Zen-Based Coaching for Writing & Leadership (testimonials below)
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. —Seth Godin
Writing is leadership, and any leader's capacity to listen and innovate while inspiring and empowering others is intimately linked to their facility with language.
I offer individualized coaching grounded in International Coaching Federation (ICF) practices combined with Zen-based reflection and inquiry. This transformative approach fosters clarity of purpose, creative solutions, and deepened presence.
Still-Core Leadership Inventory - a four-week, guided leadership development immersion designed for thoughtful leaders who stand at an inflection point. It blends Zen-based contemplative practices, writing prompts, and established leadership models (Heifetz & Linsky, Goleman) to provide a grounded view of where your growth edge lies. $900
4-Week Writing Intensive (July 2025) - a fun, interactive, and productive month of focused writing where you'll partner with fellow writers to fine-tune your goals, create weekly accountability, and re-establish a sustainable writing routine. We'll meet for four 90-minute sessions and commit to producing a substantial number of pages. $120
1:1 Zen-Based Coaching for Troubled Times - How do we bear witness to the suffering of the world and not succumb to hopelessness? How can a spiritual practice (meditation, prayer) help recover meaning and purpose—and in turn allow us to be of service in dark times? $85/session
1:1 Coaching for Writers - individualized support for writers who want to strengthen their writing practice. I also offer in-depth manuscript critiques. $85/session
Email me directly to discuss any of the above. I'd love to connect!
About me: I'm an ICF-trained coach, long-time educator and organizational leader (CU-Boulder & POD Network), writer/author, and authorized Zen teacher. My books include Meaningful Grading: a Guide for Faculty in the Arts (West Virginia University Press); No Better Place: a New Zen Primer, and the poetry collection paleos, both from Middle Creek. I've also published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction in numerous literary and academic journals, including To Improve the Academy; National Teaching & Learning Forum; Gettysburg Review; Colorado Review; Denver Quarterly; Mid-American Review; and StoryQuarterly. 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, for a growing subscription base. My latest book (2024) is The Zen of IT: an Enlightened Approach to Business Software Implementation, co-authored with Renato Bellu (author of Microsoft Dynamics 365 For Dummies) and Andy Cheng (Principal, PwC).
Note: electronic payment for coaching is currently available only by PayPal.
Testimonials
"Working with Hoag was an absolute game-changer. His insightful (and fast) feedback not only strengthened my writing but also helped me to more clearly create the overall arc and purpose of the book that I was writing. Hoag has a gift for bringing out the best – he challenged me in ways that were encouraging and transformative. I’m happy to say that I have completed the second draft and it is in the hands of the publisher!" —Catherine Wehlburg, PhD, President, Athens State University, and author of Academic Master Planning, forthcoming from Springer
"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 highly recommend Hoag as a writing guide and meditation guide and teacher. I’ve known Hoag for years, sitting together in the same meditation retreats. More recently, I’ve attended a meditation & creativity retreat, as well as a half-day meditation retreat that was led by Hoag. What Hoag does is helpful and real. I’m inspired every time I work with him and attend one of his programs and retreats!" —Jason Polk, LCSW, LAC, Therapist and Owner of Colorado Relationship Recovery & Real Therapists Group
"Working with Hoag has been an invaluable part of my professional journey. During two pivotal transitions in my career, I turned to Hoag for coaching. He created a calm, supportive space that allowed me to step back and reflect on my goals. At the same time, he offered practical tools and encouragement that helped me move forward with clarity and confidence as I prepared for interviews and ultimately landed a job. Hoag’s presence is steady, wise, and kind—and I’m truly grateful for his guidance." —Lia Schraeder, PhD, Instructional Designer & Professional Development Specialist
“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