Coaching is a unique type of conversation that supports you in becoming unstuck, re-tooled, and re-inspired.

Whether you're writing a novel or leading a department, uncertainty, setbacks, missteps, and resistance turn out to be allies that illuminate the way forward. As Seth Godin puts it, "Of course there's no manual, no proven best practices, no established rulebook. The very nature of innovation is to act as if—to act as if you're on to something, as if it's going to work, as if you have a right to be here. Along the way, you can discover what doesn't work on your way to finding out what does."

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1:1 Coaching for Writing and Leadership

I'm an ICF-trained coach, long-time educator, higher ed administrator (CU-Boulder & POD Network), writer/author, and Zen teacher. My books include Meaningful Grading: a Guide for Faculty in the Arts; No Better Place: a New Zen Primer; and the poetry collection paleos. I've also published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in assorted literary and academic journals. I have worked as an acquisition editor for the NEA (National Education Association), and have been writing a weekly newsletter, Zen Sun Weekly, since 2020.

My latest book (2024) is The Zen of IT, co-authored with Renato Bellu (Microsoft Dynamics 365 For Dummies) and Andy Cheng (Principal, PwC).

Current fee is $85/session.
Note: electronic payment for coaching is currently available only by PayPal.

Testimonials
"As a writer, I cannot recommend Hoag highly enough. His coaching style allows for growth, space, and structure. What an effective structure. Having been coached by Hoag for over a year, he consistently helps me think through educational, personal, and professional writing projects. His deep understanding of meditation and mindfulness practice creates an atmosphere of steady confidence and calm. Thanks, Hoag!"
—Brenda Lovegrove Lepisto, PsyD, LP, FACH, co-author of Smith's Patient-Centered Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Method

“I have so much gratitude and deep appreciation for the coaching sessions I have with Hoag. His presence inspires trust in me and I feel that he cares. During our sessions he is an attentive listener and asks thoughtful questions; beyond our sessions he shares resources that I find useful and provides accountability check-ins. He helps me think more expansively."
—Electra Eleftheriadou, PhD, Educational Consultant, and Equity and Inclusion Facilitator

"I reached out to Hoag during a crossroads in my career. He helped me think through my possible paths forward and ultimately led me through the process of making a big decision, which proved to be the right one. Hoag asks powerful questions and was especially skilled in helping me think through the job application process, job interview questions, and first steps after starting a new position. I can't recommend him enough."
—Mark Pleiss, author of the short story collection April Warnings, & Director, Simpson College Teaching and Learning Center

"I decided to work with Hoag after being an avid follower of his newsletter, Zen Sun Weekly. His writing, brimming with wisdom of Zen philosophy, resonated with me so much that I knew I wanted to work with him specifically. The space that Hoag held for me during our sessions allowed me to open to exciting new ideas for my business and my life. There is a clarity he brings to his work that I believe can benefit anyone looking to make meaningful changes."
—Jonathan Mathew, Health Coach & Mindfulness Teacher, Recenter Health

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1:1 Coaching for Writing and Leadership