Expertise

John “Pepper” Bullock is a certified Professional Coach with the ICF. In 2007, Pepper formed Safe Harbor Consulting to provide transformational and outcome-based leadership coaching to clients, and has extended his offerings to include coaching high-potential candidates within client organizations. Currently, he is a member of the coaching faculty with the State of Georgia’s Executive Leadership Development Program.

As a founding member of The Reach Point Alliance, Pepper’s clients have access to a wide range of professional service expertise that complements his executive coaching practice. Clients of the Reach Point Alliance have confidence in knowing that this network of professionals retains the consistency and shared value commitment of Safe Harbor Consulting.

Experience

Pepper’s coaching practice builds on a rich background of practical business leadership experience. With the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network for 33 years, Pepper held every field management contract offered by the company, finishing as the managing partner in Atlanta. As Northwestern Mutual transitioned to a holistic financial planning platform, Pepper transformed the Atlanta agency from a single leader to a shared leadership team. In 2002, this team was recognized as ‘A Winning Team’ on the cover of Atlanta Catalyst magazine. Another transformational shift occurred as Pepper created Northwestern Mutual’s Client Resource Center. The company adopted the Atlanta model nationally which measurably improved client satisfaction and increased repeat sales.

Pepper provides leadership coaching to various community partners including Atlanta Public Broadcasting, The United Way of Greater Atlanta, Families First, and the Collegiate Recovery Center at Kennesaw State University.

Education

A life-learner, Pepper’s professional development includes:

• Certificate of Executive Education: Leadership and Strategic Impact, Tuck School, Dartmouth College, (2009)
• Certificate of Professional Certified Coach (PCC), International Coach Federation
• Certificate of Director Education: Corporate Directors Institute, National Association of Corporate Directors, (2008)
• Strategic Talent Management: Leveraging Human Capital for Competitive Advantage, Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Atlanta (2008)
• Executive Coaching Certification Program, Georgetown University, Washington, DC (2007)
• Charter Life Underwriter and Charter Financial Consultant, The American College, Bryn Mawr, PA (1976/78)
• B.A. in Government, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia (1973)

Community Involvement

Active in his community, Pepper serves on the state board of The Technical College System of Georgia (www.technicalcollegesystemofgeorgia.org ). He is a member of the Global Advisory Board of PlayPumps International (www.playpumps.org) which provides schools and communities throughout Africa with an innovative, uniquely sustainable, free supply of clean drinking water. Pepper and Gwen are founding members of the Georgia Student Leadership Forum on Faith and Values (www.gslf.org).

Military Service

Pepper was awarded The Air Medal with 6 clusters for more than 120 combat missions in Vietnam where he served as a pararescueman in the United States Air Force. He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Airmen’s Medal for Valor.

Family

Pepper and his wife Gwen live in Serenbe (www.serenbe.com) a sustainable community outside of Atlanta. They have three children and two grandchildren.