I’ve been saying “okay, let’s figure out how to fix this” since I was 11.

I was always the person friends and family came to when they needed to vent. Even then, I wanted to find the solution instead of dwelling on what had gone wrong.

My first job, in high school, was as a server at a sports bar and family restaurant. I got promoted to bartender. I studied business administration and moved from restaurants into hotels, climbing the ladder through operations. Along the way, I earned an MBA.

Then I burned out.

I went back to what I’d always done: listening. I earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, focused on anxiety and stress management. That’s when I realized how much I loved bringing my two worlds together, helping leaders and their teams with both the operations and the human side.

That idea became DEMBO Inc., the agency I founded to deliver one-to-one coaching, workshops and consulting. Over 18+ years in the field, I’ve worked with people across industries, and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve built.

What I believe

An organization’s most important asset is its people. When they feel valued by their leaders and trusted with their abilities, they do their best work. It really is that simple, and it’s hard to do.

It starts with self-awareness. You need to know who you are, how you work and what kind of leader you are. Everything else builds on that.

Listen to me talk about it

• Workplace Warrior with Jordan GoldrichBuilding accountable leaders, bold problem solvers and exceptional service providers.
• The Proven Principles Hospitality PodcastEmotional leadership, self-awareness and the ROI of leadership training.
• CanvasRebel MagazineMy story, and what corporate America gets wrong about its people.