About The Barefoot Standard

Hey — I’m Len.

I’m the founder of The Barefoot Standard. I help ambitious people lead boldly, consistently perform at their peak, and live lives that actually mean something.
For over 35 years, I’ve been studying what makes some people rise and lead while others stall out. Not just in books — in real-life crucibles.
I got my first serious leadership mentoring beyond books at age 14 from a group of US Marines and USAF pilots. That experience rewired something deep. The lessons they taught stayed with me ever since. I’ve devoted my life to understanding leadership, performance, resilience, and the human potential most people never fully unlock.

I’ve Led from the Front, Not Just the Classroom

I’ve been in the trenches — not just teaching leadership, but living it under pressure.
As an emergency management and business continuity professional, I worked on the front lines of real crises. I’ve led critical planning and response operations from pandemics to simulated nuclear emergencies. I’ve briefed government officials, trained emergency operations teams, and designed large-scale exercises for provincial and municipal response teams.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was a trusted voice for mayors, municipal councils, emergency management leaders, and fire chiefs across Ontario — breaking down complex information and helping leaders make clear, confident decisions when it mattered most.

I’ve Also Been Coached by the Best

● Two retired US Navy SEALs● A two-time Olympic medalist● A mental performance coach to professional sports teams
I've had the opportunity to develop with the most grounded, high-integrity experts in human development
I’ve trained and certified as a:
● Unbeatable Mind® Coach● Mental Optimization Coach● Mental Performance Management Coach● Sleep Coach● Breathwork Coach
It’s not just theory. It’s lived experience, sharpened through coaching, combat-sport mindset, and performance under pressure.

I’ve Also Taught All Kinds of People

It's not just for emergency management leaders and teams. I’ve run workshops and talks for:
● Real estate investors looking to build mental toughness● Corporate sales teams aiming to boost clarity and focus● Ambitious student leaders stepping into real responsibility for the first time
The settings vary, but the principles don’t:Lead yourself. Elevate others. Perform under pressure.

Why "Barefoot"?

I go barefoot everywhere. Yes, really — downtown, airports, restaurants, offices.

But it’s not about being edgy or alternative. It’s about awareness. Groundedness. Adaptability. Choosing to walk through the world with presence and purpose — not padding and pretense.

The Barefoot Standard is about exactly that:
A new standard of leadership, performance, and integrity.
One that starts at ground level — with how you walk, how you lead, how you live.

What This Is (and Isn’t)

This isn’t fluff, fake motivation, or corporate jargon.
This is:● Leadership that actually works● Performance tools that actually move the needle● Mental clarity and physical alignment● The confidence to lead others because you’ve led yourself
Whether you're a young professional, an entrepreneur, or a driven student or athlete — if you’re the kind of person who refuses to coast through life, this space is for you.

Step Into the Standard

Want to learn more?
📚 Check out the books
📸 Follow me on Instagram @barefootleader

You don’t need to wear shoes to lead. But you do need to show up grounded, aware, and ready to walk with purpose.

Let’s go.