Meet Alan, your Forward Coach.
Alan Pastian is the founder of Forward Co.—built to help leaders like you start making moves that matter. With a mission rooted in his own journey, Alan helps leaders gain the clarity and traction they need to move forward in work and life. Whether it's personal growth, team performance, or culture transformation, Forward Leadership is here to help you lead stronger, go farther, and make every move count.
Setbacks are inevitable—but they don’t have to define your story.
Whether you're building a stronger team, leveling up your leadership, or developing your organization, you’re movement ‘Forward begins when you invest in what matters most: your growth, your team, and your vision for the future.
If you’re looking for a dynamic facilitator, a workshop leader, or a speaker for your next event, the Forward Co. will bring clarity, connection, and the tools to help you move forward with purpose. We an promise this, Alan will help you find your Forward motion.
Stop doing life in “reverse.”
“Alan’s perspective on faith and life is genuine, inspiring and Biblically sound...I am grateful for his friendship and leadership.
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“I know what it’s like to be stuck and spinning your wheels while others pass you by…and I was not OK with that.”
- Alan Pastian
From humble beginnings in a mobile home park to becoming the first in his family to earn degrees in both business and theology, Alan’s story is marked by grit, growth, and purpose. Stocking grocery shelves at 14 and juggling multiple jobs while pursuing education, he developed a lifelong passion for helping others make moves. Alan lives what he teaches - to live life ‘Forward.
Alan has spent decades in the nonprofit world mentoring leaders, launching initiatives, and helping people “live life to the full.” As an entrepreneur, he founded a design company to bring vision to life for small businesses and nonprofits. He’s a published author featured on Amazon, blogs, and multiple media outlets, and has traveled and spoken to audiences across 30 countries.
Alan started The Forward Co. with a clear mission: to encourage people to make moves ‘Forward in all areas of life. He’s certified in StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, and DISC, and serves as a Certified Speaker, Coach, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team, as well as a coach with the WeAlign Coaching Firm.
When he’s not inspiring others to move ‘Forward, you’ll find Alan boating on a Minnesota lake, exploring local coffee shops, writing, biking, or traveling with his family. He’s a voracious reader, lifelong learner, and a joy-bringer wherever he goes. Alan and his wife Heidi have been married almost 30 years and are raising two incredible kids—Anja, his “ray of sunshine,” and Magnus, his “mighty warrior.” Together, they’ve built a life of meaning across cities living in Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Mobile, and Phoenix—always leading, always building community, always moving ‘Forward.
Take a Step Forward.
Leadership Coaching—
Designed to move you forward.
This is your space to think clearly, challenge your limits, and unlock your potential. Through personalized coaching for you and/or your team, Alan helps you clarify your thoughts, strengthen your mindset, and bridge the gap between where you are and where you’re called to be. It's not just about insight—it's about results for you and/or your team.
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Curated Courses—
Designed to unlock potential and strengthen culture.
Whether online or in-person, Forward’s courses combine powerful teaching with guided discussion to spark critical thinking, personal growth, and team connection. Each course is built around a focused topic of your choosing, creating space for meaningful dialogue, shared insights, and transformational growth—for both individuals and teams.
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Seminar Events—
Designed to engage, equip, and elevate.
Whether online or in-person, each leadership training is tailored to your team’s needs, schedule, and learning style. Alan’s seminars blend dynamic teaching with interactive exercises that drive real transformation. Expect more than inspiration—expect practical tools, powerful moments, and lasting impact to help leaders at every level reach their full potential.
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Assessment Sessions—
Unlock how you're wired so you can lead with strength.
Whether online or in-person, these sessions use proven tools like StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, Working Genius, and DiSC to help you better understand your leadership style, strengths, and blind spots. Each session includes a personalized assessment, expert interpretation, and practical next steps—designed to help you grow as a leader and strengthen your team from the inside out.
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““Alan’s coaching helped us untangle the chaos. Our team walked away with greater clarity, renewed confidence in our strengths, and a deeper understanding of how to collaborate effectively. It didn’t just improve our communication—it elevated our entire creative process.
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