Meet Our Leadwell Academy Coaches
Jen Bertsch
CEO and Founder
I’m Jen Bertsch, the founder and CEO of LeadWell Consulting, with over 18 years of experience enhancing leadership performance and driving sustainable growth. At LeadWell, we convert big-picture strategies into results through skill and mindset transformation.
I initially launched my firm to help entrepreneurs balance profitability and life, later honing my expertise with The Greenstone Group to guide mid-market growth. As a guest lecturer, I cultivated a coach approach to inspire engagement—a passion that drives my work today.
In 2015, I founded LeadWell Academy, delivering executive coaching with real-world impact, noted for a 12X ROI. Our focus includes time management and strategic communication.
Beyond work, I’m a devoted mother, life partner, volunteer, and tennis enthusiast, recognized for igniting leaders’ confidence and clarity.
Ryan VanWyk
LeadWell Executive Coach
I’m an executive coach with a background in psychology, trauma-informed care, and 20+ years of military service. What I bring to working with our LeadWell clients is a deep understanding of how stress impacts leadership and how self-awareness and nervous system regulation form the foundation for thriving.
My coaching helps leaders navigating in high-pressure roles develop the capacity to lead with more empathy and steadfast integrity. I focus on building psychological safety required to help teams truly thrive.
What excites me about the LeadWell Academy is seeing what’s possible when leaders shift from survival mode to leading with intention.
Clients describe me as grounded, curious, and gently challenging.
Outside work, I enjoy live music, trying new food, family travel, and poetry as a way of better understanding the human experience.
Steve Surbaugh
LeadWell Executive Coach
I’m an executive coach who helps leaders slow down, think clearly, and make values-aligned decisions. What I bring to working with our LeadWell clients is calm focus, strategic thinking, and real-world leadership experience from business and boardroom life.
I coach leaders as they navigate growth, complexity, and change, asking the right questions to bring clarity and support forward movement.
What excites me about LeadWell Academy is the opportunity to help leaders engage in the real work of learning to pause, reflect, and lead in ways that reflect who they are at their core.
Clients say I bring perspective, honesty, and the ability to simplify what feels overwhelming.
Outside wok, you’ll find me open-water swimming, hiking with my dog, or playing pickleball. When I’m able, I visit Norway to help on my host family’s farm.
Monica Arrieta
LeadWell Executive Coach
I’m an executive coach helping leaders reconnect with their inner wisdom, clarify their values, and lead from alignment. With 20+ years in corporate leadership and global program design, I bring real-world experience and a human approach to our work at LeadWell.
My coaching blends strategy with body-based practices for regulation and clarity. I help high-achievers who “have it all together” quiet the internal noise and lead with grounded confidence.
What excites me about LeadWell Academy is the opportunity to walk with leaders as they transform, reclaim their voices, and create with authenticity.
Clients describe me as intuitive, calm, and gently powerful.
Outside work, I love the ocean, black-and-white photography, and spending time with my two French bulldogs who keep me laughing and grounded.