Consultant, Instructor, Facilitator
Olympia, WA, USA
STEVEN’S COACHING PHILOSOPHY
My coaching philosophy, which I refer to as "kayak conversations," revolves around a cycle of inquiry, guided learning, and parallel progress assessment (paddling alongside). I focus on asking skillful questions to illuminate strengths, possibilities, and emerging wisdom, coupled with just-in-time teaching about core capacities. This approach is underpinned by systems thinking, the Mutual Learning Model, and the practice of adaptive leadership, ensuring a structured yet flexible pathway to personal and professional growth.
Image shows Steven’s home state: Washington
Specialties and Expertise
Systems Thinking and Adaptive Leadership: Enhancing the ability to think and lead adaptively in complex systems.
Mutual Learning Model: Adopting values and behaviors for effective team dynamics and organizational learning.
Immunity to Change: Facilitating change through understanding and overcoming hidden resistance.
Dialogic Process Consulting: Leading transformative dialogues that address organizational challenges and culture.
Assessments and Certifications
Authorized Immunity to Change Facilitator: Guide individuals, teams, and organizations through a structured process to uncover and overcome unconscious barriers to change
Authorized Dialogic Process Consulting Facilitator: Leading dialogues that help organizations reflect, reshape their culture, and facilitate systemic change through engaged, meaningful conversations.
Systems Thinking: Masters Degree in Organizational Design and Renewal, Seattle University.
Past Clients & Preferred Industries
Non-Profit Organizations: South Sound Parent to Parent, Leadership Eastside, Garden Raised Bounty (GRuB)
Government Agencies: WA State Department of Financial Institutions, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, WA DSHS Behavioral Health Administration, WA State Public Disclosure Commission
Educational Institutions: UW Professional & Organizational Development
Community and Environmental Groups: Wolf Haven International, Key Peninsula Partnership, Paine Field Firefighters, Fire District 8 (Olympia)
Select Projects
Organizational Culture Integration: Coached South Sound Parent to Parent's leadership during rapid staffing growth, focusing on maintaining an intimate organizational culture while integrating new and long-standing staff.
DEI Initiatives: Facilitated a series of conversations for Community Farm Land Trust's Board and staff to address white supremacy culture, enhancing their capacity to advance equity in farming.
Personalized DEI Coaching: Tailored individual sessions for Clackamas County (OR) staff, improving their understanding of systemic racism and enhancing effectiveness in client interactions.