Training & Workshop FAQs
What skills do you teach?
Our workshops focus on practical skills like navigating change, building inclusive teams, and improving collaboration. We practice these through experiential activities that blend adult learning principles, improvisational techniques, and evidence-based leadership principles.
How is your training different from other trainings?
Two words: active learning. Instead of long, boring lectures or PowerPoint, expect engaging activities, practical application, and yes… hopefully some smiling and laughter. We base our teaching on adult learning theory (see How We Learn)—creating space to experiment and learn from each other.
Do you offer offsites or retreats?
Absolutely! We love designing immersive experiences that help teams connect and grow together. Whether it's a half-day workshop or a multi-day retreat, we'll co-create an experience with you that meets your goals and energizes your team.
What’s the ideal group size for your workshops?
For most interactive workshops, 8-24 participants create a nice balance of individual attention and group dynamics. That said, we can adapt activities for both smaller teams and larger groups. We’ve done programs with 3 people… and programs with 250+ people!
Coaching FAQs
What can I expect in our coaching partnership?
Think of it as having a thinking partner who's invested in your growth and success. We'll work together to clarify some goals, explore challenges, and identify practical strategies that align with your strengths.
Do I need to be an executive to benefit from coaching?
Not at all! First of all, leadership is not about the title. Leadership happens at every level, and coaching can benefit anyone looking to grow their impact and effectiveness. Whether you're formally leading a team, aspiring to lead, or simply wanting to show up more effectively in your work, coaching can help.
How do I know if I’m ready for coaching?
If you're curious about growing your leadership capacity and open to exploring new perspectives, you're ready. The key ingredients are a willingness to reflect, openness to feedback, and a commitment to trying new approaches.
What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?
While therapy typically focuses on healing and processing past experiences, coaching focuses on present challenges and future goals. As a coach with a background in counseling psychology, I understand these important boundaries and maintain a clear focus on your professional development and leadership effectiveness. (If therapeutic support would be more beneficial, I'm happy to provide referrals to licensed mental health professionals.)
Consulting FAQs
What industries do you work with?
We work across sectors, including education, corporate, and non-profit organizations. The common thread? A desire to create more connected, adaptive, and inclusive workplace cultures. Organizations I’ve worked with—both independently and through previous consulting roles—include Meta, Owens Corning, Thermo Fisher, Blizzard Games, United Nations Development Programme, University of Washington School of Education, and the University of Oregon School of Law.
How long does a typical consulting engagement last?
It varies based on your goals, but most engagements run 3-6 months to allow for meaningful change and integration. We'll create a clear timeline and deliverables at the start of our work together.
What’s your approach to measuring success?
Success looks different for every organization, so we'll define metrics together at the start of our engagement. While clients often track tangible outcomes like improved team performance and program impact, we’ll also want to pay attention to the quality of conversations, shifts in team dynamics, and how people show up differently for each other. The most meaningful changes often don’t show up in pure numbers… but in stories shared.
Investment FAQs
What’s this going to cost?
Great question—and maybe it was your first. Frankly, the investment varies based on your needs and organization type, with different tiers for non-profits, educational institutions, small businesses, and corporations. Fees typically incorporate coordination, preparation, administration, and facilitation/presentation. While we're happy to share details during our consultation, here's what we can promise: we'll create something that fits your budget and delivers real value. (And no, you won't need a giant bake sale to afford it.)
How do you determine pricing?
Your investment reflects the full scope of creating impactful learning experiences. This includes program design and customization, materials development, actual delivery time, and administrative coordination. For in-person engagements, we also factor in travel considerations. We believe in being transparent about these components while creating solutions that match both your goals and budget.
Do you offer different rates for different organizations?
Transparently… yes. We maintain different pricing tiers for non-profits, educational institutions, small businesses, and corporations. This reflects a commitment to making leadership development accessible while recognizing different organizational resources. We believe that transformative leadership learning shouldn't be limited by resources—it should be available to those doing important work in all sectors.
Working Together
Are your programs virtual or in-person?
Yes! We offer both virtual and in-person options, and we can design hybrid experiences that work for distributed teams. Each format has its unique advantages, and we can help you choose what works best for your needs.
Where are you based, and do you travel?
We’re currently based in New Orleans, but we work with clients across the country and internationally. We’re happy to travel for workshops, retreats, and consulting engagements that benefit from in-person connections.
How do we get started?
Let's begin with a conversation! We can schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your goals, explore how we might work together, and determine if we might be a good fit. From there, we can draft a proposal based on your specific needs and timeline.
Fun Stuff
About Chris
Who inspires you and why?
My late grandfather, Alfred Vela (“Papi”) was an inspiration. His generosity and selflessness were unmatched. He’d call on my birthday, leave a voicemail, and radiate joy at hearing my voice on the recorded message. He exemplified the qualities of a patient, caring, and wise elder. (I still have his Blockbuster membership card!)
Do you have an energizing playlist I can use?
Yes! For public settings, I recommend music that appeals to a broad listener profile—what I like to call All Play. This means variety within popular, familiar ranges… with maybe a few occasional surprises here and there. Think Lizzo's "Stayin' Alive" cover for high energy… "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang to close out a big project… or "24k Magic" by Bruno Mars to get everyone's hands in the air. (Looking for something more inspirational? Check out my curated leadership playlist.)"
Most memorable costume you’ve run in?
The banana suit marathon (2003 San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon… a promo stunt for Jamba Juice) was epic, but running while pushing a 30lb speaker playing motivational music might top it (2018 Eugene Marathon). Nothing builds community quite like sharing a playlist with every runner within earshot!
Favorite coffee shop in New Orleans?
French Truck Coffee is a go-to spot for mochas and impromptu meetings. There's something about their bright yellow cups that start the day with a bit of warm sunshine!
Best leadership lesson from performing in a parade?
Sometimes the most profound insights come from embracing the absurd. A brief stint as a parade performer at Disneyland taught me more about presence, commitment, teamwork, and bringing joy to others than any leadership book ever could.
