About Upward & Inward

Our Approach

We believe true leadership is not defined solely by position or authority but by the ability to inspire, influence, and drive transformative impact. The mission of Upward & Inward is to empower Impact Leaders to unlock their full potential and create meaningful, positive change in the world.

We empower Impact Leaders from the inside out to achieve growth, radical collaboration, and purposeful productivity through introspection and aligned action.

We leverage the best of:

  1. Cutting-edge leadership approaches

  2. Behavior and organizational change

  3. Human-centered systems thinking

  4. Flow science principles

  5. Psychology of human flourishing

  6. Wellness as a foundation, with optimized whole health as an edge

Being a leader for yourself, your family, or your team requires more than learning a few new skills. Upward & Inward leverages a deep multi-modality approach to generate breakthrough results in how you lead. This entails directing your actions and aspirations following your particular definition of success, anchoring to your values, and uncovering your special genius.

By prioritizing your inner journey and staying true to yourself, you can create a life that is truly meaningful and aligned with your deepest aspirations, all while meeting and exceeding external success measures.

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Our Founder

About Ari DeGrote

✔ ICF Certified Coach (ACC)
✔ Foundations Certified Team Coach
✔ Self-Actualization Mentor
✔ 2x Certified Coach: Peak-Performance Flow & Human Potential
✔ Certified facilitator of Everything DiSC and Workplace Big 5
✔ 8 years of organizational leadership & change management
✔ 12+ years supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, innovation & founders

Ari DeGrote is the Founder and Impact Leadership Catalyst of Upward & Inward, passionate about exploring the interconnections of individual and collective flourishing. As an ICF-certified coach and seasoned facilitator, she helps leaders and teams reconnect, align, and thrive as adaptive leaders by addressing the root causes of disconnection and complacency. Drawing on 20+ years of experience in Fortune 500 manufacturing, organizational and behavioral change, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and innovation leadership, she helps individuals and teams move from anxious, siloed performance to connected, collaborative impact rooted in purpose, meaning, and mattering. Through tailored programs and a human-centered, facilitative approach, Ari works as an extension of your leadership—integrating leadership principles, flow science, and human-centered systems thinking to reduce conflict, retain top talent, develop adaptive leaders, and drive meaningful, long-term impact on the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Prefer the full version? Download Ari’s complete bio here.

Learn more at Ari’s LinkedIn.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • • Higher levels of performance

    • Positive behavior changes actually take place and last longer

    • Enhanced flexibility and creativity

    • Overall feeling of wellness with whole-life integration

    • To serve as a source of motivation that may be missing or dormant within.

    • To provide accountability to yourself and a higher purpose.

  • • You are personally going through a transition and crave transformation.

    • You sense there is more, yet you can’t quite articulate or come into contact with that.

    • You find yourself at your next growth edge and are possibly overwhelmed or confused.

    • You are facing new business and organizational challenges.

    • You are looking to take performance to the next level.

    • You have mastered a role and are preparing for your next challenge.

    • As most cannot see ourselves objectively, we need a mirror. The supportive neutrality of a coach can help you identify ways to overcome challenges, mitigate weaknesses, and identify strengths you may not have identified.

  • Yes! Coaching is primarily virtual through Zoom for your ultimate convenience and efficiency. Several other programs offer many virtual components and full-service options.

  • The following tips will help you make the most of your Coaching session:

    • Set clear goals

    • Be ready and avoid interruptions and distractions

    • Bring questions

    • Be open to feedback

    • Show courage and be vulnerable

  • Often, companies will support employees in finding a leadership coach. If you are interested in any of the following (individual impact coaching, CORE, impact empowerment training, etc.), you should certainly explore asking your employer to sponsor your involvement, as it’s likely to affect your leadership and overall performance positively.

  • YES! If you have a company or individual in mind who could benefit from working with Upward & Inward, please email ari@upwardandinward.com and I will share the simple process.

  • While any individual within an organization may take advantage of the many benefits of Impact Coaching or participating as an individual in a group offering, such as CORE Leadership Circle or Impact Empowerment Program, there are several options crafted specifically for teams and companies. Some of these impactful services are speaking engagements, customizable workshops, group facilitation, and ongoing consulting. Have something else in mind? I would love to have a conversation to better understand your needs!

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Testimonials