Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching

In this insightful episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen interviews Stephen Bruyant-Langer, a distinguished executive coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, associate professor, and founder of The Personal Business Plan (PBP). Recorded on February 28, 2025, via Zoom, this episode explores transformative coaching methodologies, future-oriented life planning, and the structure behind personal reinvention . With an episode titled, "Design Your Future: Blueprint for Life and Career Success", Stephen Bruyant-Langer brings a wealth of corporate and entrepreneurial experience: Corporate and executive search experience: Stephen’s early career spanned 15 years in global marketing roles at L’Oréal and Coca-Cola. He then spent two decades in executive search, including a tenure as Managing Partner of Korn Ferry Denmark .Transformational pivot: A personal life crisis became the catalyst for his transition to coaching. He developed The Personal Business Plan, a proprietary methodology for life and career planning now used in over 90 countries .Thought leadership: Stephen is the author of three influential books: Career, The Personal Business Plan, and The Existential Playbook, addressing themes of success, personal strategy, and meaning . Key Insights for Executive-Level Coaches Start with the future in mind: Stephen advocates for "future-back" planning—coaching clients to envision life 10–30 years ahead, then reverse-engineer the pathway with clarity and intention .Structure breeds freedom: His 10-session coaching process provides the structure needed for clients to explore deeply while ensuring measurable outcomes—a concept he dubs "freedom systematized" .Pedagogical integration: Stephen combines coaching, curated readings, and a robust online toolkit to help clients create a comprehensive, 100-page life strategy document .Master the Choice-Action-Responsibility model: This mental model targets client blind spots, helping coaches diagnose and address areas where clients may procrastinate, blame, or ruminate .Be available, be present: For high-performing leaders, availability builds trust. Stephen underscores the importance of concierge-level, just-in-time coaching to accelerate impact . 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 28, 2025. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode titled "Leading with Kindness: On Executive Coaching and Cultural Intelligence." In this episode, Severin engages with Dr. Krista Crawford, a distinguished Vistage Chair, speaker, consultant, professor, and leadership strategist. Krista holds a PhD in Organizational Management and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). With over 30 years of experience spanning human resources, organizational development, and executive leadership, she has significantly impacted leaders across corporate and nonprofit sectors. This episode was recorded on March 26th, 2025, via Zoom. Krista's journey into executive coaching and Vistage Chairing is as unique as it is inspiring. After decades in HR, where she led organizations with up to 8,000 employees, Krista transitioned into leadership coaching serendipitously during the COVID-19 pandemic. A neighbor introduced her to Vistage, leading to her eventual certification and the establishment of multiple peer advisory groups. Her career is deeply rooted in observing and addressing the human dynamics within organizations. Krista identified early the gaps in leadership development, particularly how some employees flourish while others feel disconnected. Her doctoral research focused on "social monitoring" and "cultural intelligence," exploring how individuals adapt and integrate into diverse cultural settings. Conducted in Belize with service-learning students, her research revealed that active engagement with local cultures significantly enhances cultural intelligence. Beyond her coaching, Krista serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and Champlain College, teaching leadership, ethics, and organizational development. She brings a rich blend of academic rigor and practical experience, leveraging her HR expertise, research acumen, and passion for continuous learning to guide executives and emerging leaders. Key Insights 1. The Art of Listening and Pausing Krista emphasizes the importance of listening to hear rather than listening to respond. In coaching, silence is a powerful tool, allowing clients to reflect deeply. She practices intentional breathing to create space for reflection and meaningful dialogue. 2. The Power of Vulnerability and Group Dynamics She highlights how vulnerability within peer groups fosters deeper trust and growth. Krista shared a pivotal moment when a group conflict tested cohesion; addressing it transparently strengthened the group's unity and resilience. 3. Job Crafting for Engagement Krista advocates for job crafting, encouraging leaders to engage employees in designing roles that align with their strengths and passions, thus enhancing satisfaction and retention. 4. Measuring Success Through Joy Joy serves as Krista's personal metric for professional fulfillment. She believes that work should bring joy and that leaders should reassess their roles when joy diminishes. 5. Use of Psychometrics and AI in Coaching Krista integrates tools like Wiley DiSC and various psychometric assessments to deepen understanding of team dynamics. She also creatively employs AI for ideation, content creation, and meeting preparation, demonstrating adaptability to emerging technologies. 6. Kindness and Continuous Learning as Guiding Values Krista's mantras of "kindness is underrated" and lifelong learning reflect her approach to leadership and coaching. She stresses the importance of being both kind and courageous in providing candid, constructive feedback. 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 26, 2025 Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

That We Might Live Free A Memorial Day Tribute | Arete Coach™ Podcast with Severin Sorensen. A Special tribute featuring Jay Stringham (posthumously), Irving Ray Stringham Jr., and the Stringham family legacy. In this special Memorial Day edition of the Arete Coach™ Podcast, host Severin Sorensen departs from his usual exploration of executive coaching to deliver a solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Titled “That We Might Live Free,” this episode reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day, honors the story of WWII aviator Irving Ray Stringham Jr., and shares a sacred poem—A Soldier’s Last Prayer—written by his younger brother Jay Thorral Stringham. Rather than featuring a conventional guest, this episode centers on a heartfelt tribute to Irving Ray Stringham Jr., a WWII aviator who gave his life over the skies of Germany, and Jay Thorral Stringham, his younger brother and the only survivor among five friends from their neighborhood who went to war together. Haunted by loss and moved by a deep sense of reverence, Jay channeled his grief and gratitude into a poem titled “A Soldier’s Last Prayer.” The poem, delivered in this episode, is a poignant reflection of a soldier’s internal dialogue on the eve of battle—capturing a blend of fear, faith, sacrifice, and hope. The host received this poem from Jay’s daughter, Dolly Hicks, who entrusted its legacy to be shared and remembered. With permission from the family, Severin transforms this heartfelt poem into three powerful musical renditions, each offering a different lens on sacrifice, remembrance, and devotion. This is not a performance—this is an offering. A moment of remembrance. A promise to never forget. Featuring: Historical reflections and family storiesThree musical interpretations of A Soldier’s Last PrayerQuotes from JFK, Reagan, Lincoln, Patton, and moreA call to live with gratitude, purpose, and honor 🕯️ May we remember. May we honor. And may we live free. 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 Memorial Day, May 26, 2024. Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this engaging discussion, Susan Motkaluk, a Master Chair, CEO, and Board Advisor with TEC Canada, shares her insightful transition from civil engineering to executive coaching. With over 25 years of experience, she emphasizes the crucial role of mentorship and curiosity in leadership development. Susan explores the balance between AI-driven decision-making and human intuition, highlighting creativity's role in innovation. She also discusses transforming crises into opportunities and the importance of community connection in fostering meaningful leadership.

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.

Clare Norman, a Master Certified Coach and author from Brockenhurst, England, shares her insights on the transformative power of coaching in leadership development. She discusses the gap between training and practical application, advocating for a coaching approach that fosters independent thinking. Clare explores the dynamics of coaching relationships, emphasizing authenticity and the need for a supportive environment. She also addresses the future of coaching in an age of AI, stressing the importance of human connection and personal growth.

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.