About Me

Hello and welcome to The Personal Growth Library!

My name is Adam Chalker and I have created this site to help find and spread the word about the best personal growth resources out there.

Since much of this site contains my recommendations, I thought you might like to know a bit about my background.

Work Experience

I am a professional coach and I hold the credential of Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation.

I currently work as an Executive Coach and Senior Organization Performance Consultant for Suntiva Executive Consulting, located near Washington D.C. I coach government and business leaders to improve their leadership effectiveness.

(I also write for the Suntiva Blog. Here are links to my recent posts: Team Problems? Go Back to Fundamentals; Taking Your Team From Good to Great; The Key To Doing More With Less - How to Work Smarter; Got Vision? Consider the Seven Generations Question; Are You Leading at the Right Level?; Leadership vs. Management Skills? - Build Both!; Ten Questions to Identify Your Leadership Philosophy.)

I also work with private clients as a Personal Growth Coach. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individuals on life purpose and direction, wellness, and balance. I bring an integrated approach, drawing upon the teachings from the world's wisdom traditions.

Previously, I worked in Human Resources as a Senior Consultant for Leadership Development at Fannie Mae, in Washington D.C. I provided coaching, team effectiveness consulting, and helped design the leadership development infrastructure. Before that, I worked at the Corporate Leadership Council, a think tank researching leadership development best-practices across industry.

And, my first and favorite job of all: I worked as an adventure trip leader and taught hiking, paddling, and camping skills and facilitated ropes courses.

Education

• Post-graduate Certificate in Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University.

• M.Ed in Education and Human Development from George Washington University.

• Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, l'Institut d'Etudes Politiques, Strasbroug, France.

• B.A. Davidson College in Political Science. Phi Beta Kappa. Cum Laude. High Honors in Political Science for Thesis entitled, "Aristotle and The Best Way of Life."

• Advanced trainings in Adult Development Theory, Personality Theory, Somatic Coaching, Mindfulness Meditation, and Reiki, among others.

A Bit About Me

My own journey of personal growth has had many highs and lows, surprises, dead-ends, and wonderful breakthroughs. And, I've met some wonderful souls along the way.

I chose my profession because, after some existential torment, I found my mission as helping others find and share their gifts with the world.

Many of my own interests and gifts revolve around personal growth, particularly learning new ideas and techniques.

For fun, I love Crossfitting, traveling, spending time outdoors whitewater kayaking and hiking, meditating, and spending time with friends and family.

So, I hope that provides enough information about me. And, more importantly, I hope this site is helpful to you in your own personal growth and development.

Best wishes to you in your journey and good luck along the way.