About Me

Cultural Heritage and Ancestry

Dr. Felix C. Villanueva was born and raised in Puerto Rico, deeply rooted in the island’s cultural tapestry. His lineage spans the Taino Tribe, the original inhabitants of Puerto Rico, as well as European and African ancestry. A cherished memory from his youth is sitting with his great-grandfather, a respected healer descended from a line of tribal healers, to discuss “good medicine.” Dr. Villanueva recalls, “There is no doubt in my mind that grandpa had a great influence on my current vocation. Everything I do, I do through the eyes of a healer,” he says with his customary disarming smile.

Education and Early Career

Dr. Villanueva’s journey began with a focus on lifelong learning. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, igniting his pursuit of knowledge. This led him to earn a Master’s in Theology from Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico, followed by a Master’s in Counseling from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He later completed his Doctorate in Education (EdD) from the School of Business at Argosy University in Los Angeles. His commitment to personal growth has made him a model for those seeking transformation through continuous learning.

Military Service and Leadership Development

Dr. Villanueva dedicated over two decades to the U.S. Navy, serving as an officer in locations worldwide. In 2013, he took part in combat operations in Iraq, a transformative experience that refined his leadership skills and deepened his understanding of organizational dynamics. These experiences became the foundation for his later work in leadership coaching and development.

Non-Profit Sector Leadership

After his military service, Dr. Villanueva transitioned into non-profit leadership as the CEO of a mission-driven organization. This role involved managing a large volunteer base and navigating the complexities of leadership within the non-profit sector. His time here enriched his understanding of how to inspire, lead, and support others in mission-focused work.

Empowering Leaders Through Coaching

Dr. Villanueva specializes in coaching for Grief and Loss, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ), Conflict Management, Team Building, and Leadership Development. His clients range from executives at Fortune 500 companies to small business leaders. As an Executive Coach, he has guided leaders at Google, Meta, Workforce, Yeti, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, IBM, Salesforce, BetterUp, and Dolby, among others. He has also extended his expertise to leaders in the U.S. federal government, including the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Transportation Security Administration.

Building Community and Fostering Healing

Drawing on his heritage, Dr. Villanueva emphasizes the power of community in his coaching. “One thing we have mostly forgotten is the healing power inherent in being in community,” he explains. His Taino ancestors were not only fierce warriors but also deeply rooted in the belief that true healing often comes through connection. “When we sit across from each other, listen with the goal to understand, and show true curiosity, we provide healing,” he says. This philosophy infuses his group coaching work, producing remarkable results.

Founding a School of Coaching

In 2019, Dr. Villanueva was brought on to develop a coaching school for a non-profit organization. He created the curriculum, guided the certification process, and maintained rigorous standards aligned with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). Under his leadership, the school achieved a 100% certification success rate for its coaches. In 2024, the parent organization shifted its focus, and Dr. Villanueva, along with his business partner, acquired the school. Relaunching in January 2025 under a new name and vision, Dr. Villanueva is enthusiastic about expanding the school’s reach and impact. “By taking over the curriculum and instruction, we can do so much more and reach a wider demographic!” he says with passion.

Inspiring a Legacy of Leadership and Growth

Dr. Felix C. Villanueva’s career spans from military service to non-profit leadership and, ultimately, coaching. His dedication to empowering others on their professional and personal journeys has left an indelible mark on the field of leadership development. Today, he continues to inspire individuals and organizations alike.

For coaching, consulting, or to learn more about Dr. Villanueva’s work, please explore this website further and discover the transformative power of his guidance and expertise. You can also schedule a free 45-minute, no obligation session by clicking here or the button on the top of this page.