About John Fialkowski
There’s one belief that shapes a lot of the work I do: we are not charitable organizations. We don’t exist to hold everything together while getting nothing meaningful in return. Work should feel like a fair exchange — effort for opportunity, contribution for respect. When the balance is right, everyone benefits.
Too often, capable people give far more than they get back. They stay quiet, stay loyal, and hope someone eventually notices. My role isn’t to tell you what to do — it’s to help you want to do the things that protect your time, energy, and future. You deserve a working life that supports you, not one that quietly drains you. And once you understand where your power is, it becomes much easier to use it.
I’ve had a broad and sometimes unpredictable career—hospitality, universities, nonprofits, even running a bike shop. I’ve seen small businesses where dreams turn into nightmares and big orgs where individuality gets lost.
The part I loved most in every role was helping people advocate for themselves, set goals, and turn fear into action. After my own setbacks, I chose to turn that experience into practical, candid coaching.
What I believe
- Work should be a fair exchange — you give something meaningful, you get something meaningful back.
- Identity first: when you know who you are and what you want, work gets easier.
- Clear language = clear thinking: say the hard thing kindly and directly.
How I work
- Intake: 30-minute call to understand goals and constraints.
- Plan: a 1-page outline with priorities, owners, and dates.
- Work: weekly sessions + written notes to keep momentum.
Credentials
- History & Geography — McGill University
- Sales & Marketing — University of British Columbia
- Certificates — Urban Design; Project Management; Career Coaching
Services: Entrepreneur Coaching · Management Coaching · Toxic Workplaces · Career Changes
You can read more of my ideas and advice on the Career Coaching with John blog, where I write about career changes, leadership, and workplace challenges.