“Doug helps you open doors you never knew were there.”
—Patty Bouley, Soar Towards Mastery Participant

“When I started SOAR Towards Mastery I was just curious about the program and how Doug would run it. The topic of 'more balance' seemed at that time very important to me. Now, after having completed the program, I realize how much more profound the changes were that this program and Doug's coaching have brought to my life. Sure, I have achieved more balance and maintained it–but that was only the starting point for a journey that has brought me a much deeper understanding of my values and my intentions and an ability to raise the standard of my own behavior and expectations. I never felt as much in balance with my true self as now and I am deeply grateful for this experience.

“Doug led me through the program and at the same time through a period with the most tremendous change in my professional life that I ever experienced. This was one of the mysteries of the program–to find Doug as listener, supporter, challenger, and role model at a time when I was most receptive and open for change. His unconditionally constructive thinking allowed me to apply the principles of SOAR Towards Mastery in a way that touched not only my own life but also that of my family, friends and coworkers. The program is what it is because of Doug.”
—Margit Schwalbe-Fehl, Associate Vice President Industrial Quality and Compliance, Sanofi-Aventis

“From the first time I met Doug in May 1999, he asked questions that I had never before heard. This began a journey into a most remarkable discovery of my world and myself. With his thoughtful and compassionate guidance he helped me to:

• Expect more of myself and others
• Have direct conversations
• Set my boundaries
• Speak truthfully and from my heart
• Create more of my own solutions
• Stretch beyond my comfort zone
• Practice suspending judgment
• Step into my own light
• Find the learning from failures
• Appreciate the abundance of choice
• Understand the value of perspective
• To remember to laugh . . . and much more.

“Doug is the model of humility, thoughtfulness and honesty. He helped me embark on an exhilarating path of discovering my passion and myself. As the wind beneath my wings, he helped me to soar to places I had not ever dreamed possible. Doug touched my life deeply and powerfully. For this my gratitude is profound.”
—Grace Menzel, Personal Coach

“I have known Doug personally and professionally for 11 years. When I first met Doug, he was both instantly likeable and genuine—a teacher, mentor, confidant, and friend. The principled manner in which he conducts his personal and professional life has been an inspiration to me over the years. These qualities, coupled with his candor and an innate ability to help you focus and get to the heart of the matter, makes Doug ideally-suited to the coaching profession. As a natural progression of Doug’s coaching expertise and his own life’s journey, Doug’s SOAR Towards Mastery Program is both a sweeping, yet intensely personal experience—one that I, as an extremely satisfied participant, highly recommend to anyone who is interested in exploring the possibilities of his or her own unique journey called life.”
—Matt McGovern, Marketing & Web Development Consultant, Writer, Editor, and Small Business Owner, SOAR Towards Mastery Participant

“If you are seriously interested in making the transition to Mastery, this is definitely the one program and the one coach you should consider. Doug is a skilled and thoughtful listener who challenges and guides those he partners with to achieve the things they have only dared dream about.”
—Chrissy Carew, Master Certified Coach; Past Vice President, International Coach Federation

“ . . . When I was 53 and well into creating my own successful business as a private care manager working with the elderly, I began to struggle with a spiritual, emotional, and mental burnout and became more and more aware of the need to make definite changes for myself regarding my relationship with work. I wanted a more balanced life that had more space for my own soul and more time to be with the people I loved.

“It seemed that no matter what I tried and who advised me, nothing changed. I felt like I was in a deep, black hole. A friend had noticed an article in the Coronado newspaper including a photograph of other business owners who worked with Doug Leland and a written description of the mentoring/advising he provided and shared it with me.

“I began to work with Doug in early August 1999 and was committed to working twice a month for an hour each visit. It was the first time in my life that I felt a sense of 'hope' that I could actually have the life of my dreams. The feeling of 'hope' energized me just enough so that I was able to make some incremental changes. Our initial goal in working together was to find ways to 'create space' so I could rest and begin to plan and think in a more creative way. With Doug's assistance, I was able to hire a personal assistant and began to have another nurse take 'on call' for me. I experienced Doug to be completely 'present' for me during our meetings and equally as important, I also experienced his presence when I wasn't with him; knowing that he was part of my professional journey sustained my hope and kept me on track . . . 

“Because of my work with Doug, I have been able to recapture a dream that I had two years ago and misplaced because of all of the distractions in my life through my work. In September, I will be returning to school to become an Art Therapist. Giving birth to this wondrous creative energy within makes my heart sing, and I finally feel that I am now constructing a life of balance and of full expression of my authentic self. What an extraordinary opportunity I gave myself when I said yes to the commitment of working with Doug. I discovered and now am bringing into full expression the life of my dreams.”
—Carol Mills, RN, MA

“Doug and I met in May 1999 and have had a very wonderful collegial relationship since that time . . . In both our virtual and real time meetings, his contributions have been of the highest 'coachly' quality. Doug is bright, clear, direct, and sensitive. He embodies the highest values of coaching . . . Doug is head and shoulders above most [coaches] that I have experienced in my five years as a coach.”
—Harriet Simon Salinger, MCC, MSW, Master Certified Coach; Member, Certifying Board of Coach University; Member, Pyramid Resource Group, Inc.

“Doug is a sound voice of wisdom and reason, a gifted coach, and one who deliberately communicates his heart. Doug has become a leader in the coaching community, a standing that his innovative Mastery program reinforces. Doug has been part of The Coaches Resource Group for about [two] years. Doug coaches managers-in-training, executives, and leads workshops for The Coaches' Resource Group. His clients usually want more time with him than they contract for, an indication of his partnership with them. He is innovative and specific with his coaching models and [represents] the profession well.”
—DJ Mitsch, CMC, Master Certified Coach;  President, International Coach Federation; President, Pyramid Resource Group

“The opportunity to discuss work-related issues with you [Doug] as my coach increased my awareness of many things—that it is not possible to separate my personal self from my work self. Rather, I became a happier, more productive worker and supervisor when I utilized my personal strengths and characteristics. The individualized attention of the coaching relationship was a welcome respite from the over-rated (at least in my opinion) and typical focus on team-building. Thanks to my work with you [Doug], the time I spend at work is more energized and productive—and enjoyable. I hope that I will have the opportunity to work with you again.”
—Margaret Edel, PHD

“I began my coaching experience while still employed and used the experience to carve a role for myself that provided more satisfaction, better compensation, and more consistency with my value sets. Finding mentors internally within an organization is very difficult these days, so I decided to go external and guarantee that I could provide myself with a meaningful experience that was worth my investment of time and money. It worked! . . . beyond my expectations. Individuals who have known me have noticed a big difference in how I manage all day to day events and life in general. In fact, I can honestly say that business coaching really becomes life coaching as you continue the process. Best thing I ever did for myself. My Coach is Doug Leland . . . He is very easy to speak with and I would encourage you to contact him to explore whether [this type of partnership] is right for you.”
—Elizabeth E. Friberg, RN, MSN, PAHM

“Doug has always shown the highest care, concern, and sensitivity for his clients . . . I have always appreciated the extra mile he has been willing to walk for [his clients] and for me.”
—Laura Berman-Fortgang, Master Certified Coach; President, InterCoach, Inc.;  Featured Guest, Oprah Winfrey Show; Author, “Living Your Best Life“

“I will never forget my first phone conversation when Doug and I explored my expectations and goals. I wanted a woman who understood a fashion business and I also needed to implement some significant career changes fast. Instead, I embarked on a personal journey with someone who is very thoughtful, has a lot of common sense, and is devoted to living life to its fullest. I immediately took a liking to Doug. He is one of the most intelligent, trustworthy people with whom I have worked . . . Doug is a great listener and has the ability to question and synthesize a great deal of issues. Mostly, I have experienced growth, results, and personal change . . . “
—Patty Bouley, Director of Design

“I took a class of yours [Doug's] in Coronado last year . . . In those classes you suggested each week that I accomplish some task to further my development in getting through my problems . . . Each week you coached me to push towards something . . . Even the thought of it made me sure you had lost your noodle. But, as I envisioned you there with me throughout the next week, I [did what you suggested] and it felt great! It gave me the courage to try other things that would lead me where I needed to go . . . I feel like I'm on this great ride that God has put me on and I can't wait to see what happens next . . . So thanks again. You made the biggest difference in my life when I needed it most.”
—Vicki Russell, SOAR Worldwide Class Participant

“I am a better coach because of Doug. When talking with clients who are struggling with both personal and professional issues, I use so often the lessons I've learned from Doug as well as modeling the calm, strong, active listening approach he uses so effectively with me . . . I would highly recommend Doug Leland to anyone who wants to grow (which is always a little painful) with someone who can provide empathetic support and the wisdom of experience. What more could you want from a coach?

“Doug is centered, offering advice from his own truth, and is a real example of living an extraordinary life. You always know that when he makes a suggestion, it comes from a thoughtful, caring, honest place that is passionately in your best interest. His SOAR Towards Mastery program is a natural extension of who he is —a confidant and partner who supports you in discovering who you are.”
—Vicki Merrill, Executive Consultant; former healthcare CEO

“Thank you [Doug] for all of the help you have provided me in the last year and a half. Time continues to go by fast and I often don't slow down enough to say thank you (obviously one of the reasons I come to you). Thank you for helping me . . . see that life is not one accomplishment after another, always trying to get things done, but a journey that we are to experience in the moment . . . for learning to say No! . . . for seeing that life is all choices, and time and money can be generated by just changing your attitude . . . by helping my company make more money in the last two years that it did in the seven years prior to us meeting . . . Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”
—John Ovrom, President, OSSO Construction, Inc.

“ . . . I was feeling uncertain about my career and unfulfilled in my job. A friend recommended that I learn more about Doug Leland and the coaching services he provides through SOAR Worldwide . . . Working with Doug has been a watershed experience of empowerment and understanding for me.

“Doug is a careful, patient listener. His philosophy is that the person he is coaching has the answers—he just helps facilitate the discovery of those answers. I look forward to my weekly conversations with Doug because I know that he will take the time to understand what is going on before helping to suggest an action.

“Doug has a wealth of experience and shares it when appropriate. Nothing seems to surprise Doug—he seems to have an excellent grasp of organizational and relational challenges. He understands how to accomplish meaningful goals and how to work constructively with people.

“Doug is comfortable talking about a wide range of work issues as well as other personal issues, and is always constructive, positive, and sincere. I highly recommend Doug Leland to anyone in search of coaching or career guidance.”
—Nathan Grothe, International Operations Director, Ex Officio, Inc.

“As we move through this thing called life, we're sometimes fortunate to have the right person in the right place at the right time. Doug Leland couldn't have come into my life at a better time, nor do I believe anyone could have been as good a match.

“Doug did a great job of helping me realize that it is not selfish for one to want to take care of himself. Actually the exact opposite is true. This was a difficult lesson for me, but one that has made a tremendous difference in my life.

“Every so often, we come upon someone who is doing exactly what they were meant to do in this world. Doug is that person. He enjoys what he does and it shows. His enthusiasm for life is contagious. He lives what he preaches and that is that only by helping others do we ultimately get the help we need when we need it.”
—Bruce Sokol

“I have climbed further, faster, and more effortlessly with Doug as my coach than I ever dreamed possible. He opened the door to mastery for me. My life has been changed forever by accepting his invitation to cross the threshold.”
—Sue Fazo, Practice Team Leader, Towers Perrin Consulting