SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERSHIP COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT.
WE GROW LEADERS
CONVENING
The Coaches of Color Convening, hosted by Messy Roots, will gather coaches from various sectors around the world in Charlotte, NC. This event promises an atmosphere filled with vibrant energy and unparalleled networking opportunities. It's a space designed for deep connections and personal growth as a coach. The experience gained here will undoubtedly translate into invaluable benefits for your coachees long after you leave.
DATE:
Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 5pm - 7pm EST &
Friday, April 4th 2025 10am - 5pm EST
LOCATION: Do Greater Charlotte Foundation, 2400 Greenland Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208
Our Mission & Vision
Messy Roots is dedicated to equipping social impact leaders with the tool of coaching, empowering them with the resources and community needed to navigate challenges, drive meaningful change, and develop leaders.
We envision a world where social impact leaders have access to transformative coaching and resources, enabling them to lead with confidence, drive systemic change, and cultivate thriving, equitable communities.
GET CERTIFIED AS A COACH
We offer two coaching certification programs designed for social impact leaders. Our certifications empower leaders to seamlessly integrate coaching into their leadership and management approach, enhancing their effectiveness and impact.
Many of our certified leaders have leveraged their training to successfully launch part-time or full-time coaching practices.
We value the diversity of our participants, recognizing that a broad range of perspectives enriches the learning experience for all.
To date, over 100 social impact leaders have successfully earned their coaching certification through our program.
FOUNDER
Mario Jovan is the founder of Messy Roots, LLC and a dedicated social impact leader with over a decade of experience. As a co-founder of Profound Gentlemen (PG), he has successfully supported male educators of color, strengthening leadership in education.
Motivated by the gaps he observed in leadership development within the social impact sector, Mario transitioned from PG to launch Messy Roots in 2022, providing support and growth opportunities that many leaders lack.
He believes that leadership coaching is one of the most effective tools for cultivating impactful leaders—especially in today’s high-demand landscape.
His work has been widely recognized, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Entrepreneurship.
COMMUNITY
While some of our programs require an investment, our Leadership Development Community remains free—and we are committed to always offering a no-cost option. We believe that every social impact leader deserves access to high-quality development tools and programs.
Join us in Meet Me in the Garden (Mighty Network), where over 500 social impact leaders come together to connect, network, and host programs designed to support your growth as a leader.
WHAT IS A COACH?
Coaches play a pivotal role in unlocking their clients' untapped potential. Whether guiding clients through career choices or personal endeavors, coaches offer an impartial external perspective that serves as both guidance and a sounding board. A coach's purpose isn't to supply all the solutions or perform the work, but to illuminate the path for clients to uncover their own answers and most effective strategies.
Distinguishing a Coach from a Therapist: A therapist's focus encompasses both past experiences and mental health diagnoses. Although therapists may employ tools to address current challenges, their primary approach often involves referencing past experiences to aid clients in surmounting obstacles.
Distinguishing a Coach from a Mentor: A mentor is typically someone a client looks up to, aspiring to achieve a similar role, position, or lifestyle. Consequently, the client tends to emulate the mentor's actions. The mentor's central function involves guiding the client along a path they themselves have traversed - essentially, walking in their footsteps. In contrast, coaches often work with clients from diverse fields and industries. Their role revolves around steering clients towards self-discovery rather than replicating the coach's own journey.
“Man, this s*** feels good! In the past, I felt hate and uncertainty. Now I feel the love and possibilities. I finally see myself. I have finally stepped into my role as a full-time entrepreneur.”
— Kenneth Cody, Messy Roots Member/Coach