Trusted thinking partner to global tech leaders. Make a list of the boldest futures you dare to dream. Create a life you love. I write about leadership.
What's the strangest work-related request you've received?
Contributing to a Forbes Coaches Council article I learned I'm not alone in getting interesting client requests.
But one person’s unusual is another’s normal, so who’s judging?
A client had me take them multi-pitch rock climbing outdoors. They were working on being with fear and honouring values of adventure.
As a longtime climber, I know how to partner with people experiencing fear. The client found huge confidence in pursuing “Type 2” fun.
It reminded me, once again, that I've always been coach-like.
To be physically connected to someone on a rope; to collaborate; to trust each other enough to work at a limiting edge; where failure is objectively risky; to be fully seen in all our brilliance and at our most vulnerable...
In working with powerful clients it feels very much to me like I'm climbing with them.
When you have important work to do and you're operating at your edge and you want someone you can trust to hold your ropes...
...you need Trusted Thinking Partner.
Comment or DM me if you're interested in working with me. I have 2 Trusted Thinking Partner spaces. We might be good climbing partners.
#actsofleadership #executivecoach #leadershipdevelopment #psychologicalsafety
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Atomic Essay
"Few people challenge and engage like he does."
This is what a CTO executive coaching client said of me in a LinkedIn recommendation. It means a lot to me because it reflects the discomfort and edge-work I continue to engage with in service of my clients.
There is significant value in moving the needle more toward provocation when coaching with senior leaders.
It's not for everyone. And that's why I spend time designing my relationships and revisiting that design often.
Through writing about leadership I've learned to access and offer (without attachment) more of my opinions.
Here's 15 short atomic essays that share some of them…
What if a goal is not a place to get to? You already have access to what you need. So what are you waiting for?
What if the goal is never the goal? Stop focusing on lag measures and re-frame your thinking on lead measures. Get present and start being the person you want to be.
Work-life balance is a myth. Most tech managers think it's important, but they haven't got it right yet. I say you're having the wrong conversation.
Successful tech CEO's with high EQ don't care about balance. There are more powerful lead measures to focus on.
The 5 best executive coaching working today are FREE — if you have the courage to engage with them.
Never ask your executive coach their opinion on what you should work on when you're a curious leader looking to expand your range (especially when your coach is me). They might just show you.
As a tech manager you should spend more time being lazy.
Leadership is... taking responsibility for your part in the unhelpful patterns you co-create.
The difficult truth that courageous leaders with bold goals need to accept.
Stop doing what you're good at and start doing what you're paid for — good leaders know they don't solve problems.
The myth of unrealistic expectations. You're not going to ever be comfortable with a difficult conversation. Stop using it as an excuse.
Saying NO is the most helpful response. Saying YES is never helpful.
Leadership 360 assessments — it's the agreements, not the differences, that are interesting.
Most people suggest there is no such thing as failure. They are wrong.
If you're a curious leader looking for a trusted thinking partner to challenge your thinking then get in touch and let me know what you want to create.
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Atomic Essay
