Grounded support.  Lived experience.  A steady presence when it matters most.

 

I’m Michael Riley—founder of Sage & Still: Coaching and Consulting. I am an Emotional Support Coach, a veteran, a husband and father, a longtime executive leader, and a pastoral presence to people navigating pressure, relationships and the complexities of life.

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After two decades in public service, executive leadership, and ministry, I know what it’s like to carry responsibility in silence—to lead while tending to others, to function through burnout, to keep showing up even when the inner landscape is calling for rest, reckoning but there isn't an objective confidante you can turn to for support.

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That’s where my coaching begins.

 

My Path Here

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I’ve served in uniform, in government, in the private sector, and in ministry. I’ve sat at boardroom tables and kitchen tables. I’ve led major operational systems—and I’ve also walked with people through grief, transition, healing, and hope.

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What unites all those spaces is a steady call: to show up with presence, to listen with care, to execute for outcomes all while trying to honor the deeper story beneath the surface.  These are the moments we feel most alone.

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I created Sage & Still as a grounded, honest alternative to performance-driven spaces.

 

This is not a hustle culture coaching model.

 

This is slow, sustainable, and deeply personal work—offered with respect for your pace, your story, and your potential.

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​Walk With Me: A Personal Invitation to Coaching

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If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re carrying something important — questions you’ve been sitting with, transitions that feel heavy, or a longing to realign with who you are and where you’re going.

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I offer emotional support coaching with sessions that are intentionally priced to remain accessible — especially for those who value discretion or are walking through deeply personal seasons and need to be discreet.

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You can begin with a Discovery Session or step into one of these coaching

journeys:

 

Individual Coaching (1, 4, 6 or 10 Sessions)

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These are personalized, client-led sessions where you set the focus. Whether you’re navigating decisions, grief, leadership stress, or spiritual disconnection — I walk alongside you, offering honest reflection, structure, and encouragement.
Come as you are. Leave with clarity and tools for aligned action.

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Guided Track Series (4 Sessions)

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If you’re not sure where to start, these structured coaching tracks offer a clear path forward. Each includes 1 intake session and 3 follow-ups designed to help you map insight into action:

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• Life Mapping – Understand your life story, current season, and future hopes.

• Pre-Burnout Strategy – Recognize the early signs of burnout and build a sustainable recovery plan. Assess burnout risk, emotional strain, and coping strategies.

• Spiritual and Vocational Survey– Reflect honestly on where your soul is versus where you’re serving from.  Take an honest inventory of your spiritual vitality and vocational alignment.

• Manhood Reset & Survey – Explore your values, story, and direction with strength and self-compassion. Examine areas of growth needed in self awareness, self improvement, relationships, identity and leadership.

 

Each of these is designed to offer practical insight, emotional grounding, and a renewed sense of direction.

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