Peter Godard

Great Bear Coach
Pronouns: He, Him

I’m a guide for gay & queer men ready to come home to themselves.

I’m part coach, part co-conspirator in your next adventure.

We’ll slow down and rest together in the joy and wonder of who you are — so you can discover where life wants to take you next.

My Story

I know the quiet nudge that whispers: there’s more waiting for you. I’ve felt it myself: ending relationships that no longer fit, leaving a career that wasn’t mine, stepping away from a 9-to-5 grind, and rethinking who I wanted to be in both life and work.

I’ve navigated transitions big and small: from data analyst to organizational leader, from organizational leader to coach, and from living by others’ expectations to co-creating a life with my husband that’s intentionally joyful, adventurous, and rich in purpose. We experimented with everything from simplifying our lives to choosing freedom over conventional milestones.

Through these experiences, I learned that transformation isn’t about forcing change—it’s about resting in who you are so the next chapter can emerge. When I sought guidance, I found spaces that weren’t made for gay & queer folx. That’s why I created this space: to slow down, honor who you are, and playfully explore what could come next.

I invite you to step into curiosity, courage, and joy with me. Together, we’ll celebrate what’s already working in your life, take your dreams seriously, and try out the adventures waiting for you—big or small, daring or delightful.

My Credentials

My path to coaching was shaped by two decades in leadership—helping organizations untangle complexity, navigate change, and build cultures where people thrive.

I’m a PCC-certified coach through the International Coaching Federation, trained in leadership coaching at Georgetown’s Institute for Transformational Leadership, and hold degrees from the University of Chicago and DePaul University.

I’ve coached hundreds of clients over thousands of hours. As Co-Creator of Social Identity Coaching Lab, I’ve partnered with leaders and organizations worldwide to disrupt workplace drama and build inclusive, joyful teams.

Credentials matter, but what makes me a great coach isn’t a piece of paper. It’s deep listening, joyful courage, and the commitment to making sure you feel seen, heard and understood every step of the way.

My Identity Map

Queer descendent of French Canadian farmers & Irish American teachers

Grew up on an island above a general store

Tied for first queer divorced person in Cook County, Illinois

Met my husband at 22; got married at 40

Polyamorous, body-celebratory, and in a second queer coming out

Chicago-based veggie gardener & book nerd

Speak 3 languages; hold 2 citizenships