Helping leaders be their best

  • Gain clarity
  • Build skills
  • Accomplish goals
  • Process thoughts
  • Improve decision-making
  • Identify blind spots
  • Increase self-awareness
  • See new possibilities
  • Go further

– Chief of Staff, Oklahoma Department of Human Services

A Pioneering Coach.

As the Leadership Trainer & Workplace Coach for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, I created and oversee the first-of-its-kind internal coaching program for a state agency in the history of Oklahoma state government.

A Prepared Partner.

I am a Professional Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation and a Certified Team Coach and Certified Change Leadership Coach through the prestigious Center for Executive Coaching.

I hold two master’s degrees and multiple certifications covering such topics as organizational leadership, systems theory, conflict resolution and mediation, counseling, communication, project management, personality development, and leader-employee relationships.

An Experienced Leader.

With over 30 years experience on the frontlines of leadership, I’ve been where you are and I know the challenges of leading people and systems. I have a long list of accomplishments and an even longer list of mistakes. Through it all, I have created a track record of serving others with integrity, empathy, and wisdom and gained a reputation for helping leaders and teams maximize their potential.

Services

How can I best serve you and/or your team?

Executive & Team Coaching

Coaching for individual leaders and/or leadership teams that improves performance.

Leadership Training

Training that equips and empowers organizations to accomplish their goals with skill and integrity.

Keynote Speaking

I have keynoted multiple national events and numerous regional conferences.

Guest Preaching

As a former preacher, it is always an honor to serve a church through fill-in preaching, interim preaching, or guest speaking.

What People Say

  • “Rusty provides a truly safe space to work on things I wanted to work on and flexibility to coach me during challenges I didn’t expect to come up. He is organized and structured but intuitively explores needs as they arise. I am so grateful for this opportunity to develop through Rusty’s coaching sessions and recommend it to anyone wishing to grow in their leadership.”
  • “Rusty is very thoughtful and considerate and listens very well.”
  • “Rusty is good at identifying what is important.”
  • “Rusty pushes me in the right direction to help me figure things out for myself.”
  • “Every meeting had an outcome of action steps, and I always felt empowered after each meeting. I would highly recommend Rusty as a coach!”
  • “The coaching was highly effective, and I can’t say enough about what a wonderful resource Rusty is.”
  • “The knowledge I’ve gained from our coaching sessions has been monumental in helping me build my tool box, and I’m forever thankful.”
  • “As a result of coaching, I am managing my stress more effectively, I am coaching one of my employees to have a more positive mindset, and I have created a culture that has our team working together better.”
  • “The skills and confidence I’ve gained because of you have made a lasting impact on me. I truly appreciate the time and effort you have invested in my development and helping me grow better and better every day.”

Places my clients have worked…

Leaders bring out the best in others so…

How can I help you be your best?

Blog

Thoughts on leadership, coaching, church, and spirituality.

  • Noel

    This J.R.R. Tolkien (author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series) Christmas poem was originally published in 1936 and was then lost to history, only to be “discovered” again in 2013. Grim was the world and grey last night:The moon and stars were fled,The hall was dark without song or light,The fires…

  • “It’s Lonely at the Top”

    As I’ve posted before, I was recently a guest on The Coaching Edge Podcast, and I was struck by the following description of my episode on their Facebook page… ______________________________ Have you ever noticed that the people “at the top” often seem the most alone? In our latest episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, we…

  • ICYMI: My Podcast Episode

    In this episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Steve Jeffs and Erwin de Grave sit down with Rusty Tugman, leadership trainer, coach, and creator of the first internal coaching program in the history of Oklahoma state government. After 30 years in full-time ministry, Rusty transitioned into the role of leadership trainer and coach…

  • The Coaching Edge

    I was recently a guest on The Coaching Edge Podcast, where I had the opportunity to share the story of building the first-of-its-kind internal coaching program in the history of Oklahoma state government. It was a rich conversation, and I’d be honored if you gave it a listen: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/inside-the-rise-of-internal-coaching-how-rusty-tugman-built-a-coaching-culture-from-the-inside-out/?utm_source=guest-45&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=episode_3425

  • 7 Things I’m Thankful For

    Believe it or not, it’s the week of Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday because its sole purpose is to give us space for remembering and acknowledging all that we have in our lives for which to be grateful. And since cultivating gratitude is linked to better health, increased optimism, and greater emotional well-being,…