Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode titled "Mastery in Motion — Journey to Coaching Excellence and Leadership Impact," Severin speaks with Dr. Wai K Leong, an accomplished ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), ICF Global Board Director, and Founder of JMC Coach Mastery Academy. Recorded on December 20, 2024, this conversation explores Wai K’s journey from corporate leadership to coaching mastery, and his influential role in building coaching cultures across Asia and beyond. Recognized as the first Malaysian to receive the MCC credential and a member of the ICF Circle of Distinction (2019), Wai K shares powerful lessons for leaders and executive coaches seeking excellence. Wai K Leong’s career began in education and corporate leadership, including significant roles at Intel and the Hong Leong Group, before he transitioned fully into coaching. His early leadership challenges sparked a deep interest in coaching methodologies, greatly influenced by the teachings of Thomas Leonard. In 1999, Wai K founded the JMC Coach Mastery Academy, establishing one of ASEAN’s first ICF-accredited institutions with all four accredited coaching programs. His authored works — including Empowering Asian Mindsets Through Coaching — blend coaching mastery with cultural intelligence, empowering leaders to drive transformational change. Key Insights 1. Mastery Beyond Tools: Transforming the Self Wai K emphasizes that true coaching excellence requires a personal transformation — not just mastering techniques, but deep inner work, developing self-awareness, and practicing courageous presence. 2. The Power of Staying Curious He illustrates the importance of "remaining in a state of not knowing," allowing deeper client truths to emerge without rushing to conclusions, a hallmark of masterful coaching. 3. Narratives Shape Leadership Wai K teaches that problems are symptoms of deeper assumptions and beliefs, and coaches must guide clients to reframe unhelpful narratives for true progress. 4. Cultural Bridges in Coaching Addressing the differences between Eastern and Western mindsets, Wai K shares strategies for adapting coaching approaches across cultures, fostering reflection even where expressiveness may not be culturally natural. 5. Lifelong Development and Reflection From mastering presence to reinforcing healthy boundaries, Wai K champions continuous personal development as the foundation of lasting coaching impact. Closing & Copyright Information This episode of the Arete Coach Podcast featuring Wai K Leong, MCC was recorded on December 20, 2024, via Zoom video. The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved. © 2024 Arete Coach. All rights reserved. To learn more about Wai K’s work, visit JMC Coach Mastery Academy or connect with him via LinkedIn.

"Mastering the Art of Coaching: On Readiness, Supervision, and Growth." In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen welcomes Clare Norman, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), author, and master mentor coach based in Brockenhurst, England. With over 25 years of experience in leadership and coaching, Clare specializes in executive coaching, leadership transitions, team coaching, and fostering coaching cultures within organizations. She is also the founder of Clare Norman Coaching Associates and the author of several books, including The Transformational Coach, Mentor Coaching: A Practical Guide, and her latest release, Cultivating Coachability. In this conversation, Clare shares her insights on coaching readiness, supervision, and the journey toward masterful coaching. Clare’s path into coaching began during her tenure at Accenture, where she recognized the gap between leadership training and the practical application of learned concepts in the workplace. Witnessing the struggle leaders faced in implementing training-driven changes, she discovered coaching as a powerful tool for sustained behavioral transformation. Her research-based approach led her to champion coaching as an organizational development tool, earning her the self-appointed title of “advocate for coaching” within Accenture. Clare’s journey toward mastery was gradual, transitioning from an ACC to PCC and ultimately to an MCC credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She emphasizes the importance of supervision in this journey, highlighting how mentor coaching and supervision allowed her to unlearn ineffective habits, refine her skills, and deepen her presence as a coach. Key Insights & Takeaways 1. The Role of Supervision in Coaching Mastery Coaching supervision is essential for ethical, professional, and personal growth.It provides a reflective space to analyze coaching effectiveness, ethical dilemmas, and personal biases.Supervision helps coaches avoid common pitfalls and ensures they remain client-centered. 2. Coaching Readiness vs. Coachability Clare differentiates between “coaching readiness” and “coachability.”Not everyone is immediately ready for coaching; readiness depends on motivation, timing, and willingness to engage in deep thinking.Organizations should assess coaching readiness before assigning a coach to an executive. 3. The Journey from PCC to MCC Mastery requires significant unlearning, particularly around directive coaching tendencies.Key shifts include summarizing less, using the client’s own words to formulate powerful questions, and focusing on depth over breadth.Effective coaching is about presence, patience, and helping clients slow down to gain clarity. 4. The Importance of Full-Body Wisdom in Coaching Coaching is not just about cognitive processing but also involves emotional and somatic awareness.Encouraging clients to stand, move, or explore metaphors can unlock deeper insights.Full-body wisdom integrates intuition, gut feelings, and physical awareness into coaching conversations. 5. The Intersection of AI and Coaching Clare acknowledges the rise of AI-driven coaching but emphasizes that human connection remains irreplaceable.AI can serve as a useful in-between tool for coaching clients but should not replace human coaches.Ethical concerns and ensuring AI remains non-directive are critical. Memorable Quotes “Hours of coaching do not a master make.” “Our job as coaches is to build the client’s thinking muscles, not do the thinking for them.” “Supervision isn’t about fixing; it’s about refining and deepening our coaching presence.” The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on February 7, 2025. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this timely episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen provides an essential guide for CEOs and business leaders navigating the turbulent economic landscape following the introduction of new tariffs by the Trump administration. Recorded on March 5, 2025, this episode explores the undercurrents of financial markets reacting sharply and economic uncertainty rising, and this episode offers 10 strategic actions that leaders can take to fortify their businesses and emerge stronger in the face of volatility. Severin examines the latest market data, including significant declines in the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, and the ripple effects across key industries such as automotive, oil and gas, manufacturing, and agriculture. He highlights the potential impact of tariffs on inflation, consumer spending, trade relations, and monetary policy. But more importantly, this episode isn’t just about identifying challenges—it’s about solutions. Severin shares a structured 10-point strategy to help CEOs lead with confidence, including: ✔ Preserving and strengthening cash reserves ✔ Managing interest rate and debt exposure ✔ Strengthening financial forecasting and scenario planning ✔ Optimizing and lean-out business operations ✔ Investing in workforce resilience and automation ✔ Deepening customer relationships and value propositions ✔ Staying opportunistic and preparing to invest when others retreat ✔ Monitoring supply chain and trade risks closely ✔ Leaning on trusted advisors and industry networks ✔ Projecting strength, stability, and confidence as a leader Using powerful maritime metaphors, Severin likens business leadership to captaining a ship through stormy seas—emphasizing the importance of foresight, adaptability, and calm decision-making. Memorable Quotes: "The best captains don’t panic when the winds shift—they adjust their sails." "In economic storms, businesses rarely sink because of profitability issues; they sink because they run out of cash." "A lighter ship moves faster and can navigate narrow passages that would ground a heavier vessel." "Your most loyal customers are your anchor during economic storms." "No captain navigates unfamiliar waters without consulting charts created by those who have sailed there before." The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on March 5, 2024. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Arete Coach Podcast - Episode 1210 - with Severin Sorensen, "Building Bridges in Coaching, Leadership, and AI" Featuring Guest Host: Larry Cassidy as he interviews Severin Sorensen Recorded: December 12, 2024 Join us for a special milestone episode as guest host Larry Cassidy, a Vistage Master Chair, takes over the mic to interview Severin Sorensen, the usual host of the Arete Coach Podcast. Severin Sorensen is an executive coach, entrepreneur, and AI thought leader with a rich background in leadership and innovation. As the host of the Arete Coach Podcast, he delves into best practices and emerging trends in executive coaching. Severin has authored multiple books on artificial intelligence, including The AI Whisperer, providing practical frameworks for integrating AI into business strategies. His career reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, adaptability, and a passion for mentoring others. In this candid conversation, Severin shares his journey from aspiring baseball player to executive coach, entrepreneur, and AI thought leader. He opens up about pivotal career shifts, the importance of adaptability, and how AI is transforming coaching and leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Severin’s early life and mentors shaped his approach to coaching and leadershipWhy marketing and AI are crucial to modern business successThe importance of protecting company data in an AI-driven worldHow to stay resilient and agile during economic disruptionsWhy mentorship and service are at the core of a meaningful careerWhat the future of AI and work means for business leaders and professionals Memorable Quotes: “Money is only as good as the good that money can do.” – A guiding principle from Severin’s grandmother.“Humility is the cornerstone of great coaching—it’s not about you, it’s about them.”“Know yourself, set a North Star, and remain nimble—rigidity kills progress.”“AI will be the greatest disruptor in modern history, but those who embrace it will lead the way.”“Be a bridge builder—create pathways for others, not just yourself.” Listen Now: Whether you're a coach, leader, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with valuable insights on personal growth, AI’s role in business, and the lasting impact of mentorship. Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking discussion! The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on December 12, 2024. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen sits down with Talmage Boston, a distinguished attorney, author, speaker, and presidential historian. With over four decades of experience in commercial litigation and a deep passion for history, Talmage shares invaluable insights from his latest book, How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents. This episode, recorded on November 27, 2024, via Zoom, explores the leadership principles of America’s most impactful presidents and how their lessons can be applied to modern leadership and executive coaching. Talmage Boston is a partner at Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley, and Norton, LLP, and has been honored as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2003. Beyond his legal career, he is an esteemed historian and author endorsed by Pulitzer Prize-winning historians like David McCullough and Jon Meacham. His previous books, including Cross-Examining History and Raising the Bar, provide thought-provoking analyses of leadership and historical narratives. In How the Best Did It, Talmage identifies 24 leadership traits exhibited by eight U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan. Each chapter includes interactive questions to help readers apply these insights to their leadership journey. Boston identifies three overarching traits that all eight presidents shared: Persuasion – Ability to inspire and unify diverse groups.Self-Awareness – Recognizing strengths and delegating weaknesses.Big-Picture Focus – Aligning leadership efforts with the needs of the broad middle rather than extremes. Boston stresses that history should be remembered accurately and used to inspire positive change. He encourages leaders to apply historical lessons to modern challenges and maintain a commitment to integrity and unity. This episode offers a powerful blend of history and leadership, making it an essential listen for executive coaches, business leaders, and history enthusiasts alike. The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this special edition of the Arete Coach Podcast, Severin Sorensen explores the intersection of AI and music, reflecting on his personal journey with AI-assisted composition. Hans Christian Andersen wrote, "Where words fail, music speaks." What's the music in you that needs voice and delivery? In this episode, Sorensen explores AI’s potential to revolutionize creativity, democratize music composition, and serve as a tool for personal expression and leadership storytelling. He encourages listeners to explore AI’s role in amplifying human emotion through sound. Recorded one year after his first AI-music exploration in Episode 1166, this episode delves into the evolution of AI in music, the emotional power of sound, and how AI can serve as a creative partner. Key Themes & Insights AI’s Role in Music Creation: Sorensen discusses three models of AI-assisted music:Done-for-You AI: Fully AI-generated music.Done-With-You AI: AI-assisted composition.Do-It-Yourself with AI: Human-driven music enhanced by AI tools.Emotional Resonance of Music: Music connects with people through memory, nostalgia, and deep emotions.The Neuroscience of Music: Referencing Dr. Daniel J. Levitin’s I Heard There Was a Secret Chord, Sorensen examines how music impacts the brain.AI’s "Playful" Creativity: AI performs better in a relaxed, exploratory state, leading to innovative compositions.Music as a Tool for Leadership & Legacy: Through storytelling and AI music experiments, Sorensen illustrates how music can immortalize moments and messages. Musical Experiments & AI Innovations "Semper Fi Homecoming": A tribute to military service members returning home."25 Years of Wisdom": A song created live using AI to honor Lance Descourouez's milestone as a Vistage Chair."Toccata and Stratocaster": An AI-driven musical duel between J.S. Bach and Jimi Hendrix, demonstrating AI’s improvisational potential."One in Us": A song inspired by Chip Webster’s book Unity in Service, emphasizing community and service. Ultimately, the episode serves as a testament to music’s universal ability to connect, heal, and inspire, even when AI is involved in its creation. Sorensen challenges listeners to consider AI not as a mechanical entity but as a new kind of instrument—one that can be guided by human intent to shape profound and deeply personal artistic expressions. Ending with reflections on legacy, leadership, and the role of music in storytelling, he leaves the audience with a thought-provoking question: What unspoken words could take flight if given wings of artistry? The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on February 10, 2025. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved. All music in this episode was written by Severin Sorensen under the artist moniker "AIWhisperer" and is copyright © 2025 by Severin Sorensen. The seven songs played in this order within Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1208 – "Where Words Fail, Music Speaks" are: "Semper Fi Homecoming," "25 Years of Wisdom," "Toccata and Stratocaster," "Rise Up, Innovator!," "Like an Eagle, Rise and See," "Revolution in Harmony," and "One in Us." All songs were written by Severin Sorensen, except "One in Us," which was co-authored by Severin Sorensen and Chip Webster.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, recorded via Zoom on November 27, 2024, we are joined by Dr. Patrick Williams with an episode titled "Unlocking Coaching Mastery." Dr. Williams is a pioneer in the coaching profession, Master Certified Coach (MCC), and founder of the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT). Dr. Williams has been instrumental in shaping the coaching industry, serving on the International Coaching Federation (ICF) board and being honored as an inaugural member of the ICF Circle of Distinction. Dr. Williams’ journey began in humanistic and transpersonal psychology, where he recognized a gap between traditional therapy and coaching. His passion for coaching, mentoring, and emotional literacy led him to establish a training school that has impacted thousands of professionals worldwide. Beyond coaching, his work focuses on metaphors in coaching, emotional literacy, and the power of silence in deep conversations. The Power of Silence in Coaching Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of pausing and active listening. He advises coaches to resist the urge to fill silence and instead allow clients space to process. This approach leads to more profound client insights and transformation. Emotional Literacy vs. Emotional Intelligence While Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is widely recognized, Dr. Williams advocates for Emotional Literacy, which emphasizes not just understanding emotions but also expressing them in a meaningful way. His Emotional Literacy Academy provides tools for self-awareness, authenticity, and deeper communication. The Role of Metaphors in Coaching Metaphors help clients describe challenges and uncover solutions in ways that resonate deeply. Dr. Williams encourages coaches to listen for natural metaphors and explore their meanings rather than imposing interpretations. Mentorship, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning Dr. Williams discusses the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and leaving a living legacy. He highlights the concept of "switch mentoring," where experienced professionals learn from younger individuals while imparting wisdom in return. As an author, speaker, and mentor, Dr. Williams continues to inspire coaches and leaders through his commitment to lifelong learning, curiosity, and personal growth. The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, titled, "The Business Leader's Guide to AI: Framework-Driven Strategy for the Digital Age," recorded on January 26, 2025, Sorensen shares insights from his groundbreaking presentation at Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education programme where he discussed his innovative approach to integrating AI with traditional business frameworks. As the author of "The AI Whisperer Frameworks" and several other best selling books on AI implementation for business, Sorensen has developed a unique methodology that bridges the gap between established business strategy and emerging AI capabilities, making complex AI applications accessible to non-technical business leaders. In this compelling episode, Sorensen reveals how his layered prompt journey approach transforms traditional business analysis through AI integration. Using a real-world example of Frank Pepe's Pizzeria, he demonstrates how combining multiple frameworks - from company wikis to Blue Ocean Strategy - creates a comprehensive business analysis system. His layered prompt journey with strategic business frameworks, along with his successful books and AI-generated music ventures, showcases the versatility of his framework-based approach. What sets Sorensen's methodology apart is not just the use of AI or traditional business frameworks, but the innovative way he structures these elements into an educational journey that business leaders can follow to enhance their strategic thinking. Strategic Framework Integration: The episode illuminates how coaches can help clients move beyond basic AI implementation to strategic integration. Sorensen's layered approach demonstrates that effective AI usage isn't just about good prompts - it's about building a comprehensive strategic thinking process that combines traditional business frameworks with AI capabilities. This provides coaches with a structured method for helping clients develop more sophisticated AI strategies. Educational Leadership Development: Sorensen's framework-based methodology offers coaches a new paradigm for developing leaders in the AI era. By breaking down complex AI implementations into structured, framework-based approaches, coaches can help their clients build confidence in using AI while maintaining focus on strategic business objectives. This educational component is crucial for helping leaders bridge the gap between traditional business strategy and AI implementation. Process Innovation and Change Management: The discussion of agentic AI and the insurance industry example highlights how coaches can guide clients through transformational change. By showing how AI can reduce a two-week process to three hours while improving accuracy, coaches can help clients understand both the potential and limitations of AI implementation. This balanced approach helps leaders maintain perspective on AI as a tool for enhancement rather than replacement of human judgment. The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on January 26, 2025. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode with Dr. Nicky Terblanche's titled, "From Code to Coaching: Vision for AI-Assisted Development." In this episode, recorded via Zoom on November 27th, 2024, we are joined by Dr. Nicky Terblanche, an associate professor of leadership coaching and information systems at Stellenbosch Business School, executive coach, and founder of Coach Vici. Dr. Terblanche brings a unique blend of technological expertise and human development insight, making him a leading researcher in the field of human-machine collaborative coaching and the application of artificial intelligence in personal growth and professional development. Dr. Terblanche's journey begins with an early fascination with computer programming at age 10, riding horseback to access his town's only PC to code in BASIC. His path led from software engineering through artificial intelligence research in 1999 to a profound interest in human psychology and coaching. This unusual combination of technical expertise and human development has positioned him as a pioneer in AI-enhanced coaching research. His groundbreaking studies, including collaboration with renowned researchers like Eric deHaan, have challenged conventional wisdom about AI's role in coaching. Through his company Coach Vici and his academic work, Dr. Terblanche continues to push the boundaries of how artificial intelligence can democratize and enhance coaching practices while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. The conversation reveals several crucial insights for executive coaches navigating the AI revolution. First, the research indicates that AI-powered coaching can be remarkably effective, particularly in structured situations like goal-setting and initial interactions. This suggests that coaches should consider incorporating AI tools as complementary resources rather than viewing them as threats to their practice. Perhaps most surprisingly, the research showed that cognitive behavioral coaching approaches through AI outperformed both GROW model and solution-focused methods, challenging conventional wisdom in the coaching field. This finding emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices and suggests that coaches should remain open to adjusting their methodologies based on empirical research rather than tradition or preference. The future of executive coaching appears to be moving toward a hybrid model where human coaches serve as expert prompt engineers and meaning-makers, while AI handles data processing and pattern recognition. Dr. Terblanche's concept of "coach shapeshifting" - where AI adapts its approach based on client needs - suggests that successful coaches will need to develop similar adaptability in their practice, combining technical knowledge with deep human understanding to provide truly transformative coaching experiences. The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on November 27, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. With an episode titled "Will Over Skill: Building High-Performance Teams Through Purpose-Driven Leadership." In this episode, recorded via Zoom on November 13, 2024, we are joined by Pete Sciabarra, an executive coach, Vistage Chair, and former Vistage corporate executive. Pete brings a unique blend of military, corporate, and coaching experience to the conversation. As a former U.S. Navy captain and helicopter pilot, he transitioned into executive leadership, ultimately holding senior roles at Vistage, where he oversaw a $25 million segment of the business that achieved the company's number one ranking. Pete Sciabarra's journey is marked by dedication to service and leadership excellence. From his early days at the Naval Academy to his role as a helicopter pilot during Desert Storm, Pete's military career shaped his leadership philosophy. His path took an unexpected turn when his son was diagnosed with autism, leading him to pursue a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, focusing his research on adults with autism. This personal challenge transformed his understanding of human potential and care. As a Vistage Chair in San Diego, Pete facilitates executive peer groups that help CEOs and business owners break through barriers, fostering collaboration and personal accountability. His expertise in crisis leadership proved invaluable during emergency relief efforts for businesses affected by major hurricanes. Beyond his professional life, Pete's commitment to service extends to coaching high school varsity inline hockey, bringing the same focus on teamwork and resilience from the boardroom to the rink. Pete's experience with Vistage demonstrates the transformative power of peer advisory groups. He emphasizes that successful peer groups aren't just about business advice—they're about creating a safe space where leaders can share challenges they might not discuss elsewhere. The key to successful peer groups lies in selecting members who are lifelong learners and who understand they don't have all the answers, creating an environment where vulnerability and growth can flourish. The Evolution of Leadership in the AI Era as artificial intelligence reshapes business landscapes, We explore frameworks and AI like Wiki, SWOT, Porters Five Forces, and Blue Ocean Strategy. Pete highlights that while AI tools can enhance decision-making and analysis, they won't replace the need for authentic leadership and human connection. He emphasizes that successful leaders must adapt to new technologies while maintaining focus on people-centric leadership, caring deeply about their team members' needs and development. The Importance of Continuous Learning and Adaptation Throughout the episode, Pete's journey from military service to executive coaching underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. His experience shows that effective leaders must remain curious, humble, and open to new perspectives. Whether it's embracing new technologies like AI or understanding different leadership challenges, success comes from maintaining a learning mindset and being willing to question established assumptions while staying true to core values of integrity and service. The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io. This episode was recorded on November 13, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.