One year ago, on April 1, 2021, we announced a strategic shift in Halftime leadership. We can hardly believe what an eventful, providential year it has been, but here we are!
Maybe you find yourself feeling the same way as you read this: time seems to be flying. But – what a difference it makes when you are confident that your time is being used purposefully. To illustrate this, we’d love to pause and share the story of someone who has been near and dear to all things Halftime for the last 12 years – Dean Niewolny.
After stepping out of the CEO role and into the Chairman role in April 2021, it became clear to Dean that he was facing his own transition. And though he had watched and spurred on hundreds of high-capacity leaders to get clear, get free, and get going on their unique Ephesians 2:10 callings through the Fellows Program, he himself had never experienced the process!
It was time to “practice what he preached” – and the outcome could not have been more impactful.
We’re excited to share that as of May 1, 2022, Dean will officially be launching into his next adventure as Principal at Global Executive Group (GXG).
Watch the video below to hear more about how his experience in the Fellows Program led to this exciting next step:
We sat down with Dean to dig a little deeper into his experience…
Q: Dean, what was your biggest learning from experiencing the Fellows Program personally?
A: You know, I’ve got to be honest: After seeing and supporting hundreds of these Experiences for others, I didn’t think I’d learn a whole lot of new things. But when I started the Program for myself, it was life-changing. For me, the key was really engaging and being part of the process. You can listen to the experience of others who have gone through, but to actually go through for yourself and really dig in – I learned so much about myself. I understand my gifts, spiritual gifts, and passions on a deeper level than ever before.
Q: As you began exploring low-cost probes during your Fellows experience, what were some of the key indicators that GXG was the right fit?
A: As I explored options, two of my criteria were: 1) the company/organization would share my Christian values and 2) the work I would be doing would have an eternal value component to it.
With the help of my Halftime Coach and my Fellows Cohort, I considered what my personal strengths and passions were and was able to get crystal clear on my mission statement. Through the process, I uncovered my calling to help others get “unstuck” by connecting them to others who are much smarter than me! I love relating to people and am passionate about the impact of coaching leaders as well as identifying key personnel needs and possibilities within organizations.
While making these personal discoveries through Coaching, utilizing resources, and discussing candidly with my Cohort, I was able to jointly explore multiple low-cost probes. Through the process I was fortunate to connect with several great teams who are doing meaningful things! The opportunity with GXG ended up being the right fit for my strengths, passions, and mission statement, which gave me the peace to confidently move forward.
Q: Tell us a little more about your next adventure!
A: Well, it’s important to note that I am still going to be actively involved with our Halftime community as Chairman of the Board. I’m excited about the direction that Tom McGehee and Jim Stollberg are leading Halftime into, which allows me to also feel really great about my next step.
GXG is a new kind of consulting firm with deep experience in fifteen industries. They have facilitated hundreds of engagements and guided clients through transformative change with their targeted suite of services ranging from Advisory Boards to Impact Coaching. They also help companies navigate the intricacies of a sale and target the right buyers at the right time. GXG’s mission is to help leaders and organizations activate growth strategies with confidence, leveraging the insights of people who have been there, done that.
I’m honored to join the GXG team as Principal. Their team is focused on consulting, impact coaching, recruiting, and helping start-ups. GXG Founder, Craig Lemasters, wrote a book called UNSTUCK and their approach to consulting is to bring in experts (Wisdom Advisory Boards) to help their clients.
In addition to the work, I was attracted to their values, how they treat their clients, and their incredible results. Craig Lemasters ran a fortune 400 company in Atlanta and his humble brilliance reminds me of Bob Buford. With the vast amount of connections that Halftime has afforded me over the last 12 years, I look forward to adding value as GXG puts advisory boards together to help consult companies.
Q: What’s the “last 10%” … any other thoughts you’d like to share with the Halftime community?
A: Halftime has been life-changing for me and my family over the last 12 years. The Fellows Program took me much deeper in understanding how God has wired me and what joy looks like in my life. My excitement level for the direction of the Halftime has never been higher. The best is yet to come.
We’re thankful for Dean and his continued investment into Halftime and we champion him as he boldly embraces this next step of living out God’s calling on his life!
Are you facing transition?
Are you looking for a community of like-minded peer advisors who could help you navigate the road ahead?
Are you compelled to embark on a new, joy-filled adventure?
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