Jon Mullican

What inspired you to become a coach?

My journey began with 35 years of leadership experience in the Navy, manufacturing, healthcare, and for-profit organizations. I found my true calling in helping leaders and teams unlock their potential by listening deeply, identifying root causes, and guiding them to create meaningful, lasting change. Coaching allows me to combine my love for people and systems to make a tangible difference in organizations.

What do you bring to the table?

• Depth of Experience: From serving in the U.S. Navy to leading in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, I’ve walked in my clients' shoes. I understand the challenges leaders face at every level.

• Education & Certifications:

• B.S. in Chemistry from the U.S. Naval Academy.

• Master of Science in Organization Development from Pepperdine University.

• Certifications in Leadership Circle Profile, iEQ9 Enneagram Assessment, and Birkman Assessment.

• Coaching Expertise: Since 2019, I’ve been part of Henley Leadership Group, coaching leaders from Microsoft, utility districts, and for-benefit organizations. I have also led transformative Enneagram trainings. Before joining HLG in 2019, I coached in non-profits for 20 years. 

What’s your coaching superpower?

Listening. I strive to listen with my entire being—curiously, intently, and with deep interest. My clients often say I’m like a thoughtful mirror, reflecting what they may not have noticed about themselves or their situations. This approach helps them gain clarity and take actionable steps toward their goals.

What are you currently learning?

I’m constantly exploring the art and science of listening and leadership. Recently, I’ve been reading books like Radical Listening by Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, How to Know a Person by David Brooks, and The Enneagram for Black Liberation by ChiChi Agorom. These works, along with ongoing studies in relationships and systems, inform my coaching and enrich the tools I bring to my clients.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of the personal and professional relationships I’ve built. My 39-year marriage to Dana, my three grown children, and my two grandchildren are my greatest joys. In my work, I’m proud of coaching over 30 Microsoft leaders, consulting with a utility district leadership team, and working with for-benefit leaders across the globe. These experiences have been deeply fulfilling and affirm why I do what I do.

What’s life like outside of work?

You’ll likely find me in my woodshop when I'm not coaching, creating furniture from oak, cherry, mahogany, and other beautiful woods. This hobby brings me immense satisfaction, and I love gifting the finished pieces to family and friends. I’m also a proud grandparent and enjoy traveling to spend time with my growing family.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

Great leaders listen—not just to words but to the energy, context, and meaning behind them. Leadership is about being curious, attentive, and willing to mirror what’s happening so teams and individuals can confidently move forward.

What’s one thing people might not know about you?

Thanks to my Navy days, I can fall asleep in under a minute—though never while on watch or with a client!