About John Riordan

John knows what it means to face the challenges of leadership and produce real results under extremely difficult conditions. Beginning in 1990, he invested 8 years in the future of a nation struggling to overcome a tragic history of genocide, racism and anarchy. What emerged was Cornerstone Leadership Academy – a comprehensive boarding school community for young adults focusing on leadership, character, spiritual and intellectual development. As co-founder and Director of the Academy, John and his family lived on-site for 8 years and dealt with the challenges of turning a revolutionary vision into a reality in the midst of racial and tribal tensions, scarce resources, and numerous physical hardships.

In 1999, John met Cindy Zook, an experienced Organization Development practitioner, who gave him an opportunity to learn from her as an Associate, and eventually Senior Consultant. Beginning 20 years ago with the Excellence in Government (EIG) Fellows Program, John has supported hundreds of rising leaders from nearly every federal agency in expanding their leadership capacity. He has provided engaging, challenging Leadership Development programs for the US Army, NASA, CMS, and other clients.

John has consulted with a broad range of federal, private sector and non-profit organizations over  the past 20 years, conducting hundreds of planning, team building and training workshops ranging  from large conferences (200+) to small intact teams. 

John and his wife Margaret, from Sydney, Australia, have four children and reside in Ashburn, Virginia. He has been actively involved with the Civil Air Patrol (Air Force Auxiliary), the Loudoun County Animal Shelter, the Honor Flight Network (bringing Veterans to DC) and does pro-bono work with several other community organizations.