Meet Nick D: Leadership Speaker, Kindness Coach, and Creator of A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Leaders
Nick DeStefano, known by many as “Awesome Nick D,” is on a mission to help build 1 million kind leaders. He believes leadership isn’t about authority, it’s about authenticity, empathy, and the courage to care.
He helps new and emerging managers lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity, redefining what effective leadership looks like in today’s workplaces.
He helps new and emerging managers lead with confidence, compassion, and clarity, redefining what effective leadership looks like in today’s workplaces.
Nick’s journey started in student leadership at Misericordia University, where he discovered how transformational it can be when people feel seen and supported. He went on to learn the the true power of mattering in his work many leadership roles working at Coastal Carolina University
But his most important teacher has been his son, Calvin, who is autistic and awesome! Calvin inspired Nick to launch Chasing the Awesome Life, a speaking and coaching movement grounded in one powerful belief:
But his most important teacher has been his son, Calvin, who is autistic and awesome! Calvin inspired Nick to launch Chasing the Awesome Life, a speaking and coaching movement grounded in one powerful belief:
Kindness is the most impactful leadership skill in the world, and it starts with understanding yourself.
With more than a decade of experience in training, development, and service excellence, Nick has equipped thousands of professionals across healthcare and education to lead with heart and skill.
He’s a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, TEDx Speaker, and Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI360)Trained Coach, known for his contagious energy, real-world storytelling, and evidence-based tools that stick.
Whether he’s speaking to executives, coaching new managers, or cheering at his son’s baseball games, Nick brings the same authenticity, humor, and heart to every role he plays.
|
|
|
|
Let’s talk about the backpack.Yes, Nick really wears a 30-pound weighted pack when he speaks, and no, it’s not for attention. It’s a visual reminder that leadership is heavy. The weight represents responsibility, empathy, and the invisible pressures leaders carry every day.
But here’s the point: You don’t have to carry that weight alone. Nick’s mission is to help leaders build the strength, tools, and mindset to carry that load with confidence and a smile along the way. |
Watch why I wear the backpack
|
A little more about what fuels Nick:
Nick’s “awesome” energy is powered by strong coffee, great playlists, his two sons, Calvin and Cooper and his beautiful and ever patient and kind partner Megan!
He believes that leadership — like parenting — is equal parts patience, humor, and courage.
Nick’s “awesome” energy is powered by strong coffee, great playlists, his two sons, Calvin and Cooper and his beautiful and ever patient and kind partner Megan!
He believes that leadership — like parenting — is equal parts patience, humor, and courage.