About

In his own words

While great leaders inspire me, I’m most impressed by people who do not have major power or limelight and yet choose to act courageously. I cheer for the underdog and appreciate the nonconformist who goes against the grain for a higher purpose. I’ve dedicated my career to studying and teaching about workplace courage – what it looks like, how it works, and why some people are able to demonstrate it more effectively than others.

I believe systemic change is impossible without individual change from top to bottom in organizations. That’s why I focus on helping people honestly examine themselves —what drives them and holds them back, and what skills must they develop and personal commitments must they make if things are going to be different. When research-based theories are applied through innovative experiential learning, people build confidence in their ability to say and do the right things despite risk. Choosing Courage represents nearly two decades of learning how to help people on this journey. I’ve pulled together some of the key ideas and insights I’ve developed in this website.

My wife Natalie and I live in Charlottesville, Virginia. We met in college at UW-Madison where I earned my BBA. She was my boss back then and she’s been my co-pilot in everything I’ve done since – including earning an MBA from the University of Minnesota, my MA and PhD at Harvard, and teaching at Penn State, Cornell, and now the University of Virginia. Our greatest achievement is the raising of two incredible young women – our daughters Laurel and Ellie.