

1753 – The Power of Mentorship with Julian Harris
Dec 9, 2023
16:33
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder of Julian Harris Services Limited, Julian Harris.
Julian Harris, a seasoned leadership coach delved into the often overlooked challenges and isolation faced by leaders, particularly founders and CEOs. Julian shared his insights on the importance of having a mentor or sounding board to share concerns and seek guidance.
With his extensive experience working with leaders, Julian emphasized the importance of having someone to talk to about these concerns.
As a business grows, these two roles can become distinct, each with its responsibilities and challenges. Julian, leveraging his background as a former attorney, explained how he helps clients identify their passions and delegate tasks effectively, a crucial skill for both founders and CEOs.
Without a sounding board, leaders can find themselves lost in their thoughts, leading to unclear decision-making. Julian's coaching approach focuses on helping clients find clarity, connect with their innate wisdom, and tap into their creativity.
Julian also stressed the importance of self-care, comparing it to the safety briefing on an airplane, where you must put on your oxygen mask before helping others. Looking after oneself is crucial for effectively managing business and personal relationships.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Challenges and isolation faced by leaders, particularly founders and CEOs
- Importance of having a sounding board or mentor for leaders
- Role of a founder versus a CEO
- Potential consequences of not having a mentor
- Pains and complaints that leaders often share with a coach
- Coaching philosophy and approach to helping clients find clarity and connect with their innate wisdom and creativity
- Importance of slowing down and taking time for reflection in decision-making
- Julian Harris' experience as a leadership coach and working with leaders who feel lonely and struggle to find someone to talk to
- Value of a decelerated day for deep thinking, self-reflection, and exploring important questions