1989
Began Martial Arts training
1991
Began mediating after being the youngest person trained at the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center
1998
Started study of Embodied Peacemaking with Dr. Paul Linden
2002
Began Training on Conflict Resolution
2010
Started own Coaching and Consulting Practice
2017
Completed Georgetown University’s Leadership Coaching Program
Today
Sought after coach, trainer and mediator for insight and innovative ways of tackling difficult disputes
Leadership can be learned - and can be fun!
Great leaders
learn and grow
address conflict
lead by example
My mission is to serve others using the entirety of my skills, abilities and talents.
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Professional Coach
Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.
International Coaching Federation certified coach.
Black Belt in Aikido,
Purple Belt in BJJ
I seek to embody my profession. I’ve been training in martial arts for over two decades.
This training has been transformational for me in my personal growth and development – and I take my learnings into my practice.
Masters Degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
I teach undergraduate and graduate courses at George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, as well as speak at numerous conferences and symposia each year.
Celebrating together in Ohio for mom's 75th
Me and my mom on our birthdays
Sharing the podium in third place
Competed in regional IBJJF tournament
My wife, daughter, son and I
Family
Learning how to properly pour a pint
Guinness Brewery, Dublin, Ireland
My Core Belief
"Conflict opens up who we are and gets to the heart of pain and fear. It is an opportunity for growth."
I believe that learning about conflict – within ourselves and within groups – is the crux of leadership. If you can master that, then everything else falls into place.
Even Babies Know
Our Emotions Live In Our Bodies
One of my core tools in working with leaders is helping them identify the messages their bodies give them. We have a hard-wired brain-body connection. Our fight or flight response is triggered when we perceive conflict. This is why using the practices of embodiment and somatics can lead to such profound changes so quickly. If we can connect with our bodies - like small children - we can quickly identify what's happening to us, and then train ourselves to react in the ways we choose.
Stephen Kotev
