I worked with Ian as I was getting ready to launch a new venture. His advice and insights were invaluable as I mapped out my intentions and identified areas that I needed to improve to be a more effective startup founder. Ian's unique approach using the enneagram offers deep insights into what makes people tick, and why we do the things we do. His solutions are not band-aid fixes or cheap self-help tricks that just get you by, but rather deep-seated understandings of self that help you make incremental changes at the foundational level of who you are as a person. Over time, and with practice, those changes can develop into habits that ultimately results in transformation. I came away with some practical tools that I am still using today, and identified some false ways of thinking that previously kept me stuck, that I now know are not true. Everyone is shaped by their past, their environment, their parents, their core personality, and Ian helped me work through how each of these influences make me who I am today. Ian also worked with me to build a program customized to my goals, he understood what I was trying to do and adjusted our sessions week by week as new topics came up. I liked that he did not have an "agenda" that I was forced into following, but rather used a fluid, personal approach that was sure to address things I wanted to discuss. Some people may need more structure, which he can provide as well, but for me, I really liked this flexible approach. If you are looking to start a new business, change careers, or are trying to figure out what to do with your life, I highly recommend working with Ian! read more

I worked with Ian for six months. In that time I experienced a revolutionary shift for the better in my business, personal life, and the entire way I conceptualized the world around me. In the first month I worked with Ian I doubled the business I was doing in my Insurance Agency. Every single consecutive month that followed I doubled my business again. He helped me focus my energies on efforts that paid off rather than ones that made me feel productive but in fact produced nothing. He made me effective in every facet of my business. While focusing on my business Ian helped me raise important questions about my personal life. Through these questions I experienced a profound transformation in my relationship with my partner, shifting it from a stagnant, emotionally frozen status quo to an engaging, enriching, life giving force. He helped me make space in my life for wellness, for a sane exercise regiment and a balanced approach to eating. I've lost weight while returning to my first professional love, cooking. He helped me discover and rediscover my personal values and strengths and then helped me make the more important step of integrating those values and strengths into the way I engage with the world, both professionally and personally. Work with Ian, do whatever you need to do to get in his chair. Your life will never be the same. read more

Working with Ian reminded me what my natural strengths are, and how to work with them and develop them, rather than beating myself up about my weaknesses. I learned how to ask for help or minimize my time spent on things that didn't serve me, so I could focus on where I naturally thrive. Ian's process is not just open-ended. You have goals and benchmarks, and goals are revisited so you don't go off on too many tangents. Each week Ian gives you reading material that he prepares based on where you're at. You even get some direction on how to organize your thoughts and goals. When you're done with the program you have a binder full of personalized reading, a structure for daily journaling to keep you on track and the beginning of your journal so you can look back and see what you've accomplished and how you're evolving. Ian helps you develop your individual tool box for the ups and downs of life. Recognizing and understanding the strengths I have to call upon and weaknesses to put aside in times of change or conflict or big decisions. We focused on communication, my personal style and how I communicate with the important people in my life. I continue to benefit from my work with Ian and expect to for the rest of my life! read more

Being a coach myself, I am very choosy about who I hire to support me. I hired Ian at a difficult point in my journey when I was feeling anxious and out of touch with myself. He helped me dive under the "symptoms" that were showing up (confusion around my business, struggle in my relationship) to the root beliefs related to my Enneagram type that were creating trouble for me. He combines his extensive knowledge of integral theory, the Enneagram, and neuroscience, in a seamless way (truly a Grand Unifying Theory of Everything), and helps you apply this greater understanding to whatever matters to you. In his words, he helps you build the trellis which you can hang any flower on that you choose. If you're a personal growth geek like me, talking with Ian is like being a kid in candy store. He's incredibly generous with his time and attention. After every session you get a big customized module that gives you the practices and perspectives specific to your Enneagram type that will help you evolve. He is a humble genius at what he does. I see him as a coach's coach. While I'd like to have him all to myself, that doesn't feel fair, so I write this Yelp review... Peter Rubin www.unconventionalrelationship.com read more

Ian's expertise and insight have really helped me get to know how I naturally interact with myself and others. This is so valuable because I no longer get irritated with the "small stuff" or with how others do things. Or, if I find myself getting irritated, I'm able to recognize this reaction, realize there is a different perspective, and remain calm. ...I no longer suffer from the tunnel vision of "MY way" and am now able to appreciate the beauty of how others think and operate. Realizing this = less stress for me! More specifically, Ian provided the tools I can use in my personal relationship. Upon conflict, I turn off and shut down. This gets me and my partner nowhere. But Ian has taught me that vulnerability is not scary, but rather a way to connect more deeply with people. Thanks to Ian, I am able to challenge myself to open up to my partner during more trying times. Again, realizing this = a happy and relaxed me! If you're looking for the best you but having trouble finding him/her, have a conversation with Ian and you'll see a light of possibilities. read more

Ian really helped lift me up at a low point in my career transition. I had come to know him pretty well through networking, and I trusted his opinions and appreciated his insights. I was ready to make a big leap again, but wasn't sure exactly what to do next, and time was running out. I was stressed. I called him up and met with him over coffee, and he introduced me to a system he was in the process of creating, called the Essential 10 Minutes. As a former engineer, having a system appealed to me, and helped me feel more grounded. Within just a few days of using it, my perspective had shifted and I was more optimistic about the opportunities I wanted to pursue. It basically helped put me back in touch with my values, so that I could focus on the right opportunities. Shortly, I ended up with two fantastic interviews, one of which led to my dream job. Ian is kind, smart, ethical, and inspiring, and I wholeheartedly recommend sitting down with him and listening with an open mind. I am forever grateful! read more

Realizing your full potential by removing obstacles that inhibit your progress and refining your personal tool kit......for life. That is what Ian's teaching can do for you. The methods applied by Optimized Results are unique and are personalized for your specific needs. The use of the enneagram to classify or categorize personality traits and habits is very helpful in comprehending both common motivations and reactions but it also helps to understand our differences. There is no quick fix here. There is a lot of work involved in personal transformation. But these methods will provide you with exercises to incrementally change how you operate. By the time you complete you program, you will be able to recognize how you used to operate compared with how you do so now. The difference was astounding in my case both personally and professionally. I highly recommend Ian Blei and Optimized Results to any person or business that seeks to make a fundamental and positive transformation occur. read more

I found myself singing high praise for Ian Blei this morning, as I was reflecting on my career/business. It was so humbling to move/start a business in San Francisco during 2008 - a whirlwind of recession panic and out-of-control schedules. The typical day consisted of long hours, crisis management, and overwhelming stress. Coaching/Consulting is the sort of thing a person like me (in short, a finance industry suit who is all business) would not typically reach out for. But in my 20/20 hindsight, it is easy to see the change Optimized Results made in my business. Sometimes it's hard for a person to see their systematic weaknesses. Ian has a keen understanding for how operations are supposed to work. The best part is, he will help you focus on overcoming the bottleneck. 3 years later, my business is expanded, and I regularly use the tools I learned from our sessions. Thanks Ian! read more

Am an older woman who has checked out and used several forms of therapy during my life, sometimes to help resolve an issue, sometimes to improve on the good in my life. I heard about Ian from friends and my daughter and became curious. I'd met him and liked what I saw...certainly a kind person.I signed up for a course. I was happily surprised and delighted to find that the Enneagram has validity and can be quite useful. With Ian's help, I explored more and am happy that I did. it seems that one is never too old to learn something new and positive! I especially like that ian really invests in his clients. He is a champion at going the extra mile. I realized he was thinking about my concerns in between sessions and bringing the results into my next meeting. It was rather like ordering apple pie and having the baker add ice cream on top while you weren't looking! read more

I've been working with Ian for several coaching sessions, and his support has been truly invaluable. I was preparing to give a talk introducing the holistic healthcare system that I practice to the public, and I had some anxiety about not doing a good job. Through Ian I understood that the source of the anxiety was my concern regarding what other people would think of me. His suggestion was very simple, yet it made a world of difference: instead of focusing on myself, focus on how I'm serving others. While my talk was about promoting my business, it was also about sharing something that helps people. Both were true motivations behind the talk, yet once I shifted my focus on serving others, the anxiety I had dissipated immediately like magic. The next few days I prepared for the talk with joy and enthusiasm, and everything went smoothly as I had hoped. read more

Ian Blei at Optimized Results is a lifesaver! His unique approach in helping you identify and define your unique skill sets and how you work best in the world - both personally and professionally - provide solutions to getting past whatever blocks you are facing like no other program I've ever encountered. As someone with all the tools available to me to be successful in life - the skills, intelligence and personality to make good things happen - but who had not yet even come close to reaching my potential, I have finally found the resource to help me soar! Ian is like no one else, and has helped businesses and individuals blossom and grow into all they can be like no other professional I've ever encountered. I recommend him as resource for ANYONE and EVERYONE who wants/needs to reach their true potential. Bless you Ian! read more

To say Ian has made a huge impact in both my personal and professional life, would be the biggest understatement. Words cannot express my gratitude to this man who has changed my approach and perceptions to life. I have a ton more clarity on how to better implement my purpose of impacting others. My ability to communicate, connect and impact others has skyrocketed to heights I didn't think possible. It also has helped me with my public speaking and ability to engage + connect with large crowds. Ian, you are the perfect blend of science and art. I am humbled and appreciative by your friendship and mentorship. Forever indebted, Ed Diaz, Your Mortgage Ninja :-) read more

Ian is a treasure. It is rare to find such a wealth of knowledge and experience that is so elegantly expressed in true care and service. Working with Ian, he helped me see the underlying framework that drives my personality, which unlocked hidden potentials and allowed me to step up in both career and relationship. Specifically, I stepped into a primary lead role, running our workshops from the front of the room (something that I had feared and avoided for years.) I cannot recommend Ian enough if you have reached the point where you refuse to settle for less than expressing your total capacity as a human. Thanks Ian read more

Ian Blei is exceptionally talented at helping people get the utmost out of life. He has an incredible ability to quickly discover key patterns and issues that can either drive or inhibit breakthroughs. Ian is the ultimate bundle of experience, skill, smarts, passion and professionalism. It's been a pleasure working with Ian, and he is who you want on your speed dial when faced with any kind of personal or professional roadblock. I have referred over a dozen friends to Ian, all of whom feel he has helped, or is helping them realize their personal, professional and creative dreams. Ian gets my highest recommendation. read more

Ian has been my Life Coach for over 20 years. He has guided me through countless numbers of issues in both my personal and professional lives. I have never had to question any of his guidance, as I am confident in his sincerity to help myself and others in any transition in their lives. I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to interact with such a kind and honest human being with an insight compared to none. If it were possible to give Ian more than 5 stars, I certainly would. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to any person or organization in need of growth. read more

Ian is the best guide ever. He will enlighten you; there is no unseeing once you have seen the light. All I can say is call Ian if you want to get out of the matrix! I learned about how to get out of the loops and blocks that I have built up over time and how to get out of problems more quickly. What you will learn is that those huge problems that you encounter in the road of life will become a small speed bumps. Ian will equip you with the tools you need to go above and beyond your potential. Don't pass this chance up! read more

If you are looking to identify, refine & magnify your brilliance...Ian's your guy! We are surrounded by a wide & wonderful assortment of dedicated Coaches, many of whom I've had the pleasure of working with/experiencing on some level. My decision to commit to Ian was made simple by HIS clarity & dedication to helping me unearth my WHOLE vision for growth & success. As a result, I am now living at levels of financial and emotional wealth like never before, not to mention, I laugh more than ever! Carey read more

Ian does some great work. Gave me a whole new perspective on what I value and how I define wealth...its so not all about the material world. What I really like about how Ian works is that he provides specific tasks where I have to do work...write things done, not just think about stuff...it is a great tool for gaining perspectives and seeing how I operate in patterns. Once aware of the patterns, I have a chance at changing the ones that aren't working well for me. I highly recommend working with Ian. read more

Ian's unique, engaging, personal, insightful, and compassionate approach has helped me to identify the most resourceful parts of me, and to consciously use these resources every day at work and at home. I have grown several fold both personally and professionally, resulting in positive results, including increased productivity, a job promotion, and, improved communication with colleagues, and with my wife! Ian, many many thanks for your passion to help people, including myself, live their very best! read more