About
The experience behind the work.
Brett Blair, PhD, PCC—executive coach, entrepreneur, author, and trusted thought partner to accomplished leaders navigating consequential decisions.
His story
65 years in.
Just getting started.
I have spent my life leading, building, losing, learning, and beginning again.
I have held international leadership roles across three continents, built and sold a business, earned a PhD, coached executives and entrepreneurs, navigated profound personal loss — including the death of my wife Kim from ALS — written three books, and reinvented my own life more than once.
Those experiences taught me about more than transition. They taught me what leadership requires when the stakes are real, the answers are incomplete, and familiar definitions of success no longer provide enough direction.
I earned my PhD with doctoral research focused on how high-achieving people recover and rebuild after major career disruptions. I hold the PCC credential through the International Coaching Federation. But the credential I rely on most in my coaching work is the one no degree program offers: I have actually lived what my clients are facing.
I am currently 65, married to Tanya, and in what I genuinely consider the richest chapter of my life. I am writing, coaching, researching, and thinking — and I have no intention of stopping.
Credentials
Built on research and experience both.
- ◆PhD in Industrial and Organizational PsychologyDoctoral research focused on mid-career recovery and resilience in high-achieving professionals
- ◆PCC Executive Coach, International Coaching FederationRequiring 500+ hours of documented coaching experience and rigorous assessment
- ◆25 Years International Corporate LeadershipSenior leadership roles across three continents and multiple industries
- ◆Author of Three Published BooksOn resilience, authentic living, purpose, and navigating major life transitions
- ◆EntrepreneurBuilt and successfully sold a business; understands the specific challenges of founders and business owners at transition points
Podcast appearances
The ideas behind the work.
Brett speaks publicly on identity, resilience, purpose, and what it means to flourish in the second half of a successful life.
- The Philosophy of Born Love DieBecome a Provider · Episode 104
- Choosing Positivity with Brett BlairChoosing Positivity · Season 2, Episode 6
- How to Live IntentionallyYouTube Interview
- The Maxine Phillips ShowFull Interview · February 2023
Links to individual episodes available on request.
Current Professional Leadership
- ◆Founder and Senior Partner, Sanford Rose Associates–BrightonFounder of an executive-search practice established in 2007, helping organizations identify and recruit senior leaders across manufacturing, human resources, sales, marketing, and business development.
- ◆Executive Coach, Converge Advisory Group
Through nearly two decades in executive search, Brett has worked closely with companies, hiring leaders, and senior candidates at consequential moments. This gives him an unusually practical understanding of leadership selection, organizational fit, executive transitions, and what companies genuinely seek from senior leaders.
Current Board Leadership and Governance
- ◆Chair of the Board, Damon Industries
- ◆Chair of the Board, Diaper Bank of North Carolina
- ◆Board Member, NewHope Church
Investment, Civic, and Community Engagement
- ◆Member, RTP Angel Fund
- ◆Member, Durham Rotary Club
Start here
One honest conversation.
If Brett’s story and approach resonate with where you are, a private conversation is the natural next step. If he does not believe the work is the right fit, he will say so honestly.
Start a Conversation