Nick Destefano

About Nick Destefano

Most new managers get promoted because they were great at doing the work. yet no one taught them how to lead people. Suddenly they’re in charge, overwhelmed, and Googling “how to have a hard conversation without crying.”That’s where I come in.I’m on a mission to teach my A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Leadership framework to over 1 million new managers and people leaders so they will have the skills necessary to create a culture of excellence for their teams. I work with organizations that are tired of watching great employees struggle when they step into leadership. Through interactive workshops, coaching, and keynote talks full of energy and real-life stories (the kind that make you laugh and think), I help new and emerging managers:1. Build confidence to lead without pretending to be someone they’re not.2. Have tough conversations with kindness and clarity.3. Understand their unique strengths and how to actually use them.4. Create inclusive, connected teams that perform—and stayMy approach is practical, people-focused, and never boring. I blend over a decade of experience in leadership development with my work as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and the real, messy lessons I’ve learned as a special needs dad, coach, and speaker.Why does it matter? Because leadership sets the tone for everything. Managers account for up to 70% of team engagement. And yet, we hand them a title and hope for the best.Let’s stop hoping. Let’s train them,with heart, humor, and tools that actually work.Don’t believe me…the stats don’t lie:Harvard Business Review reports that 30 is the average age of a first-time manager, while 40 is when people first embark on leadership training…. That\'s a major gap and problem!🤦‍66% of managers have had no formal training for their roles and are thus defined as “accidental managers” by global recruitment agency Robert Walters.The question is, will you join me in closing the gap and teaching the new managers at your business how to lead?

Experience

1. Organizational Learning Training Specialist

   McLeod Health

   Jul 2024 — Present · Carolina Forest, SC, US

   Create and lead leadership development programs for managers, supervisors, and frontline teams with a focus on confidence, clarity, and human connection. • Design courses on communication, emotional intelligence, growth mindset, resilience, and employee engagement using behavior science and positive psychology. • Coach new managers to build trust, strengthen team culture, and reduce friction during transitions. • Facilitate retreats and in-person learning that encourages curiosity, teamwork, and joy. • Partner with senior leaders to support engagement strategies and improve workplace experience.

Education

• Misericordia University

  Masters of Science, Organizational Management

  2009 — 2011

• Misericordia University

  Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies

  2005 — 2009