HEY THERE!
I'm Steve Disselhorst
I believe that you have a unique path and pursuing that path is an act of courage and authenticity!
In 2018, my life was turned upside down with two life-altering events that shook me to my core.
In February, I was diagnosed with cancer, and in June, I was displaced from my corporate job.
These experiences made me question what I valued, how I wanted to live each day, and what made me happy. The cancer diagnosis gave me a deep appreciation for living. Becoming a cancer survivor has pushed me to be fully present and live each day like my last. The loss of my corporate job caused an identity crisis and a re-evaluation of my work's meaning. I became more intentional in my conviction to lead a meaningful life, more in touch with my inner voice, and more grateful for all the unique gifts in my life.
In 2019, I left the stability and predictability of a 25-year career in corporate America to pursue my desire to become an entrepreneur. I founded my coaching and consulting practice to create greater meaning for individuals and teams and, ultimately, a more significant impact on the world. I wrote my memoir, Determined To Be Dad, with the hope of helping LGBTQ people build families. And I took some downtime to heal and recover from my cancer treatment.
Now, I help clients from diverse backgrounds discover what they want for themselves before a life crisis comes knocking at their door. We work together to unlearn social constructs that force them into jobs and lives that no longer serve them. Together, we form an alliance that provides them the safety, courage, and structure to go after their dreams. In addition, I coach leaders within organizations to create workplaces that help their employees thrive and belong. Finally, I help them evaluate the roadblocks that diminish employee engagement and create discontent.
Previously, I led efforts to create better employee engagement and inclusive work environments as a diversity & inclusion consultant for Genentech, responsible for leadership development of top talent from underrepresented communities. In addition, I held multiple roles in both sales and marketing. Also, I was a restaurateur with 90+ employees in an earlier career, and I was responsible for the employee life cycle and business operations.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
WHAT MATTERS
My Family
I am the father of two wonderful children who are the center of my world. They were both adopted, the first child through private, open adoption, and the second through the foster-to-adopt program. When I am not working, I usually spend time with the kids at the beach, park, riding their scooters, or doing school work. My role as a father is paramount to my daily life.
Giving Back
I am passionate about community service and being part of the process to make systemic changes. Previously, I was co-chair of the board of directors for the non-profit, Our Family Coalition, which advances equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) families.
My Community
Currently, I serve on the San Mateo County LGBTQ Commission, am a speaker for the San Francisco LGBTQ Speaker's Bureau, and am active in San Mateo County Stonewall Democrats. I am involved in Evryman and Unshakeable Man groups which bring men together to cultivate their emotions so they can lead more connected, fulfilling lives.
