When not coaching or facilitating I walk-the-talk as head of the "Creature" department for a multi-Oscar winning Visual Effects company. I have over 20 years experience in the film industry, bridging the interface between creativity, technology, and people. I've contributed directly to the motion and design of some of Hollywood's most iconic creatures and characters, and to the software and methodologies that make the creative work possible, with over 40 credits from Harry Potter to Chappie to Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Dune. What I love more than anything though is empowering leaders, organizations, entrepreneurs, artists, and developers to continually push boundaries, work effectively and efficiently, fulfil potential, deliver outstanding results, and do so with balance, fun, creativity, and purpose.
I have been a client of 2 amazing coaches over the past decade, who have helped me transform my life, career, and business. They indirectly inspired me to embark on over 200 hours of professional coach training, and wholeheartedly embrace my role in supporting growth for my clients. I founded Why Up Professional Development Inc in 2015, to provide technical and leadership training initially for animation, visual effects, and games professionals. Growth Potential Coaching now sits at the heart of the services I offer to this community and wider.
Despite being a world-class procrastinator, I somehow managed to gain a BSc in Marine Biology and Dynamical Oceanography and an MSc in Computer Graphics. I've competed in triathlon age group world championships on both the British and Canadian teams, completed Ironman races in Canada and Australia, and once spent 5 months studying yoga with a 90 year old guru in India (Yes, I could lift myself off the ground with my legs crossed behind my head. No, I definitely can't anymore!).
I live, love, work, play, hike and run trails, ski, grow vegetables, and cook tasty pizzas in beautiful North Vancouver, BC, Canada