Richard "Dick" Knowdell was known in the career development field for his depth of knowledge and experience in training and certifying of career coaches through the use of the Knowdell Career Assessment Card Sorts.
Throughout his career journey, Dick had personally worked in over 30 different career fields from being a mailman to enlistment with the US Air Force. During his time in the Air Force, he designed and published a newsletter for US Air Force hospital personnel; Organized and ran a US Air Force medical school study group; and developed and taught an orientation course for newly assigned US Air Force Reserve personnel.
After serving his country, Dick went on to earn his Masters in Psychology and at the ripe age of 36, Dick started his own company to provide private career counseling to adults. In his early 40's Dick established one of the first successful organizational career development programs as well as establishing a successful Employee Assistance Program (EAP). At age 43 Dick developed the Knowdell Career Values Card Sort, which is now published in several languages. In that same period he developed the Knowdell Motivated Skills Card Sort. At age 45 he started a mail order business selling his books and card sorts to other career practitioners.
At age 58 Dick Knowdell was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the Board of Examiners of the United States Foreign Service. A position which Dick held for 8 years. Between ages 50 and 70, Dick accomplished many things including: Established Employee Development Department in a high tech Silicon Valley company Established an Executive Outplacement firm that served over 50 Silicon Valley companies Established an Executive Coaching practice in Silicon Valley Started teaching career coaching techniques to career counselors and HR managers
At age 69 Dick started to teach career coaches how to set up their own business In his 70's to early 80's Dick simplified his work load to do the things he loves the most. He loves standing up in front of a classroom, and leading and teaching career coaches.
Dick died peacefully in his sleep
at home at the end of 2021. He always said he
wanted to go to sleep and not
wake up. He got his wish.
There was no service per his
wish. He was cremated, and his
ashes were scattered at sea by
the Neptune Society.
His family asks that friends "do
a kindness for someone in
memory of Dick, since he was
always trying to help and
support others.”
