Hi again, this is an “about” page. I should mention I’ve never liked writing bios. We're not a static box, we're always changing. But, people read them! (I like reading them!)

So here goes…

I’m Derek. And I’m glad you’re here.

One thing I am is a coach, specializing in ADHD and breathwork. I’m also a dad, a son, a friend, a writer. Those are all nouns, and I’ve been many others over the years — consultant, student, marketer, salesman, skateboarder, meditator, failed startup founder, athlete, yogi, hiker.

But I'm more of a verb. Doing things, being human. That’s what I like to talk about here.

In the act of coaching, my greatest joy is seeing others rediscover a deeper inner knowing of their true nature. It’s like witnessing a rebirth, a coming alive. I watched this transformation happen in myself as I left my job in corporate consulting to be a stay at home dad, which eventually led to coaching.

But there were many other signposts along this journey, so let’s highlight a few…

🪧 As a kid growing up, I had an abundance of energy, always moving.

I fit the mold of your stereotypical ADHD boy, and as such, I started noticing all these signals from many around me to dial it back. Pump the brakes, kid. (But I had no brakes!) Those signals that started from the outside world, began growing internally.

Was I too intense? Why did I say that? Did I make them upset? What’s wrong with me?

Thankfully I had sports to channel that surplus energy and I was able to feel a sense of self that was validated and valued. But growing up, there were these two worlds, one where I could let my energy flow and another where I had to learn to hold it in. I became very skilled at being a chameleon, trying to match my actions to others expectations.

Though I wasn’t consciously aware of it at the time, the reward system being programmed was to do what I’m supposed to and please others — and in sports, school, life in general, that was working. I would bust my tail and I would prove to others (and myself) that I was worthy.

🪧 After college, I moved to New York City. I felt alive with possibility, potential, excitement — I was consumed by the collective energy of the city and wanted to immerse myself in it.

I pursued a career in finance and after the first few years I knew it wasn’t for me. Consuming endless productivity books and listening to Tim Ferriss podcasts on 3x speed, I was convinced I could create my own path. I navigated the startup ecosystem for the next several years in various business development and consulting roles, and was always tinkering with side projects and business ideas.

Overall, those years were spent chasing what I thought I should be doing, and though at times I sensed things were off, I wasn’t able to be present enough with those signals to really listen. As an athlete I thought I was in tune with my body, but I’d later learn I was not even close.

I ignored the tension, the restlessness, and I just wanted more, oscillating between relentless pushing and burnout. I even started meditating, but only to unlock more productivity. Only later through years of consistent practice could I see the extra effort and hustle were only making it harder to find peace.

All along I was playing someone else’s game and masking to fit in. I was a chronic overthinker (byproduct of my ADHD hyperfocus on problems) and my favorite problem was this gap between wherever I was and being enough. Rumination became a default state.

🪧 The two major catalysts that sparked a change: becoming a dad and hiring a coach.

This page is dynamic and changing, and there’s more to the journey to share — but it’s currently under construction. Thanks for stopping by and check back soon!

Key Elements of My Coaching Approach:

• Meet where you are
• Build from foundation of strengths
• Establish a healthy baseline of the fundamentals
• Employ practical strategies for improving presence, productivity and time management
• Holistic lifestyle adjustments to support overall well-being

Combining evidence-based practices from neuroscience, breathwork, and performance psychology we’ll co-create personalized strategies to achieve your goals. I believe in the power of integrating mind and body techniques to achieve lasting change and improved well-being.