Stravaigin (Noun): An Old Scots word which means to wander aimlessly but with intent across the land. Analagous to life’s journey where the destination is not always achieved by the most direct route.

Who am I?

Military Combat Pilot

I spent 23 years as an Air Force pilot and senior officer, leading both combat and humanitarian missions across the globe. Throughout my time in service, I experienced the profound satisfaction that comes with mission success—moments when everything aligned perfectly and objectives were met. However, my journey was not without its challenges. Along the way, I faced professional setbacks, crises of confidence, personal loss, and even a mental health crisis that tested my resilience. These experiences shaped me, and it was through navigating these difficult moments that I came to realize a powerful truth: humans are much like sedimentary rocks. We are formed by the experiences we live through and continuously molded by the erosive forces of life—each challenge, each triumph, leaving its mark, building us into who we are.

This perspective lies at the core of my coaching philosophy. I believe that no two people are the same—each of us is shaped by different experiences, and each of us responds in a unique way when faced with challenges. Just as the geological forces that shape rocks are varied and complex, so too are the experiences that shape us as individuals. We all have our own path to stravaig, a unique journey full of twists, turns, and obstacles, and I’m here to help guide you on yours.

Throughout my military career, I mentored and led individuals, high-performing teams, and large multinational operations, driving them to achieve exceptional mission success against significant odds. These experiences taught me the value of leadership, resilience, and the power of unwavering commitment, and now I bring this expertise to coaching and mentoring in the civilian world. Whether you're striving to overcome personal obstacles, improve your leadership abilities, or navigate the complexities of life, I am here to support you in achieving success—no matter how great or small the challenges you face. Together, we will embrace your unique path, build on your strengths, and equip you to handle whatever life throws your way.

Student

I was selected by the Air Force’s Chief of Staff to pursue a Master of Arts focused on military culture, leadership, and the impact of evolving technology on modern operations. Building on this, I completed a Master of Science in Leadership and Management, concentrating on remote leadership styles during the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing these rigorous academic programs with my military responsibilities keenly sharpened my perspective on life and sparked a passion for understanding how our world is interconnected and how we fit within it. As a deep thinker on the human experience, I look forward to connecting with you and gaining insight into your unique perspective as we explore new ways to grow and navigate life’s challenges together.

Father

The hardest challenge I’ve ever faced is the "no-fail mission" of being a father to twin daughters. While managing ambiguity on a battlefield is demanding, trying to remember— or more often, guessing—whose turn it is to pick the Friday night movie can quickly escalate into full-blown twin thermonuclear warfare. I deeply understand how overwhelming modern life can be, especially when we try to balance the competing expectations we set for ourselves as parents, partners, colleagues, leaders, or simply as members of society. The pressure to excel in each of these roles can feel endless and exhausting.

That’s where I come in. I’m here to help you cut through the noise, navigate the challenges, and prioritize what truly matters. Together, we can find clarity in the chaos and develop the strategies to not only manage your responsibilities but to thrive in all aspects of life. Life’s obstacles don’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mindset and approach, you can tackle them with confidence, purpose, and resilience. Let’s work together to create a path forward that’s not only manageable, but meaningful.