About

Your Leadership Group is committed to supporting leaders to be their best through reflection, self-discovery, and action.

Our Team

Gary Walljasper

Leadership & Executive Coach

His career spans more than 25 years of strategic human resources experience that includes advisory/consulting work with middle and senior management. Primary areas of focus have been talent management, leadership coaching and development, workforce planning, team effectiveness, and organization development.

Gary’s previous roles included:

Carlson Group • Partner

The Principal Financial Group • Head of Organization Development

ING/Equitable of Iowa • Senior HR Advisor/VP Human Resources

Pioneer Hi-Bred • Human Resources Planning

Melissa Worrel-Johnson ACC, MBA

Leadership & Executive Coach, Leadership & Development Implementor & Speaker

Over her 19-year career, Melissa has focused her efforts on leadership, talent development, and business strategy. Her diverse background includes entrepreneurial business start-ups as well as significant leadership roles in large organizations.

As an ICF credentialed coach and licensed facilitator of the Coaching Clinic, DiSC and CCL’s 360 assessment, Melissa’s purpose is to support leaders to be the best leaders they can be. How we engage, communicate and collaborate effects our workdays, team culture and results.

Melissa believes we grow our businesses and profits through teamwork and people. People + Passion + Purpose = Winning Teams. One of our biggest assets is how we lead our teams, develop our people and roll up our sleeves with people leadership.

Melissa lives in Iowa with her husband Alan and two dogs Olive & Charley; they enjoy paddle boarding, biking, travel and family.

What Client’s Said

“Mel has been with me as my coach since I first stepped into my senior leader role. Within the first year I was met with a challenge I didn’t foresee or know how to properly navigate at that level. When the situation started to escalate I immediately reached out to Mel. Even though it was outside of my regularly scheduled coaching with her, she made the time for me and helped navigate me the situation Mel really challenged me to not always rely on my go to tactics and behaviors but to rise above at a professional level that was still new to me. Her guidance has stuck with me and has shaped the leader I am today.” Leah S. 12/2021

“Melissa’s experience and insight as an executive in corporate America has been extremely valuable in helping me navigate and excel in an ever changing and challenging environment. Melissa is a leader and coach who understands what it takes to achieve results and she has helped provide me the tools to win!” Brad S. 4/2021

“I want to extend my sincerest gratitude for the amazing session you led for our interns on Thursday. The interns enjoyed your session and found it insightful. Please know I am very grateful for your invaluable time and effort. Thank you so much for helping to impact the lives of future healthcare leaders at a time when it is most needed.” Doris P. 8/2020

“Thank you so much for being my coach. You are not only helping me learn the skills needed… be even more so helping me in my current situation” Jackie K. 8/2020

“Melissa Worrel has been an amazing coach for me. I have had numerous struggles with employment, my professional identity and imposter syndrome. Melissa helped me with these issues by constantly reminding me of my previous accomplishments, and how each one has helped pave the way for me to excel now. Under her guidance, I was able to confidently pursue and accept positions that are best suited to my personal and professional goals. At the same time, Melissa has stressed the importance of maintaining boundaries, which has allowed me to become more confident in my abilities. She has provided numerous resources to me and has continually encouraged me to pursue opportunities that I did not know existed.” Danielle D. 10/2020

“Mel was my coach for several months. I was seeking ways to make the most of my career. She made our conversations about me and what I wanted to accomplish during our engagement. She listened intently to learn about me and asked probing questions to force me to learn about myself. Her recommendations were spot on and required me to evaluate my goals and to take decisive steps to open opportunities and position me well for career advancement. She is an excellent coach whose honesty and trustworthiness benefited me greatly.” Peter K. 2/2021

“As a new entrepreneur, I hit a point where I felt overwhelmed, insecure, and full of uncertainty. Working with Mel has been the best investment in myself I could have made. I’ve surpassed the confidence I felt in past careers and am clear on my mission and how to achieve my dream. Before working with Mel, I wasn’t sure I needed a coach, but I’m so glad I did. Mel really helped me see a larger picture than I imagined for myself. I’m looking forward to an on-going coaching relationship with Mel.” Joe 4/2021