-aware in their interactions with others, and better communicators. We’re able to recruit and retain excellent staff and support their growth into even better professionals.

—Josh McDowell, Mackenzie

When do we get pie?

—Everyone in my workshops

Leo has helped shape our very popular Leadership Development series to teach engineers the business aspects of consulting.

—Alison Davis, American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Oregon

Leo is truly invested in our staff’s growth and firm’s success. He always customizes his coaching to our needs, and his engaging style make the training effective and fun. Our teams are stronger and more efficient.

—Amy Friendy, BRIC Architecture

Your assistance was a great help in the sale of our business. The company has continued to be profitable with the ownership transfer with no problems at all. I highly recommend you to other firms that may be considering a sale.

—Greg Thiel, former owner, NW Engineers LLC

Leo is a great communicator, very professional, and has a gift listening to clients that encourages them to provide open and honest dialogue.

—Liz Rawlinson Kalooky, Elliot Davis CPAs

I’ve learned to grow as a leader, save up to ten more hours a week, finish more critical projects, and spend more time with my family.

—Brian Hollenbach, civil engineer

DIS Multi-Tool

On the Blog

The Most Important Leadership Skill

The Most Important Leadership Skill

Photo by Agê Barros on Unsplash There is no shortage of critical skills you need to develop to become a successful leader: coaching excellence in staff, finessing difficult conversations, resolving conflict, building alliances and support with management, analyzing...

Show Appreciation.

Show Appreciation.

A study of employee attitudes found that 69% of employees say they work harder if they know they’re appreciated…