Joe McGovern
Mentor / Coach

Life is better when you understand it.

About me

I've been passionate about personal growth ever since I can remember first hearing the term. I've spent time in just about every discipline that promised the growth and development I was looking for - religion, therapy, self-help books and seminars, meditation, yoga, living simply… You name it; I've tried it. I've found wisdom in every discipline, and I'm grateful for everything I've learned in those various communities.

I've also found meaning in pursuing challenges. I played a year of professional soccer. I acted on the stage and on TV. I drove around the country filming my documentary The Other Side: a liberal democrat explores conservative America. I've run five marathons and an ultramarathon. I taught in the classroom and served as a vice principal. I led backpacking trips for troubled teens.

When it comes to coaching, I'm trained in the co-creative coaching model, and I spent about five years leading programs for a personal development company, but honestly, most of what I have to offer comes from the way I think, which is scientifically and logically. I'm as much an engineer as I am a coach. We humans are complex beings, but we still operate in a construct that obeys certain laws. I happen to be good at discerning those laws and helping people play with them.

Let's Talk

Summer Course:

Mission Control

Think of this as the “everything I wish I learned earlier in life” course. Designed for the young people in high school and college that you care for, the course will teach students how to create an effective “Mission Control” for themselves, so that they can manage the challenges that come with “coming of age.” Students will explore what it takes to create and maintain self awareness, acceptance, emotional resilience, discipline and self control. Identity, adversity, purpose and meaning.

Testimonials

“Asking the right questions in the right way is a fiendishly difficult task, yet Joe does exactly that, with comforting doses of wisdom and emotional intelligence. Joe has the rare ability to challenge without criticizing, to get beyond the superficial to the personal without violating any boundaries. Time spent with him coaching you leaves you asking empowering, growth-sparking questions both about and for yourself long after your sessions end.”

— Afam O.

“I’d been wrestling with the idea of writing my book for over a year. Joe helped me get in there, found the muse, and reconnect to what had me wanting to write in the first place. Since then I’ve written several pieces, including the beginning of what seems to be my book. Joe has an ability to help people overcome their limitations and, in some magical way, rediscover the best of themselves. I’m grateful I get to work with him.

—  Lola V.

“I knew I wanted to make some changes in my life, but I wasn’t quite sure of how to make them happen. I was stuck. Joe helped me brainstorm how I might transform these desired changes into reality. I was able to find the community I needed - exactly what Joe and I talked about. All the while, Joe's words of wisdom were ringing through my head. His advice is good as gold - I hope others appreciate his wisdom as much as I do!”

— Amanda J.

"It's not often you meet someone so curious about life, yet also so focused and present in each moment. Joe is one of those unique people whose feet are firmly planted down on achieving whatever goal is ahead, while having an uncanny ability to survey the horizon as well - open to whatever next challenge, adventure, opportunity, or joy awaits. Over the years, Joe has inspired me to dig deeper, dream bigger, and unlock more of life's wonders."