“These three words stand out to me about who Gary is: sage, competent, and spirit-led.”— Nathan Jones
I've known Gary Hoag for nearly 25 years. He served as a mentor to me in college. He was one of my professors in seminary. And he has been my executive coach for more than a decade.
I could make many positive comments about his impact on my life personally and my leadership professionally, but these three words stand out to me about who Gary is: sage, competent, and spirit-led.
When I say Gary is sage, every monthly meeting starts with a humble inquiry — a question to get me thinking. He asks how I'm doing and what my challenges are. I always go away feeling like my perspective was lifted to higher levels of wisdom.
By competent I can bring any question or challenge to Gary and he has either knowledge or direct experience. He even helped me contribute to my first book as a co-author, which was a thrilling experience, not only to learn about the book creation process, but for the actual content we worked through to achieve the final product. Abundance, as it has been titled, has been a huge encouragement to ministry workers, board members, gift officers, and others.
And by Spirit-led, I appreciate that I've learned from him to integrate my Christian faith in everything I do by watching and following his example. He has not only helped me with my work that helps me grow as a follower of Christ. Every time we meet, we are both taken back by how the Spirit uniquely guided the meeting — truly something that requires sensitivity to the Spirit's presence.
The early days of Gary's mentorship started a throughline that continues to today.
In addition to executive coaching, I've asked him to speak to groups, train my board, and serve in other capacities. Most recently, I had Gary join my YFC Foundation board for some encouragement and training, and the group left energized, challenged, and most importantly, more committed to the mission of the organizations than ever. Each time his service far exceeds my expectations, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking to benefit from what he has to offer.
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