About John Schuhart

Coaching Philosophy:  John helps leaders refine their innate leadership talents, develop employees, think strategically, and unlock possibility in the workplace via compassionate, humorous coaching. 

Graybeard Leadership and Executive Coaching LLC, 2014 – Current: John accelerates business, government, and non-profit leaders' development by refining skills through executive, team and leadership coaching. John is a member, International Coach Federation – Professional Certified Coach.  

Center For Creative Leadership, Adjunct Faculty, 2015 - Current: Facilitate discussion, provide executive coaching, deliver 360 and personality assessment feedback, and help clients craft and implement individual development plans as part of Center For Creative Leadership’s suite of world class training programs.  

Executive Leaders Radio, Host and Co-Host, 2016 - 2020: Interviewed over 200 CEOs to learn about their formative years and how their upbringing relates to their business success. The weekly audience of 7 million listeners learned about the human side of business and what inspires successful business leaders.  

Certifications: John’s leadership coaching certifications are from Georgetown University’s Institute For Transformational Leadership, the Center for Creative Leadership, and the International Coach Federation (Professional Certified Coach).  

Federal Senior Executive Service: John’s coaching skills are seasoned by 17 years as an Intelligence Community Senior Executive, including: 

• Chief Financial Officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
• Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• Deputy Executive Director of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Community Management Staff

National Awards: John earned numerous awards including the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, Director of National Intelligence Distinguished Service Award, & the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Distinguished Service Award.  

Education: Mr. Schuhart holds a Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas.

"This stuff is life changing". Pharmaceutical Sales Manager  

"The coaching sessions reinvigorated my study and work to become a more effective leader.  I wanted to move from someone who focuses almost solely on task completion to building coalitions and better communications through my division, the directorate, command and DoD. He provided me with new insights and discussions on how to be more effective as a leader and manager, working on practical skills such as building networks or improving speaking.   John's coaching skills reinforced my determination and commitment to improving my effectiveness as a leader and to be better aware of excellence for myself and those that I supervise/work with".  Information Technolgy/Cyber Manager  

"Coaching has offered me a time to reflect on my leadership style and make adjustments in a safe mentored arena. It helped me to become a better supervisor and leader to my troops, a better advisor and supporter to my boss, and a more well balanced father and husband. Yes, even my family life was positively impacted; as I became surer of my leadership decisions, I brought less stress home with me from work. I even shared my lessons with my family…with mixed results, but there was fun in the sharing. Ultimately, coaching has helped me lay in a course on the adult development cycle from high end achiever to a strategist, or dare I hope, and alchemist. This (the coaching) was done through a Socratic method of questioning, where the coach helped me to reflect without out-right trying to provide solutions. At the same time, the coach didn’t hesitate to provide feedback and examples where appropriate to help solidify a leadership principle in my mind; a very effective way to help me reach solutions myself". Senior Naval Officer and Information Technology Manager 

"John was objective and nonjudgmental.  He asked relevant, probing questions that helped me develop a new perspective on my behaviors and ascertain whether they were productive or unproductive.  He gave me “homework assignments” in between sessions to observe myself and practice new behaviors.  Ultimately, he helped me work on deeply ingrained, negative work habits that were hampering my work relationships and my ability to do my job effectively.  I have made the most progress in improving my peer relationships which has enhanced my ability to work with my fellow division chiefs". Human Resources Manger/Division Chief  

"Coaching was very helpful. It helped me to identify what my goals were, what my challenges were and create a clear plan to get to the next steps. Having someone to keep me accountable and someone to also challenge my assumptions, as well as provide me with resources that helped me to see where I had the opportunity to bring in others who could support my organization with their strengths". Director and Founder, health service non-profit organization