Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching

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.

Nicky Terblanche, an associate professor at Stellenbosch Business School and founder of Coach Vici, discusses his unique journey from coding to coaching. He highlights how AI can enhance personal development, making coaching more accessible and effective. Nicky reveals surprising research on AI coaching chatbots, showing their efficacy compared to human coaches. He explores the paradox of AI’s non-judgmental support versus the human connection clients crave, while advocating for ethical AI practices in coaching. It's a fascinating blend of technology and human psychology!

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.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen, with an episode that explores "Movement as Medicine: Exploring Movement and Meaning With Athletic Psychology." In this episode, recorded via Zoom on October 1st, 2024, we are joined by Sam Spear, founder and CEO of Coaching Instinct. Sam brings a unique blend of expertise as an executive leadership coach, licensed marriage and family therapist, former advertising and marketing executive, and lifelong competitive athlete. With an impressive client roster including Disney, Netflix, Target, EA, and SpaceX, Sam combines psychological insights with physical activity to unlock deeper organizational insights and model effective leadership. Sam Spear's journey reflects a fascinating evolution from competitive tennis player to journalism graduate, then to psychotherapist and successful advertising executive. His path led him through roles as a copywriter, creative director, and eventually global creative director before founding and later selling his own agency. Throughout his 20-year business career, Sam maintained a small clinical practice, which unexpectedly merged with his business experience when a Fortune 100 CEO client suggested he consider executive team coaching. This pivotal moment led to the creation of Coaching Instinct, where Sam developed his distinctive approach combining athletic activities with psychological insights to help leaders break through mental obstacles and resistance. His methodology, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and solution-focused psychotherapy, helps clients achieve greater efficiency, connection, and impact while fostering environments of authenticity and growth. Sam Spear's approach to executive coaching demonstrates the power of combining physical movement with psychological insight. His methodology shows that engaging clients in athletic activities can create breakthrough moments that translate directly to leadership capabilities. By observing how clients respond to physical challenges, coaches can identify patterns that manifest in their professional lives and help address them more effectively. The episode highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced approach between future-focused coaching (85-90% of the work) and past-oriented counseling (10-15% of the work). This distinction allows coaches to help clients move forward while occasionally addressing historical patterns that may be hindering their progress. Spear's framework of "wins, losses, and notables" provides a structured way to track progress and leverage successes while learning from setbacks. Perhaps most significantly, Spear emphasizes the value of slowing down and maintaining perspective in leadership development. His mantra of "STFD" (Slow The F*** Down) encapsulates the importance of being present and making thoughtful decisions rather than rushing through challenges. This approach, combined with his focus on building trust through consistent actions over time, offers a powerful framework for sustainable leadership development and organizational growth. 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 October 1, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode titled, "The Art of Breakthrough Leadership." In this episode, recorded via phone, we are joined by Brian Biro, widely known as America's Breakthrough Speaker. With nearly 2,000 presentations delivered globally, Brian has inspired audiences from Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Starbucks, and Lockheed Martin to leadership teams in the U.S. Army. A graduate of Stanford and UCLA, Brian's remarkable career spans roles as an award-winning swimming coach, former VP of a major transportation company, and transformational speaker. He is the author of 16 books, including the bestseller "Beyond Success," and was honored as one of UCLA's 100 Most Inspirational Graduates. In this engaging conversation, Brian shares his journey from coaching swimming at the highest levels to becoming America's Breakthrough Speaker. His career transformation began when he pursued an MBA to "get a life" – a decision that led him to meet his wife and eventually transition into corporate leadership. As a vice president of a transportation company, Brian discovered his talent for breaking down silos and building teams through inspirational speaking. This experience launched his speaking career, where he has touched over a million lives in 35 years through his unique approach to breakthrough experiences, including his signature board-breaking exercises that serve as powerful metaphors for personal transformation. Brian's philosophy centers on three key areas: vision (focusing on what we want to create), energy (understanding that our energy is a choice), and relationship building (fostering trust through full presence and authentic connection). His commitment to helping others break through barriers and achieve their highest potential perfectly aligns with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission of exploring excellence in leadership and coaching. Brian's comments on The Power of Presence in Coaching were an important component of this conversation. Brian emphasizes that the foundation of effective coaching lies in being fully present. He argues that presence is not just about physical attendance but about bringing 100% of your mind, body, and spirit to each interaction. This level of presence communicates value and significance to clients, building the trust necessary for transformational coaching relationships. 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 12, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

The 60 Best Executive Coaching Podcasts to Follow in 2024. Join us for this special edition of the Arete Coach Podcast as we unveil our meticulously researched ranking of the 60 most impactful executive coaching podcasts for 2024. This comprehensive guide represents countless hours of analysis, combining rigorous methodology with direct listener feedback to identify the most valuable resources in the coaching community. The top 10 showcases the incredible depth and diversity of executive coaching content available today. Leading the pack is Dave Stachowiak's "Coaching for Leaders," renowned for its practical leadership insights and actionable advice, followed by Tom Henschel's "The Look and Sound of Leadership," which masterfully explores executive presence and communication. The Arete Coach Podcast claims the third spot for its deep exploration of coaching methodology, while Dr. Katrina Burrus's "Excellent Executive Coaching" and "HBR's Coaching Real Leaders" round out the top five with their unique blend of business acumen and coaching expertise. The remaining top spots feature powerhouse programs including Jocko Willink's no-nonsense leadership advice, Guy Raz's inspirational "How I Built This," HBR's cutting-edge "IdeaCast," the transformative "Coaches Rising," and the research-driven "Coaching Psychology Pod." Our selection criteria included content excellence, audience engagement, and alignment with ICF and EMCC coaching standards. Of the 60 podcasts featured in 2023, 38 return this year, demonstrating both consistency in excellence and the emergence of fresh perspectives. Highlights include: Detailed analysis of each podcast's unique contribution to the fieldKey metrics including episode counts, listener ratings, and engagement scoresSpecial focus on evidence-based practices and research-backed coaching approachesExpert insights into why each podcast earned its ranking Beyond the rankings, this episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the methodology behind the selections, including detailed metrics like listener engagement scores, Apple Podcast ratings, and episode counts for each show. We dive into what makes each podcast special, from their unique approaches to their target audiences, and even explore emerging trends in the coaching podcast landscape. The episode also includes special mentions of new promising shows and pays tribute to notable podcasts that have concluded their runs, providing a complete picture of the executive coaching podcast ecosystem in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned executive coach, business leader, or passionate about leadership development, this guide offers a roadmap to the very best resources in executive coaching for the year ahead. 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 December 2, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, marking a remarkable four-year journey exploring excellence in executive coaching. This episode is titled, "Wisdom Walkers: A Celebration of 200 Episodes in the Pursuit of Arete." In this special milestone episode, host Severin Sorensen weaves together insights and wisdom from 29 distinguished Vistage Chairs who have shaped the landscape of peer group leadership and executive coaching. From the touching first episode featuring the late Richard Bosworth from the UK, to transformative perspectives from leaders like Fred Cheney, Ozzie Gontang, and Larry Cassidy, this episode captures the essence of what makes great coaching truly extraordinary. Viewers will hear powerful insights about authentic leadership, the art of strategic listening, and creating environments that foster transformation. Listen as these great executive coaches and current and former Vistage Chairs share their personal journeys, challenges, and the profound lessons they've learned about helping others achieve excellence. Whether you're an experienced coach, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this landmark episode offers invaluable wisdom about the power of peer learning and the enduring impact of skilled coaching. This 200th episode features illuminating conversations and wisdom from twenty-nine distinguished current and former Vistage chairs: Richard Bosworth from the UK, who set the foundation with the first episode; Norma Rosenberg, Bud Carter, Dr. Gail Schaper-Gordon, Garth Jackson, GeorgeAnne Goldblum, and Jim Handy, who shared insights on leadership excellence; Mikki Williams, Perry Maughmer, Dr. Alan Weinstein, Bridget Wenman, and Tony Lewis, who brought diverse perspectives on coaching methodologies; Cindy Hesterman, Conor Neill from Spain, Laura Gordon from the UK, and Louis-Samuel Jacques from Canada, representing global coaching practices; Janet Fogarty, Dr. Michael Denning, Michele Berry, and Les Whitney, who demonstrated coaching innovation; Jeannette Hobson, Larry Cassidy, Carol Steinberg, and Ozzie Gontang, who exemplified coaching wisdom; and Katherine Crewe, Tom Cuthbert, Kevin McKeown, Chip Webster, and Fred Chaney, whose compelling stories rounded out this milestone episode. #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #Vistage #Excellence #Coaching 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 20, 2024. Portions drawn from podcast interviews recorded from April 2020 through October 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the 200th episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, marking a remarkable four-year journey exploring excellence in executive coaching. In this special milestone episode, host Severin Sorensen weaves together insights and wisdom from 29 distinguished Vistage Chairs who have shaped the landscape of peer group leadership and executive coaching. From the touching first episode featuring the late Richard Bosworth from the UK, to transformative perspectives from leaders like Fred Cheney, Ozzie Gontang, and Larry Cassidy, this episode captures the essence of what makes great coaching truly extraordinary. Viewers will hear powerful insights about authentic leadership, the art of strategic listening, and creating environments that foster transformation. Listen as these great coaches, current and former Vistage Chairs, share their personal journeys, challenges, and the profound lessons they've learned about helping others achieve excellence. Whether you're an experienced coach, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about personal growth, this landmark episode offers invaluable wisdom about the power of peer learning and the enduring impact of skilled coaching. This 200th episode features illuminating conversations and wisdom from twenty-nine distinguished current and former Vistage chairs: Richard Bosworth from the UK, who set the foundation with the first episode; Norma Rosenberg, Bud Carter, Dr. Gail Schaper-Gordon, Garth Jackson, Georgeanne Goldblum, and Jim Handy, who shared insights on leadership excellence; Mikki Williams, Perry Maughmer, Dr. Alan Weinstein, Bridget Wenman, and Tony Lewis, who brought diverse perspectives on coaching methodologies; Cindy Hesterman, Conor Neill from Spain, Laura Gordon from the UK, and Louis-Samuel Jacques from Canada, representing global coaching practices; Janet Fogarty, Dr. Michael Denning, Michele Berry, and Les Whitney, who demonstrated coaching innovation; Jeannette Hobson, Larry Cassidy, Carol Steinberg, and Ozzie Gontang, who exemplified coaching wisdom; and Katherine Crewe, Tom Cuthbert, Kevin McKeown, Chip Webster, and Fred Chaney, whose compelling stories rounded out this milestone episode. #ExecutiveCoaching #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #Vistage #Excellence #Coaching 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 11/20/24. Portions were originally recorded on podcast episodes from April 2020 through 11/20/24. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.