Who is Jeff Koziatek?

I AM:

A responsible, loyal, controlled, wise, creative, and empathetic man.

VISION & MISSION:

I am here to empower and encourage others by teaching anyone who wants to learn and setting the example.

VALUES:

Belonging, Courage, Excellence, and Hope.

Why I do what I do

I want to empower and encourage people to show up as the best version of themselves in all areas of their life. The result is a world full of people living bold, authentic lives, generously serving and supporting each other.

It’s deeply personal for 3 reasons:

1. Masks

For years, I was running the race – competing with everyone, trying to be the best at everything. I was never satisfied, and a certifiable workaholic. I practiced the glorification of busy. A packed work calendar equaled value and significance.

My focus was on everyone else, the next step, the next client, and the next project. I was never fully present where I was. I “did” a lot and missed a lot. I avoided pain and, consequently, never really felt joy. I did not know who I was or what I had. I wore a mask to fit in, to impress others, and to hide my pain.

Then – I hit my first breaking point.

I was married with two kids and trying to run three businesses by myself – performing 300+ shows annually while working 40+ hours a week in the office. I was spinning all the plates, juggling all the balls, giving everything I had, but it was not enough. With so many things in the air, survival became the daily routine and plates began to fall and balls started to drop. I was struggling, exhausted, at the end of my rope, and desperate for another way.

It was then that I discovered the power and freedom of intrinsic value and a new journey began – one of self discovery and balance.

As I dug deep into my core, my life began to change – the result was a more connected marriage, enriched friendships, a renewed passion for life, focus & clarity in my work, a hunger for knowledge, a genuine desire to “pay it forward” and a purpose for my life beyond how I made my living.

I am not perfect – but at this point in my journey, I can honestly tell you – I am making less mistakes, my life is richer, I am experiencing a level of peace and joy that I’ve never felt before, I am more present in my relationships, and it is awesome! But don’t take my word for it, ask my wife.

2. Golden Ticket Discovery

As an entertainer, I was able to cross a lot of social boundaries and meet a wide variety of people. Laughter became my golden ticket. Over the course of a 20+ year career, and more than 4,000 shows, I noticed that no matter where I was, or who was in the audience, everyone wrestled with the same two questions I was: “What is my worth, and where does it come from?” Most people seemed to follow the same path I was on – believing they were not enough and trying to find it outside of themselves. Unfortunately they were experiencing the same negative consequences I was.

Seeing that the issue of Personal Worth was something that knew no discrimination, I had a choice to make. I could help people stand on a cornerstone of truth – that they are enough and that their value is internal, and consequently, can never change – or – I could choose to look away, and stick to performing. I chose to help.

3. Passing of my mother

Like you, I’ve experienced death through the loss of loved one, family and friends, both expected and not. Some tragic and some peaceful. However, my mother’s unexpected passing affected me completely differently.

It seemed as is she was a spark that lit a fire in my brother and me. She spent her life fanning the flame and helping us to burn brighter. Then her spark went out, but the fire she fanned in us continued on. I realized that one day, my spark would also go out, but the fire I fan in others will remain. If I truly believe that I am to love my neighbor as I love myself, then this is what I’m supposed to do – empower and encourage others as best I can for as long as I can.

Entertainment Background

I am an award winning, international entertainer. I have spent more than 20 years working professionally in the entertainment industry. I’ve produced national touring acts, performed over 4,000 live shows across the country, produced award winning theatre and film, operated a booking agency and owned a complete event management company catering to high end corporations and nonprofits.

I studied acting in New York City with the late Gene Frankel and in Los Angeles with Steve Eastin, although my biggest teacher has been experience – beginning on stage when I was 4.

As an entertainer, I have been able to cross many social boundaries – economic, racial, political, spiritual, life style, and so on. My goal as a performer is to create a space where you, the audience, feel comfortable enough to take off the mask(s) you wear every day to survive, so you can have a genuine laugh, as your core authentic self, next to a total stranger. I do this with comedy, improvisation, audience interaction and physical stunts.

Now, I’m excited to say that performances are free through my 1 for 1 Give Back program – offering free performances and presentations for youth (elementary through college age) in conjunction with a keynote or coaching package. The goal is to bring corporations and communities together.

Speaker background

I’ve had the opportunity to speak to a diverse group of audiences ranging from: accountants, the US military, financial professionals, educators, religious organizations, business owners, health care professionals, software developers, security firms, custodial services, professional athletic organizations, non-profits, to casinos, rental car companies, and associations.

As a speaker, I work to inspire people to live authentically, without a mask, so they can better communicate with others, lead people, and confidently face life’s challenges.

You will often see my presenting at: conferences, leadership summits, retreats, annual meetings, quarterly events, kick-offs, and digital gatherings.

I am a professional member of the National Speakers Association.

Coaching background

I first experienced coaching in 2012. It had such a profound impact on my life, that I wanted to offer the same value to others. Consequently, I received my first coaching certification in 2014 and have continued to add additional certifications and expand my knowledge of human behavior.

As a coach, I am a catalyst for change. I primarily work on mindset as I equip my clients with tools to self assess and course correct through life’s challenges and victories. My coaching style is rooted in questions, curiosity, acceptance, empowerment, and encouragement.

When we see our own intrinsic value, and show up as our core authentic self, we:

• become stronger leaders
• communicate more effectively
• improve our ability to collaborate and problem solve
• raise our ability to persist
• catch the moments of our lives
• become more generous
• and are more likely to pursue our passions with success

I want to help as many people as I can experience this level of personal freedom and professional success.

I am a certified life and leadership coach with both the John Maxwell TEAM and The Values Conversation.

 Random facts

• As an actor, I’ve appeared on Cold Case a few feature films, various tv commercials, and several national touring shows.
• My fine art photography is on display in various businesses across the St. Louis region and enjoy shooting extreme close ups of nature – #tallhippo
• I have juggled while riding: on the back of a water buffalo, a Ferris wheel, a zip line and a few other carnival rides.
• I Joggled a 1/2 marathon in just over 2 hours.
• I’m married with 2 children.
• I like Jello cheese cake, toasted ravioli, frozen custard, and gooey butter cake.
• I was run over by a 1978 Monte Carlo when I was 5.
• I’m an STL guy. Let’s go Blues! Let’s go Cardinals!