Testimonials

Why Dr. Bob Wood is an Excellent Coach and Mentor

A personal testimonial by Ken Booker

I have had the privilege of working with Dr. Bob Wood for the past thirty years, and I can confidently say that he is one of the best coaches and mentors I have ever encountered. Bob has helped me grow professionally and personally, and I am grateful for his guidance, support, and  encouragement. Here are some of the reasons why I highly recommend Bob as a coach and mentor.

  • He is knowledgeable and experienced. Bob has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of leadership development, and he is always eager to share his insights and best practices with others. He has coached and mentored hundreds of people from different backgrounds, industries, and levels of seniority, and he knows how to tailor his approach to each individual’s needs and goals. He is also constantly learning and updating his skills, and he is always open to feedback and new ideas.
  • He is caring and supportive. Bob genuinely cares about his clients and mentees, and he goes above and beyond to help them succeed. He is not only a coach and mentor, but also a friend and a cheerleader. He listens attentively, empathizes, and validates, and he provides constructive and honest feedback.
  • He also celebrates achievements, recognizes strengths, and encourages potential. He is always available and responsive, and he follows up regularly to check on progress and offer assistance.
  • He is inspiring and empowering. Bob has a positive and optimistic attitude, and he inspires others to believe in themselves and their dreams. He challenges his clients and mentees to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and learn from failures. He also empowers them to take ownership of their development, set SMART goals, and create action plans. He helps them discover their passions, values, and purpose, and he supports them in aligning their actions with their vision.

Dr. Bob Wood is an excellent coach and mentor, and I am honored to have him as a part of my professional and personal journey. He has made a significant impact on my life, and I am sure he will do the same for many others. If you are looking for a coach and mentor who can help you achieve your goals and aspirations, look no further than Bob Wood. You will not regret it.

– Ken Booker
Vice President of Professional Services & Customer Support, Schools
Tyler Technologies, Inc.

Despite graduating college a decade ago, Dr. Bob Wood still genuinely cares about my personal growth just as much as he did when I was a student under his leadership. Starting in my college years and still today, Dr. Wood has been a guiding light who continually inspires me to pursue opportunities to grow my personal brand outside of my comfort zone. With the support and guidance of Bob, I consistently feel empowered to chase goals even when I have self-doubts – knowing I can seek his guidance and coaching on how to make those dreams a reality.

Since graduating, Bob maintains regular contact with me and has advised me on navigating professional pivots and company changes. Whenever I come to pivotal moments in my career or life, I always know I can reach out to Bob and seek his advice and perspective. I admire Bob’s candid feedback and his ability to help me frame decisions in a way that aligns with both my personal values and goals.

I am thankful every day that I met Dr. Bob Wood when I did, because his coaching and mentorship has truly changed the trajectory of my life. If you are looking for your #1 Cheerleader who will inspire you with positivity, but who is also able to compassionately and gracefully deliver the “tough” constructive feedback that we don’t always want to hear – Dr. Bob Wood is the mentor and coach you need. I am honored to call Bob my mentor and friend and look forward to our ongoing connections.

– Lori Defnet, CPA
ESG Finance Manager
The Hershey Company

Bob Wood is a highly effective leader who values collaboration and inclusivity. His leadership style ensures that every team member’s thoughts and opinions are considered in the decision-making process, fostering a sense of belonging and respect within the team. He shares his team building strategies with others to maximize their efficiency and effectiveness.

In addition to his team-building success, Bob’s skills as a coach and mentor are exemplary. His ability to nurture relationships over time, transitioning from a faculty- student mentorship to a life coach relationship, demonstrates his commitment to personal growth and development. This long-term investment in individuals is a testament to his dedication and effectiveness as a mentor. His approach not only benefits the individuals he mentors but also contributes to a positive and supportive team environment.

– Dr. Memo F. Diriker
Professor of Marketing
Founder BEACON
Perdue School of Business
Salisbury University

“This long-term investment in individuals is a testament to his dedication and effectiveness as a mentor.”

Bob Wood has been a constant cheerleader, coach, and mentor throughout my career. I took two of his finance classes decades ago but the lessons learned have lasted a lifetime. I can honestly say that I would not be here in this role if he had not believed in my potential. When I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do as a corporate employee, he encouraged me to consider a Ph.D. program. I never would have considered it had he not suggested it.

He has followed my career over the years. When I was going through the promotion and tenure process and was overwhelmed, he helped me figure out what I needed to do and helped me learn how to think about the process. I want to have the kind of impact on students that he has had on me throughout my career. He is witty, funny, and down to earth. He’s the kind of person who can simultaneously encourage you and make you laugh. Again, I would not be here without his support and encouragement.

– Andrea R. Neely, Ph.D
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Management
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Much can– and has been– said about the topic of leadership. The value of it, however, is in the doing, that is, the mundane day-to-day actions and patterns of an individual selfless enough to invest in those around them. Dr. Wood epitomizes this true– and incredibly valuable– leadership and mentoring. Having made the decision to leave the only home I had ever known in Kansas and start over at the University of South Alabama, Dr. Wood invested in me before I even made it to campus. Throughout my collegiate career, he became a trusted mentor and unwavering advocate. Dr. Wood is to thank for connecting me with and encouraging me toward taking opportunities that stretched me and pushed me out of my comfort zone both personally and professionally. Under his organizational leadership, I was connected with peers who became lifelong friends and fantastic work and academic experience. His door was always open– and though he heard plenty of plan changes, panics, and questions– his dedication to sharing wisdom and challenging my self-induced limitations never changed; I am all the better for it! Today, I know he remains only a call away. I cannot thank Dr. Wood for his mentorship, strategic leadership, and development. He truly walks the talk. What a legacy to follow.

– Josie Ellis
Community Bank, Birmingham

“Through the 100X Leader Workshop, Bob has helped me with intentional tools to develop our team’s gifts and talents. Navigating my tendencies and pitfalls has helped me work toward cultivating a climate of trust and investment in our team, helping unleash our team’s leadership and multiply the impact potential of our mission.”

– Brian Hasty
Teaching Pastor
Christ United Church, Mobile