I grew up on a 6th generation dairy farm in Western Wisconsin that is the home farm to all of my relatives in North America. My lifelong learning journey began when I was three years young, and when my brother started kindergarten is when I decided it was also time for me to go to "school" at Grandma's house. Every day I jumped on my bike and pedaled to Grandma's for my day at school. My days were filled writing 0's in my notebook with Grandma being my teacher. When my brother came home from school, that's when my "school day" ended and I jumped on my bike and rode across an old bridge to go home. My parents told me I would challenge them and test their limits by riding my bike to and from Grandma's across this old bridge.
At eight years young, I decided to join 4-H and start taking projects to the local county fair which also included our Holstein show heifers. I decided to put a halter on one of our heifers and drag her around the barn. I broke her to lead and took her to the county fair! Again, challenging my parents and testing their limits. Even when our veterinarian came to the dairy, I would rush outside to ask him questions and listen to what he was saying with rapt attention. Also, at eight years young, I wrote a note to myself saying I will be a CEO of a company, or start up my own company (little did I know)!
As the years progressed, I became quite active in 4-H and FFA serving as Vice President and President, having Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, and owning my own show cows. This is when I started to find a true passion for helping and coaching people, as well as public speaking. As a child, I was known to test and push the limits; challenge people, ask questions and listen and learn. I was actually a very quiet kid in school because I was listening and learning, and taking it all in. This carries into my adulthood and my career.
I’ve been where you are. I’ve lived the realities of building something from nothing, leading people, and navigating the pressure that comes with responsibility. I know what it feels like to be handed a set of keys, a phone, a laptop, and told, “Good luck — call if you need anything.” I built sales territories from zero to over a million dollars in a year. I’ve walked into dairies for cold calls and been asked to leave. I’ve stood in parlors at 2:00 AM running wash‑ups and analyses. I’ve led remote teams across time zones, countries, and cultures. I’ve written corporate strategy and worked with executives from small family businesses to large international organizations.
These experiences — combined with my graduate work, certifications, and research — shape how I show up for leaders today. I challenge you. I push you to think differently. I help you step out of your comfort zone and into your potential. I stand behind you as you grow, and beside you when you stumble. I give you tools, structure, and support so you can lead with clarity and confidence.
When clients describe me, they use words like empathetic, passionate, refreshing, understanding, curious, and a great listener. Because at the core, I’m people‑oriented. I believe leadership is human. And I believe leaders deserve someone who has walked the path, understands the pressure, and is committed to helping them rise.
