About

Meet Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson
WHY I BECAME A COACH

I became a coach and consultant because I believe in people, and I have a great passion for making a difference in the lives of others, by helping them understand themselves, their gifts, talents and strengths at a deep level, identifying their mission and purpose in life and the difference that will make in the world around them, and how to relate to others in a more effective way. My job, as I see it, is to help people be more successful by tapping into their full potential.

My story did not begin that way, however, for as a young professional in my former career my focus always seemed to be on how to make money. Money, of course, is not unimportant, but rarely does it totally satisfy. Only after I began to focus on developing other people and helping them become successful did my level of personal satisfaction begin to improve – and mysteriously so did my own financial rewards. Making a difference in others then became my passion, which is perhaps best summed up in the words of my . . .

Personal Mission Statement: “. . . to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.” [John 15:16]

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

So in January 2003 I took a bold step by leaving a very lucrative career in business and finance to pursue this deep passion I have for making a difference, “bearing fruit that will last”.  For 29 years I had been a Wall Street professional and executive in bond trading and investment banking, serving the last 16 of those years as Managing Direction of the Municipal Securities Group in the Southwest United States for a prestigious international investment banking firm.  It was a great business, I made more money than I had ever dreamed of making, had an impeccable reputation within the industry, and built precious relationships with people who continue to be close and dear friends.

But, I wanted the second half of my life to be more meaningful, and my deep desire was to help others, which is my passion and my calling.  So in 2004 after a few months of sabbatical time I founded my coaching business. With years of successful business experience under my belt, an in depth understanding of how organizations function, and a desire and passion for helping others reach their potential, I figured I had what it would take to be effective in working with others in this way. It seemed an ideal use of my gifts, talents, and experiences.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Despite all that what I really lacked was some expertise and training in coaching. So, through a graduate program provided by The University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Management I earned a graduate certificate in executive and professional coaching through which I received certification with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

THE REST OF MY STORY

I’ve been blessed with a great life. In 1971 I met and married Tee, the love of my life. Married now for 49 years we are proud parents of two wonderful sons who brought into our family the two loveliest daughters-in-law anyone could ever ask for, who in turn have blessed us with five beautiful granddaughters.

Tee and I maintain a special fondness for our rural West Texas roots where for several years we owned and operated a small cattle ranch near the vicinity where we were raised. We both love the outdoors, jogging, biking and hiking – and make occasional excursions to Colorado and Montana for some fishing and hiking. We love to travel and are voracious readers. I am also author of a weekly inspirational newsletter called Abundant Living published each Monday morning to which I invite you to subscribe via email or come back weekly to enjoy.

Boards, Affiliations, Education

  • Member: International Coach Federation (ICF)
  • Member: International Coach Federation, North Texas Chapter (ICF-NT)
  • Former Board Member: International Coach Federation, North Texas Chapter (ICF-NT)
  • Former Member Board of Trustees: The University of The South, Sewanee, Tennessee
  • Board of Trustees: Charis Hills, Inc., providing Christian camping programs for severely learning disabled children
  • Former Board Chair: The Episcopal Foundation of Dallas
  • Former Board Member: Canterbury Episcopal Preparatory School, DeSoto, Texas
  • Former Board Member: Municipal Advisory Council of Texas
  • BBA in Finance: The University of Texas at Austin
  • Graduate Certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching: The University of Texas at Dallas
  • Winslow Certified Business Consultant
  • Coaching4Clergy – Certificate in Ministry Coaching