Jim Petersen, PhD is a leadership author, keynote speaker, and executive coach. He is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, retired U.S. Naval Reserves Captain (O-6), recipient of The American College of Financial Services Hall of Fame Award, and former Chair of Leadership at The American College. He is the author of six books on leadership and life, and President of the Professional Business Coaches Alliance (PBCA).

Jim served 22 years in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves as a submarine officer, retiring with the rank of Captain (O-6). In parallel he had a 35-plus-year career in financial services with one of the country’s largest mutual companies, where he led and developed more than 1,000 advisors and leaders. He holds a BS from the U.S. Naval Academy and two Master of Science degrees and a PhD from The American College of Financial Services.

The Petersen Leadership Triangle is the three core dimensions of effective leadership — Character, Style, and Judgment — described in Jim Petersen’s first three books. It is the foundation of both the Petersen Leadership Model and the Petersen Philosophy.

The Petersen Leadership Model is a five-dimensional framework: Character, Style, and Judgment at the leadership core, surrounded by the Culture leaders create and the Execution that culture produces. It is taught in the CPBL and CPBC programs and is the basis of Jim’s leadership keynotes.

The Petersen Philosophy is a four-dimensional framework for leadership and life: Character, Style, Judgment, and Happiness. It extends the Petersen Leadership Triangle by adding Happiness — the dimension featured in The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow — to address how a person lives well, not only how they lead.

The Model applies inside organizations: Character, Style, and Judgment expressed through Culture and Execution. The Philosophy applies in life broadly: the same three dimensions plus Happiness. The Model is for leaders building organizations; the Philosophy is for people living lives.

Jim has authored six books: From Combat to Client Service, From Combat to Corporate Life, The Spirit to Soar, The Facts Don’t Matter, Who Let the Dogs Lead?, and The Sun Will Come Up Tomorrow.

All six titles are available directly through this site at jlpeterseninc.com/shop with secure Stripe checkout. Most titles are also available through major online booksellers.

CPBL is the Certified Professional Business Leader designation — for leaders building their own leadership effectiveness. CPBC is the Certified Professional Business Coach certification — for experienced professionals preparing to coach executives, business owners, and teams. Both are offered through the Professional Business Coaches Alliance. See the programs.

CPBC is intentionally not an entry-level program. It is designed for professionals with extensive practical business experience — people who have already led, built, and delivered results in real organizations — and want to translate that experience into a structured coaching practice.

Yes. Jim delivers keynotes built on the Petersen Leadership Model and the Petersen Philosophy. Common audiences include corporate leadership events, military and veteran organizations, financial services conferences, university leadership programs, and association events. Learn about keynotes.

Yes. Jim provides executive coaching through Diversified Professional Coaching, working one-on-one with executives and emerging leaders on decision-making, leadership effectiveness, and organizational impact. Learn about coaching.

Use the contact form on the homepage with the date, audience, format (keynote, workshop, multi-day), and any topic preferences. Jim or his team will respond within two business days.