our story
jared
Jared was born and raised in the wild and beautiful Rocky mountains of Colorado, so naturally grew up with a healthy dose of adventure which included hiking, climbing, motorcycle racing, skiing, and tons of time in the great outdoors.
After graduating high school Jared went to work overseas in the nonprofit world, based just outside of London for the better part of a decade. It was there that he learned and honed his leadership skills by taking teams all over the globe – Indonesia, East Timor, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, South Africa, India, Chile, and all over Europe – to name but a few! He worked in areas of conflict and war zones smuggling medical supplies to refugees in the South Pacific, working with disenfranchised communities in rural Africa and India providing food, aid, and undertaking community projects. He has experienced hyenas in his camp, had malaria, several attempted muggings, and was threatened with a spear! Character development was an essential skill that he learned in these environments – finding courage, keeping his cool, working in a team, and learning gratitude no matter the circumstance.
While living overseas he met the love of his life and moved back to Colorado to start a beautiful family. Here he took his leadership skills and applied them to the corporate world. Over the next decade, Jared explored his entrepreneurial side by starting several different companies – some did very well and others did not – but the lessons learned in leadership and character were invaluable and the challenge of getting a company off the ground was addicting!
During his time in the corporate world, Jared longed for the meaning and satisfaction he got when working in the nonprofit world that he could not replicate in his corporate life alone. In 2019 Jared met up with his old friend, Daniel, who he formerly worked alongside in the nonprofit world in London. Over lunch and a good Colorado craft beer, they came up with the idea of “forged”. It married everything Jared was passionate about in the nonprofit world and the corporate world, all the while bringing meaning to both.
daniel
Daniel grew up in South Carolina and headed West for the Rocky Mountains as soon as he graduated high school in search of adventure. Something inside his heart compelled him to leave all that was familiar and comfortable in pursuit of finding his purpose in life. Since that time, he’s dedicated his energy and work to helping others do the same.
As a young adult, eager to make an impact in the world, Daniel joined a non-profit dedicated to enriching people’s lives. What he originally thought would be a gap year experience before college has become a life-long obsession. Daniel has served nearly 25 years in the non-profit world operating in roles that have allowed him to fulfill his life’s mission – which is helping others discover and develop their full potential. His greatest thrill in life is seeing others grow into who they were made to be.
Over the course of his career, Daniel has held various senior leadership positions in different organizations as well as serving on multiple national and international leadership teams. Daniel has extensive experience guiding teams all over the world that are dedicated to improving the lives of people living in impoverished countries. He has also been invited to speak at various conferences, workshops and training programs all over the globe. Daniel is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach on the John Maxwell Team and has consulted for both profit and non-profit organizations. He has traveled to over 70 countries and has a huge passion for experiencing others cultures, equipping leaders, and making the world a better place.
Daniel is the co-founder of Forged Leadership, a consulting company designed to create life-changing experiences around the world that cultivate the leadership qualities necessary to succeed in life and work.
Daniel is married to a ridiculously attractive British woman and has three incredible children. They currently live in London, England.