Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rod. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rod, appreciate you joining us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

While I have had many great client interactions, one stands out in particular. This particular client was in her late 60s and feeling quite uninspired about life in general. While working with her, we focused on what she wanted more of and how to move closer to those things, rather than letting them slip away. She didn’t need a lot of help, but she needed someone to prioritize her and make her the centre of attention. She had lived a very full life, but it was one of giving to others and on behalf of others, especially her family. She told me it was the first time she had felt “seen,” and that anyone had made her feel like her thoughts and feelings were valid and worthy of being heard. Instead of feeling like her life was winding down, she felt like she had a renewed energy to do whatever she wanted to do. In one of our sessions, she told me that I “saved her life.” That experience and others since then have continued to inspire me to do what I do as a coach.

Rod, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been working as a coach, either formally or informally, in various roles for over 30 years, encompassing the broader realm of personal and professional development.

As a speaker, coach, author, and leader, I have had the opportunity to positively influence hundreds of thousands of people, transforming their lives on stages at events in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, China, and across Canada.

I have worked with or supported numerous organizations to help them achieve their best, including not-for-profit national organizations and for-profit international companies. This has involved creating, co-creating, and revamping million-dollar education programs, as well as helping to certify tens of thousands of individuals across multiple educational streams.

I have written, edited, or contributed to multiple books and hundreds of magazine articles. Personally, I have been a four-time Ironman competitor, a cross-Canada cyclist, a former competitive rower, a 200-hour RYT yogi, and a proud husband and father. My purpose is to help people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them, leading to greater happiness and success.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, the most valuable asset for succeeding in my field is self-awareness. Without it, all the education in the world won’t make a difference. You need to know who you are, what drives you, what you stand for, and just as importantly, what you won’t stand for. In my work, helping people align their actions with their values, I’ve seen firsthand that success doesn’t come from knowing more, it comes from being more. Being more authentic. Being more intentional. Being more aligned. And that starts with the courage to look inward, get honest, and do the hard work of aligning who you are with how you show up every single day.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

There was a time in my career when I was working at a company where I truly believed in the mission—and the people. I poured myself into the work, showed up with integrity, and even considered some of my colleagues close friends. But when things got tough, the people I expected to stand beside me—those who were supposed to have my back—instead turned away. One in particular, someone I trusted deeply, not only abandoned me but also actively contributed to the betrayal.

That experience was devastating. It shook my trust in others and forced me to confront a painful truth: not everyone operates with the same values. But it also became a defining moment of resilience for me. I didn’t let it harden me; I let it teach me.

I’ve healed, but the scar remains. And I carry it with intention. It reminds me, every day, to be the kind of coach, leader, and friend who protects the emotional space others enter with me. It reminds me of the sacred trust and how important it is to create environments where people feel safe, seen, and supported, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Beyond resilience, it is about adaptability for me, and it isn’t about bouncing back. It’s about growing stronger in the broken places and choosing to lead with heart anyway.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.valuesinspired.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valuesinspired
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuesinspiredcoaching/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/valuesinspired
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ValuesInspired