HERE’S MY STORY

Why I Became a Coach: I became a coach because I believe in people, and I have this great passion for making a difference in their lives, by helping them to believe more in themselves - discovering things about their own lives or their organizations they never before recognized, seeing opportunities they never knew existed, tapping into their full potential, pursuing achievements that once seemed beyond their reach.

My story did not begin that way, however, for as a young professional in my former career my focus always seemed to be on how to make money.  Money, of course, is not unimportant, but rarely does it totally satisfy.  It was only when I began to focus on developing other people and helping them become successful that my level of personal satisfaction began to improve - and strangely so did my own financial rewards.  Making a difference in others had become my passion, which is perhaps best summed up in the words of my .  .  .  .

Personal Mission Statement: “.  .  .  to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.”  [John 15:16]

Background and Experience: So in January 2003 I took a bold step by leaving a very lucrative career in business and finance to pursue this deep passion I had for making a difference.  For 29 years I had been a Wall Street professional and executive in bond trading and investment banking, serving the last 16 of those years as Managing Director of the Municipal Securities Group in the southwest United States for a prestigious Wall Street investment firm.  It was a great business, I made more money than I ever dreamed of, had an impeccible reputation within the industry, and built precious relationships with people who continue to be close and dear friends.

But I wanted the second half of my life to be more meaningful, and my deep desire was to help others.  More than that, it’s my calling.  So in late 2004 after a few months of sabbatical time I founded Beyond Imagination, a business and executive coaching practice with the concept that curiosity, creativity, and innovative ideas are products of the imagination, beyond which lies ones fullest potential.  After all, I had years of successful business experience, a deep understanding of how organizations function, a unique gift for creativity, and a passion for helping people.  Seemed like a perfect way to pursue my passion, and an ideal use of my gifts, talents, and experiences.

Qualifications and Credentials: Despite all that what I really lacked was some expertise and training in how to coach.  So, through a graduate program provided by The University of Texas at Dallas School of Management I earned a graduate certificate in executive and professional coaching through which I became certified with the International Coach Federation by completing their credentialing requirements.

The Rest of My Story: I’ve been blessed with a great life.  In 1971 I met and married Tee, the love of my life.  Married now for 39 years we are the proud parents to two wonderful sons who brought into our family the two loveliest daughters-in-law anyone could ever ask for, who in turn have blessed us with two beautiful granddaughters. 

Tee and I maintain a special fondness for our rural West Texas roots where we frequently return and operate a small cattle ranch near the vicinity where we were raised.  We both love the outdoors, jogging, biking, and hiking - and make occasional excursions to Colorado and Montana for a little fly-fishing.  We love to travel and are voracious readers.  I am also author of a weekly inspirational newsletter called Abundant Living published each Monday morning to which I invite you to subscribe or find posted on this website.

So that’s my story in a nutshell except for a few other tidbits listed below including some causes to which I devote my time.

Boards, Associations, Education:

• Member:  International Coach Federation
• Member:  International Coach Federation, North Texas Chapter
• Board of Directors:  International Coach Federation, North Texas Chapter
• Board of Trustees:  The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee
• Board of Trustees:  Charis Hills, Inc., providing Christian camping programs for severely learning disabled children
• Board of Trustees:  The Episcopal Foundation of Dallas
• Former Board Member:  Canterbury Episcopal Preparatory School, DeSoto, Texas
• Former Board Member:  Municipal Advisory Council of Texas
• BBA in Finance, The University of Texas at Austin
• Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching, The University of Texas at Dallas