We are humans becoming.

I help people understand what they cannot see in themselves.

I guide my clients to find and live their purpose so they can conquer formerly insurmountable challenges.

Here’s How

Offering 1•to•1 coaching, small group, team, and nature based experiences, I lead with a philosophy of intuitive groundedness, the state of inner knowing and presence that enables direct access to your purpose and creative essence.

Intuitive groundedness allows us to operate most effectively toward our highest self.

My journey has been marked by a challenging path of self-discovery, encompassing elements of trauma, entrepreneurship, grief, loss, exploration, great love, failure, and resilience. Growing up in a loving yet dysfunctional, divorced, alcoholic family, I inherited a burdensome legacy of depression, guilt, shame, abandonment, people-pleasing, and low self-esteem.

From the tender age of 11, I sensed there must be a better way to navigate life, yet I lacked the guidance to find it. It wasn't until I experienced my first massive depressive breakdown in college that I sought assistance from therapists and counselors, embarking on a journey of self-improvement that has continued ever since. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to experiment, I endeavored to build a life grounded in purpose, passion, and joy, while learning to confront life's trials, heartaches, and fears without losing sight of myself.

However, the most profound heartbreak and transformation occurred three years ago when my beautiful wife Sara was lost to a devastating, cruel, and efficient cancer, claiming her life in just six months. Bereft of the woman I loved and vowed to cherish in sickness and in health, my world shattered into a million pieces. Plunged into profound grief and darkness, I sought healing and understanding through family, friends, and therapy ultimately embracing unconventional methods, including psychedelics, as a means to navigate my pain. Despite my initial fear, these experiences shattered the confines of my perception, allowing me to release pent-up emotions, find healing, and rediscover the beauty within myself and the world around me. They served as guiding lights along the arduous path of grief, leading me toward forgiveness, love and understanding, and a renewed engagement with life.

Seeing in people what
they cannot see in themselves.

I engage authentically to discover the paths that allow individuals and teams to rise, integrate, and come home.

My ability to allow, accept, and stay present helps to create a trusting, open, and vulnerable space for change.

I blend metaphors, dreams, and mindfulness, with practical cutting-edge science-based assessments, psychology and human-based development exploring Eastern and Western philosophies to explore and understand what it means to be human.

I work with Creative Challengers

Creative Challengers are authentic, vulnerable, and driven. They are honest with a zest for exploration, and lifelong learners at their core. Grounded, yet vulnerable, they are open to risk-taking and willing to explore the shadows of their own experience as well as humanity’s rougher edges.

They are aware of all of the resources available to them, and have experienced many traditional avenues - therapy, coaching, meditation, healing apps. Yet, they seek a more integrative experience, are willing to explore the unknown, be challenged and tested.

They want a trustworthy, empathetic, encouraging and safe guide in the good times and the rough. They are creative souls

Creative Challengers want to:

Abandon numbing behaviors, instead seeking to be in authentic relationships with themselves and others, exploring healthy conflict, tension, and resolution.
Reduce their anxiety (5% less every day)
Embrace change, manage difficult situations with grace and insight, and get the fullest expression out of themself and others.
Be seen and recognized for who they are.
Gain clarity and a roadmap to achieve their greatest dreams.

Background

Derek is an ICF-certified coach with nearly two decades of experience as a guide, mentor, and teacher. Drawing from a holistic and diverse background including consulting, entrepreneurship, and coaching, Derek empowers his clients to overcome once-insurmountable challenges.

With a foundation in both Eastern and Western philosophies, Derek blends metaphors, mindfulness, and dreams with cutting-edge science-based assessments and psychology. His approach explores what it truly means to be human, guiding clients to deeper self-understanding and growth.

Utilizing experiential, behavioral, neuroscience, and somatic-driven coaching models, Derek fosters clarity and awareness in his clients. He is renowned for his dynamic facilitation style, infusing sessions with energy and humor to teach and inspire leaders at every level.

Derek specializes in coaching individuals, groups, and teams, offering tailored 1:1 coaching, experiential nature retreats, as well as live and virtual group coaching programs. Through his transformative methods, he accelerates personal development and instills a passion for self-discovery and lifelong learning.

Derek is deeply curious about the Universe, nature, philosophy, consciousness, travel, culture, and how to elevate human potential. He currently lives in Frankfurt, Germany.