John Hawley

John Hawley is the co-founder and Innovation Facilitator at Stale Chips, a company dedicated to enhancing team performance through innovative facilitation techniques. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he has a rich background that combines military experience with expertise in human behavior and organizational development.

Background and Education

Hawley graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction. He also received training in nuclear power from the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command and completed courses at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. His military career includes serving as a nuclear surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy for 11 years, where he gained extensive experience in leadership, problem-solving, and facilitation.12

Professional Experience

At Stale Chips, which he co-founded in March 2021, Hawley focuses on customizing workshops and coaching sessions aimed at improving collaboration and innovation within teams. He has facilitated over 600 workshops, emphasizing interactive and engaging methods to drive personal and professional growth.13 His approach often involves breaking down bureaucratic barriers to foster creative problem-solving among participants.

Before founding Stale Chips, Hawley was involved in various roles that included being a corporate facilitator at JWH Enterprise LLC and an expert consultant with the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). He also played a significant role in developing the illuminate Thinkshop, a series of workshops designed to enhance problem-solving skills among service members.24

Personal Interests

Beyond his professional life, John is described as a "people nerd" who enjoys snowboarding and traveling with his family. He is known for his engaging personality and humor, which he incorporates into his workshops to create a lively learning environment.35

In summary, John Hawley combines his military discipline with innovative facilitation techniques to help organizations unlock their full potential through effective teamwork and creative problem-solving strategies.