Howie Milstein,
Coach/Provocateur/Annoyance
Believing that change is not possible without discomfort, Howie ensures that those in his sphere will never have so much fun while being encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.
About Howie Milstein
Howie Milstein decided early in his career to question conventional thinking and seek the truth that is rooted in unbiased observation. As in the scientific disciplines, Howie believes that its more meaningful to live an evidence-based life and lead evidence-based communities.
You're dead a long time.
Try to think of funny stuff
at funerals.Everybody is afraid.
Don’t waste time with sociopaths, bullies, and megalomaniacs.
Don't go into a meeting
with a full bladder.It’s enough with the khakis already.
Sometimes just care less.
We’re not that big of a deal.
Let’s get something to eat.
As the Twin Cities’ first personal trainer in the 1980s, Howie found that resources that described ways of motivating his clients did not resonate with his observations. This spawned his deep curiosity of the human condition, guiding his studies and exploration of leadership principles. This journey has been manifest through many roles over nearly three decades, with titles including Distributor, National Sales Manager, Sr. Vice President of Sales, Chief Operating Officer, President, and The Gangster of Love (his favorite). Now Howie has parlayed his experience, training, and curiosity into his role as Executive Coach with The Institute to Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously!
A strong adherent to the ideas of Self Determination Theory—including the constructs of autonomy, mastery, relatedness, and purpose— Howie learned that acquiring an understanding of motivation was only half the battle. To optimize culture, employee engagement, and predictable outcomes, he had to become deeply introspective and choose the best leadership style to nurture innovation, passion and growth. When he stopped taking himself so seriously, things got better. Much better.
Through The Institute to Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously!, Howie’s message is that, while there are myriad options to cultivate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and trustworthy behavior in leaders, perhaps the most important thing is for individuals to manage their egos. In organizations seeking collaboration, psychological safety, and a sustainable talent plan, mitigating the divisiveness that ensues from uncontrolled self-interest is central to the achievement of mission and vision.
Howie takes a lighthearted approach to life and brings that to his coaching style. He encourages questions and spirited discussions that challenge dysfunctional paradigms, to which he has developed a serious allergy. Believing that change is not possible without discomfort, Howie ensures that those in his sphere will never have so much fun while being encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.
Howie holds degrees in biochemistry and exercise physiology, as well as certifications in Intrinsic Coaching (Totally Coached/Intrinsic Solutions International) and as a Job and Career Transition Coach. He has a wife and three adult children with minds of their own. Residing in Plymouth, Minnesota, Howie likes to golf, garden, smoke the occasional cigar, and keep himself in reasonable physical (and mental) condition. He is a strong advocate for community and has held many non-profit volunteer leadership positions. He is addicted to entrepreneurism and new ideas, which drives his wife and friends crazy.