ABOUT
DR. DON W. HOOPER
PH.D., CTL®
Founder & President, Center for Quality Leadership - CTL®
The Executive's Secret Weapon for Transforming Thinking Into Authority
For over 50 years, Dr. Don W. Hooper has been quietly transforming capable professionals into recognized authorities.
His journey didn't start in boardrooms or executive coaching sessions—it started in the trenches of educational leadership, where he discovered the profound truth that would define his life's work:
Elite leaders don't just work harder—they think differently.
The Early Years: Building a Foundation in Education
Dr. Hooper's path to becoming one of America's most sought-after leadership authorities began in mathematics classrooms and school district administration offices. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Education in Mathematics, and eventually a Ph.D. in Administrative Leadership and Management, he dedicated himself to understanding not just what makes leaders effective—but how they think.
For over 25 years, he served as Superintendent of five school districts ranging dramatically in size—from intimate districts of 110 students to massive systems serving 60,000+ students. This breadth of experience gave him a unique laboratory to test, refine, and perfect his emerging theories about leadership, strategic thinking, and organizational transformation.
The Breakthrough: When Quality Met Neuroscience
During his tenure leading the Fort Bend Independent School District and other major systems, Dr. Hooper made a critical discovery. While most leadership training focused on tactics and techniques, he realized that sustainable transformation required something deeper: rewiring how leaders think at the neurological level.
This realization led him to dive deep into:
Neuroplasticity and brain optimization
Quality leadership principles (Deming/Juran methodologies)
Cognitive science and decision-making
Strategic thinking frameworks used by history's greatest innovators
The result? The revolutionary Power Thinking™ methodology—a brain science-based approach that doesn't just teach leadership skills, but fundamentally transforms how executives process information, make decisions, and lead others.
The POWER THINKING™ Revolution
From Personal Discovery to Global Movement
In 1997, Dr. Hooper founded the Center for Quality Leadership (CQL)—not as just another consulting firm, but as a vehicle to share his breakthrough discoveries with leaders across all industries. What started with a clear vision has become a 28-year legacy of transformation.
The cornerstone of his work, the Power Thinking™ methodology, represents the synthesis of:
50+ years of hands-on leadership experience
Cutting-edge neuroscience research
Quality management principles that drive organizational excellence
Strategic thinking frameworks from history's greatest minds
IIn 2022, Dr. Hooper crystallized these insights into his Amazon #1 bestselling book, "Power Thinking: Discovering the Unknown by Unlocking Your Brain"—which has sold over 10,000 copies worldwide and continues to transform how professionals approach leadership, decision-making, and strategic thinking.
Creating the Only Trademarked Thought Leadership Certification
In 1997, Dr. Hooper founded the Center for Quality Leadership (CQL)—not as just another consulting firm, but as a vehicle to share his breakthrough discoveries with leaders across all industries. What started with a clear vision has become a 28-year legacy of transformation.
This credential has become a mark of distinction for:
Corporate executives seeking to command authority in their industries
Educational leaders transforming how districts operate
Healthcare professionals elevating clinical and administrative leadership
Legal professionals distinguishing themselves in competitive markets
Military leaders enhancing strategic decision-making capabilities
Over 10,000+ professionals across 5 major industries have been transformed through Dr. Hooper's programs over nearly three decades.
The POWER THINKING™ Purpose
Dr. Hooper teaches that true leadership begins with clarity of purpose. His personal purpose statement reflects the mission that drives everything he does:
"Provide wisdom for using our mind to discover the unknown possibilities to design our future."
The Core Belief: Thinking Differently.
"Elite leaders don't just work harder—they think differently."
This belief shaped his transition from superintendent to global leadership authority. He saw countless capable, credentialed professionals stuck at invisible ceilings—not because they lacked competence, but because they lacked the thinking frameworks that separate good leaders from recognized authorities.
The Power Thinking™ Framework
Dr. Hooper's methodology is built on several foundational principles:
Dr. Hooper teaches that true leadership begins with clarity of purpose. His personal purpose statement reflects the mission that drives everything he does:
Purpose Before Strategy - Understanding the "why" before pursuing the "what" or "how".
Neuroplasticity-based Transformation - Rewiring thought patterns for sustainable change, not temporary motivation
Quality Leadership Heritage - Applying Deming/Juran principles to leadership development
Strategic Clarity - "When clarity is present, decisions are easy"
Continuous Improvement Mindset - Leaders must be lifelong learners who evolve with their industries
Beyond The Office: The Man Behind The Methodology
Family: The Ultimate Inspiration
A proud father of five children, twenty grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren (and counting!), Dr. Hooper draws inspiration from his family every day. He openly credits them with helping transform his life and providing the foundation that allows him to serve others with authenticity and depth.
His family legacy isn't just personal—it's professional. Dr. Hooper understands that true leadership begins at home, and the same principles that build strong families build strong organizations.
Paying It Forward
Having achieved remarkable success in education, business, and thought leadership, Dr. Hooper is driven by a deeper calling: paying it forward. Every day, he works to transform the lives of others, helping them unlock potential they didn't know they possessed.
This mission manifests through:
Personal coaching and mentoring of executives worldwide
Speaking engagements at conferences, universities, and corporate events
The annual CQL Mastermind Vertex gathering thought leaders across industries
School Research Nexus leadership as Executive Director (since 2001)
Board service on two private school boards and two corporate boards
The Book: Power Thinking
Amazon #1 Bestseller Transforming Leaders Worldwide
"Power Thinking: Discovering the Unknown by Unlocking Your Brain" (2022) represents the distillation of Dr. Hooper's life work into an accessible, actionable guide for leaders at any level.
What readers are saying:
"The book has already changed me."
— Dr. Steve Miller, Ph.D., CEO ,Elite Performance Solutions, Co-recipient Thomas Alva Edison Patent Award in Medicine
"A simple road map for achieving higher levels of thought complexity for anyone wishing to transform ordinary thought into extraordinary Power Thinking action!"
— Dr. Mike Holt, Ph.D., Former Executive Director School University Partnerships, Texas A&M University
"This book helped me create a Master Piece of Thought for development. Open your brain and cross the finish line."
— John Femrite, Real Estate Investment Leader
Recognition & Awards: A Legacy of Excellence
Dr. Hooper's innovative approach and proven results have earned him recognition at the highest levels:
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Texas Superintendent of the Year (1995) - Texas Association of School Administrators
Educator of the Month (September 1994) - Texas School Business Magazine
Excellence in Educational Leadership Award - University Council for Educational Leadership
President, American Association of School Administrators (2001-2002)
President, Texas Association of School Administrators (1995)
Education Co-Chair, Texas Business Education Coalition (1995)
Business & Thought Leadership Awards
8 x Missouri City Business Hall of Fame Winner (Consecutive Years) Leadership and Management Consulting Category
Lord Alexander Memorial Address - Presenter at Cambridge University, UK (2002)
Academic Appointments
Adjunct Professor, University of North Texas
Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at Austin
Adjunct Professor, University of Houston System
International Recognition
International Study Missions participant with Ministries of Education in Europe, Vietnam, and Singapore
Regular speaker and presenter at national and international leadership conferences
3 Ways To Get Started
An introduction to the Foundation
Begin with our FREE 20-minute Elite Success Mindset Workshop where you'll discover the 5 critical thinking patterns that separate overlooked professionals from recognized authorities. Zero risk, maximum insight.
No contracts - cancel anytime
Master Critical Thinking
Enroll in the Critical Thinking Mastery Mini-Course ($47) to rewire your thinking, sharpen your decisions, and gain Dr. Hooper's complete framework—plus earn a personal interview opportunity to discuss your qualification for full certification.
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Earn Your CTL® Certification
Join the prestigious Certified Thought Leader® Academy where you'll complete the comprehensive 9-module program, earn your exclusive trademarked CTL® credential, and position yourself as the recognized authority in your industry. Lifetime access included.
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