Jim Dowling’s journey to coaching is the essential piece of what makes him so effective at supporting others in getting what they want from life.

In his earliest professional days, Jim gravitated to serving people in the simplest and most effective way he knew how- he fed them. He started his career as a short order cook in San Francisco hotels and proceeded to  become a craftsman of the kitchen learning his trade under such notable chefs as Thomas Keller (French Laundry), Tom Colicchio (Top Chef), and Jan Birnbaum (SF-Roasthouse). He was awarded an apprenticeship in Europe and eventually reached the level of Executive Sous-Chef in esteemed 3-star restaurants in both New York and San Francisco.

Besides his accomplished cooking skills, what set Jim apart was his ability to lead, inspire and develop first-rate kitchen teams. The late great Ed Moose of Washington Square Bar and Grill and Moose’s, called Jim “a pro’s pro”, and would credit him with holding the fast charging Moose’s kitchen together for nine years.

Jim had an ability to get cooks and staff to reach deeper and to find the best in themselves. He brought wisdom and patience while never losing sight of the demand for results that high profile kitchens required. Not an easy task. After 20 years of serving people through food, Jim felt the inner calling to pursue a new challenge and to serve people in a new way.

He started his career transition in 2003. Realizing his passion for inspiring others to reach for their highest goals,  he has reinvented himself as an accomplished coach, mediator, trainer, and public speaker. He joined the Life’s Work Center, a career counseling organization, in 2005 as a workshop leader and in his third year he moved into the position of lead counselor and Program Director. In February 2009 he launched his own coaching practice, Change With Purpose Coaching. He now works with people who are ready and committed to creating significant change in their lives. Jim has delivered motivational talks to audiences at Unity Church in San Francisco, GraceWorks at Grace Cathedral, and Job Clubs and Employment Development Departments throughout the SF Bay Area. Jim has recently launched his small group coaching programs with his Tiger Team program getting lots of attention because of it’s single minded focus on action and change.