The Spark That Changed Everything

In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.
ABRAHAM MASLOW

In January 2009, I stood holding a plaque I hadn’t expected to receive: the “You Make the Difference Superstar Award” for outstanding service to the Texas Gulf Coast Business Unit at Quest Diagnostics.  At the time, I was a Training Specialist, focused on systems, curriculum, and delivery.  I wasn’t thinking about leadership development. Coaching was not on my radar.  Organizational development?  I didn't even know what that was.

But my boss, Barbara Nance, saw something I didn’t.

A couple of years before, I had successfully designed and launched a major training plan for Patient Services and she didn’t just thank me—she invited me into deeper waters.  Bigger projects.  More strategic roles.  She asked me to develop a frontline leadership development program.  And then she asked if I would be open to coaching a couple of frontline leaders. 

Now, let's be clear.  She 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥 if I would do these things.  I didn't have to.  They were well beyond the role and job description I held.  But like Maslow points out in our opening quote, I had two options.  I chose growth.  Barbara didn’t just delegate work; she invested in belief. 

And that belief changed everything.

What began as a successful training specialist role transformed into a calling.  I began to realize the power of supporting leaders directly—helping them develop their confidence, competence, and clarity.  I discovered my own purpose in helping others discover theirs.

Those early moments in developing leadership development curriculum and coaching set the trajectory for where I am now, partnering with leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world.  It took a leader with insight into my potential, trust in my beliefs and abilities, and a desire to further build up and serve her team.  It took me having a growth mindset.

It became my turn to be that spark for others.

Since those days at Quest Diagnostics, I went on to serve as a Senior Organizational Development Specialist for one of the largest faith-based, nonprofit healthcare systems in the US, further developing my knowledge, skills, and experience—and influence.  And while I've tried to lean into being semi-retired, hanging up my own shingle and opening my private practice gives me the opportunity to continue to be that spark by serving leaders and their teams.

I’ve been honored to work with leaders across industries—from the frontline to the C-suite—helping them grow not just their skills, but their mindset, energy, and impact.  I’ve seen what happens when someone believes in a leader who’s lost their spark.  I've watched accidental leaders thrust into their first leadership roles without the necessary skills, training, or preparation come out on the other side with confidence, competence, and effectiveness.  I’ve seen the transformation that can happen when leaders leverage purpose-driven leadership within their leadership and with their team.  I bear witness in awe and wonder when the right kind of support shows up at the right moment. 

Maybe you're a leader who's feeling stuck, stretched too thin, or uncertain about the road ahead. Or maybe you’re responsible for a team that’s struggling with engagement, impact, or alignment.  You know there’s potential—but it’s buried under the weight of daily pressures.

That’s where coaching and leadership development come in—not as quick fixes, but as catalysts for sustainable change.

Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation.  A question that shifts perspective.  A framework that unlocks clarity.  A coach who believes in you until you believe in yourself again.

 Great leaders don’t have all the answers—but they ask better questions. 

One of the best is:  “What kind of leader does my team need me to be right now?”

If that’s a hard question to answer—you’re not alone.  That’s where the work begins.

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Have an amazing journey today!

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Alan Mikolaj is a seasoned coach and leadership development consultant with nearly 20 years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  He has an impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan holds his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and maintains their ethics and standards of behavior, including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

Transformational change starts with a conversation!
Schedule your free, one-hour session by clicking here: Discovery Conversation with Alan
Or call or email: Contact Page

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