A trusted and transformative speaker who launches people and organizations to new levels of growth.

Over a 30-year career as an intelligence professional, writer, lawyer, and soldier, John has observed what sparks growth – and what prevents it.

This perspective led him to discover a new approach to development based on five specific traits the military builds in unique and surprisingly nuanced ways.  His approach does not require danger, leadership, or camouflage pants.  But it does require a willingness to shift how we see the world and our place in it.

John has been lauded as a “compelling presence” on stage whose “direct and clearly relevant” message has led to repeat invitations to share additional insights.  His book, How to Deal with Damn Near Anything – The Paratrooper’s Guide to Life, has been praised by reviewers as “fascinating,” “useful to anyone,” and “unexpectedly inspiring.”

A trusted and transformative speaker who launches people and organizations to new levels of growth.

Over a 30-year career as an intelligence professional, writer, lawyer, and soldier, John has observed what sparks growth – and what prevents it.

This perspective led him to discover a new approach to development based on five specific traits the military builds in unique and surprisingly nuanced ways.  His approach does not require danger, leadership, or camouflage pants.  But it does require a willingness to shift how we see the world and our place in it.

John has been lauded as a “compelling presence” on stage whose “direct and clearly relevant” message has led to repeat invitations to share additional insights.  His book, How to Deal with Damn Near Anything – The Paratrooper’s Guide to Life, has been praised by reviewers as “fascinating,” “useful to anyone,” and “unexpectedly inspiring.”

Attorney + Advisor

Graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, practiced at a non-profit advocacy firm and with the Department of Defense.

Continue to practice and to serve as a volunteer Hearing Committee member with the DC Bar Board on Professional Responsibility.

Specialize in investigations, whistleblowers, and due process.

Soldier

23+ combined years as enlisted (E4-E7), a Warrant Officer, and a Judge Advocate (O2-O4, current). Trained as a paratrooper, Arabic linguist, and in roughly a dozen other fields and significant duties.

Stationed in Italy, trained in Germany and Britain, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Proud to be part of the D.C. National Guard.

Writer + Adjunct

Speechwriter to a statewide elected official and to a university president. Video game journalist who interviewed several legendary industry figures and covered the U.S. debut of Pokémon. Columnist and reviewer. Author of How to Deal with Damn Near Anything - The Paratrooper’s Guide to Life.

Taught both MBA students and undergraduates in legal reasoning and related writing and analytical skills.

  • Betty-Anne Howard, CEO and Owner

  • Mark Riordan, Senior Vice President

  • Brian Hastert, Producer + Writer

  • Alaina King, Co-Founder & CEO