Welcome to Critical Role Models
Where professional growth meets fantasy realms
Hi there! I'm Nick, your Dungeon Master for personal development and career advancement. I believe that the most powerful insights often come from unexpected sources—like what a Mind Flayer can teach us about knowledge management or how a Beholder's perspective on self-reflection might transform your leadership approach.
At d20.coach, I blend the worlds of tabletop RPGs with professional coaching to create a unique space where growth feels like an adventure rather than a corporate obligation.
What You'll Find Here
🎲 Character Development: Just as your D&D character gains levels and abilities, your professional self requires intentional development. I explore how to identify your natural "class abilities" and leverage them in your career.
🧙♂️ Multiclassing Guides: Want to pivot careers or develop secondary skill sets? Learn how to effectively "multiclass" your professional journey without losing your core identity.
🐉 Boss Battle Strategies: From difficult conversations to major presentations, I break down high-stakes professional challenges using the framework of epic encounters.
🏰 Party Dynamics: Great adventures aren't solo quests. Discover how to build high-functioning teams by understanding the dynamics of successful adventuring parties.
🧪 Experimental Builds: Sometimes the most powerful characters come from unexpected combinations. I share unconventional approaches to professional growth that might just give you that critical advantage.
Why Subscribe
For the +1 to Wisdom: Each newsletter delivers actionable insights that you can immediately apply to your professional journey. No abstract theories—just practical wisdom for your next move. Possibily presented in the form of a ridiculous linkedin self-promotion post made by an Orc Scrummaster.
For the Community: Join a party of like-minded professionals who believe that career growth can be both serious business and seriously fun. Share your own quests and learnings in the comments.
For the Unique Perspective: Where else will you find professional development advice that references both Harvard Business Review and the Dungeon Master's Guide in the same article?
For the Inspiration: Sometimes we all need a reminder that growth requires taking risks and facing challenges. Consider these newsletters your bardic inspiration dice when facing professional challenges.
For the Laughs: Let's be honest—professional development can be, at best, dry - at worst, full #LinkedInLunatic - I promise to do my best to keep it engaging, humorous, and refreshingly different from the corporate training you're used to.
Who Am I?
By day, I'm a professional coach at d20.coach, helping clients level up their careers through one-on-one coaching relationships. By night (and sometimes during lunch breaks), I'm a passionate tabletop gamer, and general nerd who believes the lessons learned around the gaming table have profound applications in professional settings and personal growth.
My approach combines 10+ years of professional coaching experience with an embarrassing number of hours spent with character sheets, polyhedral dice, and fantasy worldbuilding. This unique combination allows me to see workplace challenges through a lens that makes growth feel less like a performance review and more like an epic campaign.
Join Our Party
This newsletter is for you if:
You've ever secretly categorized your coworkers by character class
You believe professional development should be engaging, not excruciating
You appreciate the wisdom found in both business books and monster manuals
Ready to roll for initiative on your professional growth? Subscribe now to receive regular dispatches from the intersection of careers and campaigns. Whether you're a level 1 intern or a legendary executive, there's always another level to gain.
Subscribe Now
Don't face your professional dungeon crawl alone. Join our party and let's level up together!
No saving throws required. Unsubscribe anytime if your quest takes you elsewhere.
