About

In essence, nature and sports aren’t just leisure activities; they shaped our character, taught us valuable life lessons, and influenced our leadership style. They were the catalysts for our personal growth and transformation, guiding us to become better leaders and more empathetic humans.

As we transitioned from college into the bustling city for work, our connection to nature and sports remained steadfast. Despite the urban landscape, our longing for the serene vistas of water and mountains persisted, serving as a reminder of the tranquility and grounding that nature provided. It was during this time that we began to recognize the profound impact that our outdoor experiences and sporting activities had on our perspective and approach to life.

This realization became even more apparent as we evolved from managing to leading. Drawing parallels between the discipline, teamwork, and adaptability required in sports and the qualities essential for effective leadership, we discovered a natural synergy. Incorporating concepts of situational leadership, we learned to adapt our leadership style to different contexts and challenges, just as we adapted our strategies on the golf course or while fishing. Moreover, embracing mindfulness, derived from the moments of solitude and focus in nature, enabled us to cultivate greater self-awareness and empathy in our interactions with others.

The insights gleaned from navigating trails, honing golf swings, and casting lines seamlessly translated into our leadership philosophy. Thus, our journey from the wilderness to the boardroom was not just a physical transition but a transformative process, where the lessons learned in nature and sports became guiding principles in our approach to leadership and life.

Our Team

Susan Ganz – Founder

is a distinguished leader known for her passion for leadership excellence and connection to nature. With experience in local, regional, and national organizations like Stanford Healthcare and City of Hope, Susan embodies servant leadership, focusing on transparency, integrity, and accountability for organizational success.

Living in Napa, CA, Susan is an advocate for nature's influence on leadership. Her outdoor pursuits like trekking and fly fishing inspire innovative approaches to leadership and organizational change. Susan's leadership philosophy emphasizes balance, resilience, and adaptability, reflecting her deep appreciation for the outdoors and its transformative impact on effective leadership.

As Founder of Range Influence, Susan's commitment to excellence and her love for nature make her a driving force in leadership development, guiding individuals to thrive in dynamic business environments.

Meredith Whipple Callahan is an experienced executive coach and facilitator

Meredith Whipple Callahan – Faculty

is an experienced executive coach and facilitator. Building on her background at Bain & Company and Bridgewater Associates, Meredith brings deep business context to her work with executives. Meredith is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC through the International Coach Federation) with specialized certifications in strengths-based leadership, emotional intelligence, and gratitude. Her publications include Indispensable: How to Succeed at Your First Job and Beyond and The Intentional Life: Reflections from Conscious Living. Meredith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Yale University and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Meredith lives in Boulder, CO with her wife, two young children, and dogs. She is passionate about nature, yoga, ritual, cooking, and personal evolution.

is a seasoned coach and outdoor guide with over twenty-five years of experience in fly fishing operations and business administration. Combining his expertise in guiding and leadership, Zeke offers clients a unique, practical approach to personal and professional development. His philosophy is rooted in balance, adaptability, communication, and resilience—core principles that define both his coaching style and leadership approach.

Zeke’s commitment to ongoing learning ensures that he stays adaptable, applying new strategies to help clients navigate challenges, whether in business or the outdoors. His reflective approach allows him to guide others through uncertainty with thoughtful, resilient strategies.

Based in Santa Cruz, CA, Zeke’s passion for the outdoors is central to his life and work. He believes that nature offers valuable lessons, shaping his perspective on leadership and growth. Zeke lives with his partner, and when not guiding or coaching, he is often exploring the beach, rivers, or mountains, continually drawing inspiration from the natural world.

Zeke Hersh – Faculty