JCV Higher Reach

Helping leaders grow with clarity and purpose.

recent posts

Why I Don’t Believe in New Year’s Resolutions — And What I Believe InsteadJanuary 3, 2026
Every January, we’re encouraged to make New Year’s resolutions: lose weight, get organized, save money, stop a bad habit, start a better one. The underlying message—subtle but powerful—is that there is something wrong with us that needs fixing. That if we can just change this one thing, we’ll finally arrive at the version of ourselves… Read more: Why I Don’t Believe in New Year’s Resolutions — And What I Believe Instead
Dancing with your ManagerDecember 1, 2025
And other thoughts on how to create a positive and productive working relationship with your boss. Most of the time—though it may not always feel that way—your manager is on your side. Still, managing people is often harder than doing the work yourself. When we’re the doer, we control the what, how, how fast, and… Read more: Dancing with your Manager
When Change Comes CallingOctober 15, 2025
Change rarely arrives with a neatly wrapped invitation. More often, it shows up unannounced—disrupting routines, unsettling roles, and asking questions we weren’t planning to answer. It’s tempting to resist, to hold tightly to what was, especially when the reason for the change feels short-sighted. I’ve found myself at such a crossroads recently. And while I… Read more: When Change Comes Calling
Navigating Your Career Journey with Confidence: The Career StartUp ApproachAugust 11, 2025
Imagine setting out on a cross-country road trip. You’ve packed your bags, fueled up, and hit the road with excitement—only to find yourself lost a few miles in, facing a closed road and no clear detour. You know your destination, but without a map, the journey becomes frustrating and uncertain. That’s exactly how many early-career… Read more: Navigating Your Career Journey with Confidence: The Career StartUp Approach
The Heart of Leadership: Influence, Vision, and GrowthJune 1, 2025
Leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire growth in others. At its core, effective leadership is a practice of service, clarity, and continuous learning. Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager, emphasizes the power of servant leadership, where the leader’s role is to empower and uplift their… Read more: The Heart of Leadership: Influence, Vision, and Growth

John Vitale – Introduction

Throughout my professional career, I’ve had the privilege of leading and contributing across a wide range of industries—helping organizations and individuals unlock their potential through thoughtful leadership, strategic human capital practices, and meaningful transformation. My career has included roles in both public and private companies, where I’ve built high-performing teams, led organizational design efforts, and supported complex business challenges.

In 2017, I joined the Advent International Operations Advisor program after serving as Chief People Officer at Cotiviti Corporation. There, I provided human capital leadership and advisory support across Advent’s portfolio, working with companies such as lululemon, Serta Simmons Bedding, AccentCare, ATI Physical Therapy, RxBenefits, Olaplex, and Imperial Dade. I also led the Advent Leadership Academy, a collaboration with Harvard Business School focused on developing the next generation of diverse, purpose-driven leaders.

Today, I’m a certified professional career coach. My Career StartUp process guides early-career professionals through a structured, 10-step journey that builds clarity, confidence, and momentum. I help individuals connect their values, interests, and strengths to meaningful career paths, develop compelling professional brands, and prepare to thrive in the workplace.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to helping others GROW—through increased self-awareness, focused action, and continuous learning. I believe leadership is a journey, not a destination, and I’m passionate about walking that path alongside others.

Outside of work, I’m a proud University of Colorado Boulder alumnus, husband to Amy for over 35 years, and father to Josh and Jessica. I live in Stamford, Connecticut, and enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, entertaining, and playing golf.