Hi, I’m Sven Masterson.

I show men how to get unstuck and become unshakable, masterful men.

This isn’t just a tagline—it’s at the core of everything I do. The journey toward becoming unshakable and masterful is a lifelong one. My role as a men’s personal development coach is to guide you through the process of self-discovery and emotional growth, exploring the “trails” I’ve already traveled. It’s about learning to experience life with a healed heart, a sound mind, calm emotions, confident actions, and building deep, emotionally satisfying connections and vibrant intimacy.

I’ve been in the trenches myself, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, trying to hold it all together at work, at home, and inside my own head. I wasn’t born unshakable, and I’m still growing in that direction today. My journey began in my early twenties when my marriage felt like it was coming to an end. My wife told me she didn’t feel the same way about me anymore, leaving me reeling with fear, anger, and sadness. At just 23, with a young child and no clear map for the emotional terrain ahead, I had to figure it out.

That moment wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of a decades-long journey that brought me to where I am now. I’ve been married for over 30 years, raised six kids, and now I mentor men who feel stuck, disconnected, and lost, just like I once did.

A Life of Fixing Things—Starting with Myself

I’ve always been a fixer. As a kid, I loved taking apart motorcycles, go-karts, and carburetors. Later, I applied those problem-solving skills as a professional software architect, debugging complex systems. But when my life broke down, I realized I had to start fixing myself. Now, I help other men do the same—taking apart their lives, figuring out what’s broken, and rebuilding them to be stronger, simpler, and more resilient.

Who I Work With

I work with men from all walks of life—military veterans, engineers, surgeons, sales professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, professors, teachers, builders, photographers, and even mental health professionals. Some are high achievers, excelling in their fields, while others are everyday men focused on becoming the best version of themselves. What unites them is a commitment to growth and a willingness to put in the effort to build stronger connections with their families and themselves. My coaching isn’t about therapy, quick fixes, or “woo-woo” approaches. I offer practical tools grounded in empathy, perspective, and reflection that bring real clarity and relief, empowering men to make meaningful changes and lead lives that reflect their deepest values and potential.

My Unique Approach: A Blend of Psychology, Neuroscience, and More

Although I’m a trained men’s coach, my formal education was in biblical studies, worldview analysis, and cross-cultural communications. I bring that foundation into my work, combined with a toolbox of proven approaches from psychology, neuroscience, cognitive and behavioral theories, philosophy, biology, and where/when it makes sense – theology.

I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m here to help you discover your own answers, build emotional strength, and develop the resilience needed to become the master of your own life. If you’re ready to start dismantling the parts of your life that aren’t working, I’d love to be your guide. The fact that you’re here means you’ve already taken the first step. Let’s work together to figure out the rest.

Is My Coaching Faith-Based, Religious, or Spiritual?

One question I often hear is whether my coaching is faith-based. The answer? It can be, if that’s meaningful to you. With a degree in Biblical Studies, I’m well-equipped to discuss theology deeply, but my approach is grounded in a variety of disciplines, including psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive theories, along with philosophy and personal inquiry. For most clients, theological insights are only part of the conversation if they specifically value them; otherwise, they’re simply another tool in the background.

My focus is to connect our work to what resonates most with you, meeting you exactly where you are, wherever you are in your journey. In my community, men from varied backgrounds—atheists, agnostics, Orthodox Jews, Latter-Day Saints, Evangelicals, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Jehovah’s Witnesses—come together, often forming deep, respectful friendships. Whether faith is central to your life or not, I focus on helping you build emotional resilience, inner strength, and meaningful connections—with yourself, others, and the life you want to create.

Why the Name “Sven”?

Let’s clear this up—Sven Masterson is a pseudonym.

Occasionally, people wonder if using a pseudonym makes me less authentic, or if I’m hiding something. I understand the concern. But the truth is, plenty of well-known figures have used pseudonyms for different reasons—think Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) or David Bowie (David Jones). I was using the name “Sven” long before I became a men’s coach or author.

The story is simple. One day at my local Starbucks, I gave “Sven” as my name just to have fun with the baristas (because our family tradition was to offer a new name each visit). Soon, every time I walked in, I was greeted with “Hey, Sven!” My wife, Zelda, and I eventually adopted the names as an inside joke. When I needed a Facebook account to connect with my kids, “Sven” became my online persona. I chose “Masterson” to symbolize elements of my faith and heritage, reflecting “The Master’s Son.”

But a name is just a label—it’s not who I am. My identity isn’t tied to any name but to the kind of person I choose to be. The same is true for you. What matters isn’t what you call yourself, but how you show up in life, for yourself and those around you.

For those who’ve taken the time to get to know me, I’m more than willing to share my real name. Dozens of clients have sat at my table and spent time with my family. These relationships are what matter to me—building genuine connections with men who are ready to become unshakable and masterful in their own lives.

So yes, Sven is a pseudonym, but it represents my journey, my work, and the relationships I build with men ready for change.