EDITOR’S LETTER
Lead, Transform, Thrive
earReaders,
Theoldplaybookforleadershipisofficiallyobsolete.Inaneraofconstantchange,themosteffective leadersarenolongerdefinedbytheirabilitytocommand,butbytheircapacitytocultivatepotentialin others.Thisnewparadigmrequiresadifferentkindofpartner—notjustaconsultant,butacatalyst. Thisistherealmofthemoderncoach,astrategicguidewhohelpsleadersunlockthelatenttalent withintheirteamsandthemselves.Inthisspecialissue,“The10DynamicCoachingLeadersof 2025,”wecelebratethetrailblazerswhoaremasteringthisartoftransformation.
OurcoverstoryfeaturesJanetM.Harvey,atruepioneerwhohasbuiltaglobalcoachingmovement onaradicalpremise:themostenduringassetacompanyhasisthewhole,thrivinghumanbeing.Asthe FounderandCEOofinviteCHANGE,shechampionsaphilosophyofGenerativeWholeness™, whichmovesbeyondfixingweaknessestounlockinginherentpotential.Withover27yearsof experienceandastaggering97%clientrenewalrate,JanetteachesleadersatcompanieslikeAmazon andMicrosofttoshifttheirfocusfromtransactionalmetricstorelationaltrust.Herworkisapowerful testamentthatbyhonoringthe"who"behindtheemployee,organizationscanfosterprofound innovationandsustainablegrowth.
Janet'sfocusonamorehuman-centricmodelofleadershipisapowerfulcurrentyouwillfindrunning throughtheworkofallourfeaturedcoaches.Wearealsohonoredtospotlightthetransformative impactofCasimiroDaSilvaSantos,FounderandCEOofBringTheBest;ScottHansen,Founderof SHConsulting;FotiniIconomopoulos,LeadershipCoachatForwardFocusing;andSadhana Somasekhar,CEOandManagingDirectorofPlatinumInfosystems. Theleadersinthesepagesareprovingthatthegreatestinvestmentacompanycanmakeisinits people.Theyarenotjustshapingbetterleaders;theyarebuildingmoreresilient,creative,andengaged workplacesforthefuture.
HappyReading!
PaNKAJ GHOLAP Managing Editor
PUBLISHER
VIKRAM
MANAGING
Janet M. Harvey 10
Cover Story
Jan M. Harvey
In the Business of Unlocking Human Potential
Exceptional coaching begins with humility: trusting that individuals hold the seeds of their own breakthroughs. “ “
a world obsessed with metrics and processes, Janet M. Harvey is making a radical proposition: the most enduring asset a company has is the whole, thriving human being. As the CEO of inviteCHANGE, she has built a global coaching movement on this premise, teaching the world’s top leaders how to transform workplace tension into trust, innovation, and unprecedented growth.
Thereisavast,untappedreservoirofpotentialsittingin offices,boardrooms,andremoteworkspacesaroundthe world.It’sthelatentcreativeenergyofthe79%of employeeswho,accordingtoGallup,arenotfullyengaged intheirwork.Mostleadersseethisasaproblemtobesolved withnewtacticsortighterprocesses.JanetM.Harveysees itasaprofoundinvitation.Foroveraquarterofacentury, shehasbeenaguideforleaderswillingtoacceptthat invitation,tolookbeyondthetransactionalandintothe transformational.
AsthefounderandCEOofinviteCHANGE, aglobalcoachingandhumandevelopmentfirm headquarteredinFreeland,Washington,Harveybrings transformativeinsighttocorporateleadership.Withthe credentialsofaMasterCertifiedCoachfromthe InternationalCoachingFederation(ICF)andover 12,000hoursofpractice,shehasadeepunderstanding ofthemechanicsofbusiness.Hertruegiftliesinher abilitytoseethehumanbeingwithintheemployee,the possibilitywithintheproblem.TheinviteCHANGE ™ signaturephilosophy,GenerativeWholeness ,isa frameworkforamorehuman,andultimatelymore profitable,wayofbeing.
MeetingHarveyistoencounterablendof “bold curiosity and grounded empathy.” Shespeaksof businesschallengesas “powerful growth opportunities” andself-doubtasan “invitation to deepen practice.” Herworkwithseniorleadersattitansofindustry,such asAmazon,Boeing,andMicrosoft,isn’tabout providingeasyanswers.Itisaboutcoachingthemtoask betterquestions: “Who am I being?”, “What future are we creating?” Itisthroughthisgenerativeinquirythat shehasbuiltalegacy,notjustofbusinesssuccess,as evidencedbyastaggering 97% client renewal rate over 27 years,butalsoofprofoundhumanconnection.
TheSparkintheMachine
Janet’sjourneybeganintheheartofthecorporate machine.ArmedwithaBAinEconomicsandanMAin OrganizationalDevelopment,sheassumedanexecutive roleataFortune500company,leadingchange initiativesandobservingleadershipinitsnatural environment.Shesawfirsthandhowleadersgrappled withcomplexity,howtheythrived,andhowthey struggled.
“I realized that transactional solutions defined by processes, metrics, and tactics could be enriched by meeting people where they are and nurturing their whole selves,” Janetrecalls.Itwasacriticalinsight. Theprevailingbusinesswisdomfocusedonoptimizing whatandhow,oftenattheexpenseofwho.Thespark wasignited.In1997,guidedbythisnewunderstanding, shefoundedinviteCHANGE,acompanydedicatedtoa moreholisticapproachtobusinessandleadership.Her journeytobecominganICFProfessionalCertified Coachin2003andaMasterCertifiedCoachin2008 wasaformalrecognitionofthepathshehadalready forged.
TheGenerativeProposition
ThemissionofinviteCHANGEisto “catalyzehumandevelopmentsoleaders, teams,andorganizationsthrivetogether.” Thisispoweredbyacoremindsetthat perceiveseverypersonas“Whole, Resourceful,Capable,andCreative.”This isastrategicstartingpointthat fundamentallyaltersthedynamicbetweena leaderandtheirteam.
Tomovebeyondthetyrannyof ‘either/or’ thinkingthatplaguessomanyorganizations, leaders,andteamswhopracticeGenerative ™Wholeness methods,embracea ‘both/and’ ™ approach.GenerativeWholeness principlesvaluetransactionalcompetence (themetricsandprocesses) alongside relationalcompetence(thetrustand empathy),whilealsohonoringindividual autonomy(thesovereigntyofchoice) alongside interdependence(collective accountability).
Generativecoachingfocusesonunlocking potentialthatbuildsonstrengthsversus fixingweaknessesorcompensatingfor somethingperceivedasmissing.Leadersare guidedtoexploreprofoundquestionsthat shifttheirfocusfrommanagingtasksto stewardingafuturebyscalingperformance deeperintheorganizationasthefuelfor profitablegrowth. “Through this, leaders inspire trust, foster innovation, and elevate productivity because people access latent potential to innovate when they feel seen, heard, and empowered,” Janetexplains.
TheAlchemistofCulture
Themodernworkplaceisrichwith opportunities:withemployeeengagement atjust21%and76%ofemployees reportingincivility—13%experiencingit daily,costingU.S.companiesan estimate $2.0trillioninlost productivity—inviteCHANGEpartners withclientstotransformdisengagement andmisalignedculturesintovibrant, agileecosystems.
Cover Story
Theprocessisbothdiagnosticandconstructive bybuildingagenerativefuturestatethat sustainsexcellence.Itbeginswithsystem-level diagnosticsthatrevealhiddenstrengthsand frictionpointsinoperatingnormsand communicationflows,followedbygenerative coachingcircleswhereteamspractice sovereignchoicealignedtoasharedpurpose. Themostcriticalcomponentistheleadership pivot,whereexecutivesmodelcuriosityrather thancontrol,askingquestionsinsteadofissuing directiveswhilelisteningtolearnversus dominateandcorrect.
Theimpactismeasurableandprofound.Clients typicallyexperiencea15–30%liftin engagementscores.However,thequantitative dataonlytellspartofthestory.Thequalitative feedbackrevealsarealtransformation: frontlinemanagersshiftingfrom micromanagementtoempoweringtheirteams, revenueperemployeeincreasing,and innovationmilestonesbeingreachedmore quickly.Thisistherippleeffectofaculture wherepeoplefeelvalued.
ALeaderWhoListens
Janet’sownleadershipstyleisaliving embodimentoftheprinciplessheespouses.She describesitasadynamicpartnership,onethat involves“stewardingstrategywhilehonoring thefullhumanityofpeopleinitspursuit.” Sheleadswitha “quiet authority,” guidingher teamandherclientswithoutprescribing solutions.Herapproachisto “coach from a stance of ‘we’re discovering together,’” which fostersgenuineownershipandinspiredgrowth.
Thisphilosophyhasbeenhonedthrough Janet’sownchallenges.Shespeaksofmoments ofself-doubtnotasfailures,butasinvitations togodeeperintoherownpractice.Sherecalls “painting murals of vision on blank conference-room walls” intheearlydays,a powerfulmetaphorforherbeliefincreating possibilitywherenoneseemstoexist. “I anchored myself in generative inquiry rather than perfectionism,” Janetsays,alessonshe nowimpartstothemorethan1,000senior leadersshehaspersonallycoached.
Herlegacyisoneofremarkableimpact.Janethas accredited over 2,700 coachesthrough inviteCHANGE’sICF-accreditedprograms, ™ spreadingtheprinciplesofGenerativeWholeness acrosssixcontinents.Sheistheaward-winning authoroftwoAmazonbestsellingbooks, Invite Change: Lessons from 2020 and From Tension to Transformation (2024),whichisalreadyinits secondprintrun.
TheRegenerativeFuture
Lookingahead,Janetisfascinatedbytheimmense complexityandrapidpaceofevolutioninthe modernworld.Sheseesthecurrenttensionsnotas asourceofdespair,butas “seeds of transformation.” Hernextprojectisathirdbook, co-writtenwithacolleagueinRome,thatwill explorehowtocreatearegenerativecyclefor humanityontheplanet. “The planet will survive without the human race,” Janetsayswithsobering clarity “I’m invested in us being here for the long term.”
Janetisalsofocusedonharnessingtheanxiety aroundtechnologyandAI,channelingitintoacocreativeforce.AmajorinitiativeatinviteCHANGE istotranslatetheir700+hoursoflivecurriculum intoself-manageddigitallearning,makingtheir transformativetoolsaccessibletoaglobalaudience.
WhenshestepsawayfromherroleasCEO,Janet practiceswhatshe reaches.Hermorningsbegin withphysicalmovement—stretches,Pilates, weights—followedbythestillnessofmeditation. Shefindsjoyinallformsofalchemy:cooking, gardening,writing,singing,andcommunity volunteering. “These passions ground me,” she says, “reminding me that authentic presence fuels inspired leadership.”
Hermessagetothebusinessworldisaclearand powerfulinvitation.Sheurgesleaderstoembrace coachingandmentorshipwithhumility,totrustthat theirpeopleholdthekeystotheirown breakthroughs.“Myinvitation,”sheconcludes, ™ “embrace Generative Wholeness as your transformative advantage, because sovereign and empowered people are your most enduring asset.” Itisaprofound,andprofoundlyoptimistic,vision forthefutureofwork.
Casimiro Da Silva Santos
Themodernbusinesslandscapedemands morefromitsleadersthaneverbefore. Strategicplanningandoperational excellenceremainvital,yettheyproveinsufficient withoutthecrucialunderpinningsofresilience, adaptability,andgenuinehumanconnection.Many executivesfindthemselvesnavigatingintense pressurewhileconfrontingtheirownlimitations. IntothischallengingenvironmentstepsCasimiro DaSilvaSantos,knownasCoachCas,the founderandCEOofBringTheBest.Hiswork transcendsconventionalcoaching;itrepresentsa dedicatedefforttoreshapeleadershipfromthe insideout,equippingindividualsandorganizations notmerelytoperform,buttothrivewithpurpose andauthenticity.
LessonsfromtheFrontLines:ACorporate Career’sUnfoldingInsights
CasimiroDaSilvaSantosarrivedathiscurrent callingthroughthecrucibleofademanding25-year corporatecareer.Holdingdiverse,high-stakes positionsprimarilyinsalesandmarketing,he navigatedtherelentlesscycleofinternationaltravel, budgetmanagement,anddeadlinepressure.He achievedconsiderablesuccessbyconventional metrics.Notably,hespearheadedthelaunchofa companyinSouthAfrica,impressivelygrowingit toa30millionturnoverwithateamof100 employeesunderhisdirectionwithinjustfiveyears. Inanothersignificantaccomplishment,he revitalizedastrugglingdivision,methodically increasingitsEarningsBeforeInterestandTaxes (EBIT)fromamere1%toahealthy11%, prioritizingsustainableorganicgrowthover disruptiverestructuring.
Yet,amidsttheseprofessionaltriumphs,adifferent kindofaccountingbegan.Santosstarted documentinghisobservationsandreflectionson leadership,effectiveness,andfulfillmentinaseries ofpersonalnoteshetitled“BringTheBest.” Concurrently,therelentlesspaceandconstanttravel exactedapersonaltoll.Herecognizedagrowing disconnect,realizinghewasnotfullypresentforhis youngchild.Thisstarkawarenessignitedadeeper ambition:notjusttoachievecorporatetargets,but toinspireindividualstounlocktheirfullpotential andtransitiontowardswhatheterms“alifeof abundance.”Heunderstood,withclaritybornof
experience,thatfosteringthiskindofprofound transformationrequiredadifferentplatformthan theexecutiveroleshethenoccupied.Theseedsfor BringTheBestweresowninthedemandingreality ofcorporatelife.
BuildingtheFramework:BringtheBestand ActionCOACH
In2022,CasimiroDaSilvaSantosformally launchedBringTheBest,translatinghisyearsof observationandpersonalconvictionintoa dedicatedcoachingpractice.Thefirmoffers specializedcoachinginseveralkeyareas:business growth,leadershipdevelopment,executive performance,andteamoptimization.Recognizing thevalueofprovensystems,approximatelynine monthsago(relativetothispublication),Santos alsoacquiredafranchisewithActionCOACH, integratingitsestablishedmethodologieswhile maintainingthedistinctidentityandfocusofBring TheBest.
BringTheBest’scoremissionremainsdeeply personal:guidingindividualsandorganizations towardrealizingtheirenvisionedfuturesand achievingtheirmostsignificantaspirations.Santos placesaparticularemphasisonsupportingthe LGBTQIA+community,creatingaspacewhere authenticityisnotjustwelcomedbutfoundational togrowth.Hedifferentiateshispracticethrougha coachingstylerootedinempathyandgenuine connection,contrastingsharplywiththeoften impersonal,advice-drivenapproachofuntrained individualswhomaylabelthemselvescoachesbut functionmorelikeconsultants.
Critically,Santosunderscorestheimportanceof professionalstandardsandaccreditation.Holding certificationsfromrespectedinternationalbodies liketheInternationalCoachingFederation(ICF) andtheEuropeanMentoringandCoachingCouncil (EMCC),heensureshisclientsreceiveservices groundedinestablishedcompetenciesandethical guidelines.Hepositionshisrolestrategically, viewinghimselfasavitallinkwhoeffectively bridgesthedistinctyetrelateddomainsofcoaching (facilitatingself-discovery),mentoring(sharing experience),andconsulting(providingexpert advice),tailoringhisapproachtothespecificneeds ofeachclient.
TheEntrepreneur’sGauntlet:ResilienceForgedin Setbacks
Transitioningfromastructuredcorporateenvironment totheunpredictableworldofentrepreneurship presenteditsownsetofformidablechallenges.Santos speakscandidlyaboutencounteringsetbacks, acknowledgingthefrustrationsandmomentsofselfdoubtinherentinbuildinganewventure.He confrontswhathecalls“lessonsininsufficiency,” recognizingthatambitionsometimesoutpacescurrent capacity–“Sometimesyouarenotbigenoughto weartheshoesyouwanttowear.”
However,centraltohisleadershipphilosophyisthe unwaveringbeliefinperseverance.Hereframes failurenotasanendpoint,butasaninvaluable learningopportunity,promptingrigorousanalysisand adaptationforfutureactions.Whileacknowledging thenaturalemotionsoffrustration,hemaintainsa resolutefocusonhisultimategoals,activelypushing pastfeelingsofinadequacy Thisinvolvesapragmatic acceptanceofreality–understandingthatnotevery opportunityistherightfitandthatthepastcannotbe altered.Consequently,hechannelshisenergy decisivelytowardsshapingasuccessfulfuture.This hard-wonresilienceinformshiscoaching,allowing himtoconnectauthenticallywithclientsfacingtheir ownobstacles.
Hispersonaljourneyincludesamilestoneheranksas paramount:comingoutatworkduringhiscorporate career.Hedescribesthisactofembracingandopenly expressinghistrueidentityasperhapshis“greatest achievement,”atestamenttothecouragerequiredto liveauthentically,especiallywithinpotentiallyless acceptingenvironments.Thispersonalconviction deeplyinfluenceshiscoaching,particularlyhiswork withintheLGBTQIA+community.
DefiningModernLeadership:BeyondCommand andControl
Drawingfromhisextensivecorporateexperienceand ongoingworkwithleaders,Santosassertsthat effectiveleadershiphasfundamentallyshifted.Itnow centersunequivocallyonpeople.Empathyand authenticityarenolongerperipheraltraitsbutcore requirements.Leadersmustrecognizetheirteam membersaswholehumanbeings,notmerelycogsin amachine.
Furthermore,adaptabilityreignssupreme.Theability toguideteamsthroughrapidchange,supporting individualsastheynavigateuncertaintyattheirown pace,iscrucial.Thisrequiresleaderswhoareagile, responsive,andadeptatbuildingpsychologicalsafety Santosemphasizesthenecessityoffosteringtrustand respect,creatinggenuine,reliablerelationshipswhile simultaneouslyinspiringambitionanddriving performance.Thesequalities–agility,adaptability, empathy,authenticity,andtheabilitytocultivatetrust –formtheessentialtoolkitforleadersnavigating today’svolatilelandscape.
Hisperspectiveisshapedbyleaderswhodefied convention,citingNelsonMandela,SteveJobs, RichardBranson,JackWelch,andSimonSinekaskey inspirations.Fromthem,helearnedthepowerofselfbelief,theviabilityofunconventionalpaths(misfits findingsuccess),thewisdomofguidingfrombehind, andthefundamentaltruththatseeminglyimpossible goalscanbeachieved.
NavigatingWork,Life,andIndustryChallenges
Santosoffersapragmaticviewonwork-lifebalance, eschewingidealizednotions.Heacknowledgesthe significanttimecommitmentworkrequires(often8-12 hoursdaily)anditsinherentroleinshapingidentity Hisapproachinvolvesdeliberatetimemanagement, usingtechniquesliketimeblockingtoconsciously schedulepersonalactivities–relaxation,cultural pursuits,travel,socializing–directlyintohiscalendar withthesameimportanceasbusinessappointments. Healsointegratesmomentsofself-reflectionintohis routine,findingvalueinpatientintrospectionamidst thedailydemands.
Lookingatthebroadercoachingindustry,particularly inPortugal,Santosexpressesconcernoverthelackof regulation.Heobservesaproliferationofindividuals claimingcoachingqualificationsbasedsolelyonbrief onlinecourses.Thistrend,heargues,risksdilutingthe profession'scredibilityandcompromisingethical standards.Hepositionshisowncommitmentto rigorouscertification(ICF,EMCC)asanecessary bulwarkagainstthiserosionofquality Additionally,he acknowledgestheriseofAI-drivencoachingplatforms butquestionstheirabilitytoreplicatethenuanced valueexecutivesderivefromdeep,human-to-human coachinginteractions,especiallyinfosteringtrustand facilitatingprofoundshiftsinperspective.
TheImperativetoBegin:MindsetoverPerfection
CasimiroDaSilvaSantos’scoremessagetoaspiringleadersandentrepreneursisdirect andcompelling:Donotwaitfortheperfectmoment.Perfectionisanillusion,and hesitationistheenemyofprogress.“Startnow,”headvises,“withoutspendingtoomuch timethinkingaboutwhentobegin.”Preparation,inhisview,hingesmoreoncultivating therightmindset–oneofresilience,adaptability,andawillingnesstolearn–thanon havingeverydetailflawlesslyarrangedbeforehand.Heurgesindividualstopushpast self-doubt,trusttheirabilitytoadapt,andtakedecisiveaction.
ThroughBringTheBest,CasimiroDaSilvaSantoschannelshisextensiveexperience, hard-woninsights,anddeepcommitmenttoauthenticgrowth.Hisresponsibilities encompassnotonlydeliveringhigh-impactcoachingbutalsostrategicallymanaginghis business–includingoutsourcingkeyfunctionslikeaccountingandmarketingto navigatethecomplexitiesofsoloexpansion–andupholdingthehighestprofessional standardsinachallengingindustrylandscape.Hestandsasatestamenttothe transformativepowerofaligningone'sworkwithpersonalconviction,dedicatedto helpingothersovercometheirlimitations,embracetheirpotential,andtrulybringtheir besttotheworld.
Therearepoemsthatdance. Therearepoemsthatdazzle. Andthentherearepoemsthat do somethingelse entirely
Theydon’taskforyourattention—theyreachinandtake it.Quietly.Fiercely.Likeachildtuggingatyoursleeveora memoryyouweren’treadytoremember.
Thesefourpoemsdidthattome.Theymademestopmidstep.Theymademesitdown.Theymademebreathein sharplyandpressahandtomychestthewaywedowhen wordstouchthesacredplacethathasnoname—the intersectionofacheandawe.
Soheretheyare.Fourpoemsaboutmotherhood—aboutthe giving,theholding,thelettinggo.Aboutthebrutal tendernessofraisingandbeingraised.Thesearenotjust poems;theyarewindowsintoroomsyoudidn’tknowyou keptlocked.
1. What Children Say byKate
Baer
Ican’treachmycup,mywaterbottle, thesnackupontheshelf.Ican’tdo it.Iwon’tdoit.Iwouldneverdoit inamillionyears.Youneedtohelp me.Helpmefaster.Doittheway Iaskedyouto.Idon’tlikepizzaor watermelon.Idon’tlikeanythingI likedbefore.Idonotwantit.Ido notneedit.Iwillnevermoveupoff thisfloor.Donothelpme.Donot holdme.Donotsitdownbesidemy bed.I’mnotsleeping.I’mnottired. I’mtooscaredtofallasleep.Youmust holdme.Youmustrockme.Donot leavemeallalone.Iamthirsty.Iam hungry.Iamtootiredtoputmytoys away.Donotbeangry.Donotstart singing.WhereisthebutterflyIdrew? I’mstillhungry.I’mstillplaying.Will youleaveme?Willyoustay?
KateBaercapturesparenthood’smostmaddening, hilarious,humblinghours—thosemomentswhen yourchildiscryingforyounottohelp and tohold themtighter at the same time.It’spoetrythatknows thetrenches—thewaysomelovelookslike exhaustion,likerepeatingyourself1,000times,like stayingevenwhenyou'renotsurehow
2. The Lanyard
byBillyCollins
TheotherdayIwasricochetingslowly offthebluewallsofthisroom, movingasifunderwaterfromtypewritertopiano, frombookshelftoanenvelopelyingonthefloor, whenIfoundmyselfintheLsectionofthedictionary wheremyeyesfelluponthewordlanyard.
NocookienibbledbyaFrenchnovelist couldsendoneintothepastmoresuddenly— apastwhereIsatataworkbenchatacamp byadeepAdirondacklake learninghowtobraidlongthinplasticstrips intoalanyard,agiftformymother.
Ihadneverseenanyoneusealanyard orwearone,ifthat’swhatyoudidwiththem, butthatdidnotkeepmefromcrossing strandoverstrandagainandagain untilIhadmadeaboxy redandwhitelanyardformymother.
Shegavemelifeandmilkfromherbreasts, andIgaveheralanyard. Shenursedmeinmanyasickroom, liftedspoonsofmedicinetomylips, laidcoldface-clothsonmyforehead, andthenledmeoutintotheairylight
andtaughtmetowalkandswim, andI,inturn,presentedherwithalanyard. Herearethousandsofmeals,shesaid, andhereisclothingandagoodeducation. Andhereisyourlanyard,Ireplied, whichImadewithalittlehelpfromacounselor
Thispoemisachorusofcontradictions—thedaily negotiationsandemotionalweathersystemsofchildhood. It’sallhere:thesmalltyranniesofsnacktime,theemotional whiplashofbedtime,thedesperateneedforindependence thatcollapsesinstantlyintothedesperateneedforyou.
Hereisabreathingbodyandabeatingheart, stronglegs,bonesandteeth, andtwocleareyestoreadtheworld,shewhispered, andhere,Isaid,isthelanyardImadeatcamp.
Andhere,Iwishtosaytohernow, isasmallergift—nottheworntruth
thatyoucanneverrepayyourmother, buttheruefuladmissionthatwhenshetook thetwo-tonelanyardfrommyhand, Iwasassureasaboycouldbe thatthisuseless,worthlessthingIwove outofboredomwouldbeenoughtomakeuseven.
Ican’treadthisonewithoutlaughing—andthencryingbefore thenextlineends.
BillyCollins,withhissignaturewitandundercutofgrief,takes usthroughthatinevitablerealization: you can never repay your mother. Notwithlanyards.Notwithapoem.Notwithanything.
Youtry,ofcourse.Yougrowup,youbraidyourgratitudeinto smalltokens—plasticcrafts,burnttoastbreakfasts,longdistancecalls.Butsomewheredeepinside,youalwaysknow: shegaveyoutheuniverse,andallyouhaveisstring.
Thispoemisforanyonewho’severlookedbackatchildhood andwinced—atthecluelessofferings,thewell-meantefforts, theunspokenbeliefthatmaybe,justmaybe,thatmacaroni necklace was enough.Untilyouknowbetter.Andlovehereven moreforneverasking.
3. The Committee Weighs In
byAndreaCohen
Itellmymother I’vewontheNobelPrize.
Again?shesays.Which disciplinethistime?
It’salittlegame weplay:Ipretend
I’msomebody,she pretendssheisn’tdead.
Thispoemisforthoseofuswhohavelostamother—or anyonewelovedenoughtoinventfantasiesjusttoheartheir voiceagain.
It’sajoke.It’saprayer.It’salittlegamebetweenadaughter andaghost.ShewinsaNobel.Hermother,fromwherevershe is,raisesasardoniceyebrow— again?
Welaugh.Andthenweremember:thedead neverreallyleaveus.Notwhenwekeepinviting thembackinwithstories,withpoems,with pretendphonecallsaboutimaginaryprizes.
4. Mother, ACradle to Hold Me
byMayaAngelou
Itistrue
Iwascreatedinyou. Itisalsotrue
Thatyouwerecreatedforme. Iownedyourvoice. Itwasshapedandtunedtosootheme. Yourarmsweremolded Intoacradletoholdme,torockme. Thescentofyourbodywastheair Perfumedformetobreathe.
Mother,
Duringthoseearly,dearestdays Ididnotdreamthatyouhad Alargelifewhichincludedme, ForIhadalife Whichwasonlyyou.
Timepassedsteadilyanddrewusapart. Iwasunwilling. IfearedifIletyougo Youwouldleavemeeternally. Yousmiledatmyfears,saying Icouldnotstayinyourlapforever.
Thatonedayyouwouldhavetostand AndwherewouldIbe? Yousmiledagain. Ididnot.
Withoutwarningyouleftme, Butyoureturnedimmediately. Youleftagainandreturned, Iadmit,quickly,
Butreliefdidnotrestwithmeeasily Youleftagain,butagainreturned. Youleftagain,butagainreturned. Eachtimeyoureenteredmyworld Youbroughtassurance. SlowlyIgainedconfidence.
Youthoughtyouknowme, ButIdidknowyou,
Youthoughtyouwerewatchingme, ButIdidholdyousecurelyinmysight, Recordingeverymoment, Memorizingyoursmiles,tracingyourfrowns. Inyourabsence Irehearsedyou, Thewayyouhadofsinging Onabreeze, Whileasoblay Attherootofyoursong.
Thewayyouposedyourhead
Sothatthelightcouldcaressyourface
Whenyouputyourfingersonmyhand
Andyourhandonmyarm, Iwasblessedwithasenseofhealth, Ofstrengthandverygoodfortune.
Youwerealways theheartofhappinesstome, Bringingnougatsofglee, Sweetsofopenlaughter
Ilovedyouevenduringtheyears Whenyouknewnothing
AndIkneweverything,Ilovedyoustill. Condescendinglyofcourse, Frommyhighperch Ofteenagewisdom. Ispokesharplyofyou,often Becauseyouwereslowtounderstand. Igrewolderand Wasstunnedtofind Howmuchknowledgeyouhadgleaned. Andsoquickly
Mother,Ihavelearnedenoughnow
ToknowIhavelearnednearlynothing. Onthisday
Whenmothersarebeinghonored, Letmethankyou
Thatmyselfishness,ignorance,andmockery Didnotbringyouto Discardmelikeabrokendoll
Whichhadlostitsfavor
Ithankyouthat Youstillfindsomethinginme Tocherish,toadmireandtolove.
Thisone…thisoneisanocean.
MayaAngelou’stributetohermotherisasweeping,cinematic actofreverence—thekindthatspansfrominfancyto adulthoodandbackagain.It'sthestoryofthearmsthatrocked you,thevoicethatsoothedyou,thedisciplinethatshapedyou, andtheforgivenessthatlovedyouevenwhenyouwere unlovable.
Thepoemstretchesthroughtimelikeonlyamothercan:from thedayswhenshewasyourwholeworld,totheyearswhenyou thoughtyouknewbetter,tothemomentyoufinallyunderstood howmuchshetrulyknew
Ifyouhaveamother,hadamother,lostamother, became a mother—thispoemwillmeetyouwhereveryouare.
AFinalWordfromtheHeart
Readingthesepoems,Iwasremindedthat motherhood is a love letter constantly being revised. Thattomother—orbe mothered—istoliveinastateofconstantbecoming.Itis neverfinished.Neverperfect.Butalways,alwayssacred. Ifyourheartfeelstoofullrightnow,takeamoment.Letit swell.Letitache.That’swhatgoodpoemsdo—theyhold spaceforeverythingatonce.
Ithankyou,Mother Iloveyou.
Fotini Iconomopoulos
The Art of the Deal-A Leadership Coach Forging
Competitive Advantage
Intoday’sfast-pacedandhighlycompetitive marketplace,executiveleadershipfacesacritical challenge:securingatangibleadvantage. Strategicnegotiation,persuasivecommunication,and effectiveconflictresolutionarenolongerauxiliary skills;theyhavebecomecorecompetenciesessentialfor organizationalsuccess.Operatingwithinthisdemanding environmentisFotiniIconomopoulos,knownas“the negotiator”fromanearlyage.Shecurrentlydirects ForwardFocusing,aconsultancyfocusedon empoweringexecutivesthroughthemasteryofthese essentialskills.Herrecentreturntoacademia,whereshe teachesMBAnegotiationatYorkUniversity’sSchulich SchoolofBusiness,reflectsacareermarkedbypractical applicationandacommitmenttoeducation.
Executivecoachingtodaygoesbeyondgeneral motivationalguidance.Itservesasatargeted interventionaimedatrefiningspecific,performancecriticalskills.FotiniIconomopoulos’spracticealigns withthisrigorousframework.Hermethodology emphasizesactionablestrategiesanddemonstrableprofit enhancements,ratherthanmerelytheoreticalconceptsor abstractleadershipideas.ForwardFocusingoffers customizedadvisory,coaching,andtrainingservicesthat directlyaddresscorebusinessobjectives.
Iconomopoulosclaimsthatherexpertiseenables executivestonegotiatefrompositionsofstrength, cultivatecompetitiveadvantagesthroughimproved communicationstrategies,andproactivelymanage conflictstoreduceorganizationaldisruptionandboost
profitability.Hervaluepropositionfocusesonmeasurable outcomes,ensuringthatleadershipdevelopmentisdirectly linkedtotangiblebusinessresults.Herapproachdeserves attentionforitsdirectnessandemphasisonquantifiable impact.
FromRetailtoBoardroom:BuildingExpertise throughDiverseArenas
FotiniIconomopoulos’sprofessionaljourneyshowcasesa deliberateprogressionthroughvarioussectors,witheach phasecontributingtoherexpertiseincoaching.Hercareer beganwithadecadeofmanagingsmallretailbusinesses, whereshehonedhernegotiationskillsinahands-on environment.Thisentrepreneurialexperience, characterizedbydirectmarketengagementandimmediate feedback,providedherwithasolidunderstandingof commercialdynamics.
Shethentransitionedtothecorporatesectorwithinthe consumerpackagedgoodsindustry,whichfurtherrefined herskillsinastructuredorganizationalcontext.This corporateexperienceexposedhertothecomplexitiesof large-scalenegotiationsandthestrategicaspectsof competitivepositioninginestablishedmarkets.
Hernextcareerphaseinmanagementconsulting formalizedherexpertise.Duringthistime,shedeveloped asuccessfulnegotiationadvisorypracticewithinaglobal firm,whichsolidifiedhermethodologicalapproachand allowedhertoapplyherskillsacrossvariousindustries andorganizationalstructures.
Eightyearsago,sheestablishedForwardFocusing, whichmarkedtheculminationofhercareer progression.Thisplatformenableshertodirectlyserve executiveclientswhilesharingherexpertisemore broadly Additionally,herreturntoacademiaasan MBANegotiationsinstructoratSchulichBusiness Schoolallowshertosharetheknowledgeshehas accumulatedandcontinuallyrefineherpractical methodologieswithinthecontextofcurrentbusiness theories.
Overall,hercareerarcillustratesiterativeskill developmentandexpandingspheresofinfluence, culminatinginafocusedpracticedesignedtoenhance executiveeffectivenessinhigh-stakescommercial engagements.
EmpoweringExecutives:StrategiesforProfitand CompetitiveEdge
Iconomopoulos’scoachingmethodologyprioritizes achievingtangiblebusinessresults.ForwardFocusing’s servicesspecificallytargetkeyperformanceindicators, includingtheachievementofbusinessobjectives,the creationofcompetitiveadvantages,proactiveconflict navigation,andprofitenhancement.Herapproach focusesonempoweringexecutivestonegotiatefroma positionofstrength,emphasizingtheimportanceof buildingconfidenceandstrategicpreparation.
Thisempowermentgoesbeyondindividualskill enhancement;itaimstofosterteamalignmentand synergyinbothcontractexecutionandstrategic initiatives.Iconomopoulosunderscoresthesignificance ofpracticalcommunicationandconflictmanagement strategies,shiftingfromreactivedamagecontrolto proactivemanagementofpowerdynamics.
Herfocusonproactivestrategies,alongwith customizedtrainingworkshopsandlectures,is designedtobuildbothcompetenceandcredibilityfor herclientswithintheirrespectiveindustries. Additionally,heremphasisontailoredsolutions addressesthespecificchallengesfacedbyvarious sectors,suchasconsumerpackagedgoods,retail, professionalservices,energy,law,telecommunications, andfinance.Thisblendofsector-specificexpertiseand results-drivenmethodologyformshercorevalue propositionforexecutiveclientsseekingmeasurable improvementsincommercialperformanceand leadershipeffectiveness.
BeyondtheBoardroom:ABroaderImpactand PersonalEthos
FotiniIconomopoulos’sprofessionalmotivationsgo beyondmerecommercialinterests.Sheisdedicated toempoweringindividuals,particularlywomenand disadvantagedgroups,byfosteringconfidenceand resilienceinfacingprofessionalchallenges.This commitmentisevidentnotonlyinhercoaching practicebutalsoinherpublicspeakingengagements focusedonnegotiation,communication,and leadership,aswellasherinvolvementinnon-profit initiatives.
Iconomopoulosdefinessuccessasablendof professionalachievement,personalintegrity,anda dedicationtohelpingothers.Thisholisticapproach integratesprofessionalimpactwithethical considerationsandsocialresponsibility,shapingher methodsinbothcoachingandbroaderprofessional interactions.Sheviewschallengesnotas insurmountableobstaclesbutascatalystsfor personalandprofessionalgrowth.Herown experienceswithdiscriminationhavebeen formative,helpingtodevelopherresilienceand empathy.
Herpersonaljourneyofovercomingadversityserves asamotivationalfoundationforhercoaching philosophy,especiallyforclientsfacingsystemic barriers.Iconomopoulos’sbroadervisionfor ForwardFocusingincludesexpandingaccessto negotiationandleadershipskillsbeyondthe corporateelite,aimingtoprovidepracticaltoolsfor personalandprofessionaladvancementtoawider audience.Thisaspirationtodemocratizeexpertise, alongsideasustainedfocusonindividual empowermentandtangiblebusinessoutcomes, definesFotiniIconomopoulos’suniquecontribution tothefieldofexecutiveleadershipcoaching.
WhenevaluatingFotiniIconomopoulos’s exceptionalstatuswithinleadershipcoaching, severalkeyfactorsstandout.Hercareerillustratesa consistenttrajectoryofskillenhancementandan expandinginfluence.Hercoachingmethodology prioritizesmeasurablebusinessoutcomes,addressing keyperformanceindicatorsrelevanttoexecutive leadership.Hercommitmentextendsbeyond commercialsuccess;itencompassesbroader principlesofempowermentandsocialresponsibility
You’renottryingtolookcute.You’retryingtolook credible.
That’stheunspokenruleintheearlyphaseofbuildinga business.You’rewearing12hats,workingpastmidnight, andwatchingyourcompetitionslaptogetherpolished websiteswith“teams”thatdon’tevenexist.And yet—hereyouare,seriousaboutsolvingarealproblem.
Good.Butifyourbusinessdoesn’t look thepart,itwon’t earn thepart.Peopledon’ttrustwhatfeelstemporary Youneedtobuildvisibleproofofpermanence.Fast. Withoutabigteam,withoutcapital,andwithoutneeding to“scale”anythingjustyet.
Thisisn’taboutfake-it-til-you-make-it.Thisisabout operating like a real business—evenifit’sstilljustyou.
Herearefiveeasywinsthatmakeyourbusinessfeel established,trustworthy,andrealfromdayone.
1.OfferaRetirementPlan—EvenIfYou’retheOnly Employee
Noonetellssolopreneursthis,butthefirstinternaltrust signalisn’tpayroll.It’splanningfor your future.
Youmightthinkretirementplansareforcorporations. They’renot.Thankstopooledemployerplansand platformsbuiltforleanbusinesses(likeGuidelineor HumanInterest),youcannowsetupa401(k)foryour companywithouthiringanHRteamorpaying enterprisefees.
Whatdoesthisdo?Ittellsyourbrain—andanyone lookingclosely—thatthisbusinessisn’tasidehustle. It’salong-termentity You’resettinginfrastructure forgrowth.
Evenbetter?It’stax-smart.Youreduceyourtaxable income,investforthelonghaul,andturn“I’mfiguring thingsout”into“I’mbuildingsomethingthatlasts.”
That’snotoverhead.That’s positioning.
2.SecureaWorkspaceThatSignalsCommitment
Youdon’tneedglasswallsandping-pongtables.Butyou do needaphysicalsignal—internalandexternal—that thisisnotahobby.
Here’sthething:workingfromyourcouchmayfeel efficient,butitblursboundaries,dilutesfocus,andchips awayatyourauthority Aworkspace—evenasmall one—correctsthat.
Pickyourflavor:
· Aco-workingdeskwithyourbusinessnameonthe door.
· Asharedofficeyoushowuptotwiceaweek.
· Aregisteredvirtualbusinessaddressthatisn’tyour home.
Whateveritis,makesureitgivesyouaplaceto be the businessowner.Physically.Routinely.
Whenyouseparate“livingspace”from“workingspace,” yourmindshiftsfrom trying toworkto owning thework.
Clientsfeelthatenergy.Sodoyou.
3.GetaBrandedEmailandCalendarSystem.Today.
Ifyou’restillemailingfromYourName1987@gmail.com, you’releavingmoneyonthetable.Harsh,buttrue.
Abrandedemail(likeyourname@yourbusiness.com) takes15minutestosetupviaGoogleWorkspaceor Microsoft365.Thebenefitsareimmediate:
· You’retakenseriously.
· You’renotfilteredintospam.
· You’renotexplainingwhatyourbusinessiseverytime yousendamessage.
Youalsogain:
· Asharedcalendarthatletsclientsbookmeetingswith zeroback-and-forth.
· IntegrationwithCRMs,projecttools,andfilestorage systemsthatstreamlinehowyouwork.
Moreimportantly,youeliminateconfusion.Nobody’s wondering,“Isthislegit?”
Youwanttrust?Startwith clarity Andclaritybegins withtheemailyousendat8:47a.m.onaMonday
4.AutomateClientOnboardingBeforeYouBurnOut
Theearlydaysoflandingclientsfeelexciting—until theydon’t.
Ifyou’remanuallychasingpaperwork,askingthesame sixquestionsoneverycall,andresendingZoomlinks becausesomeonelostthem...you’renotrunninga business.You’rechasingchaos.
Fixthatwithasimpleonboardingsystem.Noexpensive softwareneeded.
· UseGoogleFormsorTypeformtocollectclient details.
· SetupCalendlytobookmeetings.
· Automateconfirmationemailswithclearnextsteps.
· PlugitintoNotionorTrellototrackprogress.
That’sit.
Thissystemdoesn’tjustsaveyourtime—it builds trust Newclientsfeellikethey’reenteringsomething structured.Theystopsecond-guessing.Youstop over-explaining.
Youlookexperienced.Theyfeelsecure.
Bonus:youcreatebreathingroomtoactuallydothe workyouwerehiredfor
5.MakeYourWebsiteDeadSimple—andFunctional
Ifyourhomepagesays“ComingSoon,”you’relosing leads.
Youdon’tneedafancysitewithparallaxscrollsand animations.Butyou do needthebasics:
· Whoyouhelp
· Whatyouoffer
· Howtobookorcontactyou
That’sit.Onepage.Maybetwo.
Add:
· Aphotoofyou,notstockart.
· Acoupleofrealtestimonials,evenifthey’refrom betaclients.
· Aschedulinglink.
· AclearCTA—whatshouldIdonextifI’m interested?
Stripthefluff.Killthejargon.Don’ttrytoimpress. Tryto explain—clearly,quickly,confidently
Thegoalofyoursiteisn’tto“wow.”It’stoconfirm legitimacyandcreateaction.
Whensomeonevisits,theyshouldsay:“Oh,thisis forme—andthispersonisreadytotalkbusiness.”
FinalWord:MakeTheseFiveMovesandYou’ll NeverLookSmallAgain
Professionalismisn’taboutscale.It’sabout structure. Youcanbeasolofounderandstilloutshine businesseswithfive-personteamsbecauseyou thought through the details
Thepointofthesefivemovesisn’taesthetics.It’s optics that support operations.Theyletyou:
· Raiseyourperceivedvalue.
· Justifyyourrates.
· Retainyourbestclients.
· Sleepatnightknowingyourhouseisinorder
Noneofthesestepstakemorethanafewhours.But eachonebuildsthebonesofabusinesspeopletrust.
Don’twaituntilyou“hireyourfirstemployee.” Thesearethemovesthat get you there.
You’renotjustbuildingabusiness.You’rebuilding the infrastructure of confidence.
Onesmallwinatatime.
Contemporarybusinessleadershipoperatesin
anenvironmentcharacterizedbyconstant volatilityandtechnologicalchange. Executivesfacepressuresthatrequirenotonly traditionalmanagerialskillsbutalsoadaptabilityand strategicforesight.Inthischallenginglandscape, effectiveleadershipiscrucial.
SadhanaSomasekharstandsoutasasignificant figureinexecutivecoaching,providingguidanceto leadersatthehighestlevelsofglobalcorporations.As theCEOandManagingDirectorofPlatinum InfosystemsandanIndependentDirectorcertified bytheIndianInstituteofCorporateAffairs, Sadhanahasacareerthatspansthreedecadesin businessbuildingandleadershipwithinthetechnology andITsectors.Hercandidacyforinclusioninany assessmentofthe“Exceptional10LeadershipCoaches for2025”warrantsthoroughinvestigation.Doesher methodologyandprofessionalbackgroundjustifythis distinction?Thisprofileexamineshercareertrajectory, coachingphilosophy,andnotableimpactonexecutive leadership.
Sadhanaproposesaleadershipmodelbasedon practicaloperationalexperience,boardroom knowledge,andastrongcommitmenttoequipping executivesforthecomplexitiesofthemodernbusiness world.
Executivecoaching,initsevolvedstate,servesasa strategicinterventionaimedatenhancingspecific leadershipskillscrucialfornavigatingcomplex organizationalchallenges.Sadhana’spractice epitomizesthisfocusedapproach.Hermethodologyis
centeredaroundpracticalbusinessknowledgeand measurableorganizationalimprovement,movingaway fromgeneralizedmotivationaltheoriestotackle concreteleadershipchallenges.Underherleadership, PlatinumInfosystemsspecializesinmanagement consultingandCXO-levelexecutivecoaching, collaboratingwithclientsacrossvariousindustry sectors.
Sadhanabelievesthathervaluepropositionliesinher ownfrontlinebusinessexperiencecoupledwithher insightsfromtheboardroomandcertifiedcoaching qualifications.Thisuniquecombinationenablesherto partnereffectivelywithleadersfacingcriticalstrategic decisions.Suchanapproach,groundedinpractical applicationandasolidunderstandingofbusiness,merits carefulconsiderationregardingitseffectivenessand impactonexecutiveperformance.
FromTechOperationstoGlobalBoardrooms:A TrajectoryofLeadershipandTurnaround
Sadhana’sprofessionaljourneyreflectsacareerdefined byoperationalleadershipandstrategicbusiness transformation.Herearlyroleslaidthegroundworkin thetechnologyandITsectors,ultimatelyleadingherto becometheJointManagingDirectorofFutureFocus Infotech.Inthisrole,shewasresponsibleforglobal businessoperations,overseeingprofitsandlossesacross India,theUnitedStates,andtheMiddleEast.Shealso droveinnovationandengagedstakeholdersbothwithin theboardandexternally.Thisextensiveoperational experienceequippedherwithadeepunderstandingof globalbusinessdynamicsandthecomplexdemandsof executiveleadershipinamultinationalcontext.
CEO and Managing Director
Platinum Infosystems
AsPresidentofFocusAmerica,Inc.,Sadhanaplayeda pivotalroleinaturnaroundinitiative,transformingtheUS subsidiaryintoaprofitableandstrategicallysignificant entity.Thisachievementreflectsnotjustfinancialsuccess butalsoshowcasesherdecisiveleadershipandstrategic executioninahigh-pressure,results-drivenenvironment. HerfoundingandleadershipofPlatinumInfosystems furtherdemonstrateherentrepreneurialandbusinessbuildingskills.Thecompany’srecognitionas“IBM BusinessPartneroftheYear”initsinauguralyear highlightsitsearlysuccessandmarketimpactunderher guidance.
Sadhana’sinfluenceextendsbeyondexecutivemanagement tobroaderindustryengagementandcorporategovernance. Herinvolvementinvariousindustryorganizationsand thinktanks,includingNASSCOM,CII,WEF,SAPIO,and FICCI,underscoreshercommitmenttoshapingindustry discourseandcontributingtopolicydevelopment.Serving asChairpersonofNASSCOM’sDiversity&Inclusion committeeandtakingonleadershiproleswithinWEFand SAPIOreflectsherdedicationtoaddressingcriticalissues withinthebusinesscommunityandhercommitmentto makingabroadersocietalimpact.Additionally,herroleasa
CertifiedIndependentDirector,recognizedbytheIndian InstituteofCorporateAffairsundertheMinistryof CorporateAffairs,signifiesherformalexpertisein corporategovernanceandstrategicdecision-makingat theboardlevel.Thiscombinationofoperational leadership,industryengagement,andcorporate governanceexpertiseformsadiversefoundationforher executivecoachingpractice,settingherapartfrom practitionerswithpurelytheoreticalornarrowly specializedbackgrounds.
CoachingMethodology:PracticalExperience
GuidingExecutiveAction
Sadhana’scoachingmethodologyemphasizesa practical,experience-basedapproachthatisinformedby herextensivebusinesscareer.Hervalueproposition combineshands-onoperationalknowledge,boardroom insights,andcertifiedcoachingtechniques,offeringa uniqueperspectivetoC-suiteexecutivesandboard members.Thismethodologygoesbeyondgeneric leadershipprinciplesbyfocusingonthespecific challengesandstrategicimperativesthatexecutivesface incomplex,globalorganizations.
PlatinumInfosystems’focusonManagementConsultingandCXO Executive&LeadershipCoachingreflectsthistargetedapproach, providingcustomizedsolutionsacrossvariousindustries,includingreal estate,healthcare,technology,andfinancialservices.Herco-foundingof ZeusCareer&PerformanceCoachPvt.Ltd.underscoresher commitmenttoleadershipdevelopment,specificallyaimedatmid-career, high-potential“CorporateAthletes”—thefutureleadershippipelineof industry.TheZeusmodel,deliveredbyestablishedCXOsandbusiness leaders,highlightstheimportanceofpractical,experience-driven mentorshipandcoachingthatisdirectlyrelevanttothechallengesof careeradvancementandleadershipeffectivenessincompetitivecorporate environments.
Sadhana’scoachingaddressescontemporaryleadershipchallenges, includingthegrowinginfluenceofdatascienceandartificialintelligence onglobaleconomies.Herapproachpreparesleaderstonavigateemerging AItrends,suchastheevolvingrolesofleadershipinAI-driven organizations,thenecessitytomeasureROIonAIinvestments,andthe importanceofcultivatingdata-drivencultures.Thisforward-looking perspective,whichincorporatestechnologicaltrendsandtheirimpacton leadership,distinguisheshercoachingpracticeasrelevantandadaptiveto thechangingdemandsofthebusinesslandscape.Herfocusonbusiness acumen,creativeproblem-solving(froma“biggerpicture”perspective),
andeffectiveinterpersonalengagement showcasesaholisticviewofleadership development,integratingstrategic thinkingwithpracticalexecutionand human-centriccommunicationskills.
RecognitionandImpact:ATrusted AdvisorinHigh-Stakes Environments
Sadhana’sprofessionalimpactis recognizedthroughconsistentindustry awardsandaccolades.Whilespecific clienttestimonialsremainconfidential, theongoingreceiptofthese recognitionsservesasexternal validationofhereffectivenessand professionalstanding.Forinstance, PlatinumInfosystemsawardedherthe “IBMBUSINESSPARTNEROFTHE YEAR”titleinitsinauguralyear, underscoringherearlysuccessand significantinfluenceinthemarket. Herabilityto“seethebiggerpicture andconnectthedots,”alongwithher talentfor“impactfullyandeffectively engagingwithpeople,”alignswiththe qualitiesofatrustedadvisorand counselortoleadership.Thisfocuson strategicvisionandinterpersonal effectiveness,combinedwithher provenbusinessacumen,positionsher asavaluableassetforexecutives navigatingcomplexorganizationaland marketdynamics.
Moreover,herroleasa“trustedadvisor andcounselortoleadership”indicatesa profoundlevelofengagementand influencewithherclients.Thisgoes beyondmeretransactionalcoaching, allowinghertoestablishlong-term, impactfulpartnerships.
NothingChanges
Everygrowthstoryyouadmire startedwithoneunglamorous move.
Notthebookdeal. Notthefundinground. Notthekeynotestage.
The move.Theonethatlooked first smallontheoutsidebutshifted everythingontheinside.
Theproblemis,mostpeoplenevermake it.Theythinkthewinstartswitha“big break,”sotheywait.
Foundersdon’twait. Theylifttheirfoot.
WhytheFirstInchMattersMore ThantheFirstMile
Businessmomentumdoesn’tstartwith courage.Itstartswithmotion.
Standingstillfeelssafe.Youtellyourself you’re“thinkingitthrough”or“waiting fortherighttime,”butinreality,you’re stuckbecausestayingputcostsnothing inthe shortterm.
Exceptitdoescostyou.Quietly.Every day.In:
· Unsentproposalsthatcouldbring revenue.
· Avoidedphonecallsthatcouldsavea partnership.
· Productideasthatdieinyour notebookbecauseyounevertested them.
Youdon’thavetoleapintoafullpivotora90daylaunchsprint.Youjusthavetobreakthe stillness.
TheFounder’sDefinitionof“LiftingYour Foot”
Inbusiness,liftingyourfootisanydecisionor actionthat:
1.Movesyoufromideaintoevidence. 2.Replacesastallwithasignalofprogress.
It’srarelydramatic.Infact,itusuallylooks like:
· Returningtheinvestor’semailyou’ve beenavoiding.
· Sendingapriceincreasenoticetoaclient.
· Cancellingthesoftwaresubscriptionyou knowyou’llneveruse.
· Publishingyournewpricingpagebeforeyou feel“ready.”
It’saboutbuildingatrackrecordofforward motion,notwaitinguntilyourconfidencefeels bulletproof.
WhyWeResisttheFirstMove
You’renotlazy.You’reprotectingyourself fromthediscomfortofexposure.
Thesecondyoumove,yourisk:
· Beingjudged.
· Makingavisiblemistake.
· Learningthatyourideadoesn’twork.
Soyoudelay Andinthatdelay,theweight growsheavier
Theirony?Movingevenoncemakesthenextmoveeasier Foundersknowthisbecausewe’veallfelttheshift—once thewheelturns,theresistancedrops.
Support Counts asMovement
Oneofthefastestwaystoliftyourfootistoadmityou’re stuck.Nottoyourreflectioninthebathroommirror,butto anotherhumanwhocanhelpyoumove.
Thatcouldmean:
· HiringafractionalCOOfortenhoursamonth.
· Askingapeerfoundertoreviewyourpitchdeck.
· Bookingacallwithalawyertocleanupyourcontracts.
Theactofasking momentum.CEOsatthetopoftheir is gamedon’thesitatetouseit.Theyoutsourcebottlenecks beforetheycalcify
YouDon’tNeedaFive-YearPlan—YouNeeda FirstStep
Here’sthetrap:founderswaittoactuntiltheycan seethewholeroad.
Thetruth?Yourarelyseebeyondthenextcorner. Youjustmovetowardit,andonlyonceyourethere doesthenextturnbecomevisible.
Thatfirststepmightlooklike:
· Openingyourbankdashboardandfacingthe numbersyou’veignored.
· Puttingyourproductinfrontoftenstrangersto hearwhattheyreallythink.
· Releasingabetaversionandlettingitgetmessy inthewild.
Perfectiondoesn’tcreateprogress.Progress createsoptions.
TheHiddenReturnontheFirstMove
Whenyouliftyourfoot,youdon’tjustcreate externalprogress—youcreateinternalleverage:
· Speed–Onceinmotion,decisionshappen faster.
· Clarity–Feedbackreplacesspeculation.
· Credibility–Peopletrustthosewhoactwithout waitingforconditionstobeperfect.
Thisiswhyseasonedfoundersmakequick,small movesdaily—theyknowtheROIcompounds.
TheQuietDisciplineofForwardMotion
Youwon’tseealotofInstagramposts aboutfounders:
· Sendingoverdueinvoices.
· Cancellingunderperformingcampaigns.
· Removingthemselvesfromapartnershipthat’s notworking.
Butthosemoveskeepcompaniesalive. Theyprotectcashflow,sharpenfocus, andpreventoperationaldrag.
Momentumisnotbuiltinbursts.It’sbuilt inconsistent,almostboringmovement. Thekindthatdoesn'ttrend—but doespay.
IfYou’veBeenStandingStill
Here’syourrealitycheck:
Youdon’tneedthe nextmove. perfect Youneed nextmovethatkeepsyou any fromfossilizinginplace.
Ifyou’rewaitingforasign,thisisit:
· Identifythesinglesmallestdecision you’vebeenpostponing.
· Makeitbeforethedayends.
· Watchthepressuredropandthenext moveappear.
That’showyoubuildunstoppable momentum—onedeliberateliftatatime.
FinalWord
Youdon’thavetorunfullspeedfromthe start.Youjustcan’tstaystill.
Liftyourfoot.Evenaninch.Becausethat inchchangeseverything—itkillsinertia, startsmomentum,andsignalstoyourself andothersthatyou'rebuildingsomething worthmovingfor.
CEOsdon’tgettherebygiantleaps.They gettherebyrefusingtostandinthesame spotfortoolong.
Yournextchapterdoesn’tbeginwhen you’reready.Itbeginswhenyoumove.
Scott Hansen
Thepathofentrepreneurship,particularlyforsmall businessowners,oftenleadstoafrustratingplateau. Initialsuccessdrivenbyhardworkand determinationcanstall,leavingtheownerconsumedbydaily operations,unabletoachievesignificantfurthergrowthin revenueorprofitability,andlackingpersonalfreedom. Addressingthiscommonpredicamentrequiresmorethan genericadvice;itdemandsastructuredmethodologyfocused ontangibleresults.ScottHansen,throughhisfirm SHConsulting,providessuchasystem.Heoperatesasa businesscoachandconsultantspecificallyforsmallbusiness ownerswhohavereachedthiscriticaljunctureandrequirea clear,accountableprocesstoscaletheirenterprises effectively
TheFoundation:FromInsighttoaFocusedPractice
Mr.Hansen’sentryintobusinesscoachingstemmedfroman analyticalcuriosityaboutthedriversofsuccessandpractical problem-solvingabilities.Heobservedadistinctneedamong establishedsmallbusinessowners:adesirenotonlyfor increasedrevenueandprofitbutalsoforsystemsthatwould grantthemgreaterfreedomfromthedailyoperationalgrind. Recognizingthathisapproach—combiningstrategicbusiness growthwithownerliberation—filledthisniche,he establishedSHConsultingoveradecadeago.Hispractice wasbuiltnotonabstracttheories,butonaddressingthe specific,expressedneedsofthisentrepreneurialsegment.
The
SHConsulting
Process:AFrameworkforMeasurable Growth
Mr.Hansen’scoachingphilosophyisanchoredunequivocally inachievingmeasurableresultsforhisclients.Ownersengage SHConsultingbecausetheyseeksubstantialimprovement–higherrevenues,greaterprofits,increasedbusinessvalue,or morepersonaltime.Theprocessheemploysissystematic:
1.ClearGoalDefinition:Theengagementbeginsby establishingaprecisevision.Mr.Hansenworkswiththe ownertoarticulatespecific,ambitiousgoalsforboththe businessperformance(financialmetrics,scalability)and theowner’spersonalobjectives(timeallocation, lifestyle).Thisclarityformsthebenchmarkagainstwhich progressismeasured.
2. AccountabilityStructure:Recognizingthat entrepreneursoftenlackexternalaccountability,Mr. Hansenimplementsastructuretoensureclientsadhereto agreed-uponplansanddeadlines.Thisdisciplineis crucialforbuildingthehabitsnecessaryforsustained successandbreakingthroughexecutionbarriers.
3. StrategicandTacticalInput:Mr.Hansen providesclientswithproven,practicalstrategies tailoredtotheirspecificbusinessneeds,focusing oncoredriverslikeleadgeneration,sales conversion,effectivemarketing,andoperational productivity.Heactsasbothanadvisor,helping shapetheoverarchingvision,andastrategist, offeringconcretesolutionstodrivegrowthand profitability.
4. IdentifyingOperationalBlindSpots:Akey functionofhiscoachinginvolveshelpingowners detachfromtheminutiaeofdailytaskstogaina strategicperspective.Heassiststhemin identifyingoperationalinefficiencies,resource misallocations,oractivitiesthatconsumetime withoutyieldingsignificantresults(“whatnotto do”).Thisobjectiveviewpointhelpsowners focusonhigh-impactinitiatives.
Mr.Hansenbackshisprocesswithaservice guarantee,anuncommoncommitmentinthe coachingindustry,signifyingconfidenceinhis methodology’sabilitytodeliver
EvidenceofEffectiveness:DocumentedClient Results
Thevalueofanybusinessconsultancyliesinits abilitytoproduceverifiableresults.SHConsulting pointstosubstantialfinancialimpactgeneratedforits clients.
· Collectively,Mr.Hansen’sclientsattributeover $300millioninrevenuegrowthtohisdirect involvementandstrategicguidance.
· Multipleclients,underhiscoaching,have achievedplacementontheprestigiousINC5000 listoffastest-growingprivatecompaniesinthe UnitedStates,asignificantbenchmarkofrapid scaling.
· Aspecific,illustrativecaseinvolvedaclient whosebusinessgenerated$3millioninannual revenuewhentheengagementbegan.Through implementingstrategiesfocusedonsales, marketing,andoperationalefficiencyunderMr Hansen’sguidance,thecompanygrewtonearly $15millioninannualrevenue.Importantly,this engagementalsofocusedondevelopingthe client’scapabilitiesasabusinessowner,enabling sustainableleadershipforoneofthetop companiesinitsindustry
· Shorter-termimpactisalsodocumented.One clientreportedadding$1.2millioninrevenuein lessthantwelvemonths.Anothersecured10 newclientswithinthefirstsixtydaysof workingwithMr.Hansen.
Thesefiguresandmilestonesserveasconcrete evidencesupportingtheeffectivenessoftheSH Consultingapproach.
TheRoleofOwnerMindsetinBusiness Execution
Mr.Hansenassertsthatmindsetplaysacriticalrole inbusinesssuccess,suggestingpsychologicalfactors accountforasignificantportion(citingan80% figureoftenusedinthefield).Withinhisframework, thistranslatesintotheowner’swillingnessand abilitytoadoptnewperspectives,implement challengingchanges,andmaintainfocusonstrategic goalsdespiteobstacles.Helinkspersonal developmentdirectlytobusinessgrowth,contending thatstagnationinoneoftenleadstostagnationinthe other.Hisprocessencouragesownersto continuouslyrefinetheirthinkingandleadership approachasaprerequisiteforimprovingbusiness performance.Thisisnotpositionedasabstractselfimprovement,butasanecessarycomponentfor effectivebusinessexecutionandadaptation.
MeasuringSuccess:TrackingProgressagainst Defined
Objectives
SuccesswithintheSHConsultingengagementis definedbytangibleprogressagainstthecleargoals establishedattheoutset.Typicallystructuredovera 12-monthperiod,thecoachingprogramculminates inanevaluationbasedonkeymetrics:
· Didrevenueincreaseasplanned?
· Didprofitabilityimprove?
· Didtheownersuccessfullyreducetimespent in day-to-dayoperationstofocusmoretime on strategicbusinessdevelopment?
Whenthesepre-definedobjectivesaremet,reflecting positiveROIonthecoachinginvestment,clients oftencontinuetheengagementtopursuefurther growth.Mr.Hansenmeasureshisownsuccessbyhis clients’achievementsandhiscommitmenttohis owncontinuousprofessionaldevelopment.
TheValueProposition:StructuredGrowthandEnhanced Freedom
SHConsultingofferssmallbusinessownersadefinedpathwayto breakthroughgrowthbarriers.Thevaluepropositionextends beyondisolatedtactics;itencompassesastructured,accountable processdesignedtofundamentallyimprovehowtheowner managesandscalesthebusiness.Thedualfocusonincreasing revenueandprofitabilitywhilesimultaneouslyengineeringgreater operationalfreedomfortheowneraddressesacoreaspirationof manyentrepreneurs.Mr.Hansenprovidesasystemforambitious ownerswhoarepreparedtoimplementchangesandbeheld accountableforachievingsignificant,measurableimprovementsin theirbusinessandtheirlives.
Scott Hansen I Owner
