Testimonials

Before we started working together,

I was preparing to take the next step in my career and knew I needed to develop a clear leadership philosophy. I had a lot of ideas about what kind of coach I wanted to be, but I struggled to organize them into something cohesive and actionable. It felt like I had all the pieces but not the structure to bring them together.

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Ian was tremendous in helping me develop my leadership philosophy and guiding me to become the kind of leader my team deserves.

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He challenged me to think deeply about what I believe as a leader and how that translates into daily habits, team standards, and culture. There were several moments there things really clicked—especially...

Before we started working together, 

I struggled with my administration. They had questioned me on my practices and I had lost faith in their mentorship and leadership. It was evident in everything they did and didn't do. I was also reaching other programs in the Power 4 that I wanted to lead. The research was daunting and I didn't know how to narrow down what type of program I wanted based on my strengths and weaknesses.

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[Ian's] ability to listen and help [me] work through the struggles to discover solutions for [myself] was wildly beneficial. The ability to see what strengths could be engaged and be further strengthened as well as how to improve weaknesses through a forensic lens was very helpful.

Before we started working together, 

I led my teams with a direct, results-oriented approach, but my success came with a hidden cost: a total inability to slow down. We were hitting every milestone, yet there was never a moment to step back and recognize our achievements. I realized I was leading from a place of constant momentum rather than intentional perspective.

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Ian will draw you out of the 'goal-to-goal' grind and show you the power of a wider perspective. You don't just achieve more with coaching; you see more. It’s the difference between merely hitting targets and actually leading with vision.

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What sets Ian apart is that he doesn't just 'do' coaching; he lives the principles he teaches.

Before working with Ian,

I learned to lead at the U.S. Army Ranger School, the Army premier leadership laboratory, on a combat deployment, and from many leaders who dedicated their lives to serving others. I was confident in my ability to model the behaviors required for advancement in the Army, but I also knew that organizational leadership demanded a more deliberate and nuanced approach than direct leadership.

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I now have a much clearer understanding of the importance of superb leadership and the powerful combat multiplier it represents.

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Ian Palmer is a phenomenal leader whose style I now emulate...

Before we started working together, 

our organization was in transition and needed a clear team vision for the future. I was in a new leadership role in my career and had many ideas on how to drive success but none were properly synchronized toward one coherent goal.

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It was clear that Ian was the leader we needed. He quickly and effectively gave us purpose (Why), vision, operating principles (How) and objectives. This vision provided a positive and inclusive climate and helped me understand that everything we do must be oriented on a purpose.

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Ian has given me the tools to create and maintain a positive team oriented culture built on trust...

Before Working with Ian,

I knew the concept of work-life balance was important, but I struggled to put it into practice. It was easy to say, but I didn’t have a clear model for living it.

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[Ian] led by example and showed me that putting people first and
maintaining balance wasn’t just about feeling good, it was about building the foundation for real leadership. Moreover, he translated those principles into daily habits I could see, understand, and apply.

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He guides you in turning leadership ideals into consistent action. If you’re considering working with him, you have to stop thinking and start working.

Before we started working together,

I knew I would be leading a large organization with a complex mission. My focus was on creating a vision that I thought the team could rally around to deliver results. I relied on my past experiences to develop a plan that i thought would benefit all, from the individual to the collective level. However, the environment within which I would lead was much different than the one I had planned for.

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Ian challenged my assumptions about what it means to lead large organizations through challenging situations. My vision for organizational success would only work if ...​

Before we started working together,

I was at a crossroads, navigating the intense demands of my first major leadership role. While I had the drive, I hadn't yet turned my experiences into a sustainable leadership identity. Later, in more senior positions, I faced organizational complexities where the stakes were higher and the path forward was less clear. Without a consistent mentor, I likely would have left my profession years ago, feeling I had reached my limit.

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Ian’s influence was formative. He didn't just give me answers; he modeled what true leadership looks like. He challenged me to look past the immediate operational requirements and focus on the human element—teaching me that leadership isn't a series of tasks, but a deep commitment to the growth of others.