We were lucky to catch up with Darren Mann recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Darren thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission holds deep meaning for me because it represents a pivotal moment in my life. While pursuing my MBA, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. One day, as I was reading John Maxwell’s No Limits, I discovered a mention of his coaching program designed to train individuals as John Maxwell coaches. Intrigued, I called to learn more. As they explained the program, I felt a clear sense of purpose—I knew I had to do it.
But first, I needed to convince my wife. I prayed, asking God for guidance, and was inspired to create a detailed presentation outlining the program’s cost, features, and benefits. When I shared it with her, she was amazed at the thought and effort I put into it. She looked at me and said, “You must be serious about this.” Her support became the foundation of my journey as a speaker, trainer, and coach.
Shortly after becoming a coach, I found myself truly enjoying the work, while my MBA felt increasingly like a burden. One day, I made a life-changing decision: I wanted to speak, train, and coach for the rest of my life. With that clarity, I chose to leave the MBA program and fully commit to my new calling.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Introduction
Have you ever wondered what it takes to unlock your full potential and achieve your most ambitious goals? My name is Darren Mann, and I am deeply passionate about helping individuals and organizations do just that through a blend of leadership coaching, AI consulting, and impactful storytelling. Over the past 15 years, I’ve cultivated a career that spans project management, training, public speaking, and coaching—all with a focus on empowering others to achieve their goals. One of my early breakthroughs came during a high-stakes project in higher education, where I led a team to deliver a $2 million initiative ahead of schedule. That experience solidified my belief in the power of resilience, communication, and a clear vision to overcome challenges and achieve success.
How I Got Started
My journey began in project management, where I quickly realized my knack for building resilient teams and leading complex, high-stakes initiatives. One defining moment was leading a cross-functional team to recover a failing IT project—a challenge that required fostering trust among stakeholders, rallying the team around a shared vision, and delivering results under immense pressure. That experience reinforced my belief in the importance of strong leadership and strategic communication. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, communication, and the power of clear strategy. I later transitioned into coaching and public speaking, driven by a desire to share what I’ve learned and inspire others to take control of their personal and professional growth. Most recently, I’ve ventured into AI consulting, helping businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and innovation. This blend of disciplines allows me to address a wide range of challenges for my clients.
Services I Provide
Leadership and Coaching:
One-on-one and group coaching sessions.
DISC and SWOT analyses to uncover strengths and areas for growth.
Mastermind workshops and strategic board retreats.
AI Consulting:
Tailored solutions to streamline processes and boost productivity.
Workshops and training to demystify AI for businesses.
Tools that automate tasks and drive innovation.
Public Speaking:
Keynotes on leadership, resilience, and the intersection of technology and human potential.
Interactive presentations that combine storytelling with actionable insights.
Project Management Training:
Guiding organizations through high-risk projects with clarity and precision.
Building communities of practice that foster collaboration and continuous learning.
Problems I Solve
My work centers on solving challenges related to:
Leadership Development: Helping leaders build confidence, improve communication, and lead with purpose.
AI Integration: Simplifying complex technologies to make them accessible and useful for businesses.
Organizational Effectiveness: Creating strategies that align teams, clarify goals, and drive measurable results.
Personal Growth: Empowering individuals to overcome obstacles and take consistent steps toward their dreams.
What Sets Me Apart
Before and After Impact: Zak’s Story
Transforming careers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Zak Beitel, for example, was stuck in a career he hated, feeling uninspired and unsure of his next steps. Through personalized coaching, we uncovered his true passions, developed a strategic plan, and built his confidence to take bold action. Today, Zak is pursuing a career he loves, and this transformation has been life-changing for him. This story underscores how effective coaching can unlock hidden potential and open the door to fulfilling opportunities.
I believe what sets me apart is my unique ability to blend empathy, strategy, and innovation. Whether I’m coaching a leader, presenting to a large audience, or crafting an AI solution, I focus on building trust and offering practical, tailored tools that people can immediately apply. My approach is rooted in storytelling—I draw on real-world experiences and relatable metaphors to make even the most complex topics accessible and engaging. For example, I often liken navigating organizational change to steering a ship through stormy seas: while the waves may be unpredictable, a clear map and steady leadership ensure you reach your destination.
Additionally, my commitment to continuous growth ensures I’m always at the forefront of trends, whether it’s leadership practices or emerging technologies. I’m proud to have built a reputation for delivering value, whether that’s measured in successful projects, personal breakthroughs, or organizational transformations.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Among my achievements, I am most proud of:
Growing a Project Management Community of Practice from scratch to 150 members. When we first started, Our leadership team thought we may have 5-10 people join our first event. But to our surprise, 30 people showed up. At that point, we knew we were on to something. Through consistent communication, engaging workshops, and fostering a culture of collaboration, the community blossomed into a thriving network. This success was recognized with an institutional team award, affirming the value of perseverance and vision.
Coaching individuals who have gone on to lead with greater confidence and clarity.
Helping businesses save time and resources by implementing AI-driven solutions.
Receiving heartfelt feedback from clients and audiences about how my work has impacted their lives.
Testimonials
“Darren has acted as a change-agent in our organization fostering a culture of self and professional improvement. He dedicated himself to sharing his experience and expertise by creating both a community of practice and a leadership skills mastermind workshop. It was a true pleasure to participate in a mastermind workshop facilitated by Darren. His thoughtfully curated discussion points on subjects, chapter by chapter, inspired open conversation helping to create new bonds with unfamiliar colleagues while strengthening existing connections. I cannot express all the ways in which I am grateful to Darren for his work. He is truly an inspiration and actively inspires those he meets.” — Andrew Culp, Service Level Agreements Coordinator
“Also, I would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks for your leadership in conducting these workshops. You have provided our members with a valuable opportunity to improve their communication and connection skills.” — Lakshmi Gosyne, Associate Director, Communications APSA
Key Takeaways for Potential Clients
If you’re considering working with me, here are a few things to know:
Transformational Growth: My goal is to empower you with tools and strategies that lead to lasting change.
Practical Insights: I prioritize actionable advice over theory, ensuring you can immediately apply what you learn.
Customized Solutions: Whether it’s coaching, consulting, or training, I tailor everything to your unique needs.
Supportive Partnership: I create a safe, judgment-free environment that fosters growth and innovation.
In summary, my work is about equipping people and organizations with the clarity, confidence, and capabilities they need to thrive. If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s connect! You can reach me directly at 604-308-4374 or via email at darrenmanncoaching@gmail.com. Visit my website at www.dmanncoaching.com to learn more about my services and schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to achieve your goals! If you’re looking for a partner who can inspire, educate, and guide you toward your goals, I’d be honored to collaborate with you.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My journey is being shaped by resilience in many ways. One of the most defining moments so far has been booking my first communication workshop. It was a breakthrough that validated my vision and reinforced my belief in the path I am building. This wasn’t just another engagement—it was an opportunity to share my passion for helping others improve their communication skills and demonstrate the value I can bring.
Balancing a full-time role while working to scale my business is challenging. My days are packed, and I dedicate evenings and weekends to my business. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, especially when my full-time job demands extra hours. But I remind myself of my “why”—the purpose behind my goals—and lean into my values of courage and growth to keep going.
Being with that group during my first workshop was a powerful moment. Seeing their engagement, hearing their feedback, and knowing I was making an impact affirmed everything I am working toward. It reminded me that resilience and persistence, even in the face of uncertainty, lead to moments of breakthrough. That workshop was more than a professional milestone; it was a personal victory that continues to motivate me.
Throughout this journey, I face moments of self-doubt and fear of failure, but resilience continues to guide me. Whether it’s adapting my strategies, seeking feedback to improve, or simply choosing to keep moving forward, I embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
This experience reinforces my belief that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about finding strength in the struggle, learning from every experience, and staying committed to my purpose, no matter the obstacles. Each step, including that pivotal workshop, is bringing me closer to my bigger goals, inspiring me to keep moving forward and helping others do the same.
Have you ever had to pivot?
While pursuing my MBA, I found myself struggling and feeling unfulfilled. Around that time, I read John Maxwell’s No Limits, and it was a game-changer for me—one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. At the end of the book, he mentioned his coaching program, which sparked my curiosity. I researched it online and scheduled an appointment with a program advisor within days. After our conversation, I was excited about the potential but knew I needed my wife’s support to move forward.
As a man of faith, I prayed for guidance and felt a clear direction: present the program details to my wife in a thoughtful and organized way. I prepared a presentation, laying out the vision, benefits, and specifics of the program. Initially, she was hesitant, but as we talked through it, she began to see the potential and the value of this new path. Eventually, she gave me her blessing.
Once I enrolled, I threw myself into the program with passion. I loved the work and felt energized by the opportunity to grow as a speaker, trainer, and coach. That’s when I faced a tough decision. I realized I dreaded continuing the MBA program—it wasn’t aligning with my goals or purpose anymore. After much reflection and prayer, I made the bold choice to leave the MBA program behind and fully commit to this new calling. It was a pivotal moment, and one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dmanncoaching.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmann30
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manndarren/
