Meet the founder
Timothy Barry - Founder and Chief Grit Coach
Tim is a retired Naval officer, having spent twenty years applying practical leadership in the fast-paced, constantly evolving operational fleet and providing ground-level leader development at the United States Naval Academy. His twilight tour as a Master Instructor of Physics allowed him to seamlessly incorporate fleet experiences and leadership philosophy with the technical competencies and academic requirements of the core Physics courses.
Trained in leadership coaching by Georgetown University’s School for Continuing Studies, University of Buffalo's Center for Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, and the US Navy's "School of Hard Knocks," Tim has served since 2018 as a coach with USNA’s Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership and is a named Associate Fellow with the same. Since leaving the the Navy, he worked as a Leadership Coach, Consultant, and Speaker with The Frasatti Company before establishing GritWork Academy, a foundational leadership coaching firm focused on encouraging arduous action. Additionally, Tim is a Fellow with the Severn Leadership Group, was a Navy Small Arms shooting instructor and is an amateur Powerlifting coach and hobbyist.
Tim’s affable demeanor and gregarious style is well suited for inspiring others to reach their full potential. He enthusiastically encourages growth, fosters lively discussions, demands intense critical thinking, and sets the example of leadership through service. He will stimulate your desire to learn and challenge your self-imposed limitations.
Expect to do hard things!