Long before I worked with leadership teams, I learned one of the most important lessons of my career because I wanted to fly hang gliders.
At the time, I was surrounded by experienced male pilots. Their advice was well intentioned, but discouraging. I heard stories about people getting hurt, even killed. I was told women often weren’t strong enough, and that many people simply didn’t make it. The message was clear: I was trying to do something most people didn’t think a woman could do.
But I really wanted to fly.
So instead of trying to match strength with strength, I looked for a different approach. I learned to rely on my customized technique, careful timing, and finesse rather than brut force. Eventually I discovered something even more important.
You don’t fight the air. You use it to find the lift. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career.
The biggest leadership challenges are rarely solved by pushing harder. More often, they’re solved by stepping back, looking at the situation differently, and finding another way forward.
Leadership Built Through Experience
That mindset has guided me through every stage of my career—from commercial banking and executive leadership to organizational consulting, leadership development, and serving as Governor of Rotary District 5110 in Oregon.
Across every role, I’ve noticed the same pattern. Most organizations don’t struggle because their leaders lack commitment or good ideas. More often, they’re trying to carry too much themselves.
Sometimes the smartest solution isn’t to work harder. It’s to bring in another perspective, another set of experienced hands, and another source of leadership when it matters most.
That’s the role I’ve chosen to play.
How I Show Up
Every organization is different, but my approach is consistent. I listen first. I earn trust.
I look for practical solutions rather than perfect ones. And I work alongside leaders to help move important work forward.
What Clients Value
Clients often describe my work as:
- A stabilizing leadership presence
- A trusted and confidential sounding board
- Clarity during complex decisions
- Support navigating interpersonal challenges
You speak from experience. Your enthusiasm and knowledge gave us tools we could use immediately.
Bob Masterson, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Experience Across Industries
Over the years I’ve worked with businesses, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, manufacturers, public agencies, and community organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Here are a few:
- Georgia-Pacific
- Chinook Winds Casino
- OSU Federal Credit Union
- Sonitrol – Pacific West Security
- MultiCare
- Lincoln County School District
- Providence Alaska Medical Center
- Central Lincoln PUD
- League of Oregon Cities
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! International
- Best Roofing Company
- Mo’s Restaurants
Leadership In Action
Serving as the Governor of Rotary District 5110 last year gave me the opportunity to support leaders across 69 clubs in Oregon and Northern California.
It reinforced something I’ve believed for years. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about helping people move forward together—even when resources are stretched, priorities compete, and the path isn’t obvious.
Why “Find the Lift”
People sometimes ask why hang gliding became the symbol for Leader Support Service. The answer is simple.
Flying taught me that you don’t waste energy fighting turbulence. You learn to recognize where the lift is—and use it to move forward.
Organizations are no different. Even during growth, uncertainty, or change, there is usually opportunity waiting to be discovered. Sometimes it simply takes another perspective to find it.
That is still the philosophy that guides my work today.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Every organization faces times when leadership capacity is stretched.
If you’re wondering whether an experienced Leadership Catalyst could help move an important priority forward, I’d enjoy the opportunity to talk.