My New Chapter

Dear friends,

I think it’s time I gave you an update on my next chapter, now that it seems to be coming together. Many of you know that I left my role as Executive Pastor at ChangePoint last September, and that my Special Assistant role with Governor Parnell’s office ended with the end of his administration in December. Since then, I’ve taken a season to research and pray about where I’d like to go professionally at this stage of my life. I’m thankful that God has provided for Sonia and me in such a way that a long break was possible.

I’ve always been told that the ideal job is one that you’d want to do even if you had to do it for free. And I guess I’ve reached that age where doing what I love is more important than how much money I can earn (though being successful at both would be great). I’ve always been drawn toward growing and helping others grow as leaders. I’ve looked at a lot of opportunities over the last few months, and I believe I’ve found a great fit.

I’ve joined a team of 30+ leadership coaches in a small but nation-wide company called Academy Leadership. I attended their Leadership Excellence Course in Colorado in April, and I was sold. I’ve seen a lot of leadership development programs over the years, and I’m really impressed with what Academy Leadership has to offer. Our focus is not on business consulting, but on developing the character and competency of leaders in every sphere of society.

I plan to start my own business this summer that will function as an affiliate of Academy Leadership. My next steps are to launch my website, attend training in July in Annapolis, Maryland, and conduct my first Leadership Excellence Courses in Anchorage in October and November.

I’m excited that this role allows Sonia and me to stay here in Anchorage also. Sonia will continue her business, Sonia’s Art Studio, painting and teaching art lessons. We both want to continue investing in the discipleship movement in Alaska, and I hope to continue working as a volunteer with my friends at 3dMovements and ChangePoint.

Sonia and I are thankful for your prayers and friendship during the transition. Some of you might be wondering, “How can I help?” Well, I’m not too proud to ask for a favor. If I’ve been a positive influence in your life as a leader, and you don’t mind sharing a couple sentences about that, it could really help me with getting started. If you’re a LinkedIn user, you could post it right on my page, www.linkedin.com/in/jaypullins. If not, you could just send a comment to me with permission to use it on my web page when it’s launched.

OK, enough about me. Sonia and I hope you’re having an awesome summer! We look forward to hearing about you and staying in touch!

Blessings!

Jay