The ECL Story

Developing Champions for Life

Since 1996, our unwavering commitment has been to make a profound impact on lives through the development of Essential Character Leadership. Our fundamental belief underscores that authentic leadership is cultivated within oneself. Before effectively leading others, it is imperative to first lead yourself by embracing and nurturing your core character virtues. This cornerstone principle has guided our mission from inception. ECL, in our view, serves as the bedrock and essential catalyst for transforming and unlocking the full potential, particularly in the realm of leadership, within each individual.

We view ECL not just as a training ground, but as the genesis upon which personal and leadership development flourish. It's the pivotal step in unlocking the boundless potential inherent within each individual, particularly in their capacity to lead. Our conviction extends to the profound notion that any moment, no matter how ordinary it may appear, holds the potential to shape a person's future trajectory. With ECL’s tailored training, the realm of possibilities transcends imagination to become attainable reality.

Our pledge to Personalizing Leadership rejects the notion that success is solely defined by profitability, popularity, or fleeting trends. What truly matters is the redefinition of success—whether you stand as a leader of an organization or a vital member of a team. ECL's goal is to redefine and humanize success on a personal level, leading you to recognize your true potential and, even more importantly, your intrinsic self-worth.

Over a quarter-century ago, our journey commenced in the United States Navy, an experience that transitioned into significant leadership roles at The George Washington University Athletics & Recreation Department. We gained crucial hands-on exposure and firsthand insights to launching a premier NCAA Division I Leadership and Character Development Academy for student-athletes. Our trajectory unfolded further with selection into the esteemed NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females. Senior administrative and Executive leadership positions across a diverse range of esteemed educational institutions added to our growth, endowing us with invaluable lessons and wisdom. Our journey was marked by the establishment of various Leadership & Character Development initiatives, each contributing to our enrichment with invaluable insights and experiences. These experiences contributed to the foundation from which ECL emerged.

What started as a personal passion for sports unfurled into a lifelong vocation of Servant Leadership as we unraveled our true selves. The quest to share and impart the ECL process began, specifically targeting those underserved and in need, with the aspiration that our service would sow the seeds of influence, inspirations, ignition, and impact. Our journey, which encompassed military service, high-level sports competition, and educational leadership, became the bedrock upon which ECL was established. Along this journey, we birthed our ten guiding core principles:

10 Guiding Core Principles:

  1. LOVE: Unconditional love is our foundation.

  2. GRATITUDE: We appreciate the gift of life and the chances it affords for development and service.

  3. INTENTIONALITY: We exhibit thoughtfulness, purpose, and self-control in all endeavors.

  4. COURAGEOUS: Fearlessly authentic and honest, we share our true selves.

  5. AUTHENTICITY: We embrace vulnerability, authenticity, and kindness.

  6. HOPEFUL: Positivity, joy, harmony, and optimism infuse our approach to life.

  7. PATIENCE: We hold patience as a virtue, understanding that discipline and hard work bear fruit in time.

  8. DEDICATION: Passionately committed, we empower the world with the tools to cultivate Essential Character Leadership virtues.

  9. EMPATHY: We abstain from judgment, understanding and sharing in others' journeys, as we have our own.

  10. INTEGRITY: Our words and actions align as we relentlessly pursue goodness and the right path.

Since that inception in 1996, our pursuit of Essential Character Leadership has been marked by these principles. This is the evolving story of ECL, a narrative that continues to inspire, empower, and drive transformative change in individuals and their communities.