Hi, I'm Oliver.
Since 2012, I've helped leaders do more good with their gifts and unlock peaceful prosperity.
Who I Am Called to Work With
the burnt-out workaholic
The Chief 'everything' officer
The Hidden leader
the promise
Become the clearest, calmest, and most confident version of yourself and unapologetically get what you want out of life.
How it all started...
In my mid-twenties, I had a budding real estate investment company with a growing portfolio of properties.
Life was turning out exactly as I had planned, but no matter what new heights I reached, it never left me feeling fully satisfied or fulfilled.
On the outside I had “made it” but along the way, I had lost myself. I had lost my sense of aliveness.
I decided I could no longer give my life to something when I knew I was meant for more.
I shut that business down and it was a huge relief. I was free to start the next chapter in my life. What I hadn’t accounted for was the complete and utter devastation of vaporizing everything I was.
My life began to unravel. I grieved in isolation. I burned through my savings and went deep into credit card debt as I tried to gain my bearings.
I had collectors after me, my phone was constantly disconnected, and I borrowed from friends and family. I felt embarrassed and alone.
I was free to be and do anything yet I was paralyzed.
My escapes were espressos and chocolate croissants imagining I was in Italy. I’d hide from the world and release my sorrows at hot yoga. My life was on repeat for a while until one day in yoga I fell into tears of overwhelming joy.
I realized that who I am at my core is separate from my outer circumstances. I realized that joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment were possible in the Here and Now no matter the circumstances.
I realized what I have and what I do will never compare to who I am.
I began to focus on shifting my being, a fundamental aspect of the work I now do with my clients.
I cultivated my sense of personal power, I went into a process of self-discovery, and I began to reinvent myself.
My breakdown transformed into a breakthrough. I recovered financially, invested in my growth, went on retreats, and got trained as a yoga teacher and as an ontological coach.
Friends and past colleagues began approaching me for support in their transitions toward meaning and purpose. Some began to pay me for guidance and support. The results they created nurtured and nourished me in a way I had never experienced.
Since then I have dedicated myself to working with leaders and high achievers toward unlocking their purpose and potential.
Meet Oliver Manalese
I began my coaching practice in 2012 committed to helping clients align their lives and businesses with their purpose, gifts, and impact.
I’ve been in my clients’ corners supporting and guiding them as they left careers that no longer served them, taking their businesses from zero to multiple six figures, healing relationships, going from burnt-out workaholic to 3-day workweeks, and so much more.
My clients design and live great lives so that they can be the highest version of themselves for their families, businesses, communities, and causes.
It’s a unique privilege and honour that I get to do this work and that it’s been what allows me and my wife, Janet Parsons, to enjoy a beautiful life.
In the past twelve months, I’ve:
- Earned my second stripe white belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with 1-2 weekly sessions with my coach
- Joined a men’s group filled with leaders pursuing growth where we do breathwork, movement, and have vulnerable talks on life, love, and more
- Spent 7 weeks in Costa Rica with my love, Janet, living the Pura Vida life, driving on dirt roads, surfing, hiking, in search of waterfalls and sloths
- Joined a men’s weekly workout that has gotten more burpees out of me than I could ever imagine!
- Began working with a strength coach to gain greater confidence and a sustainable path to vitality
- Cold plunged Georgian Bay, Lake Ontario, and Credit River
- Received bodywork and massages from our mind-blowing therapist twice a month
- Participated in many ayahuasca ceremonies for personal healing, spiritual growth, clarity, and insight
- Have worked 3-day workweeks and have taken six weeks off to rest, relax, and play
- Discovered the tastiest recipes for Aztec/Tortilla Soup and Sheppard’s Pie
- I officiated my best friend’s wedding!
- Learned to play and sing a whole set of medicine songs written in Portuguese, Spanish, or Sanskrit
- Hand-grinded and hand-poured countless cups of specialty coffee
- Had laugh attacks and been brought to tears with Janet watching amazing shows like This Is Us and Ted Lasso
- Became a Cat Dad once again to two sweet and loving ragdoll kittens, Skyla and Everest
- Gone backcountry camping and portaging in the glorious Algonquin Park in Ontario
- Eaten several bowls of Vietnamese pho, slices of pizza, and chocolate croissants, enjoyed long hikes, and savoured life in Oakville, Ontario with my love, Janet Parsons
Of course, like every person on this planet these past two years, there have been countless challenges, pain teachers, and heaviness I’ve had to navigate. This is to share with you a little snapshot of what life’s like, what’s important to me, and what’s bringing me joy.
Live well. Love well. Serve others. Unapologetically go after your heart’s desires.
Ready to unlock purpose, meaning & impact?
Let’s create an action plan together and see if we’re a match.