Ben Brooks is Founder and CEO of Pilot, a software-based employee coaching platform. Careers are becoming more self-directed with people needing to be more self-aware, advocate for themselves, and make career development a priority. Ben explains how Pilot is reframing growth and development, enabling employers to support employees’ individual development while also improving competitiveness and retention.
Key Takeaways:
[00:58] Every individual should plan to have 5 careers in their lifetime.
[01:52] Nurturing employees’ potential is key for engaging and retaining them.
[03:40] The Future of Work is self-directed, which means a greater reliance on the human brain, not less.
[07:03] Future of Work transformation has just started -- we are going through the teething stage now.
[08:22] Ben has had a varied career which he describes it as a zigzag.
[10:25] Why was Ben’s first job at Enterprise the most fun job he had?
[12:49] Why did Ben launch his career coaching platform, Pilot?
[14:54] Most people do not feel powerful at work.
[15:34] How to make employee growth and development a priority, not a hobby.
[16:47] We need help to focus as the attention economy pulls us in too many directions.
[17:56] One size doesn’t fit all for work or careers.
[18:35] Coaching helps unlock people being able to advocate for themselves.
[19:36] How Pilot handles the diversity of work across industries, organizations, and people.
[21:30] How Pilot helped a top salesman not have to choose between his health or success.
[22:25] Pilot enables users to focus on what really matters in life.
[25:24] Ben has a holistic approach when it comes to growth and development, focused on addressing current dissatisfaction and growing where you are.
[26:43] The commonalities in how to manage yourself as a professional and ensure the employee experiences suits you.
[28:17] The benefit of personal agility.
[29:42] A college degree is no longer sufficient.
[31:37] What employees need to future proof their careers.
[32:55] Leadership is not a position.
[36:09] How to manage your own inclusion by decoding and explaining yourself to others.
[39:30] The intent to democratize coaching to support employees owning their careers.
[41:59] The strategic role of HR and their need for data is supported by the product’s design.
[43:02] Pilot’s initial non-enterprise version.
[44:45] What are some of the biggest misconceptions of coaching?
[48:17] Immediate Action Tip: Look at any frustrations as an indicator to take action, advocate for yourself and own your life and experiences at work.
Resources:
Steve Jobs Commencement Speech
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
How Will You Measure Your Life? By Clayton Christensen
Quotes:
“The Future of Work is self-directed”.
“Most people do not feel powerful at work.”
“The intent to democratize coaching.”
“People seldom regret speaking up and advocating for themselves.“
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