Andy Wolfe

Former CEO, Meditation Teacher, & Leadership Coach

My Path To Sati Leadership Coaching…

 

Hey, I’m Andy 👋🏻

I grew up doing odd jobs for cash and camping lots on the way to becoming an Eagle Scout. I got financial aid to go to a fancy boarding school where I played tennis in the state finals, started a photography company so I could travel in the summers to learn new languages, played jazz saxophone, and ultimately graduated valedictorian.

Next I went to Columbia on academic scholarship, dropped out to surf for a year in Costa Rica, re-enrolled, earned a perfect GPA in computer science with a concentration in artificial intelligence, made money tutoring classmates, got a bunch of job offers, and helped friends find work, too.

Post graduation, I worked for the man for a bit, put my name on a couple patents, won a number of awards at a hot Austin startup on its way to going public, spent another year surfing overseas, helped a new company scale, and started, raised millions for, and sold my own tech company.

Sounds nice on the outside, and lots of it happened because I was trying to compensate for what felt so difficult on the inside, mostly related to some unmet childhood needs. Fortunately, my grandad had introduced me to a nature-based mindfulness practice as a kid, which turned into a regular habit just before life turned upside down in 2017, while I was engaged and my startup was on the up-and-up.

After over literally 30 years in and out of therapy, 15 of yoga, 10 with plant medicine, and over 7 of formal daily meditation, I've landed in a spot where things are settling. And it’s no coincidence that as I invested less time in my software company and more in my mental health, the startup steadily grew and then was acquired…not to mention I feel like a new person!

Over the decades, I’ve spent countless hours researching, training in, and practicing mindfulness, happiness, healthy sleep, exercise, nutrition, appropriate technology use, goals, productivity, nervous system regulation, relational and somatic psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, sociology, Buddhism, Ayurveda, Yoga, Taoism, Qigong, forest bathing (yes, that’s a thing!), joy, play!, dog training…you name it. And leaving home at 14, I’ve spent lots of time in other people's houses, sharing dinners and staying the night with numerous families all over the world, deeply curious about the ingredients that most contribute to and detract from feelings of peace, love, joy, and meaning for others.

Here’s a free 5-minute guided meditation 🧘🏻 where you can get to know my style a little…

A living, breathing case study, I’ve supported hundreds of friends and colleagues in cultivating happiness for over 20 years — on the side and eventually as the primary gig. I feel fortunate to have the ability to learn new things quickly and comprehend them deeply.

This is why I created Sati Leadership Coaching™. It’s the combination of so many things I love — creativity, the mind, challenge, continuous growth, balance, helping others…not-so-shocking coming from a family of teaching women and engineering men. I like to think of it as an art…informed by science — kind of like my BA in CS.

My closest friends think of me as a translator — whether it’s with foreign languages, coding, music, or two people talking and having two different conversations. I have strong pattern recognition and a high degree of attunement to others. When it comes to coaching, this means narrowing down the wealth of information out there to what’s the most helpful for you, now, and delivering it in a way that makes sense.

While I’m no Zen master (yet!), I’ve meditated for thousands of hours, with celebrated teachers, and over 100 days on retreat. After selling the software company, I trained for 2 years with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach to certify as a trauma- and DEIA- informed meditation teacher, and I’ve spent over 15 years practicing methodologies from the Hendricks Institute, through which I’m a certified coach with advanced trainings in body intelligence and conscious loving. Most recently, I completed Hatha-Raja Yoga teacher training, and I’m humbled to say that my net promoter score is 100%.

I thought about going back to graduate school, and then I realized...we’re in the 2020s — I already pick up so much from the world's experts in their videos, podcasts, and books…and lots more in my meditation practice and on retreats; now I have a great excuse to double down 🙃.

I live in an Airstream with the pup Barkley in the woods of the Hill Country outside Austin, Texas — in nature, close to community.

I also enjoy hiking, reading, eating local organic plant-based whole foods, running, surfing, snowboarding, playing pickleball, spending time with loved ones, and keeping an open schedule.

And my life goal is to spread mindfulness 🧘🏻, authentically.

Curious to learn more?

Reserve some time for a free guided meditation + quick chat with the scheduling widget!

 
Mindful Optimizations Specialist Team Collaborating

Specialists

I’ve built a network of specialists over the years to whom I refer clients as appropriate — this includes scientists, doctors, athletic trainers, therapists, nutritionists, entrepreneurs, body workers, and other coaches. The common thread? They’re all authentic, kind, competent humans.

Testimonials

“I cannot thank Andy enough for his impact on my company. About two years ago, Andy introduced the concept of Acceptance. Not only did Acceptance become one of our core values, it has changed how we communicate and treat each other on a daily basis.”

— Seth G., Software Company CEO

“Andy combines a contagious peace and calm with exceptional talent. I’m in awe of his ability to learn deeply about a problem as input to create a vision of what could be, how it should work, and to intuitively understand what the key elements are that comprise the experience. Andy earns my highest recommendation.”

— Houston P., Consulting Company CEO

"Andy helped my cofounder and me strengthen our relationship tenfold. He saved us hours of time and frustration weekly by teaching and encouraging us to communicate basic truths in a grounded manner, and to build from there. Not only has Andy helped our company navigate difficult situations, the lessons have extended into my personal life and relationships with great benefit."

— Michael N., Software Company CEO

“Andy is an extraordinary coach. His empathy and compassion coupled with his analytical and organizational skills make him the person I count on for sound, thoughtful direction. I leave every interaction with Andy energized and armed with clear, actionable steps.”

— Erin A., Software Company CS Leader

"Andy positively transformed our team dynamic, both operationally and culturally. Combining his background in engineering, product, and company-building with his mindfulness practice allowed our organization to achieve more with notable, stronger unity. And the personal work I did with Andy was among the most effective I've experienced; I highly recommend him!"

— E. Johnson, Software Company CTO

“I knew Andy was the right coach for me as soon as we met. He is incredibly easy to talk to, genuine, understanding, and compassionate. Andy cares deeply for his clients and their success, and he provides helpful and objective advice that is hard to find elsewhere.”

— Priscilla S., Apparel Company CEO

“Andy has been an inspiration, and I trust him with a variety of challenges. He has helped me build a meditation practice, offers helpful, custom advice when I face difficult problems running my tech startup, and is a gold mine for tips to save me time in my day-to-day life, whether at work or at home.”

— Ronald N., Software Company President

“I freaking love your coach."

— Software Company CEO Wife

"Andy has helped me make tough decisions about work and relationships alike, and he's the first person I go to when I have a hard problem to solve. I highly recommend working with him."

— Sarah B., Software Company CEO

“Andy is a compassionate sounding board for all things work and life related. He's helped me practice more self-awareness and gratitude. He is an inspiration and steady encouragement.”

— Chad E., Software Company Founder

"Andy is a great resource for me when I need insights on managing the stress of running a business and dealing with family issues. Being an entrepreneur himself he really understands the challenges I face."

— Jesse A., Energy Executive

"My retreat and conversations with Andy changed my life. I can't recommend working with him highly enough."

— Paige J., Independent Consultant

“Andy is exceptional at finding simplicity in the complex. He can identify stuck points and propose out of the box solutions that generate significant upside with streamlined clarity and effort.”

— Sam W., Entrepreneur

"After years of therapy and multiple therapists, Andy's work was more effective in a shorter amount of time."

— E. Johnson, Software Company CTO

“Andy is the rare person that can take a strategy and make it reality. He can keep up with anyone intellectually on just about any subject. He's just a brilliant guy. Andy is a massive asset any company would be lucky to have — plus he's just a good guy.”

— Matt M., Software Company CEO

“Andy brings a fresh perspective. I enthusiastically recommend him.”

— Chris P., Software Company COO

“Andy helped me increase earnings by 60% and showed me how to implement and maintain strategies to better organize my consultancy and create appropriate boundaries.”

— Dr. Lauren H., Psychotherapy Practice Owner

"My retreat with Andy was life-changing. After I returned to the office, longtime business partners whom I hadn't told about it remarked on the newfound calm they observed in me. I had experienced deep in my bones that I am truly enough, all by myself. I have heard things like that for years, and for the first time I felt them sink in. It has now been much easier to let go of control and trust in everything, everyone."

— Seth G., Software Company CEO

“I've been consistently struck by the way Andy looks at problems differently and his passion for what he does and those around him...and for his kindness and curiosity about others. I can't recommend Andy enough!”

— Aubrey B., Large Software Company DEIA Leader

“With Andy, I learned how to connect with my body, set boundaries with my fear, and self-soothe to let things flow on a daily basis and find peace.”

— Isabel C.., Public Software Company Product

“Andy is a super warm coach and mindfulness expert. It was very refreshing to have a soft, mellow, and compassionate voice in the midst of a day packed with meetings with intense and competitive people. The focus on meditation was awesome.”

— Jacob F., Software Company CEO

"I've been working with a number of challenges, many related to my childhood, through traditional psychotherapy and coaching. While they helped me develop a conceptual understanding of my trauma, it was not until my guided retreat with Andy that I was able to truly accept where I am from an experiential and now perceptive level that feels enduring. A couple of weeks after the retreat was the best family weekend I've ever had. I used to feel generally antsy and now feel more calm, relaxed, and at peace. I highly recommend working with Andy should you have the opportunity."

— Will M., Commercial Real Estate

"Andy helped me clarify what I wanted and needed in life in order to feel deeply fulfilled, and being guided in entering that realm of possibility opened me up to new and wonderful opportunities I might not have otherwise found or sought."

— Laura H., Private Educator

“I came to Andy when I was facing some big decisions related to work, personal relationships, where to live, and how to express myself creatively. In our work together, Andy drew from a variety of sources and experiences to deliver guidance that resonated with my soul. While there may be subject-matter experts more skilled in one particular discipline or another, I don't know anyone with quite the blend of academic achievement, professional experience, and mindful, soul-searching spirit as Andy. I was impressed with the poignant advice he gave and how he delivered it through storytelling. I trust Andy and highly recommend working with him at Mindful Optimizations.”

— Steven J., Media Company CEO

“Andy has been more than a pleasure to work with, and to say he is brilliant is an understatement. Andy is able to look at problems from many different angles to find an array of solutions that no one has thought of before. I have learned a lot working with Andy, and it has given me the opportunity to become more productive in my role.”

— Joel B., Automotive Company VP

"Andy, thank you for your time today. It's been such a shaking experience. Thank you for helping me get out all those tears. They continue to roll down my cheeks now. You gave me such a refreshing perspective. You are really gifted. Loads of appreciation to you."

— Isabel C., Public Software Company Product

“Andy helped me realize and articulate my skill set and potential, allowing me to up-level myself from a product management to a product leadership role and career path.”

— Riley J., Public Software Company Product Director

“Andy gave me the confidence to take the lead on my compensation conversation. With his guidance, I crafted a powerful presentation around the value I add and my worth in the market. He also talked me through the people dynamics and prepared me for all their potential responses. Thanks to his coaching, I went in with strength and ease, and I negotiated a 50% raise — something that felt out-of-reach just a week prior. I also got my employer to commit to a more concrete, near-term path to my next promotion with another raise to match.”

— Nicole N., Tech Company Director

"I wouldn't have thought tips for meditation and my career would go together, but Andy has an art for combining the personal and professional in a way that has helped me in a number of surprising ways. I highly recommend working with him."

— Grant A., Public Company Learning And Development Manager

“Working with Andy has been a joy. His passion and talent serve as strong motivation to excel.”

— Ian M., Public Software Company Engineering Lead

"I appreciate the perspective Andy brings. It's well-informed and often surprising. I can trust him with difficult topics and value the advice he offers."

— Katie C., Software Company Marketing Director

“Andy introduced me to mindfulness years before it was a national topic, and it helped transform the way I approach decision making and obstacles in my life. He is an incredible sounding board and has the unique ability to remain completely objective yet very empathetic.”

— Ryan S., Software Company Design Director

“I won Shark Tank and secured investment from Barbara Corcoran in 2016. The knowledge and experience Andy shared with me around raising capital was one of the reasons for my success. On the other hand, I find his vulnerability and openness inspiring and so valuable in my own life. From the stressful start-up food truck days to the beginning of the pandemic, Andy has encouraged and challenged me to think differently and support me along the path to success.”

— Jae K., Restaurant Group CEO

“Andy is one of the rare people whose motivations for doing this work are pure. More than anyone I’ve worked with, he understands the material because he’s genuinely and personally interested in it, and has actually used it in his own life to great success.”

— Gary S., Entrepreneur

“Andy is very direct — there is no place to hide. From day one, I felt understood, challenged, and extremely curious. His perspective generated a lot of questions within me, which helped me gain more clarity. I am hungry to change the way I approach challenges in life, so I can also experience different results. Andy has provided the space to explore exactly that. And his presence during uncertain moments has been very important. It has helped me feel more grounded and supported.”

“His exercises (ranging from simple to more complex) have allowed me to surface difficult emotions and fears and channel them towards a higher purpose. Using breathing techniques and mindfulness as tools to find peace in my day-to-day has been really illuminating. The way he approaches behavior change has also been fascinating and on point. Setting achievable, sometimes micro, commitments has allowed me to face difficult moments with more integrity and serenity. These tools have allowed me to cope better with my fears and land a new role within Google against all odds.”

“Andy's path, his current lifestyle, and the way he approaches life is also something I find inspiring, and it brings me back with curiosity to learn and exchange further.”

“Thank you Andy!”

— Isabel C., Public Software Company Product

“Andy is that rare combination of creative and analytical.”

— Chris T., Software Company CEO

“Andy’s passion is contagious. I really respect Andy as both a friend and entrepreneur and highly recommend working with him should you get the opportunity!”

— Sam L, Software Company CEO

“Andy is smart, focused, and understands and gets to the point of things. One of the things I most appreciate working with Andy is that he is truly mission-driven.”

— Peter B., Software Company CFO

“I sincerely enjoyed working with Andy — he added a good mixture of raw talent, intelligence and humor, and he was always helpful. Andy kept it light and never took himself too seriously. Highly recommend.”

— Anna S., Software Company CEO

“Andy has an infectious passion for his job, is easy to work with and someone who is both a strategic thinker and someone who can dive deep on details and execution. He also has a knack for recognizing the most important problems/solutions to focus on based on which efforts will render the most valuable results.”

— Don S., Software Company Product Leader

“Andy has a brilliant mind, he has the ability to generate ideas that no one would even think about. In short, he knows how to think outside the box.”

— Deepak S., Entrepreneur

“Andy is very intelligent and creative. He utilizes strong problem and process management skills in developing solutions. I learned a lot working with him.”

— Ken S., Software Company COO

“Andy is tenacious, smart, passionate, and committed. He balances the grit of an entrepreneur with his sunny personality, which is able to see the best in people.”

— Tom H., Public Software Company President

“Andy's meditation class was excellent. His deep passion for mindfulness practice and focus on bringing each participant along at their own pace made me feel welcome and comfortable, even as a newby. If you're looking to explore meditation for the first time, or you want a new perspective on your practice, I would highly recommend it!”

— Lander G., Founder In Residence

“Andy is my first call when I'm stuck. His guidance considers life as a whole, not just one aspect, and he has an incredible talent for helping you come to conclusions on your own. Every meeting with Andy has left me with a transformative new insight that has allowed me to break old habits, start to build new ones, and continue to grow and evolve as a human. Andy has a gift for coaching.”

— Kendall Y., Independent Consultant

"I've thoroughly enjoyed every conversation I've had with Andy. His calm and thoughtful demeanor combined with his subject matter expertise is very helpful."

— Jon D., Software Company CEO

“Andy inspires you to think creatively by asking thought-provoking questions. His fresh ideas move you to consider alternate ways and new possibilities. Working with Andy has helped me to improve my focus and succeed in my goals.”

— Joe E., Coach

“I grew up around meditation, and my time with Andy fundamentally changed the way I think about mindfulness. After our conversations, I approach my personal practice, and even daily conversations, in a new way.”

— Ky H., Entrepreneur

“Andy is incredibly intuitive, saying just the right thing at the right time.”

— Kerry G., Mindfulness Coach

“Simply put, Andy is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met and puts his gifts to good work.”

— Josh V., Software Company Sales VP

“Aside from just being very likable and easy to work with, I'd say I’m most impressed with Andy's ability to get a quick and deep understanding of all the concepts to gain almost immediate expertise.”

— Patrick B., Public Software Company Head of Product

“Andy is a pioneer. He has the technical abilities and formal training to understand how things are best done now, combined with a mentality to insist on doing things better. I’ve never seen someone with Andy’s combination of intellect, work ethic, and willingness to question the status quo.”

— Adam F., Entrepreneur

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I’m looking forward to connecting with you 🙏🏻.