BackgroundDr. Al Spicer established Action for Breakthroughs over ten years ago where he coaches individuals on leadership effectiveness, career transition and success, personal effectiveness, and work-life integration. He thrives on coaching super confident risk-takers who play for high stakes in their chosen endeavors. His clients are notable for their intelligence, humor, inspiration, and clear commitment to a bigger vision for themselves and the world.
Dr. Spicer is a professional certified coach (PCC) with advanced and specialized coaching skills as a graduate of both Coach U and The Coaches Training Institute’s certification program, where he earned the additional credential of Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC). As a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF), he was a member of the executive board of the ICF Chicago Chapter for four years and served as the 2003 President. He has a doctoral degree in clinical psychology (Psy.D.) which provides a unique and powerful foundation for supporting clients to become most effective and successful in the shortest period of time. With over 15 years of experience working with people to transform their effectiveness, fulfillment, and life success, Dr. Spicer has worked with executives and managers in a range of industries and who were employed by a diversity of companies including: Sprint, Zurich Financial Services, Ameritech, Anheuser-Busch, DriveChicago, Bank One, YMCA, US Cellular, Accenture, Oliver Wyman, Tuthill, Motorola, Simon, Chiro One, BP, Pfizer, FONA International, NASA, and IBM among others.
Dr. Spicer made the dynamic city of Chicago his home for 12 years, and he now lives in suburban St. Charles with his wife and two children. His business serves a national client base. Al loves the outdoors and has interests in a variety of sports including tennis, golf, skiing, and performance driving. He credits philosophy, the arts, music, psychology, and spirituality for playing a significant role in his personal and professional development.
OccupationExecutive Coach, Leadership Development, & Career Success
Corporate2003 President: International Coach Federation, Chicago Chapter. Board member for 4 years.
EducationBA in Communication and Psychology.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD).
Coach Training: Graduate of Coach U and The Coaches Training Institute.
Certification: Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC).
Professional Certified Coach (PCC).
DegreesBA, PsyD
SchoolsUniversity of Colorado at Boulder.
Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Chicago
CoachingMethodsTelecoaching and in person.
LocationsChicago, Illinois (and Metro area)
Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
LanguagesEnglish
FeeRange$650 - $2000
FreePromoI provide one complimentary consultation session to determine if I'm the right coach for you and your needs.
Testimonials
"This is the first time in my life that I feel like I have total clarity around my career and something I can go after and get excited about! It wasn't even close to that when we started. It's funny, but I have more time in my life, even though I'm doing more! Life is fuller and became less frenetic. I'm doing more with less time. I can't believe the changes that have happened in only 3 months!"
--James Kelly, New York, NY
"Al's coaching is one of the main reasons tha I am now a successful independent businessman. The time we spent together helped to raise my awareness about strengths, challenges, and fears that affect my level of success as a professional. And, our discussions were about more than just being aware. There were about deciding who I was going to be and what I was going to do in order to make postive changes. The results I achieved were definitely worth the investment!"
--Mitch Bienvenue, President, Accomplish, Inc.
"Al helped me see the value of letting people contribute more to my life and ways to prioritize myself and my needs!"
--Carmella, Illinois
"I've learned so many things from coaching but perhaps the biggest is that I have the power to change my life. I know this sounds fairly obvious and slightly hokey, but the power of it is undeniable. Al Spicer helps you access that power and make change a natural process that reflects who you are and what is important to you. Before you can make any kind of changes, you need to become aware of what you want. Sometimes that's the hardest part of the journey. Al's warm and insightful presence helps you cultivate that awareness, and once you have it, taking steps and committing to them becomes easy."
--Jeff Brandt, Chicago, IL
"In the last 30 days I have become extremely productive, more focused, accomplishing a lot more, eliminating what's getting in the way 'outside' and 'inside'. I've felt more happy and optimistic now than in the past two and a half years!"
--Paul Budvitis, former General Manager, DriveChicago.Com
"After having had quite a few sessions with Al I would upgrade his title from 'Personal Effectiveness Coach' to 'A Directional Force."
--Don Moravick, Design Director, Moravick & Associates
"Al really helped me to learn how to quickly shift my perspective in my desire to be far more effective both personally and professionally. Since working with Al, I've earned certain professional designations and awards. I am also far more nimble in my response to challenges. When my wife comments positively on how I respond to things, I know the work Al and I have done has given me lasting benefits. I wholeheartedly recommend Al to anyone interested in engaging him as his or her personal coach. You won't be disappointed!"
Year first hired: 2004 (hired more than once)
Top Qualities: Expert, High Integrity, Creative
--Joe Hohman (from LinkedIn recommendation)
"I found coaching with Al was a rewarding and productive experience. He helped me more clearly define and prioritize my goals, and effectively implement a plan for achieving them."
--Joe Reynoso, President, Anteros Capital Markets LLC
"I found that Al Spicer helped me discover invaluable insights into what was most important in my life. Through his guidance I was able to gain a clearer understanding of myself and develop effective ways to stay on track. I would enthusiastically recommend Al as a coach to anyone who is looking to gain more clarity about their lives."
--G.S., Chicago, IL
"Who could believe that after 3 months I would be where I am now relative to when we began! When I first started this process, I was skeptical of the results. I thought the best you could do for me was skill identification and help me get a better job. As it turned out, that wasn't the only focus, thankfully. You helped me realize that strength really comes fro within, that a change in foucs and drive is all that I needed to change my future. It's the best I've been in over a year and a half! It's sad that my company doesn't provide your services to its employees. I can't see a person out there that couldn't benefit from your assistance."
-Bob Dolan, Sales Director, Chicago, IL
"For so many years I have only been able to accomplish a fraction of what I really wanted. I am now on pace for a record year in commercial real estate sales and have peace in areas that I assumed would trouble me through my life. Al has taught me to fully understand myself and, more importantly, to take control of my mind and overcome poor habits. Every great dream, athlete, or competitor needs coaching. Highly skilled coaches make highly skilled individuals. I am extremely fortunate to have Al's commitment to my success!"
--Jeff Enck, Senior Investment Advisor, Shane Investment Property Group
"Your coaching has helped me to create a whole new meaning and definition for who I am and what I want out of life. Your ability to help me really see ME, has created an awareness of my potential and the positive impact I can hold for myself, and others I come in contact with everyday. Wow, how lives can change, and I will forever evolve with my heightened awareness of which you helped me see. Thank you!"
--Randy Minier, former President, Tuthill Corporation.