Coaching for Reinvention

In a feature for Diversified Recruitment Inc, career columnist Patrice Kelly writes “Corporations reinvent themselves internally everyday, but individuals also can make significant changes to improve their business and personal life.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, statistically speaking no one really knows what motivates many of us to want to change careers, or the number of times the typical person changes his or her career over a lifetime.  However one idea commonly attributed to the Department of Labor is that people change careers about seven times throughout their lives.

But what stops many of us from changing careers or pursuing our dreams?

Miami-based The Reinvention Institute says there are a variety of perceived barriers that stop many of us from reinventing our careers, including lack of knowledge, scarce financial resources, and a scarcity of contacts.

How can we overcome these challenges in finding the career of our dreams?  And what should we consider when debating whether or not to change careers?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more, focusing on how coaches who specialize in career reinvention can help reshape who we are, what we do, and how we choose to live our professional and personal lives.

Highlights of the show include:

• An overview of what personal reinvention is.
• Why reinvention requires a real commitment on a very personal level.
• The roles that planning and fear play in defining our careers.
• How reinvention experts are helping both business executives and celebrities like David Beckham achieve their goals.
• What to consider when making a career change.
• How career reinvention coaches can help people stick to their commitment of reinventing their careers.

Featured Guests:

• Michael Arthur, Professor of Management, Suffolk University, Boston
• Linda Clark Borre, Creativity Coach, From Inspiration to Implementation
• Pamela Mitchell, Founder and CEO, The Reinvention Institute
• Watt Nicoll, Personal Reinvention Expert, Watt Nicoll Associates

Tune into the podcast version of the Insight on Coaching show dedicated to Coaching for Reinvention to listen to career experts and coaches discuss how they’ve helped professional reinvent themselves, and learn the best ways to find a career that makes you happy.

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching for Reinvention

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According to a June 7th, 2007 Time Magazine article titled “Going Green at the Office” “several recent surveys show that workers, especially from the generation that grew up separating paper from plastic, don’t want to work for big fat polluters.” 

In fact, one-third of workers would be more inclined to work for a green company, says staffing firm Adecco USA, and more than half wish their employers would be more environmentally friendly. 

From cost savings to an overall desire to “do the right thing,” more corporations are seeing the advantages of going green – and employees are happy about it. 

But why do many studies conclude the majority of companies still haven’t incorporated corporate social responsibility performance into business metrics?  How can this challenge be overcome? 

And how are coaches helping move the green effort along and helping businesses employ corporate sustainability?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more.

Highlights of the show include:

Featured Guests:

• Brian Back, Founding Editor & Publisher, Sustainable Industries Magazine
• Heather Gadonniex, Founder, Green It Group
• Burton Hamner, Principal Consultant/Owner, Cleaner Production International LLC
• Steve Salee, Executive Coach and Founder, SJS Consulting Group
• Karlin Sloan, Executive Coach and CEO, Karlin Sloan & Company

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Going Green: Coaching for Social Responsibility


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More and more consumers are being forced into financial responsibility by the housing downtown and a weakening economy.

With less than 15 percent of Americans “living within their means,” according to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, the recession is a critical time to get personal finances in shape. 

With limited resources, what are the best ways to spend and save your money during a recession?

We speak with coaches and personal finance experts on the best recession lessons that can last a lifetime.

According to a June 2nd, 2008 online survey by The Nielsen Company, some 85% of U.S. consumers say they believe the country is in a recession.

However based on Nielsen’s research, this negative view of the U.S. economy appears not to have tainted most Americans’ views of their own financial affairs: More than half (51%) say the state of their personal finances remains excellent or good, while just over one-third (36%) rank their situation as not so good.

Feeling overwhelmed, overspent, and unsure of how to come out on top during this uncertain economic time, many consumers are showing they’re floundering when it comes to managing debt, making wise investments, and saving money to survive a financial crisis. 

What lessons for financial success can be learned from the recent housing crisis and market fluctuations?  Is it better to invest money or save money in the times ahead?

And how are coaches helping individuals get fiscally fit not only for work, but also for home and play?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more.

Highlights of the show include:

• The impact of the recession on the average consumer’s finances.
• Why many Americans are living beyond their means.
• How to manage and lower debt during a recession.
• How to make money during a recession and where to invest.
• Why it can be a good time to buy a house, building, or other real estate investment.
• How personal finance coaches can help build accountability and get you back on track.

Featured Guests:

• Gabe Graumann, Author and Creator of MoneyTalkWithGabe
• William Patterson, CEO and co-founder of The Baron Solution Group, Author of The Baron Son
• Kathy Jo Pollack, Certified Life Coach, Trainer, and Public Speaker on Personal Finance
• Erica Sandberg, National Credit and Management Authority, On-Air Credit and Money Expert for KRON-TV San Francisco

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

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According to a survey that appeared in the April 28th, 2008 issue of USA Today, two-thirds of 52 economists polled said the U.S. economy is in recession. 

As quoted in the August 9th 2008 issue of Newsweek, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate is now at 5.7 percent, the highest level in four years, and now with two consecutive quarters of falling GDP, “America is bracing for a recession.”

Combine the above with rising energy prices, an unstable financial sector, and an overall decrease in the amount of jobs available, many people are nervous about the impact of the economy on their livelihood and careers.

In his article titled “Strategies for Surviving the Slump”, BusinessWeek writer Chris Farrell says “The big fear during a recession is layoffs, and the best move may simply be to try to make your current position more secure.”

But how can you make your current position more secure during a recession?  Is it possible to recession-proof your career?

And how can coaches help you survive a recession?

Our panel of experts address these questions and more.

Highlights of the show include:

• A discussion of the indicators and trends that indicate our economy is in recession. 
• Why it’s important to not let fear and self doubt consume you during a recession.
• How to successfully market yourself during a recession.
• Strategies to help you “stay on the island” in the workplace during a recession.
• Why skills like relationship management and networking become even more important during a recession.
• How coaches can guide and motivate people during a recession, as well as help them retain and find jobs.

Featured Guests:

• John Challenger, CEO, Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
• Krishna De, Employer Branding and Employee Engagement Strategist and Commentator
• Wendy Enelow, Coach and Author of 101 Ways to Recession Proof Your Career
• Amy Lindgren, Expert, Columnist, and Founder/President, Prototype Career Service
• Rich Milgram, Founder and CEO, Beyond.com, Inc.

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching Through a Recession

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The Apprentice is a television franchise that originated in 2004 in the United States on NBC. Billed as “The Ultimate Job Interview,” the show depicted a group of 15 to 18 businessmen and -women competing in an elimination-style competition for a one-year, $250,000 job of running one of host and executive producer Donald Trump’s companies. 

Many magazines, newspapers, educational institutions, and organizations like the American Management Association have captured lessons learned from this hit reality show over the past several years.

For example according to The Boston Globe, institutions like Georgetown University and the University of Washington have weaved lessons learned from the show into classroom discussions on everything from what’s fair play in negotiations to how to win customers. 

In fact, ABC’s news “Working Wounded Blog” cited that 4.8% of people listed The Apprentice as “their main source for information about how to survive the workplace.”

What are the best practices we can capture from the show?  And how can we apply them both inside and outside of the boardroom?

Our panel of guests address these questions and more.

Highlights of the show include:

Featured Guests:

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Coaching for Entrepreneurs

A new study sponsored by The Entrepreneur’s Source finds 5 universal reasons why businesses fail no matter what their size.
They are:

On this show, I interviewed guests who have successfully guided entrepreneurs in the past, focusing on how coaches can help entrepreneurs overcome their blind spots, see the big picture and improve their overall performance.

Highlights of the show included:

• How coaches can work with entrepreneurs to avoid financial mismanagement.
• The importance of outsourcing in helping entrepreneurs manage their business.
• How coaches can counsel entrepreneurs who may be pursuing the wrong endeavors or projects.
• How coaches can help entrepreneurs deal with the symptoms and signs of stress.
• The importance of social networking in an entrepreneur’s success.
• The resources and tools that can help entrepreneurs network and grow their businesses.
  

Featured Guests:

Andrea Garfield, Entrepreneur, Advisor, and Coach, UCLA Anderson School of Management
Patricia Kelly, President and CEO, Limerick
Terry Powell, Founder and CEO, The Entrepreneur Source
Paul Williams, President, E Odyssey, Inc.
 
The IEC Debrief with Tom Floyd

The U.S. Small Business Administration indicated there were 671,800 new business start ups in 2006, yet according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 45% of new businesses ventures fail within 2 years of opening.
 
When asked about the reasons why many small businesses fail, one of the most interesting reasons to me Terry Powell highlighted was underperforming salespeople.
 
As a small business owner myself, that pain point in particular really resonated with me.
 
In the small business world we wear so many different hats, and in some cases when you’re personally responsible for delivering the work you sell, it’s extremely hard to continue focusing on sales when work is piling up in front of you.

Talk to us small business owners!

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Wow, did the topic of financial management hit home with me.  I found myself nodding as Paul Williams discussed the importance of reviewing financials on a quarterly basis, along with using applications like QuickBooks to stay organized.

In October of 2001, I had just gotten my business license and was talking to my accountant, who told me “Tom, setting yourself up the right way financially from the get go is key.  Buy QuickBooks, it will make your life AND my life easier.”  He was right!

In addition to talking about QuickBooks, I thought Paul hit the nail on the head when he discussed the importance of outsourcing financial management if it’s not your strength.
 
Reconciling books, finding discrepancies, and plain staying on top of everything caused me an enormous amount of anxiety in the beginning.

Small business owners out there, what was your experience?

• Have you struggled in managing the finances for your business?
• Have you experienced successes in outsourcing this function to an accounting or financial services firm?
• What are some additional financial best practices, tips, and tricks you’d recommend to other small business owners out there?

Please feel free to comment, We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting 
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

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A Fortune Small Business article that cites the annoying habits of entrepreneurs was quoted as saying “Entrepreneurs, almost by definition, are obsessed with achieving their goals.”  In interviewing executive coaches on that matter, an expert said, “Entrepreneurs kill themselves, literally. Their health goes straight to hell.” 
 

As I hung my head in shame, wincing from the vision of dust on my elliptical, I asked our panel about this.  Andrea Garfield piped up from a coaching perspective, focusing on the need for entrepreneurs to create a growth strategy, focus on running the company, and delegate day-to-day activities to staff.
 
She also shared many entrepreneurs have a personal a-ha when someone like a coach helps them realize they are missing their lives and can realize even greater success when they are balanced, rested, and happy.
 
I encourage our coaches in cyberspace to share their stories!

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Inside the Actor’s Coaching Session

With Academy Award winning actors acknowledging the key people who made their success possible, the acting coach is perhaps one of the most familiar professional coaches in the business world today.

Aspiring stars always ask how to make it in the business, but how do acting coaches make it?
 
Who are the top acting coaches and how do they work?

What methods do the best acting coaches employ, and what draws big-name talent to them?

How can these lessons translate from on-screen success to business or personal success?

This show featured some of the entertainment industry’s top talent and looked at some of their biggest names and best practices.

Highlights of the show included:

•   An overview of the acting coach field.
•   A discussion about the challenges actors experience that coaches can address.
•   What draws big name talent to the best acting coaches.
•   The skills a good acting coach must possess.
•   Why it’s important for executives to not become actors during conferences, presentations, and meetings.
•   Lessons from the acting world that can be applied to the business world.

Featured Guests:

Daniel Henning, Acting Coach and Artistic Director, The Blank Theatre Company
Lynette McNeill, Acting Coach and Director, Lynette McNeill Studios
Jerry Weissman, Executive Coach and President, Power Presentations Ltd.
Adrian Zmed, Actor and Acting Coach, Stella Adler Conservatory, L.A.

The IEC Debrief with Tom Floyd

We began the show with a quote from a USA Today article titled “Even A-List Actors Need a Coach.”  Larry Moss was quoted in the article as saying “I know some very big stars who don’t do a movie without a coach.  To be coached is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.”

As a coaching advocate myself (and a guy who has two coaches at the moment!) – I agree.  It’s absolutely a sign of strength, to know yourself, your areas of growth, and your weaknesses – it’s empowering.  It amazes me how some people feel the complete opposite though!

Lynette McNeill shared some actors are completely comfortable acknowledging and talking about the coaches who have had an impact on their careers and lives. 

However, others are not.  What do you think?

• Would you view an A-list actor or celebrity differently if you knew he or she had an acting coach?

• What would you suggest or recommend to a high profile actor, celebrity, or other well known personality who was concerned about the public being aware of his or her acting coach? 

We look forward to hearing from all of you!
 
Cheers from your host,
 
Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting 
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

Coaching and the Entertainment Industry

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Coaching to Build Confidence
 

Confidence.  As human beings we think about confidence often.  We’re naturally attracted to or inspired by those who naturally exude this trait, yet can very quickly lose confidence in the person we should admire the most – ourselves.
 
We discussed the challenges new or young actors in particular experience as they begin their careers, and confidence was an area our guests saw people struggle with time and time again.  Former TJ Hooker star Adrian Zmed highlighted the need to keep perspective.  For actors, he explained it’s important to remember if you didn’t get the role you wanted, it’s not because you did badly – it’s because you just weren’t right for the part.
 
This is an often an area where acting coaches can help – keeping their clients grounded, on track, and focused on moving ahead.
 

•  How do you keep self doubt from dragging your confidence down?
•  If you’re an acting coach, what would you say to young actors who may doubt themselves at times?
•  For our executive and life coaches out there, tell us how you’ve helped clients rebuild their confidence.

Please feel free to comment, We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Tom Floyd
CEO
IEC: Insight Educational Consulting 
Specializing in Management Consulting, Change Management, Workforce Performance, and Employee Development

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