Meet Jordan White | (Self) Leadership Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There was always an inner voice telling me I’d start my own business one day. I remember when I was much younger and did the door-to-door thing asking if my neighbors would like their lawns mowed in the summer and their snow removed in the winter. It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time to go up to (at first) strangers and ask them for their business. My measurement of success at that time was whether or not I was asked to come back the following week or two to mow or during the next snowstorm to shovel. If they asked me to come back, it was safe to say they were happy with the work! If they didn’t, I would ask for feedback to continue getting better.

During my time as a corporate leader, I realized how much I looked forward to and enjoyed the one-on-one time I had with my team members. Seeing what would happen by simply being present, engaged, and compassionately curious with people was rewarding. I eventually realized that these one-on-one meetings were the gateway to becoming a coach – it was what I was naturally doing!

As far as Jordan White Coaching goes, I was very inspired by the coach I hired and still work with today. I want to do for others what she has done for me in my unique way. The thought process was taking the clarity in purpose that my coach and I worked on discovering, combined with my passion for honoring and creating space for others to get from where they are to where they want to go and the entrepreneurial spirit within. The next logical step was starting the coaching business!

What should our readers know about your business?
There are a lot of “coaches” out there and many perspectives on what coaching is. It’s important (for me personally) to adhere to and uphold the International Coaching Federation (ICF) standards. I am certified as an Associated Certified Coach (ACC) through the ICF. ACC credential-holders are trained (60+ hours) and experienced (100+ coaching hours) coaches. Earning this credential means that I have demonstrated knowledge and emerging proficiency in applying the ICF Core Competencies, Code of Ethics, and definition of coaching. It also means I have shown a commitment to high ethical standards and have demonstrated, through a rigorous assessment, professional competence in my work with clients. I am also certified in Axiogenics®, MBTI®, and Emotional Intelligence (EQ).

As a (self) leadership coach, I believe that the best leaders know how to lead themselves well. I also believe that we all are leaders in some way, shape, or form, regardless of our “title” or ranking. Are you a parent? A friend to others? A family member? Are you somehow involved in your community? We all have the opportunity to be leaders because we all have the chance to influence others, which is fundamental to effective leadership. Ultimately, the quality of your life depends on how you lead yourself! I help people find their unique path to leading themselves as effectively as possible so they can influence what happens around them, whether at home, the office, or anywhere else that matters to them. The inside-out approach is powerful. Many of us want the world to change to align with our view instead of engaging in our inner world, finding more clarity in the life we want to create, and using our innate gifts to make it a reality and create more value in the world while doing so.

I have to mention the book, Quiet by Susan Cain. Her book and Ted Talk helped me step into a new level of self-acceptance regarding my introversion. It was difficult growing up an introvert in an extroverted world. I constantly thought something was wrong with me, that I had to go against what felt natural to me to fit in and ultimately be someone I wasn’t to be successful in life.

Embracing my introversion and the other associated attributes, such as creating and maintaining harmony and exploring ideas and possibilities with compassion aligned with others’ value systems, are unique traits that I bring to my coaching. These are the gifts I use to create a safe space for clients to explore, discover, and self-generate transformational change and begin to see what else might be possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It depends on the time of year! A show at Red Rocks during the warmer seasons would definitely be on the list. Some of my wife and I’s favorite restaurants are Bar Dough in the Highlands, Work and Class and Mister Oso in Rhino, Guard & Grace downtown, and Dos Santos in City Park West. We love Weathervane and Fluid for coffee to get the day started!

No matter the time of the year, we love going up to the mountains. Some of our favorite places to visit are Vail and Breckenridge. If we had the time, we would see if we could catch a show at Belly Up in Aspen!

Ultimately, it would be up to the guest and what they wanted to do during their time in Colorado. Everyone is different, so the main goal would be to be flexible, adaptable, and accommodating to them!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A few people come to mind! First and foremost, my wife has been the biggest cheerleader and continues to be an incredible supporter throughout this pursuit. Her belief in me and her encouragement has kept me going during the hard times and have made the successful times that much better. I love you!

My boss and mentor in the corporate space have had a massive positive influence on my life. I am grateful for her seeing and appreciating me for who I am and providing me with the opportunities to grow as a leader and, ultimately, a person.

My coach has impacted my life in ways I never knew was possible. Her coaching, mentorship, guidance, and care have been pivotal in my getting to where I am today. I thank her as much as possible when the timing is right to be able to genuinely and authentically express the overwhelming amount of gratitude I have for her.

It’s important also to mention the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Colorado chapter and the amazing support the organization and the individuals within have provided. I feel lucky to learn with and from such a special group of people who truly embody the power of coaching!

I am so grateful for the many other friends, family members, colleagues, and mentors who have encouraged me to pursue this calling. Your support means the world to me!

I may or may not have a small problem with accumulating books (support your local bookstore!). Some of my absolute favorites that have had a huge impact are: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Presence-Based Coaching by Doug Silsbee, The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, Dare to Lead by Brene Brown, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, The Portable Coach by Thomas Leonard, and Quiet by Susan Cain.

Website: www.jordanwhitecoaching.com

Instagram: @jordanwhitecoaching

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-white-coach

Facebook: Jordan White Coaching

Image Credits
Jessica Luann – Colorado Photographer