Zen Benefiel | Visionary Leader in Transformational Coaching, Conscious Business Development, and Metaphysical Exploration | Guiding Personal & Planetary Growth
Meet Zen Benefiel from Phoenix, Arizona. A visionary leader, Zen blends transformational coaching, metaphysical exploration, and conscious business development to inspire personal and planetary growth. With decades of experience, he guides individuals and organizations toward greater harmony, purpose, and success.
Zen Benefiel: Bridging Worlds—Personal Growth, Spiritual Awakening, and Leadership
From his earliest days, Zen Benefiel was destined to explore the extraordinary. Raised in a small town with strong ethical foundations, his curiosity about the mysteries of life took root at an early age. His adoption as a child would set the stage for a lifelong quest to uncover deeper truths about identity, connection, and the human experience.
Early Education and Spiritual Awakening
Zen Benefiel’s journey into the world of transformation and personal growth began early. Born in Indiana, Zen was adopted at six weeks old by loving parents who provided him with the foundation of strong morals and a sense of community. His upbringing instilled in him a deep curiosity for life’s larger questions, sparking his interest in spiritual exploration.
Educated at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Zen’s journey into spiritual awakening began at the age of 18 while pursuing a pre-Med program. After two years, he decided to leave the program, got married, and faced the challenges brought by the auto industry crash.
“Life has a way of directing you towards what you need, even when it feels like everything is falling apart.”
In the spring of 1981, Zen was juggling three different roles: working part-time as a machinist apprentice, a butcher, and playing drums for a Christian rock band. Within the span of just a few days, all three opportunities vanished. Yet, the universe had other plans. The very next morning, Zen received a clear ‘message’ to move to Phoenix. Embracing this guidance, he packed up and embarked on a new chapter.
The Phoenix Years: Career Growth and Personal Challenges
Upon arriving in Phoenix in 1981, Zen started his career as a machinist, but his ambition and drive quickly propelled him forward. He transitioned to an expediter role and soon applied for a position in production control. As the youngest member of a 35-person department, Zen’s innovative thinking and dedication led to the incorporation of interpersonal skills training within the company. Over the next several years, Zen developed professionally and personally, earning a reputation for his leadership and problem-solving abilities.
However, life wasn’t without its trials. “I put my best foot forward in my marriage, job, and church, following the prescribed path society had laid out for me, but life had a different course in mind.”
In 1990, Zen began a new chapter, creating, hosting, and producing a TV show on personal development called One World. The show ran for over 120 episodes, giving Zen a platform to share insights on self-discovery, spiritual growth, and human potential. This marked the beginning of his media presence, which continues to thrive today.
Academic Pursuits and Entrepreneurial Ventures
As Zen honed his expertise, he returned to school to further his education. Educated at the University of Phoenix, he earned multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, a Master of Business Administration, and Secondary Teaching certification. He also earned Life Coach and Hypnotherapy certifications from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, equipping himself with the tools needed to facilitate personal and professional transformation for others.
Zen Benefiel’s teaching career spans a diverse range of educational environments, from inner-city schools in Phoenix to residential treatment centers. His experience led to the development of a comprehensive model school plan with Spectrum Academy, integrating holistic educational philosophies designed to nurture both academic and personal growth.
Exiting the teaching field, Zen founded Be The Dream LLC, a transformational coaching and consulting company. His work has helped hundreds of individuals and organizations develop strategies for success, aligning with his mission of “coagulating possibilities from chaos.”
Simultaneously, Zen trained as a construction partnering facilitator with the Arizona Department of Transportation and after working as a sub-contractor for nearly a decade, struck out on his own with Team Partnering LLC. Several of the projects won the Marvin M. Black Award for partnering excellence, highlighting his leadership in facilitating successful outcomes for multi-million-dollar construction projects.
Expanding Horizons and Media Presence
After decades of working with digital products, Zen launched Planck Social Media Agency in 2017, driving innovative digital marketing solutions focused on brand growth and maximizing online visibility. He also led LinkedIn training and social media marketing classes for Phoenix SCORE.
In 2021, at the encouragement of his wife, Zen came off a 30-year hiatus to launch One World in a New World: Apocalyptic Chats. The podcast series has since garnered over one million views on YouTube by March 2024, continuing Zen’s legacy of exploring the interplay between the inner and outer worlds.
In March 2022, Zen joined the Live and Let Live Foundation as Operations Director, working with a diverse team dedicated to the principles of freedom, peace, and prosperity.
A Legacy of Transformation and Universal Connection
Zen’s approach to life is rooted in his belief that “we cannot think our way through a system built on vibration; we have to sense our way with our being.”
His journey from small-town beginnings to a global platform for spiritual and professional growth serves as a powerful reminder that transformation is not just possible; it is inevitable for those who seek it.
A Visionary Leader and Thought Provoker
Zen’s journey is one of continuous evolution. His work as a transformational coach, author, and facilitator has touched countless lives, helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential. With over 30 books published and a diverse range of experiences spanning from aerospace to Ufology, Zen continues to challenge conventional thinking and inspire others to explore the depths of their own consciousness.
Reflecting on his path, Zen shares: “The best things in life are shared. My experiences have taught me that the more we give, the more we receive. It’s about paying it forward and creating space for others to grow.”
The Nectar of Wisdom from Zen Benefiel’s Journey
- Embrace the Unknown: “We often limit ourselves by clinging to what we know. True growth happens when we step into the unknown with faith.”
- Harmonizing Inner and Outer Worlds: “Balance between the material and spiritual is the key to unlocking our full potential.”
- Paying It Forward: “Sharing our experiences and lessons learned is the most profound way to create positive change.”
- Transformation Through Trials: “Challenges are not setbacks, they are invitations to evolve and discover deeper truths.”
- Connection as the Core of Leadership: “True leadership stems from understanding our interconnectedness with the world around us.”
- Navigating Life’s Frequencies: “We cannot think our way through a system built on vibration; we have to sense our way with our being.”
Editorial Note
Zen Benefiel’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing life’s complexities with grace and wisdom. His life’s work stands as an inspiring guide for those seeking transformation, deeper connection, and a legacy of positive impact.
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