University of Wellness

During the summer of 2019, my life was a manifestation of my most profound desires. I had recently completed a business plan for a $55 million athletic center in my town. "The University of Wellness," my brainchild, was thriving, with students and graduates from ten countries. Not only had I spoken on a Broadway stage, but I had also been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Huffington Post, and MBG. In spite of these achievements, I was at a loss and began to doubt the goals I had put so much effort into achieving. My career was centered around a coaching certification program that was thriving beyond my expectations. Daily, new students enrolled, and grateful emails flooded my inbox. However, the coaching industry was evolving in ways that conflicted with my values. The rise of coaches promoting superficial success and material wealth over genuine skill and integrity deeply troubled me. This change in the coaching landscape—which prioritizes financial appeal over real coaching—brought me to a turning point...I made a radical decision in response to my growing disillusionment. I ceased my writing, shut down the coaching certification, and embarked on a quest for deeper meaning. I was determined not to let my passion for coaching be eclipsed by financial gain. With the onset of the pandemic, this period of introspection became even more profound, prompting me to reevaluate and reconsider my professional path. During this time of reflection, I came across an opportunity that spoke to my inner calling: a doctorate in executive leadership. On my 40th birthday, I embarked on this academic journey, propelled by intuition and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. My doctoral research unveiled a thought-provoking correlation: the fundamental competencies that leaders of the future of leadership development will require were the very same principles that I had taught for more than a decade at my wellness education company. My research painted a clear picture: future leaders must be emotionally intelligent, compassionate, collaborative, and intuitive. Yoga and mindfulness, as well as coaching and counseling skills, were not just wellness tools but also essential leadership skills. This realization was a pivotal moment, signifying not an end but an evolution of my life's work. A New Role: Educator and Innovator In the midst of a global pandemic, I transformed into a behavior scientist, an emotional intelligence consultant, and, finally, a doctor of executive leadership with a specialization in organizational psychology and emotional intelligence over the last three years. I began my academic career as an adjunct professor of organizational leadership at West Virginia University and as Associate Faculty in the MBA program at the University of Arizona Global Campus, where I teach applied psychology. In addition, I have chaired the International Leadership Association’s leadership development committee for the past year. My research led to the creation of the BRAVE leadership model, encapsulating Balance, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Emotional intelligence—the cornerstones of future leadership. The Culmination: BRAVE X-EdTech Ecosystem. BRAVE X is made up of BRAVE Leadership School and The University of Wellness. Two brands I created. This marks the beginning of a new era where leadership and wellness converge, embodying the principles of BRAVE. The Emotional Intelligence Certification is the first offering under this new umbrella. Join us in this transformative journey where leadership is redefined through the lens of wellness, emotional intelligence, and authentic resilience. It’s more than a program; it’s a movement towards nurturing leaders who embody both professional excellence and personal integrity.