Tell us a little about your business. – I am a contracted coach with Leadership Harbor, a leadership development and coaching organization based in Lincoln. We help individuals, teams and organizations grow personally and professionally through coaching, training and leadership development. As a coach, I enjoy helping people gain greater clarity about what matters to them, develop the capacity they already possess, and identify what may be in the way. Ultimately, coaching is about helping people move forward intentionally rather than simply allowing life to happen.

How did you get started in the business? – Coaching was really a natural progression of things I had been doing throughout my life. My background is in education, leadership development, ministry and working with students xand adults to help them grow. Over the years, I found most meaningful wasn’t simply teaching people what to do—it was asking questions encouraging them to take the next step. That eventually led me to coaching and Leadership Harbor in 2022, where I found an opportunity to continue developing those skills while helping people become more intentional about their lives and leadership.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest challenge I’ve faced professionally has been choosing to live by my convictions. I challenge my clients to take the next step, move beyond their comfort zone and live intentionally.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – A turning point happened during the COVID shutdown. With life suddenly at a standstill, I had the opportunity to be the person I would be if I had no responsibilities. I spent almost every waking moment watching TV. One night, a thought occurred to me that this is where my life is heading. I didn’t like the person I was becoming. So I took the opportunity to reflect on my life and ask the diffi cult question: “Is this really how I want to use my life?” That season changed the way I think about stewardship. I began to recognize that my time, abilities, opportunities, relationships, and even the challenges I’ve experienced are things I’ve been entrusted with. I have a responsibility to develop them and use them well. While we can’t control everything that happens to us, we do have the responsibility and the ability to do what we want with what we’ve been given. That is why I am passionate about helping my clients take action from their core values and steward the life they have.

Who inspires you? – People who persevere when life seems to be stacked against them.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “The reality is that you will never get much done unless you go ahead and do it before you are ready.” – John C Maxwell.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Standing Outside The Fire” by Garth Brook. I particularly connect with the line, “Life is not tried, it is merely survived if you’re standing outside the fire.”

What local nonprofi t organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am passionate about SkillsUSA, the number 1 skilled trades Career Technical Student Organization in the world.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I just finished Dirty Glory by Pete Greig which highlights the power of prayer and how the 24/7 prayer movement was built.

What is your favorite movie? – The Usual Suspects.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can connect with me on the coaching page at leadershipharbor.com/aaron.