From Ashes Origin Story
Here's my story, and I can't wait to learn about yours
My name, "Popelka", translates to "Cinderella "- rising from the ashes. Born into a house of abuse and addiction, I was in constant trouble and barely graduated high school. I was on the road to nowhere.
Joining the Army probably saved my life, allowing me to unlearn early rules that were destructive. Army to night school, then college, all while serving, then to corporate America.
For years in corporate America and in the military, I was the "get it done” guy - I delivered. Long hours demonstrated my work ethic, and the promotions and bonuses came.
In 2011, I returned from a deployment in Afghanistan and to my dual career - both in the National Guard and leading an international 24x7 operation for a large corporation.
That's when big questions came:
Why must I choose between family and work?
Is this work why I’m here?
What do I really want to do?
For the next decade, I dove into these questions and I've helped others do the same.
The Intangibles
I build trust and rapport with others so we can get to the heart of the matter, whether that's one-on-one coaching or with groups.
These skills have been honed over decades of practical experience: coaching, mentoring, advising, facilitating, and direct leadership.
Whether major corporations, non-profits, warriors or workers, I provide leadership, structure, and coaching so people, teams, and organizations can realize new possibilities.
The Tangibles
Proven frameworks,, data-driven approach, connecting the dots and an unbiased perspective allows me to consistently deliver.
- Over $100M in expense reduction
- Created and implemented innovation program for Fortune 500 Company
- Routinely developed and executed strategy
Experiences
- Professional Coach and Advisor
- Director, Business Planning & Strategy
- Chief of Staff
- Vice President, Culture of Innovation
- Process Improvement Director
- Operations Director
- Risk Manager
- Numerous leadership roles over 20 years of military service