www.ceotodaymagazine.com Can you share your journey and qualifications as an executive coach, including your background and areas of expertise? My journey to becoming an executive coach was a unique combination of legal practice, strategic planning, and leadership development. After practicing law, I transitioned to strategic planning consulting, where I saw the need for strong leadership in executing business strategies. Over time, I added executive coaching to my portfolio, earning accreditations from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the Board Certified Coach (BCC). As a coach, I specialize in strategic leadership, talent optimization, communication, and executive presence, which are all vital to set the vision and direction of any organization, while bringing a legal analytical mindset to my coaching practice. What led you to pursue a career in executive coaching and ultimately launch The International Center for Strategic Planning? I launched the International Center for Strategic Planning to help leaders develop actionable strategies holistically. I was drawn to executive coaching after witnessing first-hand how pivotal leadership is to the successful execution of a strategic plan. We help companies craft actionable strategies and empower their leaders with the skills and mindset needed to execute those strategies effectively. To that end, we focus on nurturing skills that are not innate but must be intentionally cultivated over time, such as foresight, decision-making, and effective communication. Can you describe your coaching philosophy and approach? What are the key principles or techniques you utilize in your coaching sessions? My coaching philosophy revolves around the premise that every executive has the potential to become a highly effective leader with the right mindset and support. I use a mix of techniques, including active listening, powerful questioning, and personalized feedback, to help leaders communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and adapt to change, all of which are critical to executing strategic plans. Our overarching goal is to help leaders gain a deeper understanding of their leadership style, challenge their assumptions, and stimulate their intentional growth. How do you establish rapport and build trust with your executive clients, particularly if the executive has been forced by management to attend? Trust is the cornerstone of my coaching relationship. Even when an executive is mandated to attend, I create a safe, nonjudgmental space for open dialogue. In addition, I firmly believe in confidentiality due to my attorney background, and I ensure my clients that our discussions are private. Over time, this commitment to their growth fosters trust and engagement. How do you assess the needs and goals of your executive clients? What methods do you use to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development? To assess clients’ needs and goals, I use various tools, including psychometric assessments, our proprietary Actionable 360 feedback, and one-on-one interviews. I also pay close attention to their communication style, problemsolving approach, and interaction with others. This holistic 60 www.ceotodaymagazine.com
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