By: Alexandra Perez

Over two decades ago, a transformative journey began in Nicaragua’s heart. Jose Bolaños, now a leadership coach, has dedicated himself to guiding business leaders, particularly in the home service industry. His journey reflects resilience, personal growth, and a strong commitment to supporting others in achieving their goals.

A Pivotal Decision: The Start of a Coaching Journey

Bolaños’s coaching journey began at 21 when he decided to sober up. “It wasn’t even like a need. It was more like the opportunity to sober up presented itself,” Bolaños recalls. This decision led him to his uncle, who introduced him to the transformative guide of 12-step programs and leadership through outdoor experiential learning. These early exposures to personal and organizational transformation planted the seeds for his future in coaching.

“I started connecting with these transformation processes,” Bolaños says. “The big issue I saw was people complaining about their lives… being victims of their circumstances.” This observation fueled his passion for helping individuals break free from limiting beliefs and embrace the sacredness of life.

A Holistic Approach: Presence-Based Leadership

Bolaños’s dedication to personal development led him to study under Doug Silsbee, a pioneer in Presence Based Coaching. “Doug’s unique approach of bringing presence to leadership was key to my development,” Bolaños explains. Over a decade, he honed his skills, immersing himself in breathwork, embodiment practices, and leadership coaching. This comprehensive foundation became the cornerstone of his coaching methodology.

Unbreakable: A Flagship Program Born from Crisis

In 2018, amid political instability in Nicaragua, Bolaños launched his flagship program, Unbreakable. “It was the answer to the context,” he says. “I synthesized it in four hours, including presence practices, breathwork, stress management, and the ice bath.” Designed to address crisis and resilience, this program quickly gained traction, making a difference for many individuals across multiple countries.

Expanding Reach: From Digital Marketing to Home Service Leadership

Bolaños’s work caught the attention of a digital marketing company, which served as a bridge to the U.S. market. Initially coaching digital marketers, Bolaños soon shifted focus to the home service industry. “There was an emotional connection with the home service business owner,” Bolaños reflects. “My father was a roofer… trying to build his own roofing company.”

This personal connection led Bolaños to concentrate on home service business leaders, offering a unique blend of presence-based leadership coaching. “My approach is Zen,” he states. “It’s from the inside out. You’ll learn to deal with everything from the inside out.” His methodology emphasizes emotional intelligence, presence, and self-awareness, addressing the human side of business leadership.

Impact Beyond Business: Families and Communities

Bolaños’s impact extends far beyond individual leaders. “You’re not my client. My client is your family,” he emphasizes. His experience working with ex-military personnel, law enforcement, and first responders reflects the broad reach of his approach. He focuses on helping individuals develop leadership skills and build stronger relationships through resilience and presence.

A Global Vision: Bridging Gaps Across Cultures

As Bolaños continues to expand his reach, his vision remains clear. “I don’t want to be the Simon Sinek of Nicaragua. I want to be the Jose Bolaños of the world,” he asserts. With his bilingual abilities and deep understanding of both Nicaraguan and American cultures, Bolaños is uniquely positioned to bridge cultural gaps and promote leadership growth on a global scale.

VUCA: Preparing Leaders for a Complex Future

Bolaños’s coaching is grounded in VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. “If we can name it, we can tame it,” he explains. “We need to be VUCA capable, which means managing whatever life offers you.” This philosophy is central to his coaching, helping clients navigate the complexities of personal and professional life with resilience and presence.

Empathy in Coaching: A Personal Connection to Home Service Leaders

Bolaños’s connection to the home service industry enhances the effectiveness of his coaching. “I remember my dad would come home with his fingers cut… trying to bring up a family with his labor. There’s a connection there that I didn’t feel with digital marketers,” he shares. This empathy makes his coaching particularly impactful for those in the home service industry, who often face unique challenges.

Expanding Capacity: Transforming Leaders’ Lives

At the heart of Bolaños’s work is expanding his clients’ capacity. “My clients go from emotional instability, overwhelmed stress, and anxiety to strength, stability, presence, and capacity,” he explains. “What would affect them for weeks? They can now manage it in a day.” This transformation improves their professional lives and enhances their relationships, creating a holistic approach to leadership and well-being.

Practical Leadership Advice: Focusing on the Basics

Bolaños’s advice to leaders is clear and actionable. “Good sleep, good eats, and good movement,” he emphasizes. He also encourages seeking professional help: “Hire a coach, work with somebody. Don’t try to do it alone.”

Personalized Coaching: Boutique and Impactful

Bolaños’s approach is intensely personalized. “I work with 15 clients at a time,” he shares. “It’s a boutique-style company, business, practice.” This intimate setting allows him to offer focused, impactful coaching, helping each client receive the attention and guidance needed to thrive.

Transforming Home Service Leadership

Jose Bolaños continues to work with businesses and individuals, drawing on his experiences in personal growth and presence-based leadership. His approach integrates resilience, empathy, and expertise, focusing on leadership development in the home service industry.

Disclaimer: The views and insights expressed in this article are those of Jose Bolaños and reflect his personal experiences and coaching philosophy. They are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Individuals seeking coaching or leadership guidance should consult a qualified professional for personalized recommendations. The impact of coaching may vary based on individual circumstances.

Published by Drake M.