THE HUMAN DOING:
Over the last decade, I’ve designed and supported holistic education and personal development programs across classrooms, corporate settings, and retreat spaces around the world. Some of the titles I wear include writer (editor/publisher), educator, entrepreneur, facilitator, leadership coach, men’s coach, mentor, storyteller, strategy consultant, and community builder.
Today:
🏡 Building The School of Authentic Leadership & Storytelling (SOALS), dedicated to amplifying the voice and creative spirit of young people (middle + high school teens).
💙 Writing Tell Us A Love Story, bro + curating growth challenges to support men’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
🚀 Helping mission-driven organizations, authors, wellness practitioners, and educators scale their impact through coaching and consulting.
2020-2024:
🍎 Helped develop a Montessori adolescent program in Austin, TX.
📚 Joined a self-publishing school and coached 500+ people on the path to publishing their first book.
🙏 Facilitated workshops, experiential learning journeys, leadership programs, men’s support circles, and writing groups across a wide range of ages and communities.
Humble Beginnings:
🌴 In 2015, I co-founded Startup Island with my childhood friend, Brian Helfman. Over the next five years, we led 25+ retreats and online programs designed to help college students and young professionals live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. Our mission grew, evolved, and lives on today through Third Nature.
“The world Josh is creating consists of a landscape of deep connection, encouragement, wisdom, humility, play, support, and love. I am heartened and uplifted knowing he's out there chopping it up during this time of rich potential as a nation, as people, as inhabitants of this precious earth.”
— Pete McLean
“Josh helped me embrace a mission and vision that I held deep in my heart but wasn’t quite sure how to bring into reality. I founded BTG [Justin’s company] at the intersection of my love for basketball, leadership development, and youth coaching.”
— Justin Furtado
More Testimonials →
THE HUMAN BEING:
The extrovert in me gets his kicks through group gatherings and preferably outdoor activities (hikes, sports, meals, brewery hangs). The introvert fills his cup with quiet reflection, nature-based practices, and sitting around the fire with loved ones. The artist dabbles with poetry and photography. The competitor mostly plays racket sports these days.
I enjoy settings where there are more trees than people. I plan on creating a book sanctuary/gathering space/affordable housing community in the woods with friends, mentors, and mission-aligned partners in the next 5-20 years.
As much as I cherish the tranquility of a hidden beach or the solitude of deep forest, my most sacred arena is an empty basketball court. For as long as my body allows, I’ll still be out there pretending to be Jordan or Kobe. Down one, five seconds left.