Dan Brulé: The Visionary Breathing New Life Into Global Leadership 

For more than five decades, Dan Brulé has stood at the forefront of a global awakening—one that has transformed the simple act of breathing into a powerful technology for human potential, emotional resilience, and peak performance. As the Founder and Director of One Sky International, he has been a pioneer long before “breathwork” became a modern wellness movement. What began as a cultural exchange initiative during the final days of the USSR has evolved into a worldwide mission: to help individuals, leaders, and entire communities unlock the extraordinary abilities hidden within the human breath. 

Today, Dan is recognized as one of the most influential voices in the field, a mentor to elite performers, CEOs, athletes, military teams, and change-makers—including world-renowned strategist Tony Robbins. His work bridges science and spirituality, ancient wisdom and modern psychology, personal healing and organizational transformation. Through One Sky International and breathmastery.com, he has taught millions, trained thousands, and inspired a new generation of practitioners who are carrying his vision into schools, prisons, boardrooms, and global institutions. Most recently, after completing a seminar in Hungary, Dan has now taught and trained people in 76 countries worldwide, reflecting the truly global reach of his mission.  

As he is honored as “The Most Influential Business Leader Driving Innovation and Strategic Growth,” Dan Brulé’s story remains a testament to one truth: when we learn to master the breath, we learn to master life itself. 

Origins of One Sky International – From Cultural Exchange to Global Transformation 

One Sky International did not begin as a wellness brand or a breathwork institution—it began as an idea rooted in diplomacy, humanity, and the belief that people could bridge divides through understanding. “In 1990, when the world was still recalibrating from the Cold War, I found myself drawn to the energy of perestroika and glasnost,” Dan recalls. The political thaw between the United States and the USSR opened unprecedented space for cultural and educational exchange, and it was in that moment of global curiosity that One Sky’s earliest blueprint was born. 

What started as exchange programs between young Americans and Russians soon evolved into something deeper: a platform for peacebuilding. Dan’s earlier nonprofit, The GROWTH Center — Growing Resource Organization for World Transformation in Health, laid the ideological foundation. Rooted in the ethos of the University of Massachusetts, the organization was originally designed to explore the intersection of personal development and global consciousness. “Looking back, I realize that One Sky didn’t appear out of nowhere—it grew organically out of everything I believed about human potential,” Dan reflects. The early mission was simple yet radical: to help humanity transform itself, one awakened mind at a time. 

Entering the Global Breathwork Movement – The Unlikely Path of a Pioneer 

Before breathwork became a wellness trend, a scientific curiosity, or a global movement, it was often dismissed as “Eastern woo-woo.” In the early days, Western medical circles had little patience for practices that fell outside conventional therapy or physiology. “When I first started talking about conscious breathing, many people looked at me like I had stepped out of a meditation cave,” Dan jokes. Yet beneath the skepticism, he saw something real—something powerful. 

His personal journey into breathwork was anything but conventional. A former Vietnam-era U.S. Navy deep-sea diver, Dan had firsthand experience with how breath could regulate fear, sharpen the mind, and stabilize the body under extreme pressure. “I didn’t learn breathwork in a yoga studio,” he says. “I learned it in the depths of the ocean, where your breath is your lifeline.” Those early lessons—about survival, emotional steadiness, and mental clarity—laid the groundwork for what would eventually become his lifelong mission. 

As Dan stepped into the global breathwork movement, he became one of the few voices insisting that breath is both a biological tool and a transformational force. His commitment helped shift breathwork from the margins of wellness into a respected field grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and human potential. The journey was never easy, but it was inevitable. As he often says, “Once you experience the power of your own breath, you can’t go back.”  

Dan is also a strong advocate of returning to the basics. He believes the simplest, most fundamental practices are often the most powerful. ‘What could be more basic than breathing?’ he says. ‘Even the greatest musicians practice their scales before they perform.’ This focus on foundational mastery shapes every aspect of his approach. 

Leading Through Chaos  

The modern wellness landscape is both richer and more chaotic than ever before. With millions of voices online, countless wellness “experts,” and a nonstop stream of digital content, leaders today face a unique dilemma: too much information, and not enough wisdom. Dan often says, “We’re drowning in data but starving for clarity,” and nowhere is this truer than in an industry built on self-awareness and human connection. 

Many leaders struggle not because they lack technical expertise, but because they lack emotional intelligence, presence, and the soft skills required to guide others. Dan observes that intuitive guidance—what he calls inner intelligence—is becoming increasingly rare. “People look to AI for answers, but they’ve forgotten how to listen to themselves,” he reflects. The rise of digital dependence has created a paradox: we are more connected yet more disconnected than ever. 

In a world defined by volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and ambiguity, Dan believes the breath is the simplest and most reliable compass. “Your breath is your north star,” he says. “When everything around you feels unstable, the breath brings you back to centre.” For modern wellness leaders, mastering this inner navigation system is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

The Rise of a Global Breathwork Pioneer  

Dan Brulé’s journey from an obscure breath enthusiast to a globally recognized authority was neither sudden nor accidental—it was built on decades of persistence, experimentation, and the quiet conviction that human beings possess far greater potential than they realize. “I never started out thinking breathwork would become my life’s calling,” Dan admits. “It was simply something that worked, something that healed, and something I felt compelled to understand more deeply.” 

One of the earliest turning points came when the University of Massachusetts accepted his Breath Energy Training programs, a milestone that validated a field many still dismissed as fringe. Around the same time, Dan began developing stress and coping workshops for the American Red Cross (1976–78), long before stress management became a recognized discipline. His work soon expanded into sports, athletics, and human services, touching individuals who needed emotional resilience and peak performance under pressure. During this period, Dan also trained 12-time World Champion Greco-Roman wrestler Alexander Karelin in Russia in 1992 — a milestone that further established his reputation in performance training. 

As breathwork slowly seeped into mainstream consciousness, Dan witnessed a profound shift. “What began as a personal hobby—something I practiced quietly—became a profession with global demand,” he recalls. His ideas started influencing medical practitioners, therapists, coaches, and elite performers. Over the years, Dan evolved from an eager student of the breath to one of its most respected thought leaders, known worldwide for merging ancient wisdom with modern science. 

At the heart of his work lies a simple but radical philosophy: every human being carries inherent healing and creative capacities, waiting to be awakened. Dan believes the breath is the key to unlocking these extraordinary abilities—abilities once associated only with saints, yogis, warriors, or mystics. “Conscious breathing democratizes human potential,” he says. “It gives everyday people access to states of clarity, power, and presence that were once considered extraordinary.” 

To Dan, breathwork is not just a technique; it is a doorway into human evolution. It empowers individuals to regulate emotions, amplify resilience, ignite creativity, and access deeper intelligence. His mission has remained consistent through decades of global teaching: to show the world that the breath is not merely air—it is the most accessible, profound, and transformative tool we possess. 

Building a Modern Ecosystem of Breathwork 

One Sky International has evolved into a multidimensional ecosystem where ancient wisdom meets modern innovation. A significant thread running from Dan’s early career to the present is his commitment to serving First Responders. From medical teams and disaster units to military and tactical groups, this community has been central to his work and continues to shape the evolution of One Sky International. Today, Dan Brulé’s work spans breathwork training, coaching, counselling, and holistic wellbeing, offering individuals and organizations a framework for emotional regulation, mental clarity, and high performance. “The breath is universal,” Dan says. “So our programs must be accessible to anyone who seeks transformation, no matter where they are.” 

A significant part of Dan’s work is dedicated to schools and childhood development. He trains educators, counsellors, and youth-focused professionals because he believes that children must learn to regulate their energy, emotions, and attention early in life. ‘If we teach kids to breathe, we change the future,’ Dan often says. 

Dan also devotes considerable time to volunteer teaching in prisons, training incarcerated individuals—including former death-row inmates—as well as correctional officers and staff. His work demonstrates that conscious breathing can transform even the most challenging environments. 

The organization’s offerings extend into research and life skills development, helping people cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and personal mastery. As global demand grew, Dan embraced digital transformation early—launching online courses, virtual training rooms, and certification programs that allowed him to reach students across continents. This digital evolution wasn’t just a logistical choice; it became a philosophical one. “When technology amplifies what is human, it serves its highest purpose,” he notes. 

Wearable technology has become a natural extension of this mission. HRV monitors, breathing trackers, and biofeedback tools play an increasing role in helping individuals optimize their breath. One Sky is also committed to open-source breathwork data, contributing to a future where breath science becomes widely accessible and continuously validated. For Dan, technology is not a replacement for presence—it is an accelerator for global impact. As he puts it, “Tech helps us scale the message, but the breath keeps us rooted in what’s real.” 

The Disruptor’s Approach  

Dan Brulé has never fit the mold of a traditional wellness guru. His leadership style is distinctly maverick—irreverent, unorthodox, and unapologetically entrepreneurial. “I was never interested in playing it safe,” Dan laughs. “Transformation doesn’t happen inside comfort zones.” His approach challenges outdated models of authority by softening rigid client-practitioner and teacher-student dynamics. Instead, he empowers individuals to awaken what he calls the inner healer and inner teacher. 

Dan believes that true growth is not about performing for others but about reconnecting with oneself. “Presence over performance,” he often says. “Consciousness over strength, speed, or intelligence.” This philosophy has shaped a new wave of breathwork leadership—one that values authenticity over perfection and inner wisdom over external validation. 

Students describe him as a disruptor who brings clarity without dogma, discipline without rigidity, and transformation without hierarchy. Students also note Dan’s signature use of humor — especially when teaching intensely serious topics. He often says, ‘Seriousness is a disease,’ reminding his students that lightness, play, and joy are essential to deep transformation. His methods invite people to step out of passive learning and into active self-discovery. Dan’s work reminds the world that mastery begins within—and that the breath is not a lesson to be followed, but a tool to be owned. 

In redefining how breathwork is taught, practiced, and shared, Dan Brulé hasn’t just shaped an industry. He has redefined what it means to lead with consciousness in a world desperate for grounded, human-centric wisdom. 

Mastering Pressure — Lessons from Coaching High-Profile Leaders 

Over the years, Dan Brulé has coached some of the world’s most recognized names—including Tony Robbins and countless elite performers across business, sports, and the arts. Working with high achievers taught him one powerful truth: time is their most precious commodity. “When you train people operating at the top of their game, you quickly realize they don’t have the patience for theories,” Dan says. “They need results that are quick, clear, and unarguable.” 

His approach focuses on shortening learning curves and distilling complex concepts into simple, immediately actionable breathing techniques. He believes mastery is not about doing more—it’s about doing what works, faster and with precision. High-profile clients are often under intense pressure, and Dan’s techniques help them relax into intensity, turning stress into resilience and momentum. 

What sets his coaching apart is the ability to translate deep physiological and psychological principles into tools people can apply between meetings, backstage, or in the moments before a major decision. His work shows that peak performance isn’t just about pushing harder—it’s about breathing smarter. As Dan puts it, “When you control your breath, you control the moment. And when you control the moment, you control your performance.” 

Beyond elite coaching environments, Dan’s breathwork training has also proven itself in real, life-or-death situations — a truth vividly illustrated through two stories he has shared in his teachings and his book. 

Former Navy SEAL Commander Mark Divine 
During a parachuting incident in which his main chute suddenly collapsed, Mark remained perfectly calm. He cut himself loose and deployed his reserve chute with just seconds to spare. Instead of panicking, he breathed himself into perfect calm, cut himself loose, and managed to deploy his reserve chute just moments before impact. He hit the ground at nearly sixty miles an hour — a hard landing, but one he absorbed without injury. Mark credits his breath training for giving him the clarity and steadiness that saved his life. 

Retired General James Cook, Former Army Ranger 
General Cook shared a similar testimony. During a night-fire exercise with the 82nd Airborne in Yakima, Washington, he was leading a team responsible for calling in large mortar rounds. The conditions were harsh — freezing temperatures, strong winds — but breath and relaxation kept his awareness sharp. While breathing into calm, he sensed an area about a hundred yards away that “looked warmer,” and directed his team to shift positions. Moments later, a mortar round struck precisely where they had been standing. No one was injured, though a piece of shrapnel got caught in Cook’s helmet — a fragment he still keeps as a reminder of the intuition breathwork awakens. 

These stories reflect a simple truth: breathwork is not just a performance tool — it is a survival skill. It sharpens perception, steadies the nervous system, and allows individuals to respond with clarity in moments where hesitation can cost everything. 

The Conscious Leader — A Philosophy of Authentic Leadership 

For Dan Brulé, leadership is not about authority—it’s about service. His core belief is simple: a true leader is a servant first. Dan sees himself not as a master, but as a perpetual student. “The moment you think you’ve arrived, you stop growing,” he says. His ego-free approach allows him to pivot, innovate, and “fail forward,” understanding that evolution requires constant experimentation. 

Authentic leadership, in Dan’s view, is grounded in presence and consciousness rather than control or charisma. It’s about knowing when to push with intensity and when to soften, flow, and allow. “Leadership is a dance,” he often explains. “You can’t force rhythm—you have to feel it.” 

He encourages leaders to build intuition alongside strategy, to listen as deeply as they speak, and to prioritize inner alignment over outward image. This philosophy dismantles the outdated idea that leaders must always be invincible. Instead, Dan teaches that vulnerability, awareness, and adaptability form the true foundation of strength. 

In a world where leadership is often confused with noise, Dan Brulé’s approach reminds us that real influence comes from clarity, humility, and the ability to stay grounded—one conscious breath at a time. 

Being in the Business of Transformation  

For Dan Brulé, there is no dividing line between business, purpose, and spiritual life. They flow into one another like breath itself—continuous, inseparable, and deeply intentional. “My work is my practice. My practice is my purpose. And my purpose is my life,” Dan often says. To him, breathwork is not a profession he chose; it is a personal expression of who he is at the deepest level, a path of alignment that connects inner freedom with outer impact. 

His mission has always been rooted in self-liberation—helping people break free from fear, conditioning, and the invisible patterns that limit their potential. Dan believes that when individuals awaken their inner healer and inner teacher, everything else naturally transforms: leadership, relationships, performance, creativity, and even societal structures. Breathwork is, in his eyes, the bridge between the personal and the universal. 

This philosophy forms the backbone of his vision for One Sky International and Breathmastery, both of which operate with a bold and expansive mission. Dan’s goal is to train one million breathwork practitioners—individuals equipped not just with techniques, but with consciousness and compassion. Through them, he aims to impact 100 million lives, creating a ripple effect that echoes across generations. 

He believes this impact must extend beyond personal wellbeing and into the very systems that shape humanity. “If we can shift breath, we can shift culture,” he says. Dan envisions breathwork influencing political leadership, educational models, financial behavior, and even religious understanding—helping societies operate from clarity rather than fear, from presence rather than chaos. 

To make this vision scalable, One Sky and Breathmastery are building global digital programs, practitioner pathways, and community-driven platforms that transcend geography and language. Dan’s strategy is not just to teach breathwork but to seed a global movement, one rooted in awareness, compassion, and personal sovereignty. 

Ultimately, Dan Brulé is not in the business of wellness—he is in the business of transformation. And through the simple, profound power of the breath, he is working to awaken a world where purpose is lived, consciousness is practiced, and humanity remembers its own extraordinary potential. 

A Global Vision for Human Awakening  

Dan Brulé’s vision for One Sky International and Breathmastery is nothing short of transformative. He speaks often of a future where breathwork becomes a universal life skill—embedded not just in wellness practices but in the very fabric of society. “I don’t just want to teach breathwork,” Dan says. “I want to build an army of conscious practitioners who become catalysts for global change.” 

His mission is clear: train one million breathwork practitioners capable of carrying this work into homes, workplaces, schools, and communities. Through them, he aims to impact 100 million lives, creating a multiplier effect that extends far beyond his direct reach. This ripple isn’t limited to personal transformation; Dan aspires to shift entire cultural ecosystems. He envisions breathwork reshaping political decision-making, influencing educational frameworks, informing financial behavior, and bringing greater awareness into religious and spiritual systems. 

To achieve this, One Sky and Breathmastery are developing scalable global programs, digital platforms, and cross-cultural training pathways that remove geographical barriers. Dan knows the work must grow faster than he can personally teach—and technology has become a powerful ally in this expansion. 

“As Dan often says, ‘Breathwork is the new yoga! It’s meditation for people who cannot meditate!’ — a reflection of how this once-niche practice is becoming a universal life skill.” 

Leading From the Inside Out — My Advice to Purpose-Driven Leaders 

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that purpose-driven leadership begins with radical authenticity. Be your real, true self—not the version the world rewards, not the version you think you should be, but the one that feels honest in your bones. When you lead from that place, everything you build carries integrity and resonance. 

Your next step is to discover your big why—the deeper reason that pulls you forward when nothing else makes sense. That “why” becomes your internal fuel source, your anchor in moments of uncertainty, and your compass when life tries to steer you off course. 

I tell leaders all the time: set your compass to your personal north star. For me, that star has always been awakening human potential through the breath. For you, it may be something entirely different—but once you know what it is, let it guide every decision. 

And finally, don’t chase alignment—embody purpose and let alignment follow. When you live your truth, the right people, opportunities, and pathways naturally rise to meet you. Leadership is not about pressure; it’s about presence. When you show up fully as yourself, you become the kind of leader the world is waiting for.”