About Andy

I started in management over 15 years ago as a working supervisor, moving to front-line manager and then overseeing others in managing their teams. Managing resources, projects, and processes came naturally to me, and I applied the same skills to managing people. I sometimes knew I was struggling along the way, but I didn’t know what kept me from being effective because I didn’t understand leadership. You can manage resources, processes, and projects, but people seek leadership.

Most industries and fields promote subject matter experts who are high-achieving contributors or thought leaders to supervisory roles without understanding the fundamental discontinuity between the skill set of technical expertise or creative brilliance and the skill set needed to effectively practice leadership. When this happens, “leaders” struggle to thrive in their role and getting the most out of the teams they are responsible for, just as I (and so many others) have.

We struggle because unlike technical skills, which we train, and creativity and innovation, which are innate, we assume that in leadership positions, people will “figure it out,” “sink or swim,” “fake it until they make it,” etc.—pick your euphemism of choice. I had to learn many lessons the hard way: trial and error, self-reflection, and difficult conversations, but I was also fortunate to have some help. From my struggles and realizing my impact on others, I knew there had to be a better way, and the concept of Bright Line Leadership coalesced.

I owe something to those who didn’t have the leadership they deserved because I struggled and those who helped me find my way.  My passion is to provide an alternative to learning about leadership the hard way and creating collateral damage in the process.  I want to assist those teams of great people who show up every day and work hard to really move the needle.  

In addition to those practical lessons learned about leadership in an operational role, I received a Master of Science in Administration with dual specializations in Human Resources Management and Organizational Leadership from the University of South Dakota. I am a trained facilitator in TalentSmart Mastering Emotional Intelligence Level 1 and Level 2 programs, the Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue course, and the National Conflict Resolution Center’s EXCHANGE framework. I'm a DISC Certified Behavioral Consultant through PeopleKeys and hold an Advanced Feedback Certification in Hogan Assessments. I have a decade of experience in utilizing these tools as well as those of my own design in corporate leadership development with informal, frontline, physician, and executive leaders. 

It’s never too late or too early to make sure you practice leadership the way the team deserves or that your team has the resources it needs to succeed.  I’m here to help leaders and teams, at all levels, and provide a resource to achieve personal and professional growth. If that’s what you’re looking for, let’s discuss what Bright Line Leadership can do for you!

Our Vision

Helping individuals to maximize their growth and success in the practice of leadership and building agile, effective, resilient, engaged teams that thrive through focus on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, coaching and relationship building.

Our Values

• Personal Growth means there is no learning in the comfort zone and no comfort in the learning zone.
• Authenticity comes from matching intent to impact.
• Commitment to never rest until your good is better and your better is best.
• Integrity through speaking honestly, acting transparently and accepting accountability.
• Service to others is the foundation of leadership and influence.