Stories

“The Exceptional Leaders Journey is like nothing else out there. This program focuses on you as a person not only as a leader but as a father, husband, son, brother, friend, just learning more about who you truly are uncovers so many things that are stepping stones for becoming the best version of yourself. One of the most unique features of the Journey is that John and Vanessa are going through the experience with you, they lead by doing every step of the way, amazing experience.

After completing the Journey myself my company has invested in the next two tiers of leadership to take the Exceptional Leaders Journey, with the belief that we will turn future leaders into great humans!”

Kevin Kain

President • DCI Group

“Since 2015, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation of approximately fifty of our people who have completed the Advanced Leadership Development program.   These talented people are healthier, happier, and more settled.  Their positive impact, on others, has reduced the amount of “sideways energy” inside our walls and fostered a culture of having each other’s backs.   The partnership between Exceptional Leaders and Baker Group has proven to be one of the best business decisions we have ever made.”

Gary Bridgewater

CEO • The Baker Group

“Three years ago, I was struggling to balance all my roles at work and home. I wanted to grow personally and connect with others to work through issues and find encouragement on my journey. The Leader’s Journey has brought self-discovery and a sense of peace to my life. I have found a group of leaders I can lean on and learn from. I better understand myself and have been introduced to tools that help me better understand those around me. I am more settled in my various roles because I have practices that help me find peace and renewal amid the busy-ness.

I am a healthier person, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and am better equipped to handle whatever life throws at me.”

Catherine Bloom

Chief Marketing Officer • Interstates

The concept of an Emerging Leaders Program was extremely important to our organization and from the start of the conversation Exceptional Leaders acted as a true partner and understood the vision for the program.   Their knowledge of and expertise in designing these types of experiences benefited us greatly as they listened and was able to meld our vision and also apply this knowledge to build a program that exceeded expectations.  The capstone of the development was a three-day kick off meeting in which both Donelle and Dwight facilitated multiple, impactful sessions to the seventeen first time attendees that resulted in full engagement by the group and provided the excitement and commitment that CFMA desired as a result of their involvement.

Brian Summers

Vice President of Operations • Construction Financial Management Association

“Working with Donelle, as a coach, has helped me to navigate the big decisions and sometimes professional challenges in my career. Leveraging a coach, like Donelle, can be an oasis in a crowd of confusion.  Taking the time to pause, reflect, isolate distractions, helped me to make the decision to leave one company and pursue another role which I have found has helped me to accomplish more professional and personal goals.  Coaching has been an asset to my career.”

Kerry Rouser

“It would be hard to overstate the impact that John and the Exceptional Leaders team have had on our company, our employees and me personally. Almost every area of my growth and maturity as a leader can be tied back to John and his coaching, mentoring, training, and friendship. I can think of no other person who models being inwardly sound and others focused more than John Ott. Thank you Exceptional Leaders for investing so much in our development and success.”

Jason R. Etheridge

President • Logicspeak

“It is safe to say that I would not be the executive I am today without the support, counsel, and friendship that I have received from Exceptional Leaders. Through their thoughtful approach they have given me skills and practices that allow me to show up ready to support my Company, but more importantly my colleagues and direct reports. The biggest thing that working with Exceptional Leaders has given me is the confidence and support to be the leader that was always in me but I was unsure how to unlock.”

Tom Burke

CFO • ButcherBox