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From Battlefield to Boardroom: How One Man’s Journey Is Transforming Lives and Companies
Ryan Crittenden, an Army veteran with a heart of gold, is shaking up the corporate world with his innovative approach to leadership coaching. After hanging up his uniform in 2014, Crittenden found himself swimming against the tide in a sea of conformity. But this determined dad refused to let his unique strengths drown in a pool of corporate sameness.
“Every meeting became about what I needed to fix,” Crittenden recalls. “I felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole.”
But in 2017, everything changed. A chance encounter with strengths-based coaching gave Crittenden the tools to unlock his potential. Now, he’s on a mission to help others do the same through his company, XL Coaching and Development.

Crittenden’s secret sauce? It’s all about embracing what makes you unique. His unconventional methods include:
- Take success off the table – Leaders are challenged to stop chasing metrics and focus on rediscovering their true drivers.
- Initiate connection, not competition – Crittenden introduces non-work-related activities that allow teams to interact without performance pressure.
“It might seem counterintuitive,” Crittenden admits, “but when you stop pushing so hard, you create space for authentic connection and creativity to flourish.”
The results? Leaders are rediscovering their mojo, teams are bonding like never before, and companies are reaping the rewards.
Crittenden’s approach aligns with Sir John Whitmore’s philosophy: “Coaching is unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them.”
But don’t let his laid-back approach fool you. Crittenden’s credentials are impressive: certifications in the CliftonStrengths Assessment, The Six Types of Working Genius, and as a John Maxwell Team Member. He also holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University.
For Crittenden, it’s not just about business. As a devoted family man, he knows the importance of self-care. “I’ve been blessed with a great wife and amazing kids,” he shares. “Taking care of myself means I can be there for them too.”
Want to tap into your hidden potential? Crittenden’s offering personalized discovery calls to help you chart your course to success. Because in his book, being yourself is the ultimate superpower.
Ready to unleash your inner leader? Check out www.XLcoaching.net and prepare for your professional life to level up!
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