Chris Esparza
Co-Founder & Principal
Uncertainty is a constant. Leaders and teams sometimes struggle to navigate change, connect meaningfully, and act creatively in that uncertainty. There may not be clear answers for what’s ahead—but we can learn how to navigate unknowns together—with courage and creativity.
If you’re looking for partners who believe leadership is about connection, growth, and bringing about the best in everyone—you’ve come to the right place.
We’re guided by three core principles:
Attention and listening are superpowers. When we listen like it matters—finely tuning in to others and our environment—we discover possibilities that were always there, waiting to be noticed.
Connection is where the magic happens. Leadership isn't a solo sport; it’s a dance that lives in our relationships, conversations, and those wonderful "aha!" moments we co-create together.
Improvisation is the rhythm and flow. Think of it as jazz—we might not know what the next measure brings, but with the right mindset and skills, we can spark something awesome together.
The name CO Create reflects our belief that leadership emerges through collaboration. We partner with clients to create fresh opportunities for exploration and growth—think of them as laboratories for positive change.
NOTE: You'll notice we use WE throughout—that's intentional. CO Create was born from partnership, is sustained by brilliant collaborators, and comes alive through our work together with clients. While I (Chris) am your primary point of contact, this work has always been, and will always be, about creating something greater than any one person.
Chris’ Core Values
Wisdom
Wisdom lives in unexpected places—in our stories, struggles, and collective experiences. It's about being curious enough to learn from every conversation and humble enough to be surprised. When we approach leadership this way, we discover insights beyond any textbook.
Empathy
Leadership without empathy fails at its core. Creating excellence requires bringing our full humanity to the work—building spaces where people feel truly heard and valued. It's about supporting each other through uncertainty and celebrating progress. Care isn't just nice to have—it's essential for sustainable success.
Play
Somewhere along the way, we decided serious work can’t be playful. We disagree! Play is how we experiment, iterate, and find creative solutions to tough challenges. It’s about brindging curiosity and joy to our work—not just being silly (though costumes and parades can be fun!). When we play with challenges instead of fearing them, amazing things open up.
About Chris
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I am a leadership educator and facilitator who helps individuals, teams, and organizations build connection and community to respond creatively to new situations. As the grandson of Mexican immigrants, I understand deeply how being seen and heard shapes our understanding of what’s possible. My experience reinforces a core belief: that wisdom emerges from diverse voices and perspectives in the room. With 20+ years of professional experience spanning higher education, leadership development, cultural competency, and organizational training, I bring a unique blend of psychology, adult learning, leadership theory, inclusive practice, and improvisation to my work. I am currently based in New Orleans and originally from Los Angeles.
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Co-designed and co-facilitated an award-winning, yearlong university leadership academy for faculty & staff.
Facilitated day-long and week-long leadership programs for 25+ universities including Yale, USC, University of Washington, and Boston College in collaboration with Leadershape, Inc.
Led peer-reviewed presentations at numerous conferences, including the International Leadership Association, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National Association of Law Student Affairs Professionals, and others.
Designed and facilitated programs for a range of organizations, including PWC, Meta, Swift, Owens Corning, Thermo Fisher, and the United Nations Development Programme, both independently and in collaboration with past consulting roles.
Served 4 years as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the global Applied Improvisation Network.
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Served 3 years as VP for Leadership & Culture at Koppett, a business consulting and training group that blends learning with improvisation and storytelling to enhance team performance.
Served 3 years as Director for Diversity, Inclusion, and Leadership at the University of Oregon School of Law, coordinating diversity initiatives and leadership development for law students.
Served 7 years as Associate Director at the UO’s Holden Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, coordinating and facilitating transformative learning programs across campus.
Spent 10 years as a counseling psychologist working to bridge an understanding of human development and growth with individuals, groups, and teams.
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B.A. in Psychology from Stanford University, with a concentration in health and development
M.A. in Counseling Psychology from UC Santa Barbara, with a concentration in multicultural career counseling
Ph.D. coursework & accredited internship in counseling psychology, focusing on cross-cultural issues, supervision, & career development
Certification in LEGO® Serious Play® Method
Certification as a Gallup Strengths Coach
Certification in Wisnio Talent Analytics Platform
Certification in Mindful Facilitation
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An unexpected hobby: running—and somehow it’s gone long enough to include multiple marathons (!) … but, please understand I’m not very fast
Most memorable race: running a full marathon in a banana suit and another pushing a 30lb speaker on a baby jogger
Former Disneyland parade performer
Former nanny and a former volunteer firefighter (both at the same time)
Future retirement ambitions: dj’ing and surfing
MORE QUESTIONS?
We have an FAQ page for common questions and an emerging Resource page.
Or, if you just want to talk through your situations and needs… let’s chat!