Why I became an executive coach
I became a coach because of the transformative power of deep conversation.
Growing up, my family didn’t talk about challenges, feelings, or set backs. We were a “get up and go” kind of family.
That approach served me well for many years. I received an MBA from Stanford and had a great job at Apple as Worldwide Director of Finance. But when I ran into challenges at work — difficult relationships, politics, overwhelming workload, and failed projects — and wondered what I was doing wrong, I had no one to talk to.
Too many people in leadership positions try to do it alone — especially men. At best they rely on their spouse or boss as their primary sounding board. Absent an outside perspective, many people fall back on the same habits and patterns that drove their success: hard work, discipline, drive for perfection, impressing the boss, delivering excellence. That was me. As I learned, what got you here won’t get you there.
After 14 years at Apple, I was in a safe, stable, predictable job where I was an expert. I was working at an amazing company with great people, great products, and a great culture. Even though my upward trajectory had stalled, many people would have loved the position I had. As an ambitious person, I kept looking ahead to what came next, but I couldn’t find an answer.
At the same time I was contemplating my career, my marriage fell apart. I still had no one to talk to. Even if I did, I had no skills about how to talk about challenges in my life.
During this time I started and facilitated a men’s group. That group was transformative for me. I learned to talk about challenges, fears, and uncertainties. I got help making difficult decisions, and grew to be a more powerful and kind-hearted person. I wouldn’t be who I am today without that experience.
That group — and the lifelong friends that came from it — taught me the power of what John Maxwell calls the “Inner Circle”. Leaders face difficult situations and decisions every day, and a strong Inner Circle can be the difference between effectiveness and struggle. There is much to be gained by having an unbiased thought partner, one who has relatable leadership experience, and who brings a unique perspective.
My a-ha moment was connecting my professional and personal journey: what if I could make a career out of deep, meaningful conversations with others?
That was the start of my coaching business, but the transition was nerve-wracking. I had built my career at large corporations, and I was going to work for myself. I was an expert in my role, and I was going to be a beginner. I had a stable, safe job at a reputable company, and I had to establish my own brand and find my own business. I was scared, but I made the courageous decision to invest in myself.
The balance between career coaching (changing job / career) and executive coaching (excelling within your job / career) has shifted over time, but my goal remains the same: to help you bring more of your best self to work every day. As a coach, I am successful only if you are successful in defining and reaching goals that matter to you.
What I have learned working with dozens of clients is that doing more (pushing harder, working harder, being more disciplined) doesn’t work. The big payoff comes from working less, while being more intuitive and decisive.
Taking your foot off the brake does more than pressing harder on the gas. I help you do that.
For those who don’t know what their next career step should be, you don’t find the answer searching externally in the marketplace. The solution is internal: building the confidence to make a decision you feel good about, even when faced with multiple options.
My clients have been promoted, some twice. They have changed jobs and careers. They have worked fewer hours and become more effective. They have been less stressed, happier, and more present both at work and at home.
If you want to hear more about my clients and their success, or about my own story, setup an introductory call. I love meeting new people and would enjoy hearing your story and goals.
My Manifesto
I believe…
You are powerful. You can create and accomplish more than you think you can.
Introspection matters. Figure out what matters to you, then follow your own path, not someone else’s.
Courage is essential. Don’t get old and regret the things you never tried.
Comfort is overrated. Growth requires discomfort. Learn to tolerate it. It’s worth it.
You are responsible. It’s up to you. Now is the time. No one else is coming.
Secrets are for sharing. Being fully seen and known by others is the secret of life.
Lower the stakes. You’re one of 8 billion people on earth. We are circling one of 100 trillion stars in the universe, which is 14 billion years old. Perfection is irrelevant.