Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching

Welcome to Episode 1166 of the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen, with an episode titled: "Music to My Ears: AI Adds New Notes to Coaching Sessions." In this session where we delve into the fascinating world of the intersection of coaching and the creation and use of AI Music in the Coaching Setting. The host Severin Sorensen explores how AI music apps are revolutionizing coaching by energizing sessions, enhancing creativity, and transforming meetings. He shares numerous examples of AI-generated jingles, meditations, and energizers created using Suno. ai to showcase how music can elevate moods and facilitate productive sessions. Highlights include an upbeat podcast jingle, “Rise and Shine,” humorous renditions of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat," motivational energizers like "Revive and Thrive," and personalized songs set to music such as “Strums of the Sage Soul” and “Thoughts and Feelings.” Severin demonstrates Suno.ai’s capabilities for customizing genre, vocals, and styles to match desired tones and atmospheres. Key insights shared are that AI is redefining creative expression, expanding musical capabilities, and enabling richer human-computer collaboration. Topics Covered:; AI music revolution; Suno.ai app; Music to transform meetings; Jingles; Meditations; Energizers; Song lyrics; Human-AI collaboration; Customizing musical styles; and exploring how AI is redefining human creativity. Numerous musical illustrations of AI music developed for the coaching setting are demonstrated. The podcast closes with five thoughts; (1) "AI is not just creating new kinds of art, it’s creating new kinds of artists." (2) "With AI, we’re not just listening to music, we’re exploring the frontiers of creativity." (3) "The fusion of AI and music is like adding a new color to the palette of a painter." (4) "In the world of AI music, we’re not just composers or listeners, we’re collaborators in an unfolding creative process." And, (5) "AI in music is not about replacing the human touch, it’s about augmenting our capacity to experience and create sound." All music on the podcast is © 2024 by Severin Sorensen, with the exception of "Thoughts and Feelings" with is the collaborative work of Songwriters Lane Monson and Severin Sorensen, here the copyright is assigned to Lane Monson.

In episode 1165 of the Arete Coach Podcast, titled "Mentoring as a Positive Iago: Transformative Executive Coaching," host Severin Sorensen engages in a profound conversation with Ed Robinson, an executive coach and Vistage Chair with a rich background in leadership development and executive consulting. His lifelong passion for leadership, dating back to his early fascination with historical leaders, has been a guiding force throughout his career. Robinson's extensive expertise was further honed through his training as a management consultant at Ernst & Young, where he learned the intricacies of aiding organizations in solving complex problems. Additionally, his time at the Gallup Leadership Institute played a significant role in shaping his strength-based approach to leadership and coaching. This combination of experiences, along with his innate curiosity and commitment to continuous learning, has equipped Robinson to excel as a masterful coach, impacting the lives and careers of many leaders and executives. In episode 1165 of the Arete Coach Podcast, titled "Mentoring as a Positive Iago: Transformative Executive Coaching," host Severin Sorensen delves into a profound discussion with Ed Robinson, a seasoned executive coach and Vistage Chair. Robinson shares his comprehensive experience in leadership development and executive coaching, emphasizing his role as a "Positive Iago" in guiding and mentoring leaders. He reflects on his journey, highlighting the blend of personal and professional growth in coaching. Robinson’s approach is underlined by his belief in the transformative power of positive influence, akin to a constructive whisper in the ears of leaders, shaping them for the better. Topics Covered include: Executive Coaching Techniques; Leadership Development; Problem-Solving in Management; Business Growth Strategies; Financial Success in Coaching; Vistage Chair Experience; Education and Training Methods; Book Writing and Publishing; Personal Journey in Coaching. Client Success Stories. Thoughts expressed by Ed in our conversation included: "Effective coaching involves understanding both the people and the math of business." "The best coaching outcome is when clients achieve more than they initially believed possible." "Personal life should not become a casualty of business success." "You have to be the positive influence in the lives of those you coach." 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 January 5th 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In episode 1164 of the Arete Coach Podcast, titled "Beyond Automation: AI's Role in Empowering Coaches," host Severin Sorensen engages in an engaging conversation with Samiur Rahman, CEO and co-founder of Heyday, an AI software company focused on assisting coaches. Rahman's rich experience includes over 12 years in AI and machine learning, with prior roles at Amazon, Synapse, Mattermark, and as co-founder of Journal. Heyday, his current venture, integrates AI to enhance the effectiveness of executive coaches by automating mundane tasks and providing a comprehensive client profile by aggregating data from various sources like emails, documents, and Zoom calls. In this insightful episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen and Samiur Rahman, CEO and co-founder of Heyday, explore the transformative role of AI in executive coaching. Samiur, with a decade-plus expertise in AI and machine learning, delves into how Heyday leverages AI to augment coaching effectiveness, from mundane task automation to creating intricate client profiles using diverse data sources. The discussion navigates through AI's impact on coaching, emphasizing data security, Heyday's distinctive approach in comparison to traditional note-taking apps, and AI's potential in augmenting, not replacing, the human touch in coaching. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of AI in executive coaching, addressing ethical considerations, the future of AI in this field, and even a demonstration of Heyday's user experience, marking a significant conversation in the art and science of executive 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 produced on December 19, 2023. Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In episode 1163 of the Arete Coach Podcast, titled "Framing Leadership: A Photographer's Lens on Executive Coaching," host Severin Sorensen engages in a profound conversation with David Kinnear. As an experienced executive coach, Vistage Chair, and CEO of DBK Associates, Kinnear brings a unique blend of leadership acumen and creative insight. His three decades in the semiconductor industry with Toshiba and Fairchild Semiconductor have provided a solid foundation for his coaching career. The episode explores Kinnear's seamless transition from a corporate environment to the realm of executive coaching, emphasizing his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development. His coaching methodology is enriched by his experiences in engineering, management, and business development, underscoring the synergy between technical knowledge and human skills. An intriguing aspect of the podcast is the discussion around Kinnear's passion for photography, delving into how this creative pursuit intersects with his coaching practice. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in coaching, active listening, and the importance of detaching from outcomes. Kinnear's quotes reflect his practical wisdom and dedication to empowering leaders, resonating with the theme of creating a better world through effective leadership. In our conversation we learn David is an avid photographer and we talk about photography and the advent of AI visualization tools he uses, and his thoughts on AI imagery and creativity. A couple of quotes that jumped out at me in the interview from David were his comments: "If I'm going to claim that I'm a coach, then I better go get some training." Or, "I realized that I can't own the outcome either of coaching or consulting." And, "The universe is indifferent. It's not trying to kill me, and it's not trying to help me. And his mantra of "Creating a better world one leader at a time." 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 December 20, 2023. Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In Episode 1162 of the Arete Coach Podcast, "The AI Whisperer: Exploring Generative AI ChatGPT 4.0 and its Ethical Use in Mental Health Settings," host Severin Sorensen presents key insights from his keynote at the NASW-KY Seminar. The episode focuses on the role of AI in behavioral health, balancing technology and ethics. Sorensen, an accomplished executive coach and AI proponent, deep dives into AI's capabilities and challenges in mental health, advocating for its mindful application. Key topics include AI's impact on therapy, data privacy, and future prospects in mental health industries. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of AI and mental health. In this episode, Sorensen discusses the application and ethical considerations of Generative AI, specifically ChatGPT 4.0, in mental health settings. The discussion revolves around the potential of AI in enhancing behavioral health practices, addressing its capabilities, limitations, and the significant ethical concerns associated with its use. Sorensen, an experienced executive coach and AI advocate, emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in integrating AI into mental health, considering both the technological advancements and the ethical boundaries. Severin Sorensen is an executive coach and the CEO of ePraxis LLC, a leading AI-enhanced management consulting, executive coaching, and talent recruitment firm. He hosts the Arete Coach Podcast, bridging the gap between the art and science of executive coaching. Sorensen is a best-selling author on Amazon with notable works including the "AI Whisperer" series (The AI Whisperer, The AI Whisperer Draws, The AI Whisperer Wizard Words) and "Next10: Coach Wisdom for Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and CEOs." He has presented at the British Psychological Society Research Conference and is an advocate for ethical AI use. Significant topics explored in the podcast: Generative AI in Mental HealthEthical Use of AI in TherapyAI’s Capabilities and LimitationsAI in Clinical Social WorkEnhancing Behavioral Health PracticesAI's Potential Impact on Mental Health PracticeData Privacy and Security in AIAI's Role in Coaching and CounselingAI in Professional Development TrainingAI’s Future in Behavioral Sciences Severin demonstrates a guided prompt journey using layered prompts to help a senior behavioral health practitioner identify their next key hire using ChatGPT. Severin also prompts on how to query and find scholarly research on behavioral health and AI using Google Bard. Key quotes by Severin Sorensen: “AI is changing what we're doing today.”“AI has the likelihood of becoming transformational for humankind.” “AI treats [people] as they are, without judgment.” “Understanding data doesn't necessarily give wisdom.” “AI can make decisions, offer advice, and solve problems by learning from human and digital inputs.” “AI can diagnose mental health disorders based on conversations.” “AI improves customer sentiment because it is non-judgmental.” “We need to understand when AI is not being wise.” “AI can create a lot of problems, like deepfakes and misinformation.” “We need the wisdom to understand when AI is offering valuable insights.” 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 January 26, 2024. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In the Arete Coach Podcast episode 1161 titled, "TEC-niques of Leadership: From Concept to Growth of The Executive Committee to Vistage," host Severin Sorensen interviews Fred Chaney, an executive coach, Vistage Chair, former CEO of TEC (or The Executive Committee), and former CEO of Lonestar Steakhouse (including Texas Land and Cattle, Del Friscos, and Sullivans). In this episode we feature Fred Chaney, a visionary entrepreneur, Vistage Chair, and former CEO of The Executive Committee (TEC), now known as Vistage Worldwide. We explore several key themes and experiences from Chaney's remarkable career. The podcast delves into Chaney's journey from his academic pursuits in engineering and psychology to his pioneering work in executive coaching and his influential role in shaping the world of executive leadership through Vistage. Fred Chaney's career began with significant contributions to aerospace, where he worked on projects such as the lunar landing module and a manned orbital station. His transition into management education marked the inception of TEC groups for CEOs, which he started in Southern California in 1969. Chaney's approach to coaching, heavily influenced by his belief in the power of listening over instructing, was shaped by figures like Bob Nourse, the original founder of TEC, and Stephen Covey, an authority in empathetic listening. Chaney's philosophy underscores the importance of understanding and gently guiding executives rather than directing them​​. Chaney's expansion of TEC into a global entity serving thousands of CEOs and executives across various countries was a significant milestone. This growth was fueled by his ability to attract and nurture high-caliber members and expand internationally, thanks in part to the contributions of key figures like Pat Hyndman. His third career phase saw him successfully chairing a major restaurant company, further demonstrating his versatile leadership and business acumen​​. In the podcast, Chaney shared insights on various topics, including the challenges and rewards of executive coaching, the impact of artificial intelligence on business, and his strategies for driving group growth and effectiveness. His emphasis on opportunity over problem-solving and his anecdotal teachings provide valuable lessons for leaders and coaches alike​​. 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 November 3, 2023. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In the Arete Coach Podcast episode 1160 titled, "Les is More: Exploring Cancers Gifts," host Severin Sorensen interviews Les Whitney, an executive coach, Vistage Chair, Master Chair, and author of the book Cancer's Gift. In this episode Les Whitney shares his profound insights on resilience and growth, detailing his journey from corporate leadership to coaching and his life-altering experience with stage 4 lung cancer. He discusses the transformative power of coaching and the lessons learned from his personal struggles. Whitney's story is a testament to finding purpose and joy in life's most challenging moments, offering inspiration to listeners facing their own adversities. The conversation delves into the importance of coaching and mentorship, facing life's challenges, including cancer, and finding joy and purpose in adversity. Les's story is one of perseverance, change, and the power of positive thinking, even in the most daunting circumstances. Les Whitney is an accomplished Vistage Chair executive coach and author of "Cancer's Gift." With over 21 years in Vistage, he has been recognized with awards like Rookie of the Year and Chair Excellence. Les's corporate background includes CEO and COO roles in several companies. His life took a profound turn when diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, leading to his book and motivational speaking. His journey embodies resilience and a commitment to inspiring others in business and personal challenges. 10 Significant Topics Explored: The transformational power of coaching and mentorship.Overcoming personal and professional adversities.The journey from business leadership to executive coaching.Insights from leading Vistage groups and training coaches.Navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment.Writing and the therapeutic power of storytelling.The impact of sharing personal struggles with a broader audience.Embracing life's perfect moments and staying present.The role of love and relationships in personal growth.The philosophy of living a full life despite serious illness. 10 Quotes by Les Whitney: "Once I realized I had left so much on the table, I knew I needed to become a coach.""I knew the direction I wanted to go in life was to help others achieve greatness within them.""Success came when I stopped caring about the result.""Asking questions that no one else would dare to ask was key in my coaching.""If I think it, I have to ask about it, to make visible what others aren't willing to.""I don't fear death, I just want to live joyfully and gracefully until the end.""Writing about my cancer journey changed my view on life.""Every challenge has thousands of answers and possibilities.""You get what you tolerate.""Helping others isn't about the right answer; it's about exploring possibilities." 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 December 22, 2023. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

This is Arete Coach Podcast Episode 1159, with host Severin Sorensen bringing you a captivating episode titled "Rhythms of Marketing: Zigzagging from Art to Heart." In this episode, host Severin Sorensen delves into the world of branding with guest Susan Meier, an accomplished branding expert and executive coach. With her unique blend of artistic passion, education, corporate engagements, and world experience, Susan discusses the importance of aligning personal and corporate branding with core values and the art of storytelling in marketing. She shares insights from her diverse career, highlighting the significance of embracing a zigzag path and integrating creativity into professional branding strategies. This episode is a treasure for anyone interested in the intersection of art, personal growth, and strategic branding. Susan Meier, founder and CEO of Susan Meier Studio, is an accomplished branding expert with an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her career spans over 25 years, including theater management in Singapore and consulting at Boston Consulting Group. Susan's unique approach to branding combines her passion for art and yoga with her extensive business acumen. She is renowned for her strategic insights and ability to empower women in their professional journeys, utilizing personal values and creativity to enhance personal and corporate branding narratives. In the podcast, Susan Meier discusses her career journey, emphasizing the role of diverse experiences in shaping one's professional path. She highlights the importance of understanding customer insights in brand strategy, integrating personal values and passions into one's career, and the evolution of branding in the digital age. Additionally, Susan shares insights on empowering women in the workplace and the significance of creativity and storytelling in personal and professional branding. Her philosophy underlines the authenticity and uniqueness in career trajectories, demonstrating how varied experiences contribute to both personal growth and professional success. In her insights, Susan Meier emphasizes the importance of aligning branding with personal and audience values. She asserts that significant insights in branding emerge from deep customer interactions and that personal storytelling is crucial in both branding and coaching. Through quotes like "Embrace the zigzag path" and "Your career decisions are deeply rooted in your core values," she highlights the essence of authenticity and personal expression in achieving professional success. Her views underscore the importance of a resonant and authentic personal story in creating successful brands. 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 December 21, 2023. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In the Arete Coach Podcast episode 1158 titled, "Time and Help: Reframing GROW into the GROWTH Model," host Severin Sorensen interviews Barry Goldberg, an executive coach, a leadership coach, an ICF PCC, a former Vistage chair, and founder of IB Goldberg. Our focus today is an update to the GROW model. Something Barry has reframed as the GROWTH model.  In the Arete Coach Podcast episode featuring Barry Goldberg, the evolution of the GROW model into the GROWTH model is the focal point. Goldberg, with his extensive experience in executive and leadership coaching, discusses the need for adaptive coaching methods. He elaborates on the original GROW model, as created by Sir John Whitmore, and comments it was designed for goal-setting and personal development, In Barry's improvement of the model, he introduces the GROWTH model, adding a T and H, which incorporates 'Time' and 'Help' to better suit various coaching scenarios. The podcast delves into the limitations of the original GROW model and the necessity for more comprehensive approaches in coaching. Goldberg emphasizes simplicity and versatility in coaching models, advocating for a balance between structured methods and flexible approaches. The addition of 'Time' and 'Help' in the GROWTH model aims to address practical needs in executive coaching, fostering ideation and strategy development. Goldberg also highlights the role of coaches as facilitators of growth, rather than directors. He underscores the importance of engaging in open, curious conversations, and empowering individuals rather than imposing solutions. This approach reflects the changing landscape of leadership and personal development, as coaching models evolve to meet diverse needs. The episode provides insights into the future direction of coaching models, emphasizing their applicability across different fields. Goldberg's discussion offers valuable perspectives for anyone involved in coaching, leadership, and personal development, showcasing the potential of the GROWTH model in facilitating effective and adaptable coaching strategies. If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy Arete Coach Podcast episode 1011, also with Barry Goldberg titled, "Embracing the Science of 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 produced on December 20, 2023. Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In the Arete Coach Podcast episode 1157 the "Heart and Soul of Chairing" host Severin Sorensen interviews senior executive coach Ozzie Gontang. Ozzie is a masterful executive coach, a Vistage COPE Award winner, counselor, and psychotherapist. Based in San Diego, California, he has significantly contributed to the fields of leadership and executive coaching, both nationally and internationally. Gontang, who has practiced psychotherapy since 1976, is also an experienced lecturer on intensive cardiac rehabilitation with UC San Diego Health, a role he has held since 2018. His extensive background includes being a prominent Vistage chair from 1986 to 2002, earning notable recognition like the COPE Award in 2001. Additionally, Gontang holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is an avid marathon runner, having completed an impressive 81 marathons. In this engaging episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen converses with Ozzie Gontang, a distinguished executive coach and Vistage COPE Award winner. The discussion, titled "Heart and Soul of Chairing," delves into the intricate aspects of executive coaching, exploring themes such as mentorship, resilience, and the transformative journey of self-discovery, akin to Odysseus' odyssey. Gontang, with his profound experience in psychotherapy, imparts valuable insights on active listening, empathy, and the significance of humor in coaching. The episode also touches upon the art of improvisation and the importance of maintaining integrity and values in the coaching profession. Through vivid metaphors and personal anecdotes, Gontang vividly illustrates the multifaceted role of a coach in guiding and nurturing business leaders. This episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom for both seasoned and aspiring coaches. 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 December 19, 2023. Copyright © 2023 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.