Coaching leaders and executives is, for me, a deeply satisfying and fascinating calling. I've had the privilege of coaching a broad range of leaders, from CEOs to senior financial, operational and talent officers, as well as investment fund and creative agency founders, a university president, law firm leaders, and start-up entrepreneurs. These executives are leading in a wide spectrum of industries and institutions, and in young and mature enterprises. They experience a breathtaking variety of opportunities and challenges, and share a fierce determination to make a positive difference in their business and personal spheres.
Through my coaching, leaders and executives are empowered to act with creativity, confidence, and joy. They become aware of -- and begin to embody -- the needed balance between task-focus and relationship-building. They get to know themselves far better, and I have seen this new self-knowledge unlock new possibilities and activate leaders' true, best selves. Coaching enables leaders to have a strong strategic focus that inspires their teams forward into even greater excellence, producing superior results. For illustrations of what my clients have gained through coaching, please click here.
Some tools and training I employ
Individual assessments. I am certified to utilize the powerful tool of The Leadership Circle Profile. This methodology for 360-degree assessments is best-in-class, and identifies the relative strength (versus more than 100,000 other leaders) of the leader's core creative competencies and reactive tendencies. For more information about these assessments, please click here.
Coaching teams. Most executives lead teams of one type or another. While I often coach these executives in their roles as team leaders, in many instances I can provide significant benefit through coaching their teams (including their leaders) directly. I have received extensive training and certification in team coaching through the Global Team Coaching Institute and have received the EMCC Global Team Coaching Individual Accreditation.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile. I’m certified to administer and debrief this helpful survey tool. Those taking the EMP survey gain valuable insight into how their skills and personality characteristics align with those typically possessed by entrepreneurs, in contrast with those of corporate managers. In addition to identifying additional skills that can be developed by those engaged in entrepreneurship, the EMP also helps corporate leaders identify internal candidates best equipped to lead new corporate initiatives as “intrapreneurs.” The EMP survey results are also an excellent springboard for coaching of individuals and teams. For more information, please click here.
What led me to coaching
By way of background, I spent four decades practicing law in Washington, including a stint in senior leadership roles in the federal government. In the law firm world, I headed a practice group and served two terms on the elected board of a major national law firm.
Through those years, I mentored many younger people, finding great satisfaction in seeing them find their footing and lead more fruitful lives. Inspired by those experiences, I left my leadership role in a major national law firm to gain skill in a discipline complementary to mentoring: namely, coaching business leaders and entrepreneurs. I became certified in leadership coaching through Georgetown University's world-class program. In the program, I discovered that being a lawyer gave me a leg-up in asking the powerful questions that are at the heart of coaching.
My personal interests
On a more personal note, I love having rich conversation with friends (long-time or newly minted), preferably under a shade tree within sight of a body of water. I also love the up-tempo hum of an urban office tower. I'm an explorer at heart: always on the lookout for natural beauty, thought-provoking writing and new running routes. My passion for charitable and educational endeavors has been expressed in service on the boards of several non-profit entities. My wife of 38 years is my best friend.
Other credentials
I am a member of the International Coach Federation, and have received the Federation's ACC certification based on my coaching experience and knowledge. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are from Princeton University and the University of Virginia Law School.
Let’s talk…
If you would be interested in exploring how coaching could assist you in achieving your goals, please contact me here. I look forward to meeting you!
