About Alan Heymann
Alan Heymann has a knack for coaching fellow introverts, helping them find their superpowers in an extroverted world. Alan also specializes in coaching through transitions — such as the transition from individual contributor to leader, the transition into a larger and more complex role, or the transition into a different career. He brings a warm, open and energetic presence to his coaching clients. To date, Alan has coached leaders who were born in 32 countries and work on 4 continents. His clients have spanned corporations (including the Fortune 50), nonprofit organizations, public utilities, federal, county and municipal governments.
Alan is the author of the book Don’t Just Have the Soup: 52 Analogies for Leadership, Coaching and Life. An expert communicator and engaging speaker, Alan spent more than two decades in public, government and nonprofit communications — leading teams from 2 to more than 100 people who use words and images to inspire positive change in society.
Inspired by a career transformation he brought about with the support of an executive coach, Alan decided to become a coach himself. He founded Peaceful Direction in April 2019.
Peaceful Direction is dedicated to supporting women, people of color and other groups historically underrepresented in Western leadership culture. Alan strives to bring principles of equity and justice into his work with all leaders.
Meeting the Dalai Lama in 2005.
More about Alan
From 2010 to 2013 and 2015 to 2019, Alan served as an executive leader at DC Water. He was most recently the founding president of the utility’s nonprofit spinoff, Blue Drop. In his first tour of duty, he was chief of external affairs, leading the effort to rebrand DC Water and reconnect with a skeptical public.
Alan was previously Vice President of Communications for The Humane Society of the United States. He also held various roles in the Government of the District of Columbia, including agency public information officer, mayoral speechwriter and legislative staffer. Earlier in his career, Alan was a television reporter, producer and anchor in his native Illinois.
Alan is a member of the Barker Adoption Foundation Board of Trustees. He’s followed a plant-based diet since 2002, enjoys running half-marathons and lives with his family outside Washington, DC. He is the son and parent of immigrants to the United States.
Education
Executive Certificate in Leadership Coaching, Georgetown University
Juris Doctorate, The George Washington University Law School
Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Medill School, Northwestern University
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate, University of South Florida
Credentials & Certification
Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation
Hogan Assessments
Leadership Circle Profile 360
Designing Your Life
Everything DiSC
Certified Facilitator in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method
District of Columbia Bar
Illinois Bar
Past coaching clients include:
Alan has also served dozens of other organizations (including the Fortune 500 and the federal government) as a subcontracted coach. This list is available upon request.