Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. This week's episode is titled "The Power of Self-Leadership: Transforming Executive Performance Through Internal Family Systems." In this episode, we are joined by Seth Kopald, PhD, a Level 3 Certified Internal Family Systems Practitioner with expertise in organizational management and leadership. Dr. Kopald's unique blend of academic rigor and compassionate practice offers invaluable insights into self-leadership, parenting, and creating meaningful connections. As an author, consultant, and IFS practitioner, he has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations achieve inner harmony and stronger relationships. Dr. Kopald's journey began in education as a Montessori preschool teacher, later expanding to roles as a community college instructor and consultant for Head Start. His path took a transformative turn during a personal challenge when he discovered Internal Family Systems therapy, which became both his healing journey and professional calling. Since 2012, Seth has been an active IFS practitioner, leading individual and couple sessions, and contributing extensively to the IFS community through initiatives like the IFS self-led parenting and parts art Facebook pages. His book, "Self Led, Living a Connected Life with Yourself and with Others," exemplifies his dedication to helping people achieve authentic self-leadership. As a program assistant for IFS training and staff member for Dick Schwartz Retreats, Seth has played a pivotal role in training the next generation of IFS practitioners while maintaining his mission to help people increase their sense of courage, compassion, and understanding of themselves and others. One of my favorite quotes from Seth in this episode was: "I think of the parent as the ocean and the children are a boat, and as the ocean is going crazy, the boat can never settle until the ocean settles." 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 via Zoom on September 20th, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, recorded on September 10th, 2024, we are joined by Rupal Patel—best-selling author, speaker, and expert in leadership and talent development. Titled "Owning Your Weird: Unconventional Paths to Success," the episode highlights Rupal's inspiring journey and the lessons she's gathered along the way, offering wisdom for anyone forging their own path in today's unpredictable world. Rupal Patel's career is as diverse as it is remarkable. She served as a CIA analyst and field agent, earning war zone service medals and recognition from the CIA director for her "superior support to the president of the United States." She later transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Entrepreneura, and has become a guest lecturer at the University of Edinburgh Business School and external faculty at Henley Business School. In this insightful conversation, Rupal shares her path from the CIA to becoming a successful author, speaker, and leadership expert. Her career includes earning an MBA from the London School of Business, leading Blue Infinity Property Group as CEO, and launching an international speaking career. Her best-selling book, From CIA to CEO: Unconventional Life Lessons for Thinking Bigger, Leading Better, and Being Bolder, captures her wealth of knowledge and experiences. Throughout the episode, she speaks passionately about leadership, her desire to create a positive, large-scale impact, and how her diverse experiences inform her approach to developing leaders. A standout quote from the episode comes when Rupal offers advice to young girls: "Choose your peers very carefully. The people we surround ourselves with either help us raise our bar or lower ourselves to our basest instincts." This encapsulates her emphasis on intentionality in personal growth and leadership development. Rupal's journey provides invaluable insights for executive coaches and leaders. Her focus on creating positive impact beyond individual success speaks to the power of influence at a broader societal level—particularly relevant for executive coaches guiding high-level clients who can shape entire organizations or industries. Lastly, Patel's message of "owning your weird," which she also discusses in her TED talk, encourages leaders to embrace their unique qualities as assets. Executive coaches can leverage this concept to help clients transform perceived weaknesses into strengths, fostering more authentic, confident, and effective leadership. This not only enhances individual success but also drives 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 via Zoom on September 10, 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 Mindshare Multiplier, Empowering Coaches with AI Sidekicks," Severin explores the cutting-edge intersection of AI and executive coaching. As an early adopter and experimenter with over 20 AI models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Anthropic Claude, and Microsoft Copilot, Severin brings a wealth of practical experience to this discussion. His expertise is further highlighted by his authorship of the AI Whisperer book series, demonstrating his commitment to understanding and leveraging AI in professional coaching contexts. In this insightful episode, Severin shares his journey of integrating AI tools into coaching practices, focusing particularly on Google's Notebook LM. He explores how this powerful tool can serve as a centralized knowledge repository, enhance client understanding, streamline session preparation, and even assist in developing new coaching materials. Severin's approach goes beyond mere technological fascination, emphasizing the responsible and ethical use of AI in coaching, particularly concerning data privacy and security. His exploration of these tools aligns perfectly with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission of examining excellence in the art and science of executive coaching, offering a forward-looking perspective on how AI can augment and elevate coaching practices. In this episode, Severin Sorensen illuminates the transformative potential of AI in executive coaching. He emphasizes that tools like Google's Notebook LM are not meant to replace human coaches but to enhance their capabilities. By leveraging AI for tasks such as organizing vast amounts of information, identifying patterns in client data, and generating tailored session plans, coaches can focus more on what truly matters: the human connection and insight-driven guidance. Severin's exploration of AI in coaching goes beyond mere technological fascination. He underscores the critical importance of ethical considerations, particularly in terms of data privacy and security. As coaches integrate these powerful tools into their practices, Severin stresses the need for a balanced approach that maintains the trust and confidentiality that are fundamental to the coaching relationship. This thoughtful integration of AI ensures that technology serves to augment, rather than diminish, the human element of coaching. Looking to the future, Severin envisions a coaching landscape where AI and human expertise work in symbiosis. He encourages coaches to embrace these innovations thoughtfully, always keeping the best interests of their clients at the forefront. By doing so, coaches can lead the way in shaping a future where AI amplifies their skills, allowing for deeper insights, more personalized coaching experiences, and ultimately, more impactful outcomes for their clients. This forward-thinking approach positions executive coaches to not only adapt to technological advancements but to thrive in an AI-enhanced coaching environment. 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 via Zoom on October 5, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, recorded via Zoom on September 13th, 2024, we are honored to have Hannah Finrow, a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Hannah is renowned for her expertise as a Life Coach, Executive Coach, and global coaching expert. She serves as a premier fellow coach at BetterUp and has held leadership roles at CoachTrainingEDU, including VP of Marketing Education. In an engaging conversation, titled, " "Don't ever stop being Hannah," Hannah Finrow shares her inspiring journey from being one of nine children to becoming a highly respected coach with over a decade of experience. Her career began in service-level positions, including management roles at Taco Bell and Jamba Juice, before discovering her passion for coaching. Over the past years, Hannah has dedicated herself to helping individuals unlock their potential, enhance their leadership skills, and embrace their authentic selves. Recognized globally, Hannah has contributed more than 10,000 hours to coaching, mentoring, and training. This episode delves into Hannah's profound commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and coaches to find their unique voices, perfectly aligning with the Arete Coach Podcast's exploration of excellence in executive coaching. Hannah Finrow's journey to becoming a Master Certified Coach offers valuable insights for executive coaches. Her emphasis on authenticity and "being" rather than just "doing" highlights the importance of personal growth and self-awareness in coaching. Hannah's approach demonstrates that effective coaching goes beyond techniques and tools; it's about creating a space where clients can explore their true selves and unlock their potential. The podcast underscores the significance of listening and intuition in executive coaching. Hannah's practice of "pausing for intuition" and her willingness to ask seemingly unrelated questions based on her intuitive insights showcase the power of deep listening and trust in the coaching process. This approach can help executive coaches move beyond surface-level conversations to facilitate profound breakthroughs with their clients. Hannah's perspective on the "gap" in coaching provides a crucial framework for executive coaches. By focusing on the space between where clients are and where they want to be, coaches can help clients identify areas for growth and development. Additionally, Hannah's multidimensional approach, incorporating elements like poetry and metaphor, illustrates how executive coaches can leverage diverse tools and perspectives to enhance their practice and create more impactful 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 via Zoom on September 13, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, titled, "Coaching as a Life Skill: Listening, Leading, and Lifting Others," we are honored to have Ruchira Chaudhary, a distinguished executive coach, author, and CEO of True North Consulting. Ruchira is renowned for her expertise in leadership development, coaching, and organizational strategy, with over two decades of experience across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. She is also an acclaimed author of "Coaching: The Secret Code of Uncommon Leadership" and serves as adjunct faculty at prestigious institutions like Chicago Booth School, SMU, and IMD Singapore. In an engaging conversation, Ruchira Chaudhary shares her inspiring journey from a diverse corporate background to becoming a leading voice in executive coaching. Her career began in advertising and human resource consulting, evolving through various roles in multinational corporations before discovering her passion for coaching. Over the past decade, Ruchira has dedicated herself to mastering and teaching coaching skills, developing her proprietary "4C plus" model of coaching. Recognized globally, Ruchira has been honored as one of the 21 women leaders in 2021 and awarded the Woman of Excellence Award in 2022. This episode delves into Ruchira's profound commitment to creating leaders who coach and take others along in their journey, perfectly aligning with the Arete Coach Podcast's exploration of excellence in executive coaching. Ruchira Chaudhary's approach to executive coaching emphasizes the importance of developing a coaching mindset in leaders across all levels of an organization. Her "4C plus" model focuses on enhancing capability, consciousness (self-awareness), clarity, and confidence in coachees. This comprehensive framework provides a structured approach to coaching that goes beyond traditional skill development, addressing the holistic growth of individuals. One of the key insights from the episode is Ruchira's emphasis on coaching as a life skill rather than just a corporate tool. She advocates for a shift in leadership paradigms, moving away from command-and-control styles towards more empathetic, question-based approaches. This perspective aligns with modern leadership demands, especially in the wake of global challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for adaptable and inclusive leadership styles. Ruchira also brings attention to the unique challenges faced by women in leadership roles and the importance of tailored coaching approaches. She emphasizes the need to focus on building confidence and self-belief in women leaders, addressing issues like imposter syndrome and work-life balance. This insight highlights the role of coaching in promoting diversity and inclusivity in leadership, ultimately contributing to more robust and dynamic organizational cultures. 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 via Zoom on September 3, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, we are honored to have Michael Reddington, a certified forensic interviewer and the author of "The Disciplined Listening Method." From our conversation, Reddington remarked, "Life is a series of solvable problems. So you can choose to focus on the problem or you can choose to focus on the solution." Michael is the President of Inquasive Incorporated and is renowned for his expertise in applying non-confrontational interview and interrogation techniques to business communication and leadership development. In an engaging conversation, Michael Reddington shares his inspiring journey from his early career in special education to becoming a leader in the field of forensic interviewing and business communication. His path began in loss prevention for major retailers, where he discovered his talent for conducting interviews and interrogations. Over the past decade, Michael has dedicated himself to mastering and teaching non-confrontational interview techniques, applying his expertise to leadership communication, sales, negotiation, and conflict resolution across 50 countries. Recognized globally, Michael has been featured in Forbes and Fast Company, and has guest lectured at prestigious institutions including Harvard and Northwestern. This episode delves into Michael's profound commitment to helping business leaders enhance their communication skills and unlock greater value from high-impact conversations, perfectly aligning with the Arete Coach Podcast's exploration of excellence in executive coaching. In this conversation, Reddington talks about Disciplined Listening. Reddington's disciplined listening method is built on the foundations of active listening but goes beyond it. Disciplined Listening focuses on two fundamental principles: a. Uncovering hidden value in every conversation; b. Creating the communication experience other people require so they will do what we need them to do. It involves paying attention to subtle cues like pauses, changes in intonation, emotions, and specific word choices. The method emphasizes understanding why people choose to share sensitive information under vulnerable circumstances. It's about creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing the truth, rather than just appearing to listen. Disciplined listening involves adapting the conversation setting and approach to make the other person feel at ease and more likely to share openly. 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 via Zoom on August 30th, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

"We Are All Beekeepers: Protecting the Elderly from Fraud" is a powerful episode of the Arete Coach Podcast that delves into the critical issue of elder fraud. Host Severin Sorensen shares a personal story of his 84-year-old mother nearly falling victim to a sophisticated scam, highlighting how even educated and experienced individuals can be vulnerable. The episode provides an extensive overview of 33 common scams targeting seniors, ranging from tech support fraud to romance scams. Sorensen explores the psychological tactics scammers use, the vulnerabilities they exploit, and the devastating emotional and financial impacts on victims. Importantly, the podcast doesn't just outline the problem—it offers actionable solutions. Listeners will learn steps to take if they encounter a scam, best practices for fraud prevention, and resources for reporting and recovering from fraud attempts. This eye-opening episode emphasizes that protecting the elderly from fraud is a collective responsibility. It's a must-listen for seniors, their families, and anyone concerned about the growing threat of elder fraud in our digital age. The podcast provides valuable insights and practical tools to help create a safer environment for our seniors. 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 produced on September 9, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this special episode of The Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen explores the timeless power of referrals in business development, particularly in the world of executive coaching. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Severin discusses why referrals are more than just a marketing strategy—they are a testament to trust and the value created in professional relationships. Throughout the episode, he shares key insights on how to cultivate a thriving referral network by focusing on client satisfaction, delivering exceptional value, and fostering trust. Severin also breaks down the most effective strategies to grow a referral-driven coaching practice, from understanding the psychological motivations behind referrals to implementing cutting-edge technologies and ethical practices. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode offers actionable advice on how to make referrals the cornerstone of your practice’s growth. Join us for an engaging discussion packed with real-world case studies, practical tips, and forward-thinking strategies that can transform your approach to client acquisition. Key takeaways: Why referrals outperform traditional marketing efforts in coaching.How to nurture strong client relationships to drive word-of-mouth recommendations.Proven methods for leveraging AI, content marketing, and partnerships to boost referrals.Ethical considerations and best practices for building a referral ecosystem.Practical tools to measure and optimize your referral program. Tune in to discover how mastering the art of referrals can lead to sustained business growth and deeper professional bonds. 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 produced on September 4, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

This is the Arete Coach Podcast where we explore the art and science of executive coaching. This week we introduce the third installment of the "Coach Wisdom from Wise Women" series, wherein host Severin Sorensen explores the insights and experiences of three exceptional female executive coaches and Vistage Chairs: Michelle Barry, Bridget Wendman, and Kathy Fitzhenry. These accomplished Vistage chairs share their unique journeys into coaching, their approaches to heart-centered leadership, and how they balance intuition with structure in their practices. The episode delves into ten key themes, including heart-centered leadership, lifelong learning, diverse backgrounds leading to coaching, innovative techniques, and the power of questioning. Each coach offers valuable perspectives on creating safe spaces for clients, empowering other women, adapting to change, and measuring success. Highlights include Michelle Barry's hockey metaphor for anticipating change in business, Bridget Wendman's "grace, not grief" philosophy, and Kathy Fitzhenry's innovative use of characters to explain different aspects of leadership. The episode also features powerful questions these coaches use to provoke thought and growth in their clients. Sorensen concludes by reflecting on the common threads of authenticity and compassion running through these coaches' work, emphasizing that effective coaching is ultimately about human connection, growth, and courage. This episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for coaches, business leaders, and anyone interested in personal growth and leadership. If you've been inspired by these snippets of wisdom and would like to dive deeper into each coach's story and methodology, I encourage you to listen to their full individual episodes. You can hear more from Michele Barry in Episode 1094, Bridget Wenman in Episode 1120, and Kathy Fitzhenry in Episode 1058. Each of these episodes offers a wealth of additional insights and practical advice from these wise women. 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 produced on August 25, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen explores the critical topic of leadership transitions in family-owned businesses—an issue that’s more relevant than ever with approximately 40% of these businesses in the U.S. planning to transition leadership within the next five years. Drawing from recent research and real-world case studies, Severin discusses the importance of strategic succession planning, the challenges of preserving family legacy, and the growing trend of involving non-family executives in key leadership roles. Severin also walks listeners through a detailed executive search process he led for a family-owned business seeking a new CEO. This episode is a must-listen for family business owners, next-generation leaders, and coaches, offering actionable insights and strategies to ensure the longevity and success of these vital economic contributors. Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of leadership transitions in family enterprises and prepare your business for a prosperous future. In this episode, we’ll dive deep into these challenges and opportunities, exploring why succession planning is vital for family-owned businesses and how the right approach can ensure their survival and growth across generations. We'll discuss the importance of integrating non-family executives into leadership roles, a growing trend among outperforming family businesses, with 95% of them involving non-family executives in key decision-making processes. We’ll also dissect a real-world case study, where I had the opportunity to guide a family-owned business through a critical leadership transition. This case will shed light on the complexities involved in identifying and selecting a new CEO who not only understands the business's unique culture but also has the skills to drive future success. Whether you’re a family business owner, a next-generation leader, or a coach helping navigate these transitions, this episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies. So sit back, take notes, and get ready to learn how to manage family-owned business leadership transitions effectively, ensuring that these vital economic contributors continue to thrive for generations to come. 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 August 12, 2024, with portions pre-recorded on March 4, 2021. Copyright © 2021 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.