John Chipponeri’s life story is one of discipline, resilience, and reinvention. Raised in Ceres, a small farming town in Central California, he grew up in a large Sicilian family where hard work and community were everyday values. After excelling in academics and sports, he became one of the few in his class to attend college, earning an engineering degree from UC Berkeley before launching into a 30+ year career at Chevron. His leadership roles took him around the world, managing projects worth billions and guiding teams across diverse cultures.
But after retiring from the corporate world and some major life changes, Chipponeri found a new calling—coaching and mentoring others. Today, based in San Rafael, CA, he works with men’s groups, recovery programs, and athletes, blending personal growth with athletics and spiritual practice. His story is equal parts corporate success, endurance challenge, and personal transformation—and he’s not done yet.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I spent more than three decades working for Chevron in leadership and engineering roles, managing projects in the billions across the U.S., Indonesia, and Australia. It was a career that gave me global experience, but also taught me that the heart of leadership is people, not just technology and processes. Today, I focus on connecting and helping others—whether it’s through men’s work and recovery programs. What excites me most now is helping people understand themselves better and to show up as their best selves through close connections, growth, and a true north for their life.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
Dedicated, curious, grounded. Dedication comes from decades of committing myself to project execution, endurance sports and personal development. Curiosity keeps me learning—whether that’s through the Enneagram, coaching methods, or spiritual traditions. And grounded means staying balanced between achievement and presence, which is something I try to model for the people I work with.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I swam the 13-mile Rottnest Channel off the coast of Perth, Australia, which was a huge physical and mental test. Most people are surprised when they hear that because swimming in open water for hours isn’t exactly a common hobby. But for me, it was about testing my perseverance – pushing past my limits and learning how much endurance is really about mindset and discipline. That swim taught me lessons I carry into coaching today. It’s not about race day, it is about proper preparation.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
I’ve been watching Welcome to Wrexham, the series about Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney taking over a struggling Welsh soccer team. I love it because it’s not just about sports—it’s about community, leadership, and perseverance. Watching how an underdog team becomes a source of pride for a town resonates with me because it mirrors how leadership and support can change lives beyond the game.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
Instagram is the one I use the most. I follow accounts related to Enneagram teachings, and men’s work. It’s a mix of personal inspiration and professional learning—I like that it gives me snapshots of what others are doing in these spaces without overwhelming me.
Be sure to check out our list of the Top Instagram Influencers and Celebrities for 2025.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Facebook was my first, like a lot of people in my generation. Back then it was about keeping up with family, friends, and former colleagues spread across the globe. Over time, I realized it’s also been a tool for reconnecting with people I coached or mentored earlier in life, which has been rewarding.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I always make time for content from Ginger Lapid-Bogda, Alias Amidon and Richard Rohr, who are leaders in the Enneagram paradigm, Western Sufism and Mystical Christianity, respectively. Their teachings bring clarity and depth to how I coach others and also how I reflect on my own growth. Even after years of study, I always learn something new when they share their insights.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
For men’s work, Sacred Sons is a group I recommend following. They post powerful content about brotherhood, healing, and accountability. Their message helps normalize conversations around men supporting one another, which is something I think our culture needs more of.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
Yes, one of my favorites is Typology with Ian Morgan Cron. The way he connects the Enneagram to real life stories is inspiring and practical. I also appreciate that the conversations are accessible for both people new to the Enneagram and those who’ve studied it for years.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
One piece that stuck with me is: “Awareness doesn’t change you. Practice does.” It’s a reminder that growth is about what you do every day, not just what you know. That lesson has shaped how I approach coaching and how I encourage men in recovery to stay consistent with their practices.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
I’d love to collaborate with Rich Roll. He embodies the intersection of endurance athletics, recovery, and personal growth. His story and his podcast reach people in a way that creates real change, and I’d enjoy bringing my perspective into that kind of conversation.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
Journaling is my daily anchor. It’s where I process what I’m learning, reflect on what’s working, and track progress over time. Writing things down helps me see patterns and stay grounded, and it’s a practice I encourage others to try because it builds self-awareness and discipline.
To keep up to date with John Chipponeri follow him on LinkedIn
