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Dale Larson

Executive Coach to High Growth CEOs and CTOs

Professional Background

Dale Larson is a distinguished executive coach known for empowering high-performing leaders to achieve greater happiness, health, and success in their personal and professional lives. With a wealth of experience working with a diverse clientele, including CEOs, CTOs, and a variety of other leaders, Dale provides essential guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of startup growth, company acquisitions, and IPOs. Having worked closely with hundreds of clients, he understands the intricacies involved in taking a company from initial success to rapid growth, and offers valuable insights that help executives build outstanding products, teams, and businesses.

Dale’s impressive career spans nearly 30 years, where he has played pivotal roles in numerous startups and small businesses, both as a founder and early employee. He began his entrepreneurial journey at the tender age of 15, developing a strong foundation as a software engineer in the nascent era of personal and network computing. His experience has spanned the entire lifecycle of technology products, as he has contributed to bringing hundreds of products and services to market. Dale has expertly navigated various business landscapes, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to helping others thrive.

Dale's coaching practice is rooted in both extensive formal training and personal experience, which allows him to empathize deeply with his clients. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the necessity of growth, especially for startup founders who must evolve faster than their companies.

Education and Achievements

Dale Larson's educational background is both diverse and relevant, equipping him with a unique blend of technical, leadership, and coaching expertise. He studied Computability and Cognition at The Evergreen State College, where he laid the groundwork for his analytical and problem-solving skills essential for the tech industry.

In addition to his technical studies, Dale has engaged in rigorous training in leadership at Coaches Training Institute, where he gained essential skills to guide high-achieving individuals effectively. He successfully completed the CPCC (Certified Professional Co-Active Coach) program through ICF-ACTP, a testament to his dedication to professional development in coaching.

Dale is also a credentialed professional within the International Coaching Federation (PCC) and has earned multiple certifications that further bolster his qualifications as an executive coach. He is a Founding Fellow of the Institute for Coaching Professional Association and is a proud member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. Dale co-founded Startup Happiness and the Startup Coaches Summit, initiatives that reflect his commitment to supporting startups and leaders in their growth journeys.

His qualifications don't stop there; Dale holds various personal training certifications and has achieved a CSCS designation. He is also certified as a The Happy Body Mentor. Continuing his journey in the field of mindfulness and personal development, Dale is currently pursuing certification as a coach with Precision Nutrition and completing a two-year meditation teacher training under the guidance of renowned figures such as Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. His deep study of eastern philosophy and meditation since his teenage years further enriches his coaching style and approach, allowing him to foster holistic growth in his clients.

Notable Work and Impact

Throughout his illustrious career, Dale Larson has served in several key positions across different organizations, marking him as a versatile leader and consultant. As the former Executive Coach at Startup Happiness, Dale shared his expertise with startups looking to cultivate positive work environments and drive their teams to success. His role as an Interim Executive, Consultant, Advisor, and Strategist has allowed him to mentor various businesses, linking them to impactful strategies that lead to sustainable growth.

Dale's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his ventures, having held the title of Founder and CEO at IAM, where he spearheaded innovative projects that aligned with his vision of empowering people and businesses. His early experience at Commodore/Amiga as a Software Engineer helped shape his technical acumen and vision for technology within startups. Dale also co-founded Apple Valley Software Design, sharpening his collaborative skills and understanding of product development.

Dale’s work has not only impacted the tech sphere—it has also crossed into sports and entertainment. He has successfully coached professional and Olympic athletes, as well as Hollywood actors, aiding them in enhancing their skills and performance. His ability to connect with clients in various fields demonstrates the universal applicability of his coaching methodologies and the deep understanding he has of the human experience.

Dale's dedication to fostering excellence and balance in leaders' lives is matched only by his evolving expertise in performance and wellness. His extensive background and continuous pursuit of knowledge have positioned him as a foremost figure in executive coaching, someone equipped to transform the lives of leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers.

Achievements

Dale Larson’s journey as an executive coach and entrepreneur is dotted with significant achievements across multiple domains. As a seasoned coach, he has developed a reputation for aiding clients in achieving both personal and professional goals—an accomplishment that is most evident through the positive testimonials and success stories he has accumulated over the years.

His certifications and memberships in esteemed organizations showcase his commitment to the field, with his credentials vouching for his professionalism and expertise. The combination of personal training and coaching certifications signifies his holistic approach, looking beyond mere professional development to encompass overall wellness and health—a dual necessity in the fast-paced world of leadership.

Dale’s influence reaches beyond individual coaching; through Startup Happiness and the Startup Coaches Summit, he has played a crucial role in shaping community storytelling in the startup ecosystem, enabling new entrepreneurs to share experiences and grow collaboratively. These initiatives encapsulate his dedication to fostering a supportive environment where leaders can learn from each other’s journeys.

In summary, Dale Larson stands out as a prolific figure in executive coaching and entrepreneurship. His extensive training, rich career history, and notable achievements make him a valuable asset to any leader seeking to amplify their impact, cultivate deeper connections, and lead with purpose. Dale continues to inspire, motivate, and innovate, creating pathways for personal and professional growth in an ever-evolving landscape.

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Dale Larson
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Location

San Francisco, California, United States