Jake is an educator, consultant, and leadership coach with a passion for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams and organizations. His approach is rooted in the belief that radical self-acceptance – embracing our complexities and contradictions – is the foundation for personal and collective growth. With over fourteen years of professional experience across Africa and Asia, Jake understands the unique challenges and opportunities leaders face in diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts.

Jake brings his global perspective and entrepreneurial acumen to his work as an independent consultant and coach. He serves as a Learning Engineer for edsUp, crafting joyful professional development experiences for educators. He also coaches diverse leaders across the organizational hierarchy, from American C-suite executives to Kenyan Chiefs of Staff to Gambian early-career professionals. Through compassionate listening and introspective questions, he helps these individuals clarify their vision, identify challenges, and craft strategies to achieve their goals.

Jake’s professional journey began at the Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Hargeisa, Somalia. As the Dean of Male Students, he partnered with students to foster a supportive, equitable community culture. This commitment to inclusivity continued at the African Leadership Academy based in Johannesburg. As Head of the Year One Class, he oversaw the holistic development of 125 students from 38 African nations and led strategic initiatives to enhance the organization’s student support systems.

Driven by a desire to understand the business of leadership development, Jake joined NiaDelta, a Pan-African consulting firm. As a Strategic Pillar Lead, he successfully launched a new consulting service line focused on designing and delivering leadership programs for African youth development organizations.

Jake holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Pacific Lutheran University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. He is currently pursuing his Hudson Coach Certification through the Hudson Institute of Coaching. This program will prepare him to obtain his International Coaching Federation (ICF) credential in early 2025.

Jake has lived in Johannesburg, South Africa for the past ten years. Outside of work, he enjoys hosting dinners for friends, going on runs with his wife, and racing RC cars with his nephews.