The goal of coaching is good management: to make the most of an organiza on's valuable resources.
- Harvard Business Review
Editor’s Note
People, unless coached, never reach their maximum potential.
- Bob Nardelli
Weliveinasocietythatoftencelebratestheself-
madeindividual.Thelonewolfwhocarves theirownpathandachievessuccessthrough sheergritanddetermination.Butthere'sasecretweapon thatmanyhighachieversshare:acoach.
AsquotedbyBillGates,“Everyoneneedsacoach.It doesn’tmatterwhetheryouareabasketballplayer,atennis player,agymnast,orabridgeplayer.”Hesays,“Weall needpeoplewhogiveusfeedback.Thatishowwe improve.”
BillGates,EricSchmidt,countlessathletes,andeven surgeonsallhavecoaches,notbecausethey'renotgood enoughontheirown,butbecauseeventhemostsuccessful peoplebenefitfromhavingacoachintheircorner These coachesprovideanexternalperspective,serveas accountabilitypartners,offertailoredguidance,and facilitateamindsetshifttowardsagrowthmindset,where challengesareviewedasopportunitiestolearnand improve.However,haveyoueverwitnessedahighly successfulleaderseeminglystuckinarut?Perhapsthey struggletodelegateeffectively,ormaybetheir communicationstyleunintentionallyunderminestheirteam. Thisiswhereexecutivecoachingstepsin,offeringtargeted supporttohelptheseleadersovercomeobstaclesandreach theirfullpotential.
InourlatestfeatureofTheCIOWorld, "Top 10 Most Promising Executive Coaches to Know," weintroduceyou toagroupofexceptionalindividualswhounderstandthe nuancedchallengesfacedbyhigh-performingindividuals andorganizations.Thesecoachespossessawealthof experienceandexpertiseinguidingleadersthrough complexsituations,helpingthemnavigateobstacles,and unlockingtheirtruepotential.
Fromfortifyingleadershipskillstonurturingeffective communicationstrategies,eachcoachonthislistbringsa uniqueapproachandvaluableinsightstailoredtotheneeds oftheirclients.Whetherit'senhancingstrategicthinking, improvingteamdynamics,ordrivingorganizational change,theseexecutivecoachesareadeptatfacilitating growthanddrivingsuccessatthehighestlevels.Withtheir guidanceandsupport,leaderscanovercomebarriers, maximizetheirimpact,andachievesustainableresultsin thecurrentmultifacetedbusinessdomain.
Haveagoodreadahead!
Cover Story
The Visionary Banker Who Became a Global Catalyst for Growth
Rosie Sweetman Partnering with Purpose-driven Leaders, Teams and Oraniza ons through Coaching Excellence
Sylvia Beer-Hill Cra ing Success Through Neuroplas city and Empowerment
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor
Managing Editor
Assistant Editor
Visualizer
Art & Design Head
Art & Design Assitant
Business Development Manager
Business Development Executives
Technical Head
Assitant Technical Head
Digital Marketing Manager
Research Analyst
Circulation Manager
Eric
Richard
Featuring
Catherine Bardwell
Director and Execu ve Coach
Gosia Gorna
Execu ve Coach
Dr. Irene Rodrigues
Execu ve Coach
Karen Foy
Execu ve Coach
Dr. Michael Nates
Execu ve Coach
Company Name
Eluminas www.eluminas.com
Gosia Gorna www.gosiagorna.com
Impact Coaching Solu ons www.imapact coaching.com
Henley Business School UK www.henley.ac.uk
Mul verse Consultants www.mul verse conultants.co.uk
Dr. Riza Kadilar
President
Rosie Sweetman
Co-director
Sandra Pinnington
Founder and Execu ve Coach
Dr. Suze Wilson
Execu ve Coach
Sylvia Becker-Hill
Cer fied Master
Neuroplas cian and Professional
Cer fied Coach
Descrip on
Catherine, Director & Execu ve Coach at Eluminas, partners with clients for las ng behavior change, fostering resilient, adaptable, empathe c, and inclusive leaders through bespoke coaching and development programs. Neuroscience-driven, global impact.
Gosia empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs to conquer fears, take inspired ac on, and make confident contribu ons. With 20+ years of experience, she helps leaders achieve clarity, confidence, connec on, business intui on, and fear transforma on.
Irene, an esteemed Execu ve Coach, empowers leaders with tailored strategies for professional growth. With her exper se, leaders navigate challenges, op mize performance, and achieve sustainable success.
Karen, MSc in Coaching Psychology, is a seasoned Execu ve Coach and Lecturer at Henley Business School. With 15 years' experience, she empowers individuals and teams through strategic coaching and innova ve solu ons.
Dr. Michael: Advisor, consultant, sustainability & H&S professional, execu ve coach with 30 years' experience. Specializes in team development, leadership, ESG, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and OHSE.
EMCC Global and RK Academy www.rizakadilar academy.com | www.emccglobal.org
Sweetmans and Partners www.sweetmansand partners.com
The WLA www.thewla.com
Riza is a seasoned senior execu ve with 30 years of leadership in interna onal banking. Known for driving results, he has successfully led major projects and invested in promising scaleups.
Rosie leads an award-winning b-corpora on focused on sustainable learning and impact through partnerships. A skilled coach and facilitator, accredited in various coaching models and recognized for excellence.
Sandra, a seasoned Execu ve, Career, and Team Coach for 20+ years, founded a Coach Agency to empower organiza ons with cer fied coaches.
Massey University www.massey.ac.nz
Dr. Suze is a leadership expert challenging tradi onal views, focusing on ethical, sustainable leadership prac ces. Her research ques ons grandiose leadership ideals, advoca ng for more contextual, collabora ve approaches in organiza ons.
Becker-Hill Inc. www.sylviabecker -hill.com
Sylvia, a transforma ve execu ve coach with 24+ years of experience, blends science, psychology, and mys cism to liberate clients from societal constraints, fostering rapid, graceful personal growth and success.
The Visionary Banker Who Became a Global Catalyst for Growth
There are two other main principles that I truly believe and apply in my leadership: the rst one is based on the saying that "partnerships are not created by partners, but by common goals," and the other one is "you can bring the horse to the water, but you cannot make them drink it.
30 Years of Banking, Leadership, Coaching, and TechDriven Investments!
Changeis,byitsnature,neithergoodnorbad;it simplyis.It'saforceofnature,afactofexistence, andthedrivingengineofprogress.Resisting changeisliketryingtostopthetidefromcomingin;it'san exerciseinfutility.Butwhatifweshiftourperspectiveand seechangenotasachallengebutasanopportunity?
Dr.RizaKadilarisonesuchvisionarywhohasseamlessly traversedthespheresofbanking,training,coaching,and mentoring.Withabackgrounddeeplyrootedinbanking, he'sbeenaseniorbankingexecutiveasanapprovedperson byregulatoryauthoritiesintheU.K.,theNetherlands, France,andTurkey.Hiscareerunfoldslikeanexciting novel,filledwithchaptersofcreating,merging,andclosing variousinternationalbankingentities.It'sajourneythrough thecomplexitiesofthefinancialworld,wherehe's navigatedthechallengingwatersofestablishment,mergers, andclosureswithasteadyhand.
Butthere'smoretothismultifacetedprofessional.Earlyin hiscareer,Dr.Rizarecognizedtheimportanceofhuman capitaldevelopment.
Dr. Riza Kadilar President
Hisjourneyintoleadershipdevelopmentandtrainingbegan withhimearningthetitleof'LeadingInternationalTraining Fellow'atJuniorChamberInternational,followedby deliveringtrainingsessionsinnumerouscountries.This experiencefuelledhisentrepreneurialspirit,leadinghimto establishcompaniesthatbecamemarketleadersin leadershipdevelopmenttraining.Avisitingprofessorat prestigiousuniversities,healsohadtheprivilegeof mentoringandguidingyoungergenerations.
Asanadvocateforcontinuouslearningandgrowth,he delvedintotheworldofcoachingduringhistenurein London.Overthecourseofadecade,hehonedhis coachingskillswhileservingasabusinessleader.Butit wasduringtheinternationalfinancialcrisisthathe expandedhishorizons.Hecompletedadvancedtrainingnot onlyincoachingbutalsoinvariousfieldsofpsychology, suchasgestalt,CBT,TA,andpositivepsychology.Inthe process,heembracedtheconceptofdevelopmental mentoringwhilechairingtheEuropeanMentoringand CoachingCouncil(EMCC)inTurkey
Dr.Riza'sglobalperspectiveshinesthroughinhiscurrent roleasPresidentatEMCCGlobalandalsoatRK Academy.BasedinAmsterdam,he'sbeenattheforefront ofthecoachingandmentoringlandscape.Hiscareerisn't justaboutfinance;it'saboutthedevelopmentofindividuals andorganizations,transcendingbordersandcultures.
If asked "in what part of human history I would prefer to live," I would say "tomorrow." I believe in technology and the advancement of humanity.
Butthat'snotall.Hehasdiversifiedhisportfolioby investingintech-drivenscale-ups.Hisuniqueblendof accesstocapitalandinternationalbusinessacumenhas positionedhimasasought-afteradvisortotheleadership teamsofthesecompanies.He'sabelieverintechnologyand itspotentialtoadvancehumanity
Below are the interview highlights:
ImpressiveBackground
HeholdsaPh.D.inEconomicsandhasanimpressive educationalbackground.HeearnedhisBScdegreein IndustrialEngineeringfromMETUandwentontoobtain hisMScdegreefromStanfordUniversity.Healso completedanMBAatHEC,Paris,andanexecutive managementcourseonbankingatINSEAD.Additionally, hehasadvanced-leveldiplomasinexecutivecoachingand mentoringandhasrecentlyparticipatedinonlineprograms onleadershipinthedigitalageatColumbiaBusiness SchoolandINSEAD.Throughouthisprofessionalcareer, hehasgainedextensiveexperienceinsenior-levelbank managementrolesintheUK,theNetherlands,France,and Turkey.Between2006and2020,hehasservedasthesenior countrymanagerandrepresentativeforTurkeyat NATIXIS.
Priortothis,heworkedasthedeputyCEOatamerchant bankinLondonfrom2002to2006,asamanagementboard memberofatradefinancebankinAmsterdamfrom1998to 2002,andastheheadofcorporatebankingandfinancial institutionsataTurkishbankinIstanbulfrom1994to1998. Duringhistimeinthebankingindustry,hehassuccessfully establishedfiveentities,ledtherestructuringofthree subsidiariesinvariousEuropeanjurisdictions,andclosed
downtwosubsidiariesandthreerepresentativeoffices.His exceptionaltrackrecorddemonstratesconsistentbusiness andprofitabilitygrowththroughouthiscareer,withno incidentsrelatedtocredit,compliance,reputation,or operations.
Inadditiontohisprofessionalendeavors,Dr.Rizaholds severalvoluntarypositions.Hecurrentlyservesasthe globalpresidentoftheEMCCGlobal(Brussels),scientific committeememberattheInstitutduBosphore(Paris), presidentoftheTUSIADNetherlandsTaskForce (Amsterdam),andboardmemberattheHisarEducation Foundation(Istanbul).Healsoprovidesbusiness developmentadvisoryservicesandexecutivecoachingand trainingtoaselectnumberofprominentcorporateclients. Furthermore,heisanactiveinvestorinstartups, particularlyinthefieldofagri-foodtechnology.Heisthe authoroffivepublishedbooksandregularlycontributesto BloombergBusinessweekTurkeyandHarvardBusiness Review(HBRTurkey).
Asavisitingprofessoratleadinguniversities,hehasshared hisexpertisewithstudentsanddeliveredmotivational speechesinoverthirtycountriesduringthepasttwenty years.Hisvastknowledgeandexperiencemakehima highlyrespectedfigureinthefieldsofeconomicsand business.
EMCCGlobalandRKAcademy
Heexplainedthattheorganization,formerlyknownasthe EuropeanMentoringandCoachingCouncil,isaglobal professionalbodythatfocusesondeveloping,promoting, andsettingtheexpectationofbestpracticesinmentoring, coaching,andsupervision.WithitsoriginsintheU.K.in 1992,EMCCGlobalhasnowbecomethego-tobody worldwideforcoaching,mentoring,andsupervision.On theotherhand,RKAcademyisanonlineplatformthataims toprovideindividuallearningportfoliosforprofessionals aroundtheglobe.Theacademyofferstraininginareassuch asinclusivenessanddiversity,leadershipinthedigitalage, mentoringandcoaching,aswellasawiderangeofonline learningresources.Theseresourcesaredesignedtoenhance themuch-neededleadershipskillsofitsfollowers. Additionally,theacademyservesasaplatformforhimto deliverkeynotespeechesatcorporateevents.
Furthermore,hehasanotheroutletcalledKVenturesinthe Netherlands.Throughthisplatform,heprovidesadvisory supporttoclientsinthefieldsofaccesstofinance, internationalbusinessdevelopment,andcoachingand
mentoringservicestoenhancetheirhumancapital resources.KVenturesalsoactsasavehicletofilterhis investmentportfolio,focusingparticularlyonfoodandagritech,mobility,andblockchain-driveninitiatives.
FinancingFlagshipProjects
Duringhistenureasaseniorbanker,Dr.Rizahadthe opportunitytofinanceseveralsignificantprojects.These includedflagshipinfrastructureprojectssuchastheawardwinningÇanakkaleBridge,Haliçcrossing,andvarious metrolinesinIstanbul,Turkey.
Additionally,hefinancedprojectsliketheA15/A20 BlankenburglinkintheNetherlands,numerousaircraftfor leadingairlines,andmajorindustrialcomplexeslikeStar Refinery,TUPRASresidualupgrade,andpowerplantsin Turkey,aswellasvariousEuropeanandAfricancountries. Itisworthmentioningthathiscareerasaseniorbankerwas alsoshapedbyhisinvolvementintheinitiationanddesign ofcoveredbondprogramsforTurkishbankinginstitutions andvariousinternationalcapitalmarketsactivities.These projectshavenotonlyprovidedsignificantbenefitsforlocal
andinternationalsocietybuthavealsocontributedto improvingenergyefficiencyandsupportingthetransitionto low-carboninitiatives,positivelyimpactingourplanet.
AchievingGlobalLeadership
Dr.Rizabelievesthatthegreatesttreasureonearthliesin thehumanpersonality,andthisbeliefshapestheir leadershipstyle.Theiraimistobringoutthebestinevery persontheyworkwithbycreatinganenvironmentwhere theycanflourishandbethebestversionofthemselves.This isonlypossiblewhenteammatesfeelrespected,heard, seen,andsecure.Heacknowledgesthatinthepast,itwas relativelyeasiertoachievethiswithhomogenousteams. However,anecdotaldataandscientificevidencehave proventhatdiversitybringsamazingadvantagestoteams whensupportedbyahighdegreeofinclusion.
Therefore,hisleadershipstyleextendsbeyondtheir relationshipwiththeorganization'sleadershipteamto ensurethattheseprinciplesprevailamongallstakeholders. Headherestotwoothermainprinciplesinhisleadership. Thefirstisbasedonthesayingthatpartnershipsarenot createdbypartnersbutbycommongoals.Thesecond principleisthatyoucanbringthehorsetothewater,but youcannotmakethemdrinkit.
As a farmer, when you don't get the yield you want, you don't start getting mad with your seeds.
Duringtheirtenureaspresidentoftheorganization,EMCC experiencedsubstantialgrowth.Theyexpandedtheirreach fromaEuropeanlegacytocoveringtheworld,including theAsia-PacificandLatinAmericanregions.Membership increasedfromfourthousandtooverfifteenthousand, accreditedpractitionersgrewfromjustoveronethousandto morethanfourteenthousand,andcashreservesmultiplied fromlimitedresourcestoseven-digitfigures.Theyaligned theiraccreditationprocesswithglobalhighereducation frameworksandcollaboratedwithmajorinstitutionslike theEuropeanCommissiontocontributetolifelonglearning opportunitiesinallcommunities.
Theyimplementedmicro-credentialingandenabled individuallearningportfoliosforeveryindividual. Additionally,theycommissionedandconductedgroundbreakingacademicresearchtodemonstratehowcoaching andmentoringsupportpersonaleffectivenessinthecurrent eraofchange.Dr.Rizaandtheirteamworkwithpartners andstakeholdersaimtoenableaninclusivesocietycapable ofaddressingclimatechallengesanddigitaltransformation.
Alltheseachievementshavebeenmadepossiblethanksto thededicatedvolunteersfromallovertheworldwhoare workingtirelesslytomaketheworldabetterplace.He attributestheirinclusiveandfacilitativeleadershipstyleas acatalystfortheseaccomplishments.
TrainingandCoachingWorldwide
Hehasdeliveredkeynotespeeches,training,and mentoring/coachinginover30countries.Hisprograms havereachedmorethantenthousandparticipants.While thecoreofhisapproachandteachingsremainconsistent,he recognizedearlyoninhiscareerthat'onesizedoesnotfit all.'Culturalfactors,includingnational,regional,andeven family-basedsub-cultures,greatlyinfluencehowpeople perceivetheworldandreacttoit.Therefore,inhistraining, henotonlyshareshiscontextualwisdomtoinspiretrainees, coachees,mentees,andparticipants,buthealsoempowers themtodesigntheirownpathsandnavigatetheirunique wayoflife.
AdvancedCoachingCertifications
Dr.Rizabeganhisjourneyincoachingin1998,whenhe firstdelvedintoNLP.WhileservingasthedeputyCEOofa smallbankinLondonintheearly2000s,hereceivedhis firstaccreditedtrainingincoaching.Theco-activemethod servedashisgatewayintothisfascinatingrealm.During theglobalfinancialcrisis,hepursuedadvanced-level coachingtraininganddelvedintoin-depthstudiesat variouspsychologyschools.Amongthevariousareasof coaching,Gestaltprovedtobethemostimpactfulforhim, asittaughthimaboutreflectivepracticeandhowto navigateresistancetochange.Theconceptoftheparadox ofchange,whichemphasizestheimportanceofeffectively addressingresistance,stillplaysacrucialroleinhis coachingstyle.Hehasalsofoundgreatvalueinhumancentricmodelsandtheapplicationsofpositivepsychology Additionally,transactionalanalysishasprovidedhimwitha uniqueperspectivethatcanbeappliedtoanyhuman interactiontounderstandtheimpactofrelationships.
Intheearlydaysofhiscoachingcareer,Dr.Rizafocused primarilyonachievingresultsandseekingthe"aha moment."However,astimewenton,herealizedthatthis
mindsetcouldinadvertentlyfeedhisegoasacoachor mentor.Instead,henowfindscomfortinremaining invisibleandrefrainingfromclaimingcreditforthesuccess ofhiscoachees.
Themostsignificantimpactofhislearningexperiences occurredwhenheeffectivelyappliedthemtohisownlife. Hestronglybelievesinthe3C'sofcoaching:curiosity, courage,andcompassion.Asheincorporatesthese principlesintohisowninnerdialogue,hehasnoticedthat hiscoachingbecomesmorebeneficialandeffectiveforhis coachees.
LeadingMulticulturalTeams
Hisleadershipmethodologyischaracterizedbyinclusivity, facilitation,vision,andmotivation.Hisprimaryobjectiveis tocultivateanenvironmentinwhicheachmemberofthe teamnotonlyfeelssecureandenabledtoperformoptimally
butalsoenjoysthepalpablesenseofbeingrespected,heard, anddulyacknowledged.HisstewardshipatEMCCGlobal demonstratesaprofoundsensitivitytotheintricateinterplay ofcultureswhencollaboratingwithagloballydispersed team.Moreover,hegenerouslyimpartsinsightfulanecdotes fromhiswealthofexperienceinmentoring,therebyserving asapotentialfountofinspirationforthoseunderhis mentees.
NavigatingChallengingLeadership
Dr.Rizasharedastoryaboutatrickyleadershipsituation hefacedwhenworkingwithadiverseglobalteam.He stressedhowimportantitistohaveavarietyofviewpoints inateamtomakedecision-makingmoreinterestingand well-rounded.However,hepointedoutthatchallengescan arisewhentheteambecomestoosimilarintheirthinking. Insuchsituations,theymightprioritizeexternalinterests overwhat'sbestfortheorganization.
The greatest treasure on earth lies in the human personality.
Hegaveexamplesoftimeswhentheteamhad disagreementsonimportantissuesliketheCOVID pandemic,'blacklivesmatter,''MeToo,''climateaction,'and thesituationinUkraine.Toovercomethesechallenges,he usesaclevertechniqueduringboardmeetingscalledthe 'emptychair.'Thisapproachencouragesinclusivityand effectivenessbyconsideringdifferentperspectivesonany givenissue.
ManagingandMotivatingTeams
Dr.Riza'sperspectiveonmanagingandmotivatingteamsto achieveconsistentresultscanbelikenedtothatofafarmer Accordingtohim, "As a farmer, when you don't get the yield you want, you don't start getting mad with your seeds. Of course, the seed is very important, but all external factors and its match and relationship with its environment are even more important. This perspective is a guiding principle when I'm leading. So my focus is first to choose
the team members that would best fit our common goals, and then to ensure that we sustain an enabling environment."
StayingInformedinBankingandLeadership
Dr.Rizaregularlyattendsonlinecertificateprograms offeredbyprestigiousuniversities.Additionally,heis activelyinvolvedinleadingthinktanksandprofessional circles.Inordertofindeffectivesolutions,hebelievesin engagingingenuinedialoguewithindustryleaders.His non-executiveboardpositionsandadvisoryrolesprovide valuableinsights,particularlywhenaccompaniedbyhonest andopenexchangesofwisdom,data,andperspectives.
Howto Decide the RIGHT COACH forYou
Imagineyou'reatacrossroads.Youhavealotof
dreamsandgoals,buttherouteaheadofyouis unclear Youcoulduseatrustedguide,someonewho hastraveleddowncomparablepathsandcanhelpyou throughthetwistsandturns.That'swhereacoachcomesin: yourcheerleader,strategist,andsuccessadvocate.Butwith somanycoachesavailable,howcanyoupicktherightone towalkalongsideyou?
This guide equips you with the tools to navigate the coaching landscape and identify a coach who perfectly complements your goals and personality
Step1:DefineYourGoalsandNeeds
Beforegettingintocoachprofiles,takeastepbackand determineexactlywhatyouwanttoachieve.
Areyouhopingtolaunchabusiness?Masterpublic speaking?Improveyourwork-lifebalance?Identifying yourgoalswillguideyoursearchforacoachwiththe relevantexpertiseandexperience.
Here are some prompts to get you started:
• WhatarethebiggestchallengesI'mfacing?
• WhatareasofmylifedoIwanttoimprove?
• WhatskillsdoIwanttodevelop?
• WhatspecificoutcomesamIhopingtoachieve?
Step2:ExploreDifferentCoachingSpecializations
Theworldofcoachingisadiverseone.Here'saglimpse intosomepopularcoachingspecializations:
• LifeCoaching:Lifecoachesprovideguidanceona broadrangeofpersonalandprofessionalareas,helping younavigatecareertransitions,improverelationships, andachievegreaterself-awareness.
• ExecutiveCoaching:Designedforleadersandhighpotentialemployees,executivecoachesfocuson enhancingleadershipskills,strategicthinking,and communicationeffectivenessinabusinesscontext.
• BusinessCoaching:Businesscoachesempower entrepreneursandbusinessownerstoovercome challenges,setandachievegoals,andmakestrategic decisionstogrowtheirventures.
• CareerCoaching:Careercoacheshelpindividualswith careerexploration,resumewriting,interview preparation,andnavigatingcareertransitions.
• RelationshipCoaching:Relationshipcoachesprovide guidanceoncommunication,conflictresolution,and buildinghealthyrelationships,bothpersonaland professional.
Step3:ResearchandEvaluateCoaches
Onceyouhaveaclearerpictureofyourgoalsandpreferred coachingspecialty,it'stimetostartresearchingpotential coaches.Herearesomeeffectivestrategies:
• OnlineDirectories:PlatformsliketheInternational CoachFederation(ICF)orCoach.meallowyouto searchforcoachesbasedonlocation,specialty,and qualifications.
• Recommendations:Askfriends,colleagues,or professionalsinyournetworkforrecommendations.
• IndustryPublications:Reputablepublicationsmight featurearticlesorinterviewswithprominentcoachesin yourfieldofinterest.
• CoachWebsitesandSocialMedia:Reviewacoach's websiteandsocialmediaprofilestogetasenseoftheir coachingphilosophy,experience,andareasofexpertise.
Step4:TheImportanceofCoachCredentials
Whileformalqualificationsaren'talwaysadealbreaker, consideringacoach'scredentialscanprovidevaluable insights.Lookforcertificationsfromreputablecoaching organizationsliketheICF.Thesecertificationsdemonstratea coach'scommitmenttoongoingtrainingandadherenceto ethicalcoachingpractices.
Step5:ScheduleInitialConsultations
Mostcoachesoffercomplimentaryinitialconsultations.This isyourchancetoassesstheircoachingstyle,askquestions, andgaugeifthere'sagoodfit.Considerthesefactorsduring yourconsultations:
• Chemistry:Doyoufeelcomfortableandheard?Trust andopencommunicationarecrucialforasuccessful coachingrelationship.
• CoachingStyle:Somecoachesaredirective,offering guidanceandadvice.OthersaremoreSocratic,asking probingquestionstohelpyoudiscoveryourown solutions.Identifyastylethatresonateswithyou.
• ExperienceandExpertise:Doesthecoachhave experienceworkingwithclientswhofacesimilar challengesorhavegoalssimilartoyours?
• CommunicationStyle:Doyoufindthecoach's communicationstyleclear,concise,andeasyto understand?
Step6:ConsiderLogisticsandCost
Coachingprogramscomeinvariousformats(in-person, virtual,andgroupcoaching)andatdifferentpricepoints. Determineabudgetthatworksforyouandaschedulethat fitsyourlife.
Step7:MakeYourDecisionandDiveIn!
Choosingacoachisapersonaldecision.Trustyourgut instinctandgowiththecoachyoubelievewillbestsupport youonyourjourney
BonusTip:TheImportanceofOngoingEvaluation
Regularlyassesstheeffectivenessofyourcoaching relationship.Areyouachievingyourgoals?Areyoufeeling motivatedandsupported?Ifnot,don'thesitatetohavean openandhonestconversationwithyourcoachorconsider exploringotheroptions.
Remember,therightcoachcanbeapowerfulcatalystfor growthandpositivechange.Byfollowingthesestepsand takingthetimetofindtherightcoachforyou,youcanset yourselfupforatransformativecoachingexperiencethat willhelpyoureachyourfullpotential.Remember,coaching isapartnership,andfindingtheperfectcoachforyoucan makeallthedifferenceinyourpersonalandprofessional growth.
-
Alaya Brown
Rosie Sweetman
Partnering with Purpose-driven Leaders, Teams and Organisations Through Coaching Excellence
Leadershipisajourney,andmanyleadersdescribe thebenefitofhavinga'thinkingpartner'orcoachto navigatethejourney
MeetRosieSweetman,theCo-directorofSweetmans andPartners,anaward-winningBCorporationdedicated tofosteringsustainablelearningandimpactthrough partnerships.
Rosie'searlycareer,markedbyBusinessDevelopment rolesatGrantThorntonandArts&Business,laidthe groundworkforhercoachingphilosophy Thetransition from'telling'to'asking'businessesabouttheirneedsproved pivotal,emphasizingthepowerofgenuinecuriosityin fosteringmeaningfulrelationshipsanddeliveringresults.
AstheformerDirectorofBusinessintheCommunity Cymru,shespearheadedinitiativesembeddingpurposeand valuesintobusinessstrategies,earningrecognitionin'The TimesTop100charitiesandtheIODWalesAward'for DirectorofLeadershipinCorporateResponsibility This experiencefueledherpassionforgenuinecollaborationand partnershipsasdriversofimpactfulchange.
TheinceptionofSweetmansandPartnersattheageof40 wasaconsciousdecisiontocombineprofitwithpurpose. AchievingBCorpstatuswithinthefirstyearhighlighted hercommitmenttoaligningbusinesssuccesswithsocial andenvironmentalresponsibility.
Rosie'scoachingjourneyencompassesdiversesectors, includingfinance,legal,andprofessionalservices,withan expandingreachintointernationalterritories.Hercoaching philosophycentersonbeinga'thinkingpartner'working withleaders,teamsandorganizationstonavigate challenges,resilienceandgrowth.
We setup a coaching programme in partnership with Sweetmans as an investment in our leadership community to achieve our ambitious targets. I can honestly say it has been extremely useful in achieving this aim and I’ve seen the direct impact of the coaching on supporting our people to navigate the current and future challenges and opportunities they face.
- Commercial Director, Financial services
Hercoachingtoolkitisflexible,adaptingtoindividual clientneeds.FrameworksliketheBeliefCycle,Systemic Awareness,PerspectiveShifting,andPositivePsychology areseamlesslyintegratedtoraiseawarenessandprovide freshperspectivesandwaysforwards.
Below are the interview highlights:
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutyourself,andelaborate onyourinspirationandmotivationbehindembarking onthissector?
Myname'sRosieSweetman,andI'mco-directorof SweetmansandPartners,anaward-winningBCorporation thatexiststocreatesustainablelearningandimpactthrough thepowerofpartnerships.Wepartnerwithclientsas coachesandfacilitatorstoachievetheoutcomesthatare importanttothemandtheirstakeholders. Ourclientsare ambitious,purpose-ledleaders,teamsandbusinesswho understandthevalueofconnecting'how'theyworkwith 'what'theywanttoachievesothatallstakeholdersbenefit. Ourapproachisinformedbythreecorebeliefs:awareness bringschoice,there'srarelyone'right'answerandwe achievemoretogetherthanwedoalone.
MymotivationforbecominganExecutivecoachcame fromacombinationofinfluences,and3standoutin particular:
• MyearlycareerinBusinessDevelopmentatGrant ThorntonandArts&Businessenabledmeto experiencethepositiveimpactofgenuinecuriosityon relationshipsandresults.Theswitchfrom'telling' businessesaboutyourservicesto'asking'what's importanttothemwaspivotal.
• LeadingBusinessintheCommunityCymru-an organizationcommittedtosupportingbusinessesto thinkandbehaveresponsibly.Isawfirsthandhow changewasinfluencedbythebeliefsandbehaviorsof theleaders,theculturetheybuiltandrole-modeled, andthesystemstheywereintentionallyand unintentionallypartof.Thisfurtherfueledmypassion forgenuinecollaborationandpartnershiptoachieve greaterimpact.
• Inmyearlytwenties,weunexpectedlylostmysister. Aswestruggledtocometotermswiththelossasa family,weeachcreateddifferentnarrativesastowhat happened.Iheardthesedifferentstoriesandrecalleda significantmomentwhenIrealizedthattheywereall trueandyetnottrueatthesametime.Icouldseehow thingsareoftennotblackandwhitebutcomplex, requiringustobecomfortablewithmultiple perspectives,truths,andviewsinawaythatenablesus tocontinuetomoveforward.Thisledtoanongoing interestintheimpactofperspectiveandcultureonhow wemakesenseofthingsandthechoiceswemake.
CouldyoupleasebriefusaboutSweetmansand Partnersanditsinceptionstory?
Aswithmanypeople,turning40promptedaperiodof reflectiononwhatI'dachieved,whatcouldbepossible,and whoIwasbecoming,whichresultedinmyhusbandandI decidingtosetupSweetmansandPartners.Fromthe outset,wewantedtoensurethatthesuccessofthebusiness wasaboutmorethanitsprofit.BecomingaBCorpinour firstyearofoperatingwasawayforustoestablishour commitmenttoplacebothpurposeandprofitattheheartof ourplans,growth,anddecision-making.Forus,business canbeaforceforgood.
Canyoushareyourbackgroundandexperienceasan executivecoach,includingyourareasofexpertiseand thetypesofclientsyouhaveworkedwithinthepast?
Initially,wefocusedonworkingwithleadersinthe financial,legal,andprofessionalservicessectors.
Rosie Sweetman Co-director Sweetmans and Partners
Thissectorgenerates10%oftheGDPinWales,andwe sawanopportunitytosupportthissectortocontinueto growandflourishcontributingtoaddressingsocialand environmentalchallengesaswellasgeneratingwealthand jobs.
Inthepandemic,westartedworkingwithleadersfroma broaderrangeofsectorsandgeographies,including internationalclientswhowereincreasinglyaskingfor 'thinkingpartners'toconsiderhowtheynavigate,respond, supportresilience,andmoveforwardasleaders,teams,and organizations.Wenowpredominantlycoach(leaders, teams,andgroups)andfacilitateworkshopsandhackathons inregulatedindustries,includingfinancial,legal,energy, andthirdsectors,withclientstypicallybeingambitious, purpose-led,andvalues-drivenleadersingrowingSMEs andmid-sizedcorporates.
Goingforwardweexpecttocontinuetoworkwithclients whoareseekingtoclosethegapbetweenwordsandactions -puttingpurposeintopractice,valuesintobehaviorsand connecting'how'theyworkwith'what'theywantto achieve.Forus,coachingisapartnershipthatcreatesan opportunityforleaderstoreflectandchallengetheir
thinking,ultimatelylearnfromtheirexperiences,andmake consciouschoicesabouthowtheylead.
Whatdoyoubelievearethekeyqualitiesandskillsthat setoutstandingexecutivecoachesapartfromothersin thefield?
I'vefoundthateachclient'svalues,preferences,beliefs,and strengthswillmeantheyrespondtodifferentcoachesin differentways.That'swhyweprovideafree-of-charge 'exploratorymeeting'forclientstomeetwithcoaches beforecommittingtoapartnership.I'dsayanongoing commitmenttoyourawareness,development,andpractices enablesacoachtobestservetheirclients.Coachingbodies suchastheAssociationforCoachingandICFhavecreated competencyframeworksthatcanbeusefulreferencepoints, andI'vepersonallyfoundsupervisionessentialfor continuingtoadaptanddevelopasacoach,particularly whenworkingwithmultiplestakeholdersacrossthe
organizationandbeingbothpartofandexternaltothe business.
Howdoyouapproachbuildingastrongcoach-client relationship,andwhatmethodsdoyouusetoestablish trustandrapportwithyourclients?
Perhapsit'saclichedthingtosayhere,butthere'struthtoit, andthatistobuildtrust.Whatdoesthatmeaninpractice?
Forme,it'saboutthetangibleaspectsoftrust,suchas credibilityandreliability,andthelesstangibleaspectsof connectionandcommitment.Buildinginregular conversationsabouthowyou'reworkingtogetheraswellas whatyou'reachievingtogether,I'vefound,helpsdeepenan understandingofeachotherandkeepsthepartnership evolvingandimpactful.
Canyouprovideanexampleofachallengingcoaching situationyou'veencounteredandhowyousuccessfully navigatedittobenefityourclient?
IthinkthemostchallengingsituationIexperiencedwas earlyoninmycoachingcareerwhenIwasundertakinga 360-degreefeedbackandcoachingexercisewithan executiveandseniorleadershipteam.We'didentifiedthe leadershipbehaviorsthatwouldbringtolifethebusiness's valuesandsupporttheminachievingtheirstrategy Responderswereaskedtodescribehowoftentheyobserved thebehaviors(itwasadevelopmentalexerciseratherthana performancemeasurement).
I'dguaranteedtheconfidentialityofall360reportsand coachingsessions,andIwasmeetingwitheachleaderto takeabalancedviewofthefeedbackandshapeforwardlookingactions.Thenightbeforecoachingwithoneofthe morechallengingreports,Ireceivedaphonecallfromthe linemanageraskingifI'dbehappytosharethereportwith them.Ofcourse,theanswerwasnoduetotheagreed confidentiality,butIrememberthesenseofuneaseatthe natureoftherequestandmyconcernsthatitmightmeanI wouldn'tberehired.Asithappens,theclientmentioned howmuchtheyvaluedmyintegrity,anditwasareminder oftheimportanceoftrustandconfidentialitytoeffective relationships,toholdtomyvaluesandto'listen'towhat situationssuchastheseletyouknowabouttheculture—all responsesaredataandlearningpoints!
Whattools,assessments,orframeworksdoyou commonlyuseinyourcoachingpractice,andhowdo theycontributetoyourclients'growthand development?
AsImeettheclientswheretheyare,Itendnottohavea
pre-definedsetoftoolsorframeworks.However,thereare someframeworksIfindmyselfusingmorethanothers, mainlytoraiseawarenessandprovideanewlensonthe situation:
Beliefcycle:Ilikethesimplicityoftheconnectionitmakes betweenourbeliefsandassumptions,howwethinkand behave,andtheimpactithasonourrelationshipsand results.
Systemicawareness:Tophysically"map"thepicturewe holdinourheadsoftheconnectionsandnetworkswe're partofcanhelpusseethesituationafresh.
Perspectiveshifting:Sometimesclientsfinditusefulto deliberatelyadoptdifferentstances,e.g., dance floor/balcony,or above/belowthelinewhenconsidering theirresponses.
Positivepsychology:identifyingstrengthsandaskingwhen andhowaclientmightutilizethemfurtheroroverplay them,etc.
360feedbacktoolsforindividualsandteamscanbevery effectiveforbuildinganunderstandingofanygapsinwhat theyintendandhowthey'reperceived.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsfromyourclientsand awardsorrecognitionthataccuratelyhighlightyour achievementsinthecorporateniche.
ExecMember,Bank
"Coachinggivesmethespacetoconsidermydecisionsand actions.Ivaluethechallengeandsupportthatcomefrom havingatrustedpartner Asaresult,I'veencouragedmy teamtoreceivecoachingandaninvestmentbythebusiness moregenerallyinthedevelopmentofcoachingskillsacross theleadershipcommunity."
SeniorLeader,ArtsOrganization
"Executivecoachinghasprovidedavaluablespacefor reflectionthathassupportedandchallengedmetoshift perspective,remainoutcome-focused,andnoticemyown beliefsandpatterns.Asaresult,Imakemoreconscious choicesabouthowIleadandrespondandfeelmoreaware ofmystrengthsandhowtheseenergizeandsupportmeto achievethegoalsandoutcomesIsetformyself."
Exec leader, Financial services
"Engagingwithacoachwasanewexperienceforme;
The coaching received from Rosie over the last few months has been second to none. It has truly enabled me to grow and develop as a leader and achieve the goals that I set for myself at the beginning. Rosie's style of coaching really complimented and challenged my way of thinking and has left me feeling con ident, empowered, and motivated within my role. The experience was genuinely exceptional, and I would not hesitate in recommending the coaching to those who are looking to really make a difference to their career goals.
- Senior Manager, Financial services
,,
however,itcouldnothavecomeatabettertime.Iworked withRosieshortlyafteracceptinganewrole,andher coachingwasbeneficialtoensureIconsidereddifferent approachesandperspectiveswhendealingwith stakeholdersandchallengingsituations.Ithelpedme identifymystrengthsanddevelopnewthoughtprocessesto assistmeinachievingmypersonalandprofessionalgoals.
Rosiewasawardedthehighestaccoladeforleadershipin TheTimesTop100charitiestoworkforovertwo consecutiveyearsandwontheIODWalesAwardfor DirectorofLeadershipinCorporateResponsibility."
SweetmansandPartnershavealsowonseveralawardsfor theirworkwithclientsincludingCIPDWalesBestL&D consultancyandWalesStart-UpoftheyearforInnovation intheFinancial,LegalandProfessionalservicessector.
Thecorporateworldisapressurecooker.Executives
facearelentlessbarrageofchallenges:navigating complexmarkets,drivinginnovation,motivating teams,andachievingambitiousgoals.Inthishigh-stakes environment,manyleadersturntoexecutivecoachingto uncovertheirfullpotentialandpropelthemselvesandtheir organizationstonewheights.
Buthowexactlydoesexecutivecoachingwork?
This article delves into the core principles, benefits, and coaching process itself, offering valuable insights for executives seeking to elevate their leadership journey
UnderstandingthePowerofCoaching
Executivecoachingisadistinctfieldfromtraditional trainingorconsulting.It'sacollaborative,future-focused partnershipbetweenaqualifiedcoachandanexecutive. Unliketrainingthatimpartsspecificskills,coaching empowersexecutivestodiscovertheirownsolutionsand developtheirleadershipstyle.It'saconfidentialand supportivespacewhereexecutivescanexploretheir challenges,gainclarity,anddiscovertheirpotential.
BenefitsofExecutiveCoaching
Thebenefitsofexecutivecoachingarewelldocumented andspanacrossvariousaspectsofanexecutive'slife.
• EnhancedLeadershipSkills:Coachingcan significantlyimprovealeader'sabilitytomotivateand inspireteams,delegateeffectively,andmakesound decisionsunderpressure.
• IncreasedSelf-awareness:Throughin-depth conversationsandassessments,executivesgaina deeperunderstandingoftheirstrengths,weaknesses, communicationstyles,andunconsciousbiases.This self-awarenessallowsthemtomakemoreinformed choicesandbuildstrongerrelationships.
• ImprovedStrategicThinking:Coachinghelps executivesdevelopabroaderperspectiveandapproach challengesstrategically Theylearntoanalyzetrends, anticipatefuturescenarios,andmakeinformed decisionsthatbenefittheorganizationinthelongrun.
• GreaterEmotionalIntelligence:Emotionalintelligence (EQ)isacriticalskillforeffectiveleadership.
CoachingcanhelpexecutiveshonetheirEQby teachingthemtomanagetheirownemotions, understandtheemotionsofothers,andbuildstronger rapportwithcolleagues.
• EnhancedResilienceandWell-Being:Thedemandsof anexecutiverolecantakeatollonmentalandphysical well-being.Coachingequipsleaderswithstrategiesto managestress,maintainahealthywork-lifebalance, andnavigatedifficultsituationswithcomposure.
TheCoachingProcess:ACollaborativeJourney
Theexecutivecoachingprocesstypicallyunfoldsinstages:
1.BuildingtheFoundation
Theinitialphaseinvolvesestablishingtrustandrapport betweenthecoachandtheclient.Thecoachwillgaina clearunderstandingoftheexecutive'sgoals,challenges,and leadershipstyle.Thismayinvolveassessments,in-depth discussions,andexploring360-degreefeedbackfrom colleaguesandsuperiors.
2.GoalSettingandActionPlanning
Onceacomprehensiveunderstandingisestablished,the coachandtheexecutivewillcollaborativelydefinespecific, measurable,achievable,relevant,andtime-bound (SMART)goals.Thesegoalscanencompassleadership developmentareas,strategicpriorities,orpersonalwellbeingobjectives.
3.ExplorationandDiscovery
Theheartofthecoachingprocessliesinexplorationand discovery Thecoachusespowerfulquestions,active listening,andvariouscoachingtoolstoguidetheexecutive towardsself-reflectionandinsights.Thismayinvolve exploringtherootcausesofchallenges,uncoveringlimiting beliefs,andidentifyingnewperspectives.
4.ActionandAccountability
Coachingisn'tjustaboutintrospection;it'saboutcreating tangibleprogress.Thecoachandexecutivewillco-create actionplans,settingspecificstepsandmilestonestoachieve theirgoals.Regularcheck-insensureaccountabilityand allowforadjustmentsasneeded.
5.SustainableGrowth
Coachingisajourney programprogresses,thefocusshiftstowardsdeveloping sustainablegrowth. skillsandinsightsgainedintotheirdailyleadership practice.
FindingtheRightCoach:
Thesuccessofthecoachingexperiencehingesonfinding therightcoach.Executivesshouldseekacoachwith relevantexperience,astrongunderstandingofbusiness dynamics,andaproventrackrecord.Compatibilityinterms ofpersonalityandcoachingstyleisalsocrucialforcreating atrustingandproductivepartnership.
Conclusion
Executivecoachingisapowerfultoolforleadersseekingto transformthemselvesandtheirorganizations.Byfostering self-awareness,enhancingleadershipskills,andpromoting mentalwell-being,coachingequipsexecutivestonavigate complexenvironmentsandachievelastingsuccess. Whethernavigatingachallengingmerger,developinga high-performingteam,orsimplybecomingamoreeffective leader,executivecoachingcanprovidethecompassand supportexecutivesneedtoreachnewheights.
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Alaya Brown
Sylvia Becker-Hill
Cra ing Success Through Neuroplas city and Empowerment
A Fusion of Science, Psychology, and Mystique in the World of Executive Coaching!
Coaching,asthefamoussayinggoes,involves
challengingthecomfortableandcomfortingthe troubled.It'sagradual,unfoldingprocessfocused onsustainedgrowthratherthanimmediateresults.This longevitynecessitatescommitmentfromboththecoachand theclient.Thecoachdedicatesthemselvestounderstanding theevolvingneedsoftheclient,whiletheclienttruststhe processeveninmomentsofuncertainty Thetransformative journeyhingesontheestablishmentofmutualtrustanda profoundconnection,oftenreferredtoasa"clickin chemistry,"rootedinthecoach'spersonality
Why Chemistry Matters?
The"clickinchemistry"isthemagicingredientthatpropels coachingfromastructuredsessiontoatransformative experience.It'saboutmorethansharedinterests;it'sa resonanceofvalues,ameetingofminds,andarecognition ofeachother'shumanity Whenthischemistryexists, clientsfeelseen,heard,andunderstood,fosteringan environmentwherevulnerabilityandgrowthcanflourish.
AttheforefrontofthisalchemicalprocessstandsSylvia Becker-Hill,aCertifiedMasterNeuroplasticianand ProfessionalCertifiedCoachatBecker-HillInc.With over27yearsofexperience,Sylviahasbecomeamatriarch intheinternationalcoachingcommunity,leavingan indeliblemarkasanexecutivecoach,leadershiptrainer,and corporatechangeagent.
Armedwithadiversesetofcertificationsandahands-on understandingofvariouscoachingandlearning methodologies,Sylviabringsauniqueblendofexpertiseto thetable.Herproprietarymodelsempowerclientsto undergoprofoundtransformationswithunparalleledease, speed,andgrace.
Sylvia'smagicextendsbeyondboardrooms!Empowering audiencesoncorporate,college,andpublicstageswith
I'm a lifelong, passionate learner. I'm curious and have a playful, creative, and open mind. At any given time, I am a participant in several training programs and a member of learning communities.
edutainingkeynotes,Sylviadismantlesunsustainable societalpressureandsubconscious“shoulds.” Fueledby appliedneuroscience,Sylviaguidesustoredefinesuccess byteachingsimpleyetliberatingbrainhackssowestop chasingelusivecarrotssocietydanglesinfrontofus.
Atrailblazerinherownright,SylviaholdsaDiplomain AdministrativeSciencefromtheFederalUniversityof AppliedAdministrativeSciencesandaMasterofArtsin PhilosophyandLinguisticswithafocusongenderstudies fromtheHeinrich-Heine-UniversityinDüsseldorf.Her groundbreakingmaster'sthesisdelvesintothesignificance ofmatriarchalculturesforourcontemporarytimes.
BeingthefirstGermancoachcertifiedasaProfessional CertifiedCoachbytheInternationalCoachFederationin 2002,Sylvia'sinfluencereverberatesglobally.Shehas servedinleadershippositionsinvariouscoaching organizationsandleftanenduringlegacybyseamlessly blendingscience,experience,andatouchofthemystical.
Let us explore her tremendous journey:
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutyourself,andelaborate onyourinspirationandmotivationbehindembarking onthissector?
RaisedinGermanyasthecherishedonlychildofmy parents,Isharedmyhomewiththemandmymaternal
grandparents.Thebackdropofmyearlyyearswasamilieu fraughtwithstifledemotions,depression,andtheenduring traumaofWorldWarII.Myloveformyparents,my veritable"sunshine,"wasanimplicitcommitmenttobring themhappiness.
Unbeknownsttome,thisdeepaffectionformyparentslaid thefoundationformyearlyimmersionasaferventexplorer ofhumanpotential.
Myjourneycommencedwithaprecociousabilitytoread, evenbeforesteppingintoformaleducation.Bytheageof 10,Ifoundsolaceinthepagesofacademictomes, resemblingtheliteraryprowessofHermioneGrangerfrom theHarryPotterseries.Myacademicjourneymirroredthis enthusiasm,withmyhandperenniallyraisedinresponseto questions,securingmyplaceasthetopperformer throughoutbothmycollegeanduniversityyears.
Drivenbyaninsatiablecuriosity,Iembarkedonaquestto comprehendtheintricaciesofhumandynamics,history, evolution,gender,linguistics,andchangemanagement. Eachdiscipline,Ibelieved,heldakeytoansweringthe overarchingquestionthatfueledmypassion:
"Whatessentialcomponentsmustalignforpeopletoattain lastinghappiness?"
Couldyoupleasebriefusaboutyourcompanyandits inceptionstory?
In1997,myjourneyasaprofessionalcoachbeganwhen theCEOofalocalconstructionandengineeringbureau recognizedmyinnatecoachingabilitiesduringanextended, in-personcommunicationtraining.Impressedbymy approachtorelationships,feedback,andinspiration,he urgedmetodevelopaconceptforhisbusinesschallenges.
Hisfrustrationstemmedfromofferingweekendseminars onbusinessdevelopment,sales,andleadershiptolocal engineeringandconstructioncompanies,withminimal implementationbyhispeers.Whilestillastudentat Heinrich-Heine-UniversityinDuesseldorf,Germany,I delvedintotheissueof"corporatetrainingandtheirROI challenges."WhatIuncoveredwasaburgeoningindustry plaguedbyasignificantproblem:millionswereinvested annuallyinemployeetrainingwithlittletonoreturnon investment.
Ibecamethesolution.
InSeptember1997,Ifoundedmycoachingcompany, securingagroundbreaking$60,000start-upgrantfromthe NRWMinistryofResearchandDevelopmentasthefirst womanever Withasinglecoachingproduct—12weeksof
weekly30-minutephonesessions—myfocuswas empoweringparticipantstoseamlesslyintegratetheir trainingintotheirdailyworklives.Thesuccessofthis initialofferingrevolutionizedcorporatetraining,saving corporationssubstantialresourcesandfrustrationby providinganeffectivepathwayforemployeestoyielda returnontheirtraininginvestment.Theimpactwas profound.Thebeginningofatransformativejourney
Canyoushareyourbackgroundandexperienceasan executivecoach,includingyourareasofexpertiseand thetypesofclientsyouhaveworkedwithinthepast?
Commencingwitharchitectureandengineeringleaders,I transitionedtocorporatemiddlemanagerswith"Coaching overthephoneforsustainablecorporatetraining."My researchinhumanmotivation,psychology,andhabit creationplayedapivotalrole.
Asanetworkpartner,Ifacilitatedpost-mergerintegration processesacrossEurope.Designingevents,diversity training,andcoachingtopleadersinpharmaceuticalsand finance,mychangeexpertiseledtomiraculous outcomes—dubbed"Sylvia'sMagic."
In2002,IbecamethefirstGermanPCCcertifiedbythe InternationalCoachFederation,consistentlyrenewing everythreeyears.
Sylvia Becker-Hill Cer fied Master Neuroplas cian and Professional Cer fied Coach Becker-Hill Inc.
boundariesofacoachandstepintootherrolesforthe benefitofthisuniqueclientele:jester,truthteller,mirror, provocateur,confident,muse,fan,philosopher.
Howdoyouapproachbuildingastrongcoach-client relationship,andwhatmethodsdoyouusetoestablish trustandrapportwithyourclients?
Withanonjudgmentalspace,transparency,holdingnothing back,andhonesty,honesty,honesty.Combinedwitha 'BMWquality'ofcontractingandexpectationmanagement fromtheget-go.
Canyouprovideanexampleofachallengingcoaching situationyou'veencounteredandhowyousuccessfully navigatedittobenefityourclient?
RelocatingtoMichiganin2006,Ifoundedacoaching trainingschoolforGermanexpatriatewomen,with graduatesachievingleadershiprolesand2ICF presidencies.
Beyondthat,IservedasthesoleGermanexecutivecoach inMichigan'sautomotivesector,coachingtopleaders, facilitatingretreats,anddeliveringculturetrainingseries.In Chicago,Icoachedontransitions,work-lifebalance,and burnoutprevention,developingBrainAlignment™andEgo Management™models.
AftermovingtoSouthernCaliforniain2013,Iintensified myfocusonempoweringwomenleaders,breakingglass ceilings,anddismantlingsubconsciousbarriers.Guiding womenexecutivestowardtheC-suite,myapproach emphasizescollaborativestrategiesandaholisticleadership paradigm.
Whatdoyoubelievearethekeyqualitiesandskillsthat setoutstandingexecutivecoachesapartfromothersin thefield?
Ego-management,substantialknowledgeinapplied neuroscience,highlytrainedintuition,unshakableintegrity, couragetobehonestandblunt,focusontangibleROIand notjust"feelinggood,"humilityregardingtheirlimits, strongboundaries,highenergy,humor,playfulcreativity, andlovingtheirclientsmorethantheylovetheirfavorite changetool,process,ormodality,sotheyalwayscoachby listeningtotheirclientsandleavethemmoreempowered, independent,andresourcefulthantheywerewhentheir relationshipstarted.Plus—especiallyforthemany personalitytypesofpowerhousesamongexecutive leaders—thewillingnesstogobeyondtheolddefined
Corporatecoachingcanbeintricate,withbudgetholders, contractpartners,andclientsoftenbeingdistinctentities.. Overtheyears,navigatingbehind-the-scenespoliticsin unfamiliarcorporatesystemshasbeenachallenge.My Germansystemicthinkingtrainingequipsmetodetect potentialissues,asseeninacaseinvolvingasupposedly difficultexecutive.ContrarytoHR'sportrayal,she presentedherselfasaprofessionalleader Trustingmy instincts,Iriskedacoachingfeetodeclarenocaseexisted. Investigationsrevealedfabricatedrumors,leadingto
rectification,anapology,andanexpandedcoaching opportunity.Empowered,theexecutiveachieveda promotion,enhancingproductivity,self-care,andwork-life balance.
Whatisyourcoachingphilosophy,andhowdoyou tailoryourcoachingapproachtomeetthespecificneeds andgoalsofeachexecutiveyouworkwith?
Inessence,myclientsareaccomplishedleaderswitha proventrackrecordofsuccess.Whentheyseekcoaching,I recognizethepresenceofablindspotandsomeformof subconsciousself-sabotage.Myroleistoguidethemin clarifyingtheirgoals,ensuringauthenticity,anduncovering blindspotsandself-sabotaginghabits.Leveragingapplied neuroscienceandatailoredprocesswithdiversechange tools,Ifacilitatethecultivationofnew,goal-alignedhabits ofthinking,feeling,andacting.
Sustainabilityisacornerstoneofmycoachingpractice.My objectiveisnottomerelyprovidetemporaryfeel-good momentsbuttopropelclientsbeyondtheircomfortzones.I standbythemastheynavigateuncomfortablerevelations andgrowth,leadingtoprofound,lasting,andtangible transformation.Iamnotaproponentofa"short-term positivitymindset"orapurveyorofsuperficialfixes.The embodimentofknowledgeresultsinidentity-level transformationformyclients,propellingthemtoevolve intothekindofleaderstheworlddemands.
Howdoyoustaycurrentwiththelatestdevelopments andbestpracticesinexecutivecoaching,andhowdo youensureyourknowledgeandtechniquesremainupto-date?
I'malifelong,passionatelearner.I'mcuriousandhavea playful,creative,andopenmind.Atanygiventime,Iama participantinseveraltrainingprogramsandamemberof learningcommunities.Plus,re-certifyingevery3yearswith theICFkeepsmeinastructurewhereIcan'tgettooexotic withmyprivateresearchinterestsbutratherhavetoreceive certificationsincloselycoaching-relatedfields.
Iam,forexample,analumnimemberoftheCanadian NeuroscienceSchoolandamemberoftheNeuroplastician HubattheInstituteforOrganizationalNeuroscience.Plus,I haveyearsofsubscriptionstomyexecutiveclients'relevant magazineslikeHBR. Mycarismyrollinguniversity.I neverdriveanywherewithoutlisteningtopodcastsor replaysfromamentor.Andmyhabitof‘eatingbooksfor breakfast’hasnotchangedsincemychildhood.Ihadread 10,000booksbymy30thbirthdayandamnow56,still readingseveralbooksperweek.
Whattools,assessments,orframeworksdoyou commonlyuseinyourcoachingpractice,andhowdo theycontributetoyourclients'growthand development?
Since1997,Ihaveaccumulatedalonglistofassessment, changemodalities,andcoachingtrainingcertifications.In recentyears,Ihaveusedmainlyamixofapplied neuroscience,somaticcoaching,andIntentional Creativity®.Why?
WhenIstartedin1997,modernbrainimagingtechnology hadbeeninusejustforashortwhile.Itwasintheearly 2000sthatfinallymoreandmoreresearchwaspublished thatrevolutionizedmanypreviouslyheldbeliefsaboutthe
Who, exactly, seeks out a coach? If you ask a coach the answer is usually the same: Winners who want even more out of life.
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