Hi, I’m Ann Vertel. For the past 15 years, I’ve helped thousands of high-performers, including doctors, lawyers, pilots, entrepreneurs, CSuite executives, and U.S. Navy SEALS, achieve their highest potential.
Before that, I had the honor of serving as a Naval Officer for 20 years.
I’ve repelled out of a helicopter, taught leadership at The Center for Naval Leadership and Officer Candidate School (remember the movie An Officer and a Gentleman?) and conducted international military protocol missions in almost every country in the Pacific rim.
I’ve learned that no matter how smart, talented, and dedicated you are, you won’t reach your full potential unless you develop the right personal development and positive leadership skills that allow you to lead yourself first then bring out the best in others.
And I can help you do that.
As a military daughter, wife, sister, and 20-year veteran, I’m especially passionate about helping military women, wives, and veterans. So I founded Take Charge Women, an online member community, to help them discover, design, create, build, and thrive in work and life they love.
Championing talented people to live up to their potential is what I do – I’d love to help you too.
What You’ll Get From Me
Encouragement, most of all.
And a “grown-up” model to follow if you’re looking for an alternative to just about everything else that’s out there.
I write, speak, blog, train, facilitate, consult, and provide executive coaching.
I also host the Take Charge Podcast because it simply jazzes me to inspire and encourage others to live up to their highest potential – to be extraordinary in the ordinary moments.
Occasionally, I share a few things about my life here in sunny San Diego, where I live with The Test Pilot, The Teenager, and the sweetest Westie on the planet, whose name is Tess.
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me walking a beach with my Westie named Tess, plotting world domination with my superhero gal-pals, traveling with my test-pilot husband, working out at the crack of dawn, or reading “just one more” psychology book.
Okay, here’s the “official” stuff
Leadership Background
I had the honor of serving 20 years as a Naval Officer specializing in executive leadership training and military protocol.
It taught me the value of self-discipline, the appreciation for working with people of integrity, and the love of freedom.
Educational Background
My degrees are in Human Behavior (Masters) and Psychology (Ph.D.)
My master’s thesis on personal vision and how it affects our intrinsic motivation gave me a deep grasp of what motivates us to move forward, where we get stuck, and how to achieve extraordinary breakthroughs and results.
My doctoral research established new ground in the area of mindset, personal development, self-efficacy, and the success factors of business builders and entrepreneurs.
In a nutshell, I understand what makes ambitious professionals tick and can quickly guide them to be even more successful.
Still have questions?
I’d love to hear from you!