My goal is to connect people to the ownership of their full power and ability.

Joe Kwon, the Connection Counselor helps organizations transcend statistics, increase belonging, and unlock higher performance through the power of connection. He is the author of "Unlock your Executive Presence: Feel like a Boss," and has hosted several podcasts, most recently "Si-Suite: A Seat at the Table with Executive Leaders" for ALPFA.

Joe holds a psychology degree from UVA, a law degree from Georgetown University, and lives in Oakland, NJ with his wife Heather and son Lukas.

MBE certified vendor

JoeKwonJoe Coaching

Proud to be nationally certified by the: NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Random trivia

  • Favorite dessert - Tiramisu

  • Beverage of choice - Coffee, black, Kona if you have it

  • Guilty pleasure - EDM

  • Superpower - Sleep on-demand

  • Favorite movie - Toss-up b/t Casablanca and The Princess Bride

  • Favorite book - Catch 22, by Joseph Heller

  • Favorite vacation spot - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter 

Education and Influences

Psychology from University of Virginia

The idyllic setting of Charlottesville was an ideal place for me as I embarked on an important period of growth - intellectually, culturally, and spiritually.

J.D. from Georgetown Law

My time in Washington, D.C. was an intense period where my mind and will were stretched to new limits and in the end, I emerged with new skills, confidence, and perspectives.

Korea University

Nothing challenges your tidy perceptions of the world quite like living in a different country. My year abroad being a private English tutor and taking classes exposed me to surprisingly different world views and ways of thinking.

Global experience

I've been fortunate to be able to travel to other countries to work with and train colleagues. While challenging on many levels, the experience of learning how to understand and navigate other cultures was invaluable.

Let's connect!

If you have a thirst for learning, if you find joy in the surprises that flow from connecting to others, if you refuse to let your or anyone else's potential be squandered, I'd love to talk to you. Find me on social media or email me.

Remember, you have the power to change your life, one connection at a time.

Frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions. I’ve got answers.

What's it like working with you?

I like to keep things are relaxed and EZPZ as possible. For me this involves connecting with people from where they are, rather than trying to shoehorn them into my system, expectations, or processes. When I do dial up the passion and intensity, it's because I can now see areas for you to grow and I'm excited to help you get there.

How did you get started coaching?

Several years ago a former colleague from Argentina called to tell me they wanted to invest in themselves with an Executive Coach and asked if I would take them as a client. A few weeks later, a former manager of mine asked for my help navigating their office politics.

I discovered the impact of what I had already been doing most of my career (coaching and advising others) could be improved if I offered it as a service.

The content was already there in my experience, books I had authored, presentations and trainings. Also, every client interaction has enriched what I know and teach. I can't imagine not coaching and am having so much fun doing it. I hope we can connect and improve each other's lives!

What coaching certifications do you have?

None. If that is a non-starter for you, I totally understand! My ability to deliver results comes from blending all I've learned over 20+ years in Corporate America with a concentrated, intentional focus on the universal principles that work across disciplines, organizations, and time. I encourage you review my readily available writing, videos, and podcasts. If you like, set up a short chat to get to know me. If I can't earn your trust without a certification, I respect that and hope you find someone who is a better fit!

What can I expect to learn from you?

Everything I teach is based on universal principles that work anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. Strategies are great and can be used to great effect, but are limiting in that they only work when the exact conditions for them to work exist. I also focus on practical application so I work with you to apply what you are learning to scenarios you expect to encounter.

Some coaches offer a money-back guarantee. Why don't you?

Great question! I researched this a lot and as it turns out, in general I should earn more by offering a money-back guarantee because psychologically it removes risk. That said, I only want to work with people who know they want to work with me specifically. Also, I don't have an appetite for debating whether someone qualifies for a refund or not.

Do you offer in-person services?

Yes, I love connecting to people in the same room and presenting to groups is one of my favorite ways to teach. The energy and the opportunities are different from being virtual and it's sort of my first love. That said, with my current business model and personal commitments, extensive business travel or time away from home is difficult for me so I prefer to deliver my services virtually.

If you would like to explore in-person services, I welcome a conversation to see if we can make it work for both of us.