Cover of the book Start With What If
Doug Fleener close-up

What If One Simple Question Changed How You Live and Work?

Change gets overcomplicated. Personal growth is far simpler than people realize. Especially when you know where to start. That’s the idea behind the What If Rule: you can always create better perspectives and options.

No matter the situation, you have the power to shift how you see it and what you do next. That’s where real change and growth happen.

Doug Fleener, creator of the What If Rule, launches Start With What If : Weekly Questions to Spark Immediate Change and Growth on January 6, 2026.

Join Doug’s What If Weekly newsletter for weekly questions and behind-the-scenes book updates.

Doug Fleener and his wife
Post-it note yellow background.

Hello. I’m Doug Fleener

I am a coach, speaker, writer, and What If catalyst who turns everyday moments into a better day and life.

After hitting rock bottom with addiction, I rebuilt my life, led companies, and discovered the simple principle behind The What If Rule that creates immediate and lasting transformation.

With over 30 years of experience, I bring clarity, energy, and a focus on action to every event. My work isn't about someday—it's about what you can do today to make an even better tomorrow.

And my wife, Joanna, makes every day better.

Doug’s Insights Have Been Featured In

Logos of The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, WSJ, and Fast Company.

And hundreds of newspapers, magazines, and podcasts.

Subscribe to The What If Weekly Newsletter

Copy of Doug Fleener's What If Weekly newsletter

    One short email every week with a real-life story, a practical takeaway, and a question to help you see more options and take better action.

    Join thousands of readers applying The What If Rule to create better perspectives and options—in work, life, and everyday moments.

    Enter your email and sign up at no cost.. Scroll down to read current issues.

    WHAT READERS AND AUDIENCES SAY

    • "Doug's honesty and candor about his own challenges and how they mobilized a life long journey of development are truly inspiring. "

      David W

    •  "It was a wonderful treat to have had you come to South Africa. You have given us some simple and robust tools to implement."

      Galvin B

    • "Fleener's candidness and vulnerability draw readers into his own journey of growth and self-discovery, reminding us that success often emerges from the ashes of failure. "

      Steve K

    • “You’re the best, Doug! Seeing you speak left a lasting impression on me for the rest of my life!”

      Bruce K

    • “It is really hard to present to a group twice in 6 months and hit it out of the park both times, but the feedback is you did just that!”

      Tom T

    What If You Connected with The What If Rule Today?

    SPEAKING

    Turn your event into a catalyst for real growth and transformation. Learn more about booking Doug Fleener.

    MORE ABOUT BOOKING DOUG
    Audience listening to speaker

    PODCAST

    True stories of change and growth moments sparked by one simple question at just the right moment .

    MORE ABOUT PODCAST
    Podcast cover titled 'Start With What If: Conversations to Spark Immediate Change and Growth' with a photo of Doug Fleener

    COACHING

    What if one question sparked your next big change and growth moment? And what would it mean to do that in a single session?

    MORE ABOUT COACHING
    Doug Fleener on white background