Andy Christiansen, PCC, CLC
- Strengths Coach, Team Trainer and Leadership Strategist
Andy strives to live the motto, “People before profits.” Throughout his career, he has been bothered by what he calls the profits over people crisis – men and women managing with only one brand of leadership, and often the wrong one, in his opinion. Years of observation confirmed Andy’s belief that demanding results at all costs doesn’t serve the best interests of anyone. “It’s when we manage in a way that elevates people as the priority that we get better results and greater sustainability,” he says.
Andy’s desire to inspire other leaders to incorporate this elevated perspective motivated him to start High Capacity Leaders in 2001. HCL is a strengths-based leadership development company. The mission is to influence men and women to develop their leadership brands and polish their people skills in order to build high performing teams.
Since High Capacity Leaders’ inception, Andy has had the privilege to work with leaders and teams from Coca-Cola, The U. S. Air Force, Chick-fil-A, E & J Gallo Winery, Mattress Firm, Cott Beverage, Northwestern Mutual, and dozens of other for profit and non-profit organizations.
In 2010, Andy published his first book, The 40:40 Principle, which tackled the subject of the importance of authentic connections with other high influence leaders. His second book, The Leadership Factory, will be published in 2013.
Andy was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his BBA degree from Kent State University where he was Captain of the State Champion KSU Rugby Team. He is also a graduate of Coach University. Andy is an internationally Certified Professional Coach PCC, a Certified Life Coach CLC, and an ordained minister. In 1998 at age 35, Andy co-created Veryfine Products Fruit2O (currently owned by Sunny Delight Beverage Co.), the first no calorie fruit flavored spring water product that ultimately reinvented the bottled water industry. In his spare time, Andy enjoys hiking large mountains, biking, and adventure racing. In 2009, he completed his first 50k ultra marathon and plans to compete in a half Ironman in 2012. Andy and his wife, Nikki, reside in Atlanta, Georgia with their three children. He loves to travel and has had the privilege of visiting over fifteen countries.