Andrew Connolly

Shred the Gnar
To travel at high speed with dexterity and grace through variable and challenging conditions.

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My leadership journey began on the slopes of Switzerland — what started as a three-week ski instructor gig turned into a decade of leading teams and heading marketing for a small multinational organization. Whether guiding beginners down a mountain or aligning teams toward business goals, I became fascinated by the dynamics of influence: what makes one person follow another — not just once, but again and again?

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I quickly noticed the extremes — some students were frozen in fear, others recklessly overconfident. Both were at risk. My job was to help them navigate the terrain safely, build real capability, and leave them wanting to climb back up the hill. That same lesson applied to the leaders I worked with: how do you build clarity, confidence, and commitment in uncertain, variable conditions?

 

In 2000, I returned to the U.S. to work with Dr. Paul Hersey, creator of the Situational Leadership® Model. As part of his faculty at the Center for Leadership Studies, I helped leaders worldwide apply what he called “organized common sense.” Under his mentorship, I deepened my understanding of influence and expanded my work to include insights from emotional intelligence, positive psychology, coaching, and authentic leadership.

 

Today, my practice is anchored in a simple purpose: Connect. Discern. Shred the Gnar. I use the lessons of the leadership gurus to forge meaningful connections with individuals and teams, uncover what’s working, surface what’s in the way, and build the capability and confidence to lead through complexity with skill and impact – because life is gnarly.