Resurrecting suffering bosses
What does an executive coach do?
He works with executives and their teams, providing inspiration, motivation and support to help them to break through invisible barriers and create results that were elusive.
Describe what your typical workday involves.
I meet my clients — individuals or teams — at their offices to talk. These conversations create awareness and an understanding of new possibilities. Sometimes we talk about obstacles, and sometimes we create strategies to move more quickly.
You coach executives and entrepreneurs. What are the similarities and differences between the two?
Executives are in a corporate environment with all the complexity that entails, including dealing with superiors and subordinates, culture, politics, leadership and performance. Entrepreneurs are typically more money focused and are often more driven than the average corporate leader, who has the security of a job.
Sometimes I have to light a fire under corporate execs (which entrepreneurs usually do not require) and bring more system and strategy to entrepreneurs.
Are there issues that come up frequently with clients?
In the corporate environment, many of my clients confess to being bored, anxious, stressed and disengaged and aren’t sure how to answer the question: Where to from here?
Some of my clients want support to make the impossible happen.
Many come to me for personal reasons, simply to have a confidential space to work through personal issues — some want to get divorced, some want to get into a relationship and many are having affairs.
There is also the strictly business agenda of leaders wanting to raise their game. Many companies have a strategy but make the mistake of going for the “right” strategy instead of a real strategy.
I also do a lot of work with businesses and sales teams who are under immense pressure to perform and make a difference to the bottom line.
Many people are also confused about what they really want. We live in a time when you can be, do or have almost anything — many people are overwhelmed by the choice. The world is at our fingertips, but in gaining the world, we have lost ourselves.
What and where did you study, and how do your qualifications help you do your job?
I have six diplomas in coaching from local and international institutions. My years of study have provided me with the tools to make a difference in the lives of my clients.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I always thought I’d end up being in the diamond business, as that’s where my father had his business.
What do you love most about your job?
The look in the eyes of my clients when they have seen what was once an invisible barrier or have experienced a powerful, life-changing insight. People’s lives and businesses can often change in one powerful moment. I also get a kick out of seeing the look of aliveness when they are inspired, as well as the look of satisfaction when they achieve a goal I have assisted them with.
If you had to choose another career, what would it be?
Part of my coaching business involves taking my clients on coaching retreats to beautiful places. So I would probably be in the travel business.
What advice would you give to someone considering working in your industry?
It’s a rewarding space to play in, but it takes time to build a successful practice. Like anything worthwhile in life, patience, perseverance and dedication pay off.
What would people find most surprising about your work?
Sometimes I have to shout at clients. Most people live in a fog of fantasy. Sometimes I have to be harsh with my clients as nobody else is telling them the truth. I need to be able to have powerful conversations, and I have to be good at keeping secrets.