Will Denham Email & Phone Number

Can you put your life into three words? Years ago, a speaker at Houston's Jung Center challenged us to come up with our list. Mine turned out to be Connection, Creativity, and Character. (With bonus points for alliteration.) Now, as I reflect on my professional life thus far, I see those three themes again.First, I love real connection. Since college, I've crafted and delivered award-winning speeches, successful jury arguments, and popular "culture talks" with foreign audiences. There’s no thrill for me quite like leading a group to laugh, learn, and even cry with me from the "stage." But my deepest connections can often come when - as a coach, mentor, or advisor - I listen to others in a nonjudgmental, empathic way. When I am authentically present in this way, I usually say very little, but that is precisely when I find that I've had my greatest impact.Second, I am passionate about creativity. Professionally, I created my own, profitable, single-lawyer law firm. This private sector experience taught me how to nimbly make 100s of creative decisions—from logistics, to personnel, to marketing. On the other extreme, in the State Department I've had to creatively navigate a massive bureaucracy's set of rules and hierarchies to connect with foreign audiences in fresh and meaningful ways. And personally, I draw cartoons for fun. They’re not what you’d call hyper-popular (yet!), but it's fulfilling to see my creative energies expressed.Third, I work to lead a life of character. To me, this means more than simply never cheating, never lying, and never stealing. (To be fair, it makes life easier.) It also means being honest, as when—particularly as a public defender—I explained to my clients the inherent and systemic challenges they faced in going to trial. And it means giving your best effort, even when discouraged, as when I successfully completed nine months of full-time, intensive Mandarin training—that routinely brought several of my professional colleagues to tears. And now? 我还学习努力! (Translation: “I’m still studying hard!”) By this point, Gentle Reader, you may have picked up on several points that I did not mean to raise but may as well confirm with you now. Yes, I’m a clear “J” on Myers-Briggs. (A rare bird INFJ, if you're curious.) Yes, I've always tried to take my work seriously, without ever taking myself seriously. And yes, while I’m grateful for all of my experiences—across continents, cultures, and professions—I’m even more optimistic about what flourishing awaits.