Our Story
Ryan Penneau M.S. was a self-identified naysayer of all things 'Leadership Stuff'. Why?!
For the same reasons many other people are: The Rah Rah, Motivation doesn't last and it wears off, What's the practical application? It's meant for a certain segment of the population....and on and on and on.
Ryan subscribed to this same mentality until attending a leadership program that fundamentally expanded his idea of what a leadership training could be. It was through this experience, Ryan dedicated his life to providing world-class leadership development experiences to individuals, and he did this first by working for Famous Dave's very own foundation, The LifeSkills Center for Leadership. Under the tutelage of Famous Dave Anderson (Founder of Famous Dave's BBQ and 200+ restaurants nationwide) and his team, Ryan learned the value of: humility, consistent self-improvement, dedication to being the best of the best, living life with enthusiasm, and that the world rewards people that effectively handle problems. Ryan served LifeSkills as a facilitator and program director for 5 years before taking the leap of faith to spearhead his own mission.
For the same reasons many other people are: The Rah Rah, Motivation doesn't last and it wears off, What's the practical application? It's meant for a certain segment of the population....and on and on and on.
Ryan subscribed to this same mentality until attending a leadership program that fundamentally expanded his idea of what a leadership training could be. It was through this experience, Ryan dedicated his life to providing world-class leadership development experiences to individuals, and he did this first by working for Famous Dave's very own foundation, The LifeSkills Center for Leadership. Under the tutelage of Famous Dave Anderson (Founder of Famous Dave's BBQ and 200+ restaurants nationwide) and his team, Ryan learned the value of: humility, consistent self-improvement, dedication to being the best of the best, living life with enthusiasm, and that the world rewards people that effectively handle problems. Ryan served LifeSkills as a facilitator and program director for 5 years before taking the leap of faith to spearhead his own mission.
In partnership with Brandon W. Johnson, aka Positive Energy Guy, Ryan has dedicated over 10 years of effort and service to people, providing award winning content and leadership experiences to over 400 companies and organizations. Alone, our HEART of a Leader program has served over 560 groups, and over 7,500 individuals. In combination with our keynote presentations, retreats and other workshops, we have served well over 100,000 individuals with a message of Be You, Lead from the Heart, and Make a Difference.
Ryan resides in Michigan with his wife and two amazing, energetic, fantastic little children. He maintains close connections with his home states of Wisconsin, where he was born and raised, and Minnesota where he spent most of his professional career.
Ryan resides in Michigan with his wife and two amazing, energetic, fantastic little children. He maintains close connections with his home states of Wisconsin, where he was born and raised, and Minnesota where he spent most of his professional career.
Our Experience
Our team brings over 16 years of combined experience. Ryan Penneau, our founder and lead facilitator, earned his Masters in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, and has dedicated his life to learning from the best of the best to be an expert in people, attitude and performance.
Our presenters consist of award winning authors and facilitators, TEDx speakers, and people who first and foremost are committed to continual improvement and the highest standard of facilitation and curriculum development.
We facilitate the only training in the country that has visited the same organization 6-8 times a year for 9 years consecutively.
Our presenters consist of award winning authors and facilitators, TEDx speakers, and people who first and foremost are committed to continual improvement and the highest standard of facilitation and curriculum development.
We facilitate the only training in the country that has visited the same organization 6-8 times a year for 9 years consecutively.
Our Commitment
We pull the very best we can out of individuals by maintaining a standard of curriculum that engages each individual to get out of their head and into their heart, to give their all to their goals, and to leave interactions better than how they found them. We do this through programming that maintains a 'no fluff', fully immersive, active learning experience. We MAINTAIN this through empowering TEAMS with the tools necessary for implementing a CULTURE of HEART.