Dr. Ryan Crittenden: Redefining Leadership Through Authenticity and Strengths
Dr. Ryan Crittenden stands out as a transformative force in leadership development, earning recognition as a leadership coach, Army veteran, speaker, and international bestselling author of Becoming the Compass: A Leadership Fable for Emerging Leaders. As the founder of XL Coaching and Development, he merges real-world experience with academic rigor, holding a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. His impressive credentials span certifications with Gallup Clifton Strengths, the Six Types of Working Genius, and the John Maxwell Team, which he joined in 2023. Through his work, Ryan is dedicated to equipping leaders to grow by leading authentically—from who they truly are, not who they think they need to be ein.
Ryan’s approach to leadership centers on connection, authenticity, and asking better questions. He rejects the idea that great leaders must have all the answers, instead championing the art of inquiry, fostering clarity, and empowering teams to unlock their collective potential. By integrating strengths-based practices with emotional intelligence, he helps leaders build trust, navigate uncertainty, and lead with clear purpose and conviction.
This philosophy is rooted in a formative career experience: after being dismissed by one superior, another leader offered a genuine personal connection—a simple gesture that redefined leadership in Ryan’s eyes. That moment inspired his conviction that leadership begins with authentic connection and is ultimately measured not by titles or achievements, but by the progress and impact leaders bring to their communities.
Dr. Crittenden’s message and methods have been featured in outlets such as The Ritz Herald and Business Insider, and his recent book, Becoming the Compass, explores four transformational principles to bridge leadership theory and real-world challenges ein.
Recently, Ryan joined the International Order of Fantastic Professionals (IOFP), a prestigious global network of visionary leaders committed to innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact across industries. The IOFP welcomed him, noting that his commitment to integrity, authenticity, and continuous growth embodies the organization’s values. Dr. Allen Lycka, founder and CEO of IOFP, shared, “Ryan’s approach embodies the IOFP’s values—integrity, authenticity, and continuous growth. His work challenges the outdated myth that great leaders must fit a mold. Instead, he champions the power of authenticity, guiding leaders to lean into their personal strengths” ein.
Of his membership, Ryan shared, “I am deeply honored to join the International Order of Fantastic Professionals and connect with such an inspiring group of leaders. The IOFP’s commitment to fostering authentic leadership resonates with my own philosophy. Together, I look forward to advancing these shared goals, building strong relationships, and contributing to a world where leadership is measured not by titles or achievements, but by connection and authenticity” ein.
To learn more about Ryan Crittenden’s coaching, philosophy, or his bestselling book, visit https://xlcoaching.net or discover Becoming the Compass in Canada and in the US.
For more about the International Order of Fantastic Professionals, visit www.fantasticprofessionals.com.
