Oli Mittermaier

My current projects:

I enjoy wearing many hats throughout my day.  I love being entrepreneur, student, inventor, teacher, athlete, explorer, father... Over the years I've discovered that in all of these roles, my ability (or inability!) to "lead" is the key factor that determines success or failure. 

I define leadership as: "my ability to consistently act in alignment with my values."

Whether I'm acting as CEO of EXLI, developing technology like Pollinate or teaching a mindfulness/emotional intelligence program like Search Inside Yourself, my ability to be conscious of, and align my actions with, my core values is what ultimately determines the "success" or "failure" of my efforts.

All of my work, therefore, boils down to cultivating key leadership skills in individuals, teams and organizations. Some key points that inform my understanding and approach to leadership training include the following:

LEADERSHIP CAN BE LEARNED

Recent advances in neuroscience and positive psychology have clearly demonstrated that what we call "leadership" consists of specific behaviors that enable individuals and/or groups thrive.  We are now able to identify (and measure) specific competencies that comprise "effective leadership."  What we used to think of as innate abilities have now clearly been demonstrated to be trainable skills.  What makes this kind of learning different, however, is that leadership is not something that can be taught in a lecture hall.  It has to be experienced. That’s why our training takes an experiential approach. 

LEADERSHIP IS PERSONAL

Leadership is an expression of our values and "lived" in every facet of our lives.  In other words, leadership skills are not selectively applied -  we literally are what we repeatedly do.  Cultivating leadership skills is a highly personal process and requires a personalized approach.  There's much we don't know about the human condition, which is why I have great respect for the role of wonder and mystery in leadership training.  However, one thing my experiences and studies have taught me is that the answer to our challenges (and bliss) lies within. 

LEADERSHIP TAKES PRACTICE

Developing leadership skills requires a commitment to lifelong learning.  The adage that "you don't need to be sick to get better" applies.  Successful leaders constantly seek to improve their skills.  Like any form of expertise, you get out what you put in.  Just think of the countless hours professional athletes spend honing their skills.  Being an effective leader ultimately requires a similar dedication to bettering one's craft - to literally become an expert in the field of leadership.

As Galileo pointed out, nothing is more powerful than learning one's own answers.  I'm not a professional therapist though I do integrate both neuroscience and psychology into my approach.  Nor do I think of myself as a coach.  Rather, I see myself as a guide - helping my clients discover for themselves what "being an effective leader" means.  

One of the greatest joys in my life is engaging with, and supporting people on this important journey.   I look forward to supporting you in your leadership practice.