
Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching
“Arete Coach Podcast" Explores the "Art and Science" of Executive Coaching hosted by Severin Sorensen. The “Arete Coach Podcast" is for executive coaches and anyone considering becoming an executive coach. The podcast is especially valuable to executive coaches who are lifetime learners with deep curiosity about the "art and science" of coaching. In this podcast, the ‘art of coaching’ is explored through engaging interviews with leading executive coaches from diverse backgrounds sharing their individual coaching journeys, learnings, methods, best questions, and situational approaches to executive coaching. Beyond best practices, the podcast will regularly mine research on the ‘science of coaching’ and explores ongoing scientific discoveries and studies looking for what works and why, with an aim to improve the core body of knowledge for executive coaches and the industry.
Latest episodes

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
Arete Coach 1148 Rebecca Jones "Jumping with Courage: Exploring Evidence Based Coaching and Inclusion"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1148, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an engaging conversation with Professor Rebecca Jones with an episode titled, "Jumping with Courage: Exploring Evidence-Based Coaching and Inclusion." Professor Rebecca Jones is a psychologist, professor in coaching for behavioral change at Henley Business School, and co-founder of Inclusive Leadership Company.
Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast with your host, Severin Sorensen. This platform dives deep into the world of executive coaching, exploring both the art and the science behind it.
On today's episode we feature a conversation with Professor Rebecca Jones from the Henley School of Business, Henley Centre for Coaching. Ironically, Rebecca started off skeptical about coaching, but after researching it for her master's dissertation she became a believer. Now a professor at the prestigious Henley Business School, she directs their coaching programs and researches coaching effectiveness. Severin and Rebecca have an insightful discussion on her journey, passion for evidence-based coaching, insights from coaching research, and company aimed at developing inclusive leadership.
Rebecca describes how her curiosity about coaching effectiveness led her down the path of a PhD focused on the topic. She publishes constantly to make the research accessible. At Henley, Rebecca now specializes in coaching education across certificate, master’s, and other programs.
Diving into team and group coaching, Rebecca explains how the shared experience and peer coaching in groups can create added benefits beyond 1:1 coaching. She's seeing group coaching excel for empowering marginalized groups.
As co-founder of the Inclusive Leadership Company, Rebecca is on a mission to assess and build inclusive leadership capabilities in organizations. She describes her 360 assessment tool and coaching for inclusion.
Tune in to understand Rebecca's personal motivations, hear her coaching research insights, and learn how to create more inclusive workplaces. She discusses the importance of whole person coaching, shares her mantras for courage, and explains how we still have far to go in truly embracing inclusion.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on September 28, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Oct 10, 2023 • 1h 18min
Arete Coach 1147 Dwight Frindt "Agendaless Coaching: Truly Hearing and Being Heard"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1147, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an exciting episode with guest Dwight Frindt titled: "Agendaless Coaching: Truly Hearing and Being Heard." Dwight Frindt is an Executive Coach, Consultant, Advisor, Vistage Best Practice and Master Chair, Co-Founder of 2130 Partners, and Author.
Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast with your host, Severin Sorensen. This platform dives deep into the world of executive coaching, exploring both the art and the science behind it. In today's episode, we're privileged to have Dwight Frindt, an accomplished executive coach, as our guest.
Dwight's journey in the coaching sphere is truly commendable. With experiences like Vistage under his belt since 1994, co-founding the leadership development firm 2130 Partners, and authoring "Accelerate: High Leverage Leadership for Today's World" with his wife, Suzanne Frindt, Dwight's expertise is vast and deep-rooted.
One of the most profound aspects Dwight touches upon is the art of listening. He believes that in today's fast-paced world, the simple act of truly listening to someone can be transformative. Vistage, as he points out, has integrated this approach into their core, allowing members to not just feel heard but to truly understand themselves better through the reflections of others. An impactful interaction that Dwight recalls is with a Vistage member who, when asked why his member wanted to be a part of Vistage, he said, "When I'm listened to, I can hear myself."
Dwight also introduces us to the concept of "agendaless coaching." This method, as Dwight explains, is about approaching a coaching session without any pre-set objectives or biases. By doing so, the coach creates a space where the coachee can freely express and, in the process, have moments of self-realization. Often, coachees find themselves voicing thoughts they've had for years but never truly understood or grasped until that moment.
With an MBA from Harvard Business School and 15,000 hours of paid executive leadership coaching experience and a genuine passion for instigating positive change, Dwight's insights in this episode are nothing short of invaluable. Whether you're an executive looking to hone your leadership skills or someone keen on understanding the intricacies of effective coaching, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge.
Join us on this enlightening journey and prepare to be inspired!
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on September 8, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Oct 2, 2023 • 46min
Arete Coach 1146 Enrico Biscaro "Stories and Strategies for Breakthrough Leadership"
Welcome to Episode 1146 of the Arete Coach Podcast, crafted for a discerning audience of experienced executive and organizational leadership coaches. I'm your host, Severin Sorensen. Today, we journey through the world of leadership with Enrico Biscaro, a distinguished coach and mentor hailing from Italy, and the mastermind behind the thought-provoking book, "Resonance: Stories and Strategies for Global Team Breakthroughs."
Enrico holds an uncompromising view on leadership: Accountability is limitless. "Leaders must rise above excuses, for they erode morale, motivation, and creativity. True leadership demands courage," he says. "It's about transcending self-interest, eschewing self-pity, and setting aside self-preservation."
Delve deep as Enrico unravels 19 years of rich leadership lessons, insights from his diverse career, and treasures from his coaching practice. Our discussion kicks off with how the unparalleled accountability and resilience demonstrated by basketball legend Michael Jordan left a profound impression on Enrico, guiding his coaching ethos. Listen as Enrico divulges tales from his book "Resonance," revealing the nuances of energizing leadership, the potency of questions like "what drives you?", and the indispensable nature of relentless learning.
But who is Enrico Biscaro? He's a transformation catalyst, turning managers into leaders. Over the last 15 years, Enrico has nurtured, inspired, and transformed countless lives, steering them toward their zenith, their true potential. He's helmed businesses worth over $500 million across four continents. Notably, in his illustrious coaching tenure, over 30 first-time managers have blossomed under his guidance, with five soaring to helm global or regional executive roles. Before this, Enrico made waves at Baker Hughes, clinching roles like Regional Product Line Director and Advanced System Product Manager. His prowess was recognized in 2017 with the Technology Excellence Award for Best New Technology Project. A proud alumnus, Enrico polished his academic credentials with an MBA from the prestigious Thunderbird Global School of Management.
Prepare for an insightful session with Enrico Biscaro on the Arete Coach Podcast. Let's begin.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on July 27, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 8min
Arete Coach 1145 Georganne Goldblum "Journey Beyond Boundaries: Adventuring from Branding to Boardrooms"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1145, with host Severin Sorensen's exciting episode with executive coach guest Georgeanne Goldblum, "Journey Beyond Boundaries: Adventuring from Branding to Boardrooms."
Georgeann Goldblum stands as a example of transformative leadership, having navigated a dynamic 25-year career in marketing management, from the leadership of Fortune 500 companies to the entrepreneurial trenches. With an additional 21 years under her belt as a CEO and an influential executive coach, she has showcased her prowess by assisting numerous companies in optimizing their business exits, collectively netting over $2 billion in the past nine years. Having earned her MBA from the prestigious New York University Stern School of Business, and advanced coursework at Harvard Business School, Georgeann's accolades don't stop at her academic achievements. She has been honored with the 2023 Red Scott Award, Vistage Florida's highest distinction, and has consistently been recognized as the number one Vistage Florida Chair for an impressive 13 years. Furthermore, her influence in the business realm was solidified when she was named one of the top 25 most influential business women in 2023 by the South Florida Business Journal.
One theme that comes out in the interview is Georgeann's effort to listen, to ask questions, and listen as long as it takes to allow the coaches to do the work; it's there work! Other themes in this episode include education and continuous learning, adaptability and openness to new opportunities, passion and core values, and impacting people's lives. Georgeann thrives at helping her clients leverage the value of their enterprises to have greater exits.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on August 18, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 6min
Arete Coach 1144 Severin Sorensen "Collaborating AI Business Agents"
Welcome to a new episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, where our host, Severin Sorensen, dives deep into the latest advancements in AI for the business sector. Stemming from cutting-edge research and lab discoveries, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state and future prospects of AI technologies, including innovative applications such as chat GPT apps, auto-coordinating AI agents, and collaborative, purpose-driven AI models.
Key Highlights:
Understanding AI's Business Implications: As business enthusiasts, whether coaches, leaders, or entrepreneurs, staying updated with the rapid evolution of AI is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. This episode sheds light on the transformative impact of AI in the business world.Updates on AI Whisperer Series: We'll share the latest from the AI Whisperer book series and introduce an upcoming six-hour workshop – 'AI Whisperer for Business'.
AI for Business Spotlight:Claude AI: Discover Anthropic's latest chat GPT model and its potential applications.AI in Music: Experience the magic of AI music composition with Avia.AI in Management Consulting: Learn about the intriguing trial between McKinsey and Boston Consulting Groups. Who emerged victorious: traditional management consultants or those empowered by AI?
Business Approaches to AI: We dissect a fresh paper from Harvard Business School that contrasts two AI business methodologies: the 'Centaur' (expert systems approach) and the 'Cyborg' (collaborative and coordinating approach).AI's Role in Collaboration: Delve into a captivating study from academic circles that explores AI's potential in roles like problem-solving, ideation, collaboration, and even software coding.AI at the Helm: Can AI run your business? We contemplate this profound question, discussing the prerequisites, potential methodologies, and the broader implications for the future of work.
Join us on this enlightening journey to understand how AI is reshaping the business landscape and what it could mean for you and your enterprise.
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 19, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 1min
Arete Coach 1143 Uta Birkmayer In Episode 1143 "Rocketing Authenticity, Curiosity, and Purpose for Greater Happiness and Health"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1143, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an engaging episode titled Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1143 Uta Birkmayer "Rocketing Authenticity, Curiosity, and Purpose for Greater Happiness and Health."
In Episode 1143 of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen engages in an enlightening discourse with the multifaceted Uta Birkmayer. Uta, a distinguished alumna of Cornell University with a Masters in Hospitality and a BS in Hotel Management, further accentuates her academic pedigree with an executive charette in design from the Harvard University School of Design.
Beyond her educational accolades, Uta wears many hats: she's an executive coach, founder of Xsense, leadership coach, mastermind group leader, nutritional therapist, dynamic business executive, entrepreneur, advocate for life, health, and happiness, and a former Vistage Chair. Central to her coaching philosophy is a commitment to guiding her CEO clients towards discovering and nurturing their authentic selves.
Embark on a journey that traces Uta's relentless spirit, summed up in her mantra: "don't tell me I can't do it." From her upbringing in Germany to her pivotal decision to pursue academics at Cornell, we navigate through the serendipitous encounters and unwavering tenacity that have marked her path. Experience the expanse of Uta's career in the hospitality realm, where her prowess as a Hotelier shines, primarily through her influential roles in Japan, China, and Germany.
Delving deeper into the concept of authenticity, Uta believes in its holistic embrace, stating, "Authenticity is not just the good stuff. It's also the stuff that many developers want to hide." This belief remains foundational to her work, where she lends spaces a deeper context, enriching them with meaning, and realigning their purpose. Her current venture, the Rocket Mastermind groups, is a testament to her innovative approach, where she seamlessly melds her diverse expertise.
Join us as we unpack the essence of her mastermind groups, explore the metaphor of voyaging on a rocket ship, and get a glimpse of the groundbreaking tools she employs to design unparalleled experiential learning journeys for her CEO clientele. This episode beckons those eager to weave authenticity with purpose, all in the pursuit of attaining unparalleled happiness and health.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on July 13, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 11min
Arete Coach 1142 Severin Sorensen "The Talent Palette"
Welcome to Episode 1142 of the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode reviewing his latest book, "The Talent Palette, Your Business Guide to Hiring Difference Making Employees" written for executive coaches, entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs, and key executives, The Talent Palette book is available now on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle.
Severin Sorensen is a serial entrepreneur, executive coach, and premier-level executive recruiter, and he distills his executive recruiting and talent selection expertise into a powerful narrative. He's leveraged advanced data science techniques from HR and recruitment sectors to create 'The Talent Palette', an actionable guidebook that demystifies the process of identifying and recruiting impactful talent for burgeoning SMEs.
In this special Labor Day 2023 edition, Severin elaborates on the essence of finding and hiring 'difference-making talent.' Drawing from the invaluable insights penned in "The Talent Palette," he outlines effective strategies to not only identify but also thoroughly evaluate, measure, and induct transformative talent into your organization, ensuring that every hire truly makes a difference.
In this episode, you will get a sneak-preview of the table of contents and a reading of the Forward, Introduction, and Chapter One on The Difference Makers, capturing the essence of the first 38 pages of this comprehensive 350-page guide. A website: TheTalentPalette.com is available with additional information on the book.
With a commitment to refining recruitment processes, Severin underscores the book's potential to revolutionize hiring approaches for executive coaches, business magnates, and industry leaders. The steps, methodologies, and probing questions encapsulated within this guidebook facilitate a more discerning hiring procedure.
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 Labor Day, September 4, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 8min
Arete Coach 1141 Philippe Bouissou "From Startups to Apple: A Journey of Innovation and Customer Delight"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1141, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an exciting episode with Dr. Philippe Bouissou. Philippe, is a man whose multifaceted journey through Silicon Valley is filled with invaluable insights. From being a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and growth expert to an entrepreneur, CEO, venture capitalist, and board member, Philippe has donned many hats. His book "Aligning the Dots" presents a revolutionary approach to optimizing resource allocation for sustainable, profitable growth. As a managing partner and co-founder of Blue Dots Partners LLC, he focuses on accelerating top-line growth.
In his years as a venture capitalist, Philippe evaluated over 2300 startups and witnessed firsthand the common pitfalls that led to their demise. A key realization he shares is the critical importance of focus and self-awareness for a startup's survival and success. This episode dives deep into Philippe's entrepreneurial journey, the eye-opening lessons he gleaned from Steve Jobs at Apple, and the profound understanding that, ultimately, every business is in the business of 'manufacturing and delivering delight' to its customers.
We'll also discuss the lessons learned from failures, the humbling experience of studying physics, the crucial role of alignment within teams, the significance of having CEO experience before serving as a board member, and much more.
Philippe's career began as the founder and CEO of G2I Incorporated, a UNIX software company later acquired by Matra. He then joined Apple as the director of the Worldwide Internet Commerce Group, where he founded and managed the online Apple Store, catapulting its revenue from zero to 350 million. Post-Apple, Philippe transitioned into venture capitalism and co-managed the Milestone Group, a management consulting firm serving over 220 clients. Throughout his career, he has led 120 management consulting projects with giants like Cisco, Microsoft, SAP, and VeriSign, and served on the board of directors of 20 companies, including the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).
Armed with degrees from Ecole Normale Supérieure in mathematics, a master's in physics, and a Ph.D. in nonlinear physics and chaos theory, Philippe brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
Join us for a stimulating 60-minute cognitive stroll with two new friends, as we traverse through a multitude of topics, each more enlightening than the last.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on June 22, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 8min
Arete Coach 1140 Travis Kemp "Beyond Intuition: The Fusion of Sports, Study, and Evidence-Based Coaching"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1140, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an exciting episode with Dr. Travis Kemp titled "Beyond Intuition and The Fusion of Sports, Study, and Evidence-Based Coaching."
Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Dr. Kemp stands as a beacon in executive coaching, leadership, and organizational psychology. With over three decades of experience, his expertise is acknowledged not just in Australia but globally by industry stalwarts and peers.
In this episode:
Uncover Dr. Kemp's enthralling journey from his early ties to sports and education to his passion for embracing the uncertainties that life offers.
Delve into the intriguing application of sports metaphors in coaching, with insights from skiing and golf.
Understand the pivotal difference between perception and reality. As Kemp articulates, "Understanding what's actually happening versus what is perceived is crucial."
Challenge widely accepted coaching assumptions and unearth the significance of evidence-based coaching.
Embrace Dr. Kemp's philosophy on the art of asking questions, emphasizing that "It's not just the structure, but the timing, tone, and intent that truly matter."
Reinforce the inviolable principle of confidentiality in coaching. As Kemp succinctly puts it, "You are a vault, creating an environment for deep, genuine sharing."
Dr. Kemp's vast experience spans working with top-tier leaders across diverse industries, focusing on magnifying individual and organizational performance. As an executive coach, he aids leaders in refining their strategy, communication, and leadership techniques. He’s also the co-director of the Institute of Coaching and Consulting Psychology, contributes to leading coaching journals, and serves as an adjunct professor at the University of South Australia.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on July 11, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 14min
Arete Coach 1139 Dena Patton "From Broadway Lights to Coaching Brilliance"
This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1139, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you an exciting episode titled: Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1139 Dena Patton "From Broadway Lights to Coaching Brilliance."
In this illuminating episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen shares an insightful interview with Dena Patton who is an executive coach, best-selling author, and powerhouse speaker, Dena Patton.
In this episode: (1) Discover Dena's dramatic transition from being a driving force in Broadway Marketing to identifying and harnessing her unique gifts in executive coaching; (2) Unearth the story behind Dena's involvement in the moving 9/11 Photography Exhibition—a project that not only garnered 10,000 participants but also brought together a staggering 500,000 attendees for community, healing, and hope. (3) Delve into her best-selling book "The Greatness Game," where Dena outlines her approach to leading with audacity and excellence. Witness her commitment to the future through the Girls Rule Foundation, a venture she co-founded, aimed at empowering young girls in self-esteem, leadership, and financial career skills.
With over two decades in coaching and training, Dena Patton has solidified her reputation by assisting purpose-driven companies and visionary leaders to not just thrive but set new standards in their respective fields. Whether it's marketing, shifting mindset, or establishing systems, Dena has been instrumental in elevating profits and impact for countless businesses.
Don't miss this episode filled with insights, stories of resilience, and transformative lessons from one of the best in the world of coaching.
The Arete Coach Podcast aims to uncover the art and science of executive coaching. Learn more about the podcast at aretecoach.io.
This Podcast interview was recorded on June 27, 2023.
Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.