WHO I AM
I am a husband, father, leader, disciple, builder, athlete, advisor and Certified Executive Coach.
The WHY
Clayton Christensen wrote that, “if done well, management is among the most noble of professions”. I believe that. I started my first management gig at the age of 8, when I recruited a few of my friends to help me hoe weeds on the family farm for the summer and have been leading with the intent to build trust and to serve those I work with for a few decades, now. In that time I have been blessed to give to many people and received much in return. Success for me is the extent to which I influence and contribute to people and organisations with purpose. As a coach I am able to combine my unique experiences with a gift for connecting with others and connecting the dots. In the way I can help leaders to lead better and be better, coaching is an extension of that noble profession.
Coaching for me is a noble profession and it is more than that; Coaching is a calling.
“Gerrit has proven that he can do the hard work to propel businesses and teams - with an especially strong commitment to the human component.”
Interesting things about me
Grew up on a Bison Ranch (and now eat a plant-based diet).
Lost my leg when I fell off a tractor as a kid.
Spent 2 yrs after high school as a full-time volunteer teaching and serving people in Oakland, CA.
Started building a business out of a barn on my parents’ farm to help pay for university and turned it into a multi-million dollar organisation with award-winning culture and growth.
Have a degree in English Literature/Critical Theory and Political Science from the University of Alberta, Certification in Organisational Governance from the Alberta School of Business, Outward Mindset training from the Arbinger Institute and am a Certified Executive Coach through the Royal Roads University Graduate Program in Executive Coaching.
Decided once that I needed to snowboard more, so I started racing boardercross and within two years became a member of the National Paralympic team, the Canadian National Champion and was ranked #7 in the world on the World Cup Circuit.
Realised a few years ago that I needed to work on my connection to my family and the world around me, so we sold almost everything and moved to the eclectic mountain town of Nelson, BC.
Then we sold the rest of everything and converted a schoolbus into a tiny house on wheels. Exploring North America, living minimally and off-grid.
Now, I focus on bringing my experience and presence together in influencing leaders and contributing to growth-minded people and organisations from our home in Costa Rica
