Testimonials
Larry Goldberg
Former Health Care System Divisional President and
Two-Time Academic Medical Center CEO
Jon’s coaching was extremely helpful in my decision and ability to successfully transition from my executive healthcare leadership role and begin to seek a more authentic way to approach my life. His coaching and experience as a former senior executive was extremely helpful in allowing me to identify actions and behaviors which I felt were appropriate for my situation. Through my engagement with Jon, I am not only happier now about what I am doing, but also how I handle my transition process with my former organization, employees and colleagues.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jon Oliver through the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute. This two-year program led to what I believe to become a lifelong friendship built on mentorship, coaching and collegiality. I grew an infinite amount throughout my time in the Leadership Institute, which ultimately led to several professional advancements and my acceptance into the NCAA Pathway Program. While in this program, we were able to work with Jon in a more intimate setting, to further identify our “why” so that it may serve as a foundation to leadership moving forward. During this time, I was presented with opportunities to explore outside of my previous institution and was granted the opportunity to be coached by Jon one-on-one to help me navigate the decisions that were ahead. Jon was and continues to be an invaluable resource. His background and knowledge provide the insight, but ultimately the perspective, that one needs to continue to grow, develop, and advance in this evolving landscape. I am forever grateful to Jon for encouraging me to challenge myself by not placing limits on my ability to be successful. I thank him for every coaching conversation, book recommendation, and his constant reminders regarding the role of perspective in leadership.
Dr. Lauren (Cevis) Rhodes
Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Performance, Health and Welfare/Senior Woman Administrator
The Pennsylvania State University
Kevin Eastman
Former NBA Championship Coach
Boston Celtics
Current Corporate & Sports Team Speaker
I have known Jon for a long time. He can best be described as honest, direct, and caring. When you couple this with his vast knowledge of leadership and personal development any time you get with Jon is time VERY WELL spent. I was involved in the Champion Forum program Jon ran with the NCAA for coaches trying to make the jump from assistant coach to head coach running their own program. This is not an easy jump, but Jon worked with the coaches to put them into a position to be much more prepared when that opportunity presents itself.
The program Jon designed was powerful and both career changing and life impacting. It went beyond sport. His deep personal involvement with each individual as well as his unique ability to bring out the best in people and get them to dig a little deeper was a learning experience for me to observe as well.
When you work with Jon you will be challenged while going through it, but I guarantee you that you will be better for it.
I have worked with some of the best coaches in the world as well as the most high performing athletes in the world. They are always looking for ways to improve and people to help them get to that next level. That’s what Jon does. I have actually seen how his work has changed the trajectory of many people’s careers.
I will end by simply saying: if you truly want to take your career to another level and learn a great deal about yourself along the way you should do all you can to spend time with Jon. It will be more than worth it!
Jon Oliver challenges me and makes me think outside of my comfort zone. I could not think of a better business coach and mentor. Our relationship is real, organic, and valued. I would not want to attempt to navigate the professional space I operate in without his wisdom, guidance, and advice. When I am “freaking out” on the inside about a situation or event, Jon has this way of getting me to see the point of the reality of the problem and putting in perspective how this situation relates to my “Why.” He is one of the few people who challenge me to continue improving my professional and personal relationships. He is the best mentor and coach.
David B. Brookbank, Jr.
Co-Founder
Income Protection Consultants, Inc.
Craig Littlepage
University of Virginia
Director of Athletics, Emeritus
Collegiate Sports Associates (CSA),
Senior Consultant
Jon Oliver and I teamed up for seventeen years while I served as the University of Virginia’s Director of Athletics. Jon was the Executive Director of Athletics at UVA and he handled the Department’s day-to-day operations (and much more). Those seventeen years were a time of growth and unprecedented success for UVA’s Athletics program and Jon was the key in establishing the path in pursuit of our program’s 10-year goals. The success we had was due to our commitment to self-evaluation, organizational improvement, candid communication, supporting our staff members’ growth, and a strong desire to change the status quo.
Whether it is individual improvement through leadership development; organizational or team improvement; systems review, assessment and modification…simply stated, if you’re looking to change the trajectory of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of your work, I’d strongly suggest you consider Jon, as not only an executive coach, but as a strategic partner helping you reach your leadership goals as well as your organization’s goals.
Jon Oliver has the ability to inspire and make those around him better. If you’re willing to receive critical feedback and accept accountability, then Jon could be the missing link on your journey to achieving ‘stretch goals’.
In May 2018 I had the opportunity to be a participant tin the NCAA Coaches Forum. As one of ten coaches selected for the forum, this was an opportunity to gain experience and the proper tools as I continued my dream of becoming a Head Coach. Jon Oliver led this symposium.
There is no doubt in my mind that these tools and exercises prepared me during my time an Assistant Coach at Florida State with Leonard Hamilton, to became the Head Coach at Cleveland State and now as the Head Coach at the University of Missouri. Jon’s efforts during the symposium prepared me to have a more innovative leadership style and gave me the confidence necessary to be successful as a Head Coach, CEO and Leader.
In addition, the symposium equipped me with an innovative mindset to strengthen my ability to lead student athletes, teach and grow my staff as well as interaction within the athletic department and the rest of the institution. It was a wonderful opportunity for professional development and growth. I found it to be more transformational than transactional. I highly recommend Jon’s coaching and consulting programs.
Dennis Gates
University of Missouri
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Lexus Williams
In a short period of time, Jon has become not only a mentor but a friend. He has given great advice and elevated my perspective on the business of athletics along with what it takes to succeed in this industry. I believe that we will have a relationship for a lifetime moving forward and I am honored to have him as someone I can call on.
The tools he has equipped me with in order to navigate through the world of sports are second to none. From knowing myself as a leader to understanding how to build leaders within an organization. My leadership development has been expedited and forever sharpened because of Jon. I cannot thank him enough for his genuine, caring, and invigorating spirit.
Jon is who you should consider if you want to be held accountable in order to move toward the goals you have set. Accountability, integrity, and understanding your “why” are values he will instill. I highly recommend Jon for all your coaching and consulting needs!
I had the honor of working with Jon Oliver at the 2022 NCAA Champions Forum for Basketball. I expected this professional development conference to be transformative. As imagined, I received a wealth of great information that could perhaps change the trajectory of my career pursuit of being a Division I Men’s Basketball Head Coach. What I did not expect, however, was the life-changing and liberating experience of taking a deep dive with Jon to discover my “authentic self”. I also did not expect to gain a trusted adviser willing to help me navigate career decisions that will position me for continued growth. He exceeded all my expectations!
I will forever be grateful to Jon for helping me align my conversation about my core identity as a natural rhythm of my life. He challenged me to peel back the layers to awaken a leader inside of me who is ready to impact the lives of those I am blessed to serve at any level and in any space.
Jon is masterful in his ability to bring your vision into complete focus. He uses his expertise to help you grow beyond your finite mind and become the best version of yourself. If you are ready for your breakthrough in leadership development, then I encourage you to seek the counsel of Jon Oliver!
Bryant Stith
UNCG Men’s Basketball
Assistant Coach
Alvin Brooks
Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach
Baylor University
Jon Oliver was instrumental in my professional and personal growth at the 2022 NCAA Champions Forum for Basketball. I did not know what to expect at the professional development conference but Jon made sure it was a transformative experience! Jon challenged me to not use “coach speak,” and instead encouraged me to speak about my authentic self. He wanted me to tell my story and showed me ways to accomplish it by battling my fear of communicating about myself.
Jon has lifetime experiences to help coaches like myself on a journey to become a head coach, and he has not stopped pouring into me since the professional development conference. I was amazed he took the time to visit me in Waco, and we continued our conversations over the phone as he continued to pour into me and share his knowledge with me. I’m blessed to have someone like Jon to lean on for coaching and guidance!
From being a student of Jon’s, to now working alongside of him, I continue to marvel at the depth of his commitment to serve a role in the uplifting of others. Jon’s coaching techniques allow the participant space to think logically and strategically – both key pillars of effective decision making.
Jon’s vast athletic experience creates the agility and ability to provide in-depth expertise, knowledge, and guidance to our learners, which translates into wins for them in terms of their preparation and execution of the next big steps in their lives and careers. I am grateful for our partnership.
(she/her/hers)
Director
NCAA Leadership Development
Adam Cohen
Associate Head Coach
Men’s Basketball
Xavier University
I met Jon at the NCAA Coaches Forum for assistant men’s basketball coaches in May of 2022. Over the course of the past year, Jon has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and information to allow me to grow and improve in so many ways. While at the forum, Jon led the symposium, and he provided myself and our cohort with a great deal of insight in how to become a better coach, a better employee, a better presenter and a better man.
Since the event, Jon has been consistent with his coaching, and has been instrumental in helping me gain confidence and authenticity when I am involved in interviews or as I prepare for what is coming next. He has provided me with true coaching, and he is not afraid to tell me my faults. As a coach, we do not often have someone who can be honest and up front with us – Jon has been that for me.
He truly makes me better! Jon has helped me more than I could have ever imagined. He has given me tools that help me every day in my career, but more importantly outside of the office, as I continue to navigate our coaching profession. I plan to stay consistent with my work with Jon, as he has provided great value to me, and I consider him a great friend who I trust dearly.
As a coach, we are always trying to find an edge on our opponents. Whether it’s in a doing a scouting report or battling to rise up the coaching ranks.
When I met Jon Oliver, I was searching for that edge. However, what I have found is so much more. Jon has helped me see a different perspective on not only on how to become a successful basketball coach but also a successful father, husband and friend. He has directed me on a path of self-discovery, not by giving constant advice but by asking questions that have led to having more understanding and self-awareness.
Through this journey together, Jon has become a friend and mentor. Without his wisdom and guidance, I feel like my current success on and off the court would not be possible.
I would not recommend Jon to anybody looking for an edge. However, I would definitely recommend Jon to somebody looking to be the best version of themselves. Through that process, a person will find his or her competitive edge.
I know I have!!
Assistant Coach
Grand Canyon University
Men’s Basketball