Alexander “Alec” Spradling, Ph.D., has had a diverse career path, but he found his true calling as a professional coach who works with those who want to realize their potential through active skill development and positive behavior change. Dr. Spradling chose to attend Saybrook University because of its intellectually rigorous Human Science program. Reflecting on his time at Saybrook, he says, “What remains is what I learned from my teachers and the academic environment about the love of learning and the importance of intellectual freedom.”

Prior to completing his studies at Saybrook in 1990, Dr. Spradling explored various careers, including a short stint as a professional photographer. However, it is his current role as a life and executive coach that he finds most fulfilling. He has worked closely with individuals and managers in organizations such as Google, Coupa, and Facebook, coaching his clientele in personal empowerment to improve their mindsets and overall work-life balance, and manage their careers with greater engagement, focus, and productivity.

Dr. Spradling focuses his work on areas such as mental fitness, communication, leadership, and organizational behavior. In his coaching sessions and workshops, he uses proven techniques based on neuroscience, psychology, and philosophy to provide guidance and insights to help his clients set objectives and regulate their emotions regarding their work, all while adapting to their specific needs. Dr. Spradling emphasizes the importance of refining his skills. He says, “My focus is on continuing to work as long as I can while continuing to hone my craft and enjoy every moment I practice.”

Besides conducting coaching sessions in multiple languages, Dr. Spradling’s unique background has given him greater insights into cultural nuances and business practices throughout the world. Having lived in several countries, Dr. Spradling also has personal experience of what it feels like to be a “stranger in a strange land.” Dr. Spradling’s multicultural background has had a significant impact on his working life. He finds comfort working with people from different cultures and believes that speaking multiple languages helps him to connect with and gain the trust of individuals who can relate to his background.

When asked about his greatest professional achievement, Dr. Spradling emphasizes the ability to bring his whole self to coaching. He feels that he can use everything he has experienced and learned in his life to help others achieve their coaching goals, such as transitioning to higher levels within their business and withstanding industry turbulence. On a personal level, Dr. Spradling values the kind of person he has become, stating that it is essential to him because, “at the end of this journey, I suspect it is the only thing that matters.”

Applying what he learned at Saybrook in his work as a coach, Dr. Spradling highlights the importance of values such as intellectual freedom and rigor when it comes to decision-making. He believes these values are needed today more than ever and uses them with himself and in helping his clients. He emphasizes the importance of managing one’s mind “so that your thoughts and emotions don’t cloud too much your perception of reality. If you can do that well enough, you won’t need to worry much about being positive.”

Dr. Spradling also has written extensively on leadership, accountability, and organizational behavior. His writing highlights his expertise on these topics and proposes solutions to common problems and practices that frequently affect individuals and organizations.

Dr. Spradling’s journey from Saybrook University graduate to professional coach showcases his commitment to lifelong learning, multicultural understanding, and a positive mindset. Through his coaching practice, he continues to make a positive impact on the lives of others while embracing the values instilled in him during his time at Saybrook.