A Unique Executive Retreat

A Working Vineyard

Our family has spent two decades building, improving and restoring this property as a private retreat and vineyard.

Working in Executive Residence

We have built a 1000 square foot space for the use of executives in the executive coaching immersion program. The facility, nestled above the vineyard, is a private space for coaching, reflection and virtual connection to outside experts and your team.

A private Mountain TOp

The programs always incorporate activities at the top of our mountain with views for 60 miles. I find that this helps leaders gain perspective by merging the physical with the thought work required to breakthrough.

Teaching Horse

Using horse herd behaviors as a model and intuitive guide, clients discover their personal power through interaction in the corral. Certified trainers in the methodology join me to integrate this into the coaching experience.

FAQ

Q1. What is Chris’s Coaching Methodology?

A. My methodology is the Co-Active model which incorporates five major elements: the first are our agreements for how we work together and what we will discuss and how; the second piece is the knowledge that you as my client are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. The third piece is basically that there will be instances where we need to dance in the moment; meaning we will work together to find the right question to ask, should either of us get stuck. The fourth element is really the focus on the whole person (not just your personal life and not just your professional life)—rather it’s the whole person. Finally, in the end, this is about evoking transformation from within you.

Q2. What’s the minimum time for a coaching engagement and why is it that amount of time?

A. Most executive coaching engagements last six months. This is because personal development requires rigor, reflection, resilience, and vulnerability. While there are aspects of the work that can be fun, for true sustainable transformation or shifts to occur it takes more time.

Q3. Does Chris deliver coaching virtually or must it always be in-person?

A. The cadance for executive coaching is to meet virtually or in-person every 2 or 3 weeks. I deliver both virtual as well as in-person coaching over the duration of the engagement. During one of your initial sessions with me, you will refine and finalize your thoughts about how much should be virtual and how much it in person. You can always revisit your decision.

Q4. Who is the real client, (i.e., is it me or my company)?

A. This is a great question. The real client is you: the professional sitting in front of me receiving my services and working with me in the moment. Your company is your economic sponsor not the client. It's important we’re clear about what gets shared with who so that no one feels duped in the end.  More specifically your key constituents are your manager, your HR Business Partner (HRBP) and me. If you are not prepared to share any aspects of your coaching process with either of those two individuals, we should not work together. Alternatively, if you're comfortable sharing high-level themes with your HRBP and your manager then we are a great fit, as long as details stay between us.
 

Q5. Where is your Napa Retreat located?

A. Our vineyard and ranch is about 2 hours from San Francisco in Napa County.

Q6. Can I bring my team to Napa for an Offsite?

A. Yes our facility and ranch are suitable for one day events with up to 20 people. Lets talk about what coaching, facilitation, and food is “best fit” for your group. You must be engaged as a executive coaching client to make this happen.