Top 10 Most Promising Executive Coaches to Know

VOL: 03 ISSUE: 04 2024

The Visionary Banker Who Became a Global Catalyst for Growth

The goal of coaching is good management: to make the most of an organiza on's valuable resources. - Harvard Business Review

Editor’s

Note W

e live in a society that often celebrates the selfmade individual. The lone wolf who carves their own path and achieves success through sheer grit and determination. But there's a secret weapon that many high achievers share: a coach.

People, unless coached, never reach their maximum potential. - Bob Nardelli

As quoted by Bill Gates, “Everyone needs a coach. It doesn’t matter whether you are a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast, or a bridge player.” He says, “We all need people who give us feedback. That is how we improve.” Bill Gates, Eric Schmidt, countless athletes, and even surgeons all have coaches, not because they're not good enough on their own, but because even the most successful people benefit from having a coach in their corner. These coaches provide an external perspective, serve as accountability partners, offer tailored guidance, and facilitate a mindset shift towards a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities to learn and improve. However, have you ever witnessed a highly successful leader seemingly stuck in a rut? Perhaps they struggle to delegate effectively, or maybe their communication style unintentionally undermines their team. This is where executive coaching steps in, offering targeted support to help these leaders overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

In our latest feature of The CIO World, "Top 10 Most Promising Executive Coaches to Know," we introduce you to a group of exceptional individuals who understand the nuanced challenges faced by high-performing individuals and organizations. These coaches possess a wealth of experience and expertise in guiding leaders through complex situations, helping them navigate obstacles, and unlocking their true potential. From fortifying leadership skills to nurturing effective communication strategies, each coach on this list brings a unique approach and valuable insights tailored to the needs of their clients. Whether it's enhancing strategic thinking, improving team dynamics, or driving organizational change, these executive coaches are adept at facilitating growth and driving success at the highest levels. With their guidance and support, leaders can overcome barriers, maximize their impact, and achieve sustainable results in the current multifaceted business domain. Have a good read ahead!

Cover Story

08 The Visionary Banker Who Became a Global Catalyst for Growth

CONTENTS

Profiles 24

20

32

Dr. Isabella Fugaccia

Rosie Sweetman

Sylvia Beer-Hill

Naviga ng Beliefs for Enduring Excellence

Partnering with Purpose-driven Leaders, Teams and Oraniza ons through Coaching Excellence

Cra ing Success Through Neuroplas city and Empowerment

Articles

16

Finding Your Perfect Fit! How to Decide the Right Coach for You

28

A Strategic Guide! How Execu ve Coaching Works?

Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor

Chidiebere Moses Sam Carter

Managing Editor

Alaya Brown

Assistant Editor

Maria Evans

Visualizer

Chris Carter

Art & Design Head

Millie Simon

Art & Design Assitant

Judy Smith

Business Development Manager

Phoebe Jacob

Business Development Executives

Aisha, Olivia

Technical Head

David Walker

Assitant Technical Head

Mia Rodricks

Digital Marketing Manager

Helena Smith

Research Analyst Circulation Manager

Eric Smith Richard Martinez

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Company Name

Descrip on

Eluminas www.eluminas.com

Catherine, Director & Execu ve Coach at Eluminas, partners with clients for las ng behavior change, fostering resilient, adaptable, empathe c, and inclusive leaders through bespoke coaching and development programs. Neuroscience-driven, global impact.

Gosia Gorna Execu ve Coach

Gosia Gorna www.gosiagorna.com

Gosia empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs to conquer fears, take inspired ac on, and make confident contribu ons. With 20+ years of experience, she helps leaders achieve clarity, confidence, connec on, business intui on, and fear transforma on.

Dr. Isabella Fugaccia Founder and CEO

Dr. Isabella Fugaccia® and On The Learning Road® www.isabella fugaccia.com/

Isabella is a global STEM business entrepreneur, former corporate execu ve, and clinical neuroscien st dedicated to empowering leaders through science-based methods. She drives growth, innova on, and success in global corporate and entrepreneurial ventures.

Karen Foy Execu ve Coach

Henley Business School UK www.henley.ac.uk

Karen, MSc in Coaching Psychology, is a seasoned Execu ve Coach and Lecturer at Henley Business School. With 15 years' experience, she empowers individuals and teams through strategic coaching and innova ve solu ons.

Dr. Michael Nates Execu ve Coach

Mul verse Consultants www.mul verse conultants.co.uk

Dr. Michael: Advisor, consultant, sustainability & H&S professional, execu ve coach with 30 years' experience. Specializes in team development, leadership, ESG, sustainability, corporate responsibility, and OHSE.

Dr. Riza Kadilar President

EMCC Global and RK Academy www.rizakadilar academy.com | www.emccglobal.org

Riza is a seasoned senior execu ve with 30 years of leadership in interna onal banking. Known for driving results, he has successfully led major projects and invested in promising scaleups.

Featuring Catherine Bardwell Director and Execu ve Coach

Rosie Sweetman Co-director

Sweetmans and Partners www.sweetmansand partners.com

Rosie leads an award-winning b-corpora on focused on sustainable learning and impact through partnerships. A skilled coach and facilitator, accredited in various coaching models and recognized for excellence.

Sandra Pinnington Founder and Execu ve Coach

The WLA www.thewla.com

Sandra, a seasoned Execu ve, Career, and Team Coach for 20+ years, founded a Coach Agency to empower organiza ons with cer fied coaches.

Dr. Suze Wilson Execu ve Coach

Massey University www.massey.ac.nz

Dr. Suze is a leadership expert challenging tradi onal views, focusing on ethical, sustainable leadership prac ces. Her research ques ons grandiose leadership ideals, advoca ng for more contextual, collabora ve approaches in organiza ons.

Sylvia Becker-Hill Cer fied Master Neuroplas cian and Professional Cer fied Coach

Becker-Hill Inc. www.sylviabecker -hill.com

Sylvia, a transforma ve execu ve coach with 24+ years of experience, blends science, psychology, and mys cism to liberate clients from societal constraints, fostering rapid, graceful personal growth and success.

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The Visionary Banker Who Became a Global Catalyst for Growth

30 Years of Banking, Leadership, Coaching, and TechDriven Investments!

C There are two other main principles that I truly believe and apply in my leadership: the rst one is based on the saying that "partnerships are not created by partners, but by common goals," and the other one is "you can bring the horse to the water, but you cannot make them drink it.

hange is, by its nature, neither good nor bad; it simply is. It's a force of nature, a fact of existence, and the driving engine of progress. Resisting change is like trying to stop the tide from coming in; it's an exercise in futility. But what if we shift our perspective and see change not as a challenge but as an opportunity? Dr. Riza Kadilar is one such visionary who has seamlessly traversed the spheres of banking, training, coaching, and mentoring. With a background deeply rooted in banking, he's been a senior banking executive as an approved person by regulatory authorities in the U.K., the Netherlands, France, and Turkey. His career unfolds like an exciting novel, filled with chapters of creating, merging, and closing various international banking entities. It's a journey through the complexities of the financial world, where he's navigated the challenging waters of establishment, mergers, and closures with a steady hand. But there's more to this multifaceted professional. Early in his career, Dr. Riza recognized the importance of human capital development.

Top 10 Most Promising Execu ve Coaches to Know

Dr. Riza Kadilar President RK Academy | EMCC Global

If asked "in what part of human history I would prefer to live," I would say "tomorrow." I believe in technology and the advancement of humanity.

But that's not all. He has diversified his portfolio by investing in tech-driven scale-ups. His unique blend of access to capital and international business acumen has positioned him as a sought-after advisor to the leadership teams of these companies. He's a believer in technology and its potential to advance humanity. His journey into leadership development and training began with him earning the title of 'Leading International Training Fellow' at Junior Chamber International, followed by delivering training sessions in numerous countries. This experience fuelled his entrepreneurial spirit, leading him to establish companies that became market leaders in leadership development training. A visiting professor at prestigious universities, he also had the privilege of mentoring and guiding younger generations. As an advocate for continuous learning and growth, he delved into the world of coaching during his tenure in London. Over the course of a decade, he honed his coaching skills while serving as a business leader. But it was during the international financial crisis that he expanded his horizons. He completed advanced training not only in coaching but also in various fields of psychology, such as gestalt, CBT, TA, and positive psychology. In the process, he embraced the concept of developmental mentoring while chairing the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) in Turkey. Dr. Riza's global perspective shines through in his current role as President at EMCC Global and also at RK Academy. Based in Amsterdam, he's been at the forefront of the coaching and mentoring landscape. His career isn't just about finance; it's about the development of individuals and organizations, transcending borders and cultures.

Below are the interview highlights: Impressive Background He holds a Ph.D. in Economics and has an impressive educational background. He earned his BSc degree in Industrial Engineering from METU and went on to obtain his MSc degree from Stanford University. He also completed an MBA at HEC, Paris, and an executive management course on banking at INSEAD. Additionally, he has advanced-level diplomas in executive coaching and mentoring and has recently participated in online programs on leadership in the digital age at Columbia Business School and INSEAD. Throughout his professional career, he has gained extensive experience in senior-level bank management roles in the UK, the Netherlands, France, and Turkey. Between 2006 and 2020, he has served as the senior country manager and representative for Turkey at NATIXIS. Prior to this, he worked as the deputy CEO at a merchant bank in London from 2002 to 2006, as a management board member of a trade finance bank in Amsterdam from 1998 to 2002, and as the head of corporate banking and financial institutions at a Turkish bank in Istanbul from 1994 to 1998. During his time in the banking industry, he has successfully established five entities, led the restructuring of three subsidiaries in various European jurisdictions, and closed

down two subsidiaries and three representative offices. His exceptional track record demonstrates consistent business and profitability growth throughout his career, with no incidents related to credit, compliance, reputation, or operations. In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Riza holds several voluntary positions. He currently serves as the global president of the EMCC Global (Brussels), scientific committee member at the Institut du Bosphore (Paris), president of the TUSIAD Netherlands Task Force (Amsterdam), and board member at the Hisar Education Foundation (Istanbul). He also provides business development advisory services and executive coaching and training to a select number of prominent corporate clients. Furthermore, he is an active investor in startups, particularly in the field of agri-food technology. He is the author of five published books and regularly contributes to Bloomberg Businessweek Turkey and Harvard Business Review (HBR Turkey). As a visiting professor at leading universities, he has shared his expertise with students and delivered motivational speeches in over thirty countries during the past twenty years. His vast knowledge and experience make him a highly respected figure in the fields of economics and business. EMCC Global and RK Academy He explained that the organization, formerly known as the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, is a global professional body that focuses on developing, promoting, and setting the expectation of best practices in mentoring, coaching, and supervision. With its origins in the U.K. in 1992, EMCC Global has now become the go-to body worldwide for coaching, mentoring, and supervision. On the other hand, RK Academy is an online platform that aims to provide individual learning portfolios for professionals around the globe. The academy offers training in areas such as inclusiveness and diversity, leadership in the digital age, mentoring and coaching, as well as a wide range of online learning resources. These resources are designed to enhance the much-needed leadership skills of its followers. Additionally, the academy serves as a platform for him to deliver keynote speeches at corporate events. Furthermore, he has another outlet called K Ventures in the Netherlands. Through this platform, he provides advisory support to clients in the fields of access to finance, international business development, and coaching and

and international society but have also contributed to improving energy efficiency and supporting the transition to low-carbon initiatives, positively impacting our planet. Achieving Global Leadership Dr. Riza believes that the greatest treasure on earth lies in the human personality, and this belief shapes their leadership style. Their aim is to bring out the best in every person they work with by creating an environment where they can flourish and be the best version of themselves. This is only possible when teammates feel respected, heard, seen, and secure. He acknowledges that in the past, it was relatively easier to achieve this with homogenous teams. However, anecdotal data and scientific evidence have proven that diversity brings amazing advantages to teams when supported by a high degree of inclusion. Therefore, his leadership style extends beyond their relationship with the organization's leadership team to ensure that these principles prevail among all stakeholders. He adheres to two other main principles in his leadership. The first is based on the saying that partnerships are not created by partners but by common goals. The second principle is that you can bring the horse to the water, but you cannot make them drink it.

mentoring services to enhance their human capital resources. K Ventures also acts as a vehicle to filter his investment portfolio, focusing particularly on food and agritech, mobility, and blockchain-driven initiatives. Financing Flagship Projects During his tenure as a senior banker, Dr. Riza had the opportunity to finance several significant projects. These included flagship infrastructure projects such as the awardwinning Çanakkale Bridge, Haliç crossing, and various metro lines in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, he financed projects like the A15/A20 Blankenburg link in the Netherlands, numerous aircraft for leading airlines, and major industrial complexes like Star Refinery, TUPRAS residual upgrade, and power plants in Turkey, as well as various European and African countries. It is worth mentioning that his career as a senior banker was also shaped by his involvement in the initiation and design of covered bond programs for Turkish banking institutions and various international capital markets activities. These projects have not only provided significant benefits for local

As a farmer, when you don't get the yield you want, you don't start getting mad with your seeds.

During their tenure as president of the organization, EMCC experienced substantial growth. They expanded their reach from a European legacy to covering the world, including the Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions. Membership increased from four thousand to over fifteen thousand, accredited practitioners grew from just over one thousand to more than fourteen thousand, and cash reserves multiplied from limited resources to seven-digit figures. They aligned their accreditation process with global higher education frameworks and collaborated with major institutions like the European Commission to contribute to lifelong learning opportunities in all communities.

They implemented micro-credentialing and enabled individual learning portfolios for every individual. Additionally, they commissioned and conducted groundbreaking academic research to demonstrate how coaching and mentoring support personal effectiveness in the current era of change. Dr. Riza and their teamwork with partners and stakeholders aim to enable an inclusive society capable of addressing climate challenges and digital transformation. All these achievements have been made possible thanks to the dedicated volunteers from all over the world who are working tirelessly to make the world a better place. He attributes their inclusive and facilitative leadership style as a catalyst for these accomplishments. Training and Coaching Worldwide He has delivered keynote speeches, training, and mentoring/coaching in over 30 countries. His programs have reached more than ten thousand participants. While the core of his approach and teachings remain consistent, he recognized early on in his career that 'one size does not fit all.' Cultural factors, including national, regional, and even family-based sub-cultures, greatly influence how people perceive the world and react to it. Therefore, in his training, he not only shares his contextual wisdom to inspire trainees, coachees, mentees, and participants, but he also empowers them to design their own paths and navigate their unique way of life. Advanced Coaching Certifications Dr. Riza began his journey in coaching in 1998, when he first delved into NLP. While serving as the deputy CEO of a small bank in London in the early 2000s, he received his first accredited training in coaching. The co-active method served as his gateway into this fascinating realm. During the global financial crisis, he pursued advanced-level coaching training and delved into in-depth studies at various psychology schools. Among the various areas of coaching, Gestalt proved to be the most impactful for him, as it taught him about reflective practice and how to navigate resistance to change. The concept of the paradox of change, which emphasizes the importance of effectively addressing resistance, still plays a crucial role in his coaching style. He has also found great value in humancentric models and the applications of positive psychology. Additionally, transactional analysis has provided him with a unique perspective that can be applied to any human interaction to understand the impact of relationships. In the early days of his coaching career, Dr. Riza focused primarily on achieving results and seeking the "aha moment." However, as time went on, he realized that this

but also enjoys the palpable sense of being respected, heard, and duly acknowledged. His stewardship at EMCC Global demonstrates a profound sensitivity to the intricate interplay of cultures when collaborating with a globally dispersed team. Moreover, he generously imparts insightful anecdotes from his wealth of experience in mentoring, thereby serving as a potential fount of inspiration for those under his mentees. Navigating Challenging Leadership Dr. Riza shared a story about a tricky leadership situation he faced when working with a diverse global team. He stressed how important it is to have a variety of viewpoints in a team to make decision-making more interesting and well-rounded. However, he pointed out that challenges can arise when the team becomes too similar in their thinking. In such situations, they might prioritize external interests over what's best for the organization.

mindset could inadvertently feed his ego as a coach or mentor. Instead, he now finds comfort in remaining invisible and refraining from claiming credit for the success of his coachees. The most significant impact of his learning experiences occurred when he effectively applied them to his own life. He strongly believes in the 3 C's of coaching: curiosity, courage, and compassion. As he incorporates these principles into his own inner dialogue, he has noticed that his coaching becomes more beneficial and effective for his coachees. Leading Multicultural Teams His leadership methodology is characterized by inclusivity, facilitation, vision, and motivation. His primary objective is to cultivate an environment in which each member of the team not only feels secure and enabled to perform optimally

The greatest treasure on earth lies in the human personality.

He gave examples of times when the team had disagreements on important issues like the COVID pandemic, 'black lives matter,' 'MeToo,' 'climate action,' and the situation in Ukraine. To overcome these challenges, he uses a clever technique during board meetings called the 'empty chair.' This approach encourages inclusivity and effectiveness by considering different perspectives on any given issue. Managing and Motivating Teams Dr. Riza's perspective on managing and motivating teams to achieve consistent results can be likened to that of a farmer. According to him, "As a farmer, when you don't get the yield you want, you don't start getting mad with your seeds. Of course, the seed is very important, but all external factors and its match and relationship with its environment are even more important. This perspective is a guiding principle when I'm leading. So my focus is first to choose

the team members that would best fit our common goals, and then to ensure that we sustain an enabling environment." Staying Informed in Banking and Leadership Dr. Riza regularly attends online certificate programs offered by prestigious universities. Additionally, he is actively involved in leading think tanks and professional circles. In order to find effective solutions, he believes in engaging in genuine dialogue with industry leaders. His non-executive board positions and advisory roles provide valuable insights, particularly when accompanied by honest and open exchanges of wisdom, data, and perspectives.

How to Decide the

RIGHT COACH

You

for I

magine you're at a crossroads. You have a lot of dreams and goals, but the route ahead of you is unclear. You could use a trusted guide, someone who has traveled down comparable paths and can help you through the twists and turns. That's where a coach comes in: your cheerleader, strategist, and success advocate. But with so many coaches available, how can you pick the right one to walk alongside you?

Here are some prompts to get you started: • • • •

Step 2: Explore Different Coaching Specializations The world of coaching is a diverse one. Here's a glimpse into some popular coaching specializations:

This guide equips you with the tools to navigate the coaching landscape and identify a coach who perfectly complements your goals and personality.

• Step 1: Define Your Goals and Needs Before getting into coach profiles, take a step back and determine exactly what you want to achieve.

•

Are you hoping to launch a business? Master public speaking? Improve your work-life balance? Identifying your goals will guide your search for a coach with the relevant expertise and experience.

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What are the biggest challenges I'm facing? What areas of my life do I want to improve? What skills do I want to develop? What specific outcomes am I hoping to achieve?

•

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Life Coaching: Life coaches provide guidance on a broad range of personal and professional areas, helping you navigate career transitions, improve relationships, and achieve greater self-awareness. Executive Coaching: Designed for leaders and highpotential employees, executive coaches focus on enhancing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and communication effectiveness in a business context. Business Coaching: Business coaches empower entrepreneurs and business owners to overcome challenges, set and achieve goals, and make strategic decisions to grow their ventures.

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Finding Your Perfect Fit!

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•

•

Career Coaching: Career coaches help individuals with career exploration, resume writing, interview preparation, and navigating career transitions. Relationship Coaching: Relationship coaches provide guidance on communication, conflict resolution, and building healthy relationships, both personal and professional.

•

•

Experience and Expertise: Does the coach have experience working with clients who face similar challenges or have goals similar to yours? Communication Style: Do you find the coach's communication style clear, concise, and easy to understand?

Step 6: Consider Logistics and Cost Step 3: Research and Evaluate Coaches Once you have a clearer picture of your goals and preferred coaching specialty, it's time to start researching potential coaches. Here are some effective strategies:

Coaching programs come in various formats (in-person, virtual, and group coaching) and at different price points. Determine a budget that works for you and a schedule that fits your life.

•

Step 7: Make Your Decision and Dive In!

• •

•

Online Directories: Platforms like the International Coach Federation (ICF) or Coach.me allow you to search for coaches based on location, specialty, and qualifications. Recommendations: Ask friends, colleagues, or professionals in your network for recommendations. Industry Publications: Reputable publications might feature articles or interviews with prominent coaches in your field of interest. Coach Websites and Social Media: Review a coach's website and social media profiles to get a sense of their coaching philosophy, experience, and areas of expertise.

Choosing a coach is a personal decision. Trust your gut instinct and go with the coach you believe will best support you on your journey. Bonus Tip: The Importance of Ongoing Evaluation Regularly assess the effectiveness of your coaching relationship. Are you achieving your goals? Are you feeling motivated and supported? If not, don't hesitate to have an open and honest conversation with your coach or consider exploring other options.

Step 4: The Importance of Coach Credentials Remember, the right coach can be a powerful catalyst for growth and positive change. By following these steps and taking the time to find the right coach for you, you can set yourself up for a transformative coaching experience that will help you reach your full potential. Remember, coaching is a partnership, and finding the perfect coach for you can make all the difference in your personal and professional growth.

While formal qualifications aren't always a dealbreaker, considering a coach's credentials can provide valuable insights. Look for certifications from reputable coaching organizations like the ICF. These certifications demonstrate a coach's commitment to ongoing training and adherence to ethical coaching practices. Step 5: Schedule Initial Consultations

- Alaya Brown

Most coaches offer complimentary initial consultations. This is your chance to assess their coaching style, ask questions, and gauge if there's a good fit. Consider these factors during your consultations: •

•

Chemistry: Do you feel comfortable and heard? Trust and open communication are crucial for a successful coaching relationship. Coaching Style: Some coaches are directive, offering guidance and advice. Others are more Socratic, asking probing questions to help you discover your own solutions. Identify a style that resonates with you.

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Top 10 Most Promising Execu ve Coaches to Know

Her goal is clear: to assist accomplished individuals in attaining enduring positive change and improved behavior for themselves, their teams, and those they lead. Her approach as an executive educator and coach involves imparting an understanding of how beliefs and environments can trigger negative behaviors. Through straightforward guidance and pragmatic coaching techniques, she empowers individuals to attain and sustain positive behavioral transformations, ultimately enhancing their lives in meaningful ways.

Guiding Executives to Overcome Limits, Foster Innovation, and Achieve Enduring Positive Change!

S

uccess in STEM leadership requires more than technical expertise. It demands a mindset that bridges innovation with effective leadership. How do we cultivate that mindset? In the ever-evolving landscape of STEM sectors, leadership excellence is not just a necessity; it's a transformative force driving innovation and progress. Dr. Isabella Fugaccia, Founder and CEO of Dr. Isabella Fugaccia® and On The Learning Road®, stands at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Below are the interview highlights:

Dr. Fugaccia, a seasoned executive coach and experiential learning specialist, embarked on her remarkable journey with a vision to bridge the gap between technical brilliance and effective leadership in STEM. With over 20 years of experience and a global entrepreneurial spirit, she recognized the pivotal role of continuous learning in navigating the complexities of STEM industries.

Could you please brief us about your company and its inception story? The greatest challenge in behavioral change is not knowing what to do but actually doing it. I founded both Dr. Isabella Fugaccia's Management & Leadership and On The Learning Road® as a pioneer in dynamic experiential learning and development. Experiential learning, essentially, is learning through experience. That "experience" is meticulously constructed to be active, interactive, deeply thought-out, and actionprovoking. Throughout the years, I have made notable R&D investments in experiential learning because I was fortunate, early on, to recognize the power of and leverage experiential learning systems in both training and coaching for the greatest return on investment and measurable results. More recently, we added Arts-Based Experiential Learning to our formula to successfully and measurably support clients in achieving and sustaining lasting behavioral change.

Having worked across diverse global organizations in Healthcare, Life Science, Aerospace, Energy, and Education, she identified a common need for deep learning and a desire for enduring positive change. Her mission crystallized — to facilitate profound transformations for individuals and their teams, laying the foundation for sustained success. As a guide to CEOs and executives, Dr. Fugaccia tackles the core challenge of overcoming limiting beliefs. Her motivation stems from a genuine passion for helping individuals achieve lasting positive change. Functioning as an executive educator, she delves into the intricacies of how beliefs and environments trigger negative behaviors. Through practical guidance and pragmatic coaching, her aim is to empower individuals, fostering sustained positive transformations.

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I founded my coaching and training practice with a vision to empower STEM, finance, and fintech leaders and teams to thrive in rapidly evolving landscapes.

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Dr. Isabella Fugaccia Founder and CEO (Global Execu ve Coach, Team Coach, Experien al Training Innovator, Leadership Thinking Partner, Keynote Speaker) Dr. Isabella Fugaccia® and On The Learning Road®

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organizational levels. With a global reach, I've trained and coached over 15,000 leaders worldwide, leveraging my scientific and entrepreneurial background. My passion lies in empowering individuals with technical skills to transcend limiting beliefs and foster leadership and collaborative growth for personal and organizational success.

My goal is straightforward: to assist accomplished individuals in attaining enduring positive change and improved behavior for themselves, their teams, and those they lead. My aim is to enhance peoples’ lives in meaningful ways.

What do you believe are the key qualities and skills that set outstanding executive coaches apart from others in the field? Change is simple, not easy. In our complex and continuously evolving world, we need exceptionally skilled coaches who see their mission as evolving the coaching profession further. The most successful clients seek successful coaches who can support their "playing all in" and want and need deep skillsets, mindsets, and courage in a coach who will see them and their people through change, irrespective of the context.

The inception of both organizations was fueled by the desire to develop my own skills and mindsets and to cultivate resilient people who can navigate the complexities of technology and innovation while fostering collaborative and high-performing teams, irrespective of challenging contexts.

Executive coaching excellence means the coach is a continuous learner and holds demonstrated and measurably superb skillsets and mindsets to serve as a strategic and operative thinking partner to achieve challenging objectives.

Over the years, I have worked with individuals and teams in many other sectors, including fashion, real estate, IT/Tech, Construction, Hospitality, Food and beverage, confectionary industries, and government.

When you listen to individuals across various fields, a common plea emerges for a more nuanced form of leadership—one capable of tackling both the sheer numbers and range of new complexities. However, research shows that such highly skilled leaders won't naturally emerge. It’s imperative that both leaders and their coaches actively nurture and expedite their development.

With our ability to respond quickly and effectively, we dive deeply into our clients’ needs and develop, design, and deliver lasting learning through coaching and training on the global stage in over 18 languages in over 40 countries to positively impact behavioral change so that our clients attain and sustain success throughout their lives. Can you share your background and experience as an executive coach, including your areas of expertise and the types of clients you have worked with in the past?

Rather than instructing leaders through a simplistic, stepby-step approach, our coaching and training programs leverage applied science and practice for adult growth and development. Coaching and training excellence must also aim to empower clients to evolve into reflective individuals with the capacity to lead effectively in any given situation.

I enjoy working with people with deep technical or scientific skills who want to move beyond their own limited beliefs to evolve and expand their leadership and collaborative skills so they can positively impact their lives and their organization’s success.

Once clients see the robust power of experiential training and its application in coaching, they never go back to "traditional" methods! They transition from theory to practical application and transformation, incorporating realworld activities as foundations to regenerate themselves and foster a responsive and accountable workforce while enhancing overall performance.

As an executive coach with a robust background, I specialize in collaborating with STEM sector leaders to exceed their expectations. My expertise lies in aligning technical and scientific acumen with leadership skills and mindsets, working with diverse clients ranging from emerging to seasoned leaders. I have facilitated transformations that empower leaders to not only excel in their technical or scientific roles but also to lead with lasting impact and influence.

How do you approach building a strong coach-client relationship, and what methods do you use to establish trust and rapport with your clients? Trust and respect are fundamental to any coaching relationship. Before engaging in coaching, we book a

I've worked with executives, board members, and entrepreneurs, coaching individuals and teams at all

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discovery call to ensure we are working with the right people on the right things. These calls are also an important opportunity for individuals to learn about us and our coaching approaches and to mutually define ways of working together. I approach building strong coach-client relationships by fostering open communication and understanding individual and team dynamics. Establishing trust involves skillfully deploying deep listening and empathy, focusing on the client’s goals, and working collaboratively in a stretching-the-limits approach. In addition, tailoring coaching strategies to align with the unique challenges of the STEM sectors helps create a foundation for lasting, successful partnerships.

How do you stay current with the latest developments and best practices in executive coaching, and how do you ensure your knowledge and techniques remain upto-date? My aim is to evolve the coaching and training industry and to operate as a pioneer in any sector. We aim to set trends and best practices in the industry. To stay current, I routinely talk to a lot of people with diverse perspectives and expertise. I carefully select and actively engage in ongoing quality education and certifications. I do a lot of reading on workplace and scientific research and self-study the behavioral sciences (psychology, sociology) and learning sciences, all of which complement and strengthen my applied neuroscience expertise and clinical background.

To this end, we ensure expectations are clear so we can amplify the value of coaching and training in 5 ways: •

Efficiency: We use specific certified coaching and training approaches ranked among the top 5 in the world. We also develop innovative and impactful training and coaching programs and systems to start quickly and achieve more in less time.

•

Impact: Our science-based learning systems enable us to go deep for the greatest measurable impact for individuals and teams.

•

Lasting Change: Ending strong means learning is sticky, and behavior change lasts.

•

Scope: We are able to work with a wider range of clients and contexts, including complexity and uncertainty in organizational change, both locally and globally.

•

Systemic Purpose: We focus on systemic organizational value and impact through alignment for the person, team, organization, and global sector.

I also participate in relevant conferences and panel discussions, supervise and mentor coaches and trainers, and collaborate with other industry experts. I continuously explore emerging trends and best practices in both the STEM sector and leadership development, ensuring that my coaching and training methodologies remain at the forefront of industry advancements. I am fortunate to know many renowned professional coaches around the world, and I train with them regularly. My mission is to continuously evolve and work outside my own comfort zone to bring innovation and provide the highest value through coaching and training to clients. In addition, our R&D is ongoing, so we can integrate the world’s most effective learning approaches and systems into our practice and offer them to our clients.

What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you tailor your coaching approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual executive you work with? My coaching philosophy centers around the belief that leadership in the STEM sector requires a nuanced understanding of both technical and interpersonal aspects. Getting to the heart of the matter faster and better is my intent and dictates how I operate. That means I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each executive and team, combining technical or scientific expertise with leadership development strategies to foster well-rounded and influential leaders. "Meeting the client where they are," at any given moment, ensuring where they are going is top of mind for myself and the client, focusing on working on what is important and relevant to the client, and measuring what truly matters.

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Rosie

Sweetman Partnering with Purpose-driven Leaders, Teams and Organisations Through Coaching Excellence

We setup a coaching programme in partnership with Sweetmans as an investment in our leadership community to achieve our ambitious targets. I can honestly say it has been extremely useful in achieving this aim and I’ve seen the direct impact of the coaching on supporting our people to navigate the current and future challenges and opportunities they face.

L

eadership is a journey, and many leaders describe the benefit of having a 'thinking partner' or coach to navigate the journey.

Meet Rosie Sweetman, the Co-director of Sweetmans and Partners, an award-winning B Corporation dedicated to fostering sustainable learning and impact through partnerships. Rosie's early career, marked by Business Development roles at Grant Thornton and Arts & Business, laid the groundwork for her coaching philosophy. The transition from 'telling' to 'asking' businesses about their needs proved pivotal, emphasizing the power of genuine curiosity in fostering meaningful relationships and delivering results.

- Commercial Director, Financial services

Her coaching toolkit is flexible, adapting to individual client needs. Frameworks like the Belief Cycle, Systemic Awareness, Perspective Shifting, and Positive Psychology are seamlessly integrated to raise awareness and provide fresh perspectives and ways forwards.

As the former Director of Business in the Community Cymru, she spearheaded initiatives embedding purpose and values into business strategies, earning recognition in 'The Times Top 100 charities and the IOD Wales Award' for Director of Leadership in Corporate Responsibility. This experience fueled her passion for genuine collaboration and partnerships as drivers of impactful change.

Below are the interview highlights: Could you please brief us about yourself, and elaborate on your inspiration and motivation behind embarking on this sector? My name's Rosie Sweetman, and I'm co-director of Sweetmans and Partners, an award-winning B Corporation that exists to create sustainable learning and impact through the power of partnerships. We partner with clients as coaches and facilitators to achieve the outcomes that are important to them and their stakeholders. Our clients are ambitious, purpose-led leaders, teams and business who understand the value of connecting 'how' they work with 'what' they want to achieve so that all stakeholders benefit. Our approach is informed by three core beliefs: awareness brings choice, there's rarely one 'right' answer and we achieve more together than we do alone.

The inception of Sweetmans and Partners at the age of 40 was a conscious decision to combine profit with purpose. Achieving B Corp status within the first year highlighted her commitment to aligning business success with social and environmental responsibility. Rosie's coaching journey encompasses diverse sectors, including finance, legal, and professional services, with an expanding reach into international territories. Her coaching philosophy centers on being a 'thinking partner' working with leaders, teams and organizations to navigate challenges, resilience and growth.

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Top 10 Most Promising Execu ve Coaches to Know

My motivation for becoming an Executive coach came from a combination of influences, and 3 stand out in particular: •

My early career in Business Development at Grant Thornton and Arts & Business enabled me to experience the positive impact of genuine curiosity on relationships and results. The switch from 'telling' businesses about your services to 'asking' what's important to them was pivotal.

•

Leading Business in the Community Cymru - an organization committed to supporting businesses to think and behave responsibly. I saw firsthand how change was influenced by the beliefs and behaviors of the leaders, the culture they built and role-modeled, and the systems they were intentionally and unintentionally part of. This further fueled my passion for genuine collaboration and partnership to achieve greater impact.

•

In my early twenties, we unexpectedly lost my sister. As we struggled to come to terms with the loss as a family, we each created different narratives as to what happened. I heard these different stories and recalled a significant moment when I realized that they were all true and yet not true at the same time. I could see how things are often not black and white but complex, requiring us to be comfortable with multiple perspectives, truths, and views in a way that enables us to continue to move forward. This led to an ongoing interest in the impact of perspective and culture on how we make sense of things and the choices we make.

Rosie Sweetman Co-director Sweetmans and Partners

This sector generates 10% of the GDP in Wales, and we saw an opportunity to support this sector to continue to grow and flourish contributing to addressing social and environmental challenges as well as generating wealth and jobs.

Could you please brief us about Sweetmans and Partners and its inception story?

In the pandemic, we started working with leaders from a broader range of sectors and geographies, including international clients who were increasingly asking for 'thinking partners' to consider how they navigate, respond, support resilience, and move forward as leaders, teams, and organizations. We now predominantly coach (leaders, teams, and groups) and facilitate workshops and hackathons in regulated industries, including financial, legal, energy, and third sectors, with clients typically being ambitious, purpose-led, and values-driven leaders in growing SMEs and mid-sized corporates.

As with many people, turning 40 prompted a period of reflection on what I'd achieved, what could be possible, and who I was becoming, which resulted in my husband and I deciding to set up Sweetmans and Partners. From the outset, we wanted to ensure that the success of the business was about more than its profit. Becoming a B Corp in our first year of operating was a way for us to establish our commitment to place both purpose and profit at the heart of our plans, growth, and decision-making. For us, business can be a force for good. Can you share your background and experience as an executive coach, including your areas of expertise and the types of clients you have worked with in the past?

Going forward we expect to continue to work with clients who are seeking to close the gap between words and actions - putting purpose into practice, values into behaviors and connecting 'how' they work with 'what' they want to achieve. For us, coaching is a partnership that creates an opportunity for leaders to reflect and challenge their

Initially, we focused on working with leaders in the financial, legal, and professional services sectors.

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organization and being both part of and external to the business. How do you approach building a strong coach-client relationship, and what methods do you use to establish trust and rapport with your clients? Perhaps it's a cliched thing to say here, but there's truth to it, and that is to build trust. What does that mean in practice? For me, it's about the tangible aspects of trust, such as credibility and reliability, and the less tangible aspects of connection and commitment. Building in regular conversations about how you're working together as well as what you're achieving together, I've found, helps deepen an understanding of each other and keeps the partnership evolving and impactful. Can you provide an example of a challenging coaching situation you've encountered and how you successfully navigated it to benefit your client? I think the most challenging situation I experienced was early on in my coaching career when I was undertaking a 360-degree feedback and coaching exercise with an executive and senior leadership team. We'd identified the leadership behaviors that would bring to life the business's values and support them in achieving their strategy. Responders were asked to describe how often they observed the behaviors (it was a developmental exercise rather than a performance measurement). I'd guaranteed the confidentiality of all 360 reports and coaching sessions, and I was meeting with each leader to take a balanced view of the feedback and shape forwardlooking actions. The night before coaching with one of the more challenging reports, I received a phone call from the line manager asking if I'd be happy to share the report with them. Of course, the answer was no due to the agreed confidentiality, but I remember the sense of unease at the nature of the request and my concerns that it might mean I wouldn't be rehired. As it happens, the client mentioned how much they valued my integrity, and it was a reminder of the importance of trust and confidentiality to effective relationships, to hold to my values and to 'listen' to what situations such as these let you know about the culture—all responses are data and learning points!

thinking, ultimately learn from their experiences, and make conscious choices about how they lead. What do you believe are the key qualities and skills that set outstanding executive coaches apart from others in the field? I've found that each client's values, preferences, beliefs, and strengths will mean they respond to different coaches in different ways. That's why we provide a free-of-charge 'exploratory meeting' for clients to meet with coaches before committing to a partnership. I'd say an ongoing commitment to your awareness, development, and practices enables a coach to best serve their clients. Coaching bodies such as the Association for Coaching and ICF have created competency frameworks that can be useful reference points, and I've personally found supervision essential for continuing to adapt and develop as a coach, particularly when working with multiple stakeholders across the

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What tools, assessments, or frameworks do you commonly use in your coaching practice, and how do they contribute to your clients' growth and development? As I meet the clients where they are, I tend not to have a

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pre-defined set of tools or frameworks. However, there are some frameworks I find myself using more than others, mainly to raise awareness and provide a new lens on the situation: Belief cycle: I like the simplicity of the connection it makes between our beliefs and assumptions, how we think and behave, and the impact it has on our relationships and results. Systemic awareness: To physically "map" the picture we hold in our heads of the connections and networks we're part of can help us see the situation afresh. Perspective shifting: Sometimes clients find it useful to deliberately adopt different stances, e.g., dance floor/balcony, or above/below the line when considering their responses.

,,

Positive psychology: identifying strengths and asking when and how a client might utilize them further or overplay them, etc.

The coaching received from Rosie over the last few months has been second to none. It has truly enabled me to grow and develop as a leader and achieve the goals that I set for myself at the beginning. Rosie's style of coaching really complimented and challenged my way of thinking and has left me feeling con ident, empowered, and motivated within my role. The experience was genuinely exceptional, and I would not hesitate in recommending the coaching to those who are looking to really make a difference to their career goals.

360 feedback tools for individuals and teams can be very effective for building an understanding of any gaps in what they intend and how they're perceived. Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and awards or recognition that accurately highlight your achievements in the corporate niche. Exec Member, Bank

- Senior Manager, Financial services

"Coaching gives me the space to consider my decisions and actions. I value the challenge and support that come from having a trusted partner. As a result, I've encouraged my team to receive coaching and an investment by the business more generally in the development of coaching skills across the leadership community."

however, it could not have come at a better time. I worked with Rosie shortly after accepting a new role, and her coaching was beneficial to ensure I considered different approaches and perspectives when dealing with stakeholders and challenging situations. It helped me identify my strengths and develop new thought processes to assist me in achieving my personal and professional goals.

Senior Leader, Arts Organization "Executive coaching has provided a valuable space for reflection that has supported and challenged me to shift perspective, remain outcome-focused, and notice my own beliefs and patterns. As a result, I make more conscious choices about how I lead and respond and feel more aware of my strengths and how these energize and support me to achieve the goals and outcomes I set for myself."

Rosie was awarded the highest accolade for leadership in The Times Top 100 charities to work for over two consecutive years and won the IOD Wales Award for Director of Leadership in Corporate Responsibility." Sweetmans and Partners have also won several awards for their work with clients including CIPD Wales Best L&D consultancy and Wales Start-Up of the year for Innovation in the Financial, Legal and Professional services sector.

Exec leader, Financial services "Engaging with a coach was a new experience for me;

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A Strategic Guide!

How

Executive

COACHING Works?

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T

he corporate world is a pressure cooker. Executives face a relentless barrage of challenges: navigating complex markets, driving innovation, motivating teams, and achieving ambitious goals. In this high-stakes environment, many leaders turn to executive coaching to uncover their full potential and propel themselves and their organizations to new heights.

Benefits of Executive Coaching The benefits of executive coaching are well documented and span across various aspects of an executive's life. •

Enhanced Leadership Skills: Coaching can significantly improve a leader's ability to motivate and inspire teams, delegate effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure.

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Increased Self-awareness: Through in-depth conversations and assessments, executives gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, communication styles, and unconscious biases. This self-awareness allows them to make more informed choices and build stronger relationships.

•

Improved Strategic Thinking: Coaching helps executives develop a broader perspective and approach challenges strategically. They learn to analyze trends, anticipate future scenarios, and make informed decisions that benefit the organization in the long run.

•

Greater Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical skill for effective leadership.

But how exactly does executive coaching work? This article delves into the core principles, benefits, and coaching process itself, offering valuable insights for executives seeking to elevate their leadership journey. Understanding the Power of Coaching Executive coaching is a distinct field from traditional training or consulting. It's a collaborative, future-focused partnership between a qualified coach and an executive. Unlike training that imparts specific skills, coaching empowers executives to discover their own solutions and develop their leadership style. It's a confidential and supportive space where executives can explore their challenges, gain clarity, and discover their potential.

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Coaching can help executives hone their EQ by teaching them to manage their own emotions, understand the emotions of others, and build stronger rapport with colleagues. •

5. Sustainable Growth Coaching is a journey, not a destination. As the coaching program progresses, the focus shifts towards developing sustainable growth. The executive learns to integrate the skills and insights gained into their daily leadership practice.

Enhanced Resilience and Well-Being: The demands of an executive role can take a toll on mental and physical well-being. Coaching equips leaders with strategies to manage stress, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and navigate difficult situations with composure.

Finding the Right Coach: A Vital Piece of the Puzzle The success of the coaching experience hinges on finding the right coach. Executives should seek a coach with relevant experience, a strong understanding of business dynamics, and a proven track record. Compatibility in terms of personality and coaching style is also crucial for creating a trusting and productive partnership.

The Coaching Process: A Collaborative Journey The executive coaching process typically unfolds in stages: 1. Building the Foundation The initial phase involves establishing trust and rapport between the coach and the client. The coach will gain a clear understanding of the executive's goals, challenges, and leadership style. This may involve assessments, in-depth discussions, and exploring 360-degree feedback from colleagues and superiors.

Conclusion Executive coaching is a powerful tool for leaders seeking to transform themselves and their organizations. By fostering self-awareness, enhancing leadership skills, and promoting mental well-being, coaching equips executives to navigate complex environments and achieve lasting success. Whether navigating a challenging merger, developing a high-performing team, or simply becoming a more effective leader, executive coaching can provide the compass and support executives need to reach new heights.

2. Goal Setting and Action Planning Once a comprehensive understanding is established, the coach and the executive will collaboratively define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals can encompass leadership development areas, strategic priorities, or personal wellbeing objectives.

- Alaya Brown

3. Exploration and Discovery The heart of the coaching process lies in exploration and discovery. The coach uses powerful questions, active listening, and various coaching tools to guide the executive towards self-reflection and insights. This may involve exploring the root causes of challenges, uncovering limiting beliefs, and identifying new perspectives. 4. Action and Accountability Coaching isn't just about introspection; it's about creating tangible progress. The coach and executive will co-create action plans, setting specific steps and milestones to achieve their goals. Regular check-ins ensure accountability and allow for adjustments as needed.

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Cra ing Success Through Neuroplas city and Empowerment A Fusion of Science, Psychology, and Mystique in the World of Executive Coaching!

I'm a lifelong, passionate learner. I'm curious and have a playful, creative, and open mind. At any given time, I am a participant in several training programs and a member of learning communities.

C

oaching, as the famous saying goes, involves challenging the comfortable and comforting the troubled. It's a gradual, unfolding process focused on sustained growth rather than immediate results. This longevity necessitates commitment from both the coach and the client. The coach dedicates themselves to understanding the evolving needs of the client, while the client trusts the process even in moments of uncertainty. The transformative journey hinges on the establishment of mutual trust and a profound connection, often referred to as a "click in chemistry," rooted in the coach's personality.

,, edutaining keynotes, Sylvia dismantles unsustainable societal pressure and subconscious “shoulds.” Fueled by applied neuroscience, Sylvia guides us to redefine success by teaching simple yet liberating brain hacks so we stop chasing elusive carrots society dangles in front of us.

Why Chemistry Matters? The "click in chemistry" is the magic ingredient that propels coaching from a structured session to a transformative experience. It's about more than shared interests; it's a resonance of values, a meeting of minds, and a recognition of each other's humanity. When this chemistry exists, clients feel seen, heard, and understood, fostering an environment where vulnerability and growth can flourish.

A trailblazer in her own right, Sylvia holds a Diploma in Administrative Science from the Federal University of Applied Administrative Sciences and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Linguistics with a focus on gender studies from the Heinrich-Heine-University in Düsseldorf. Her groundbreaking master's thesis delves into the significance of matriarchal cultures for our contemporary times.

At the forefront of this alchemical process stands Sylvia Becker-Hill, a Certified Master Neuroplastician and Professional Certified Coach at Becker-Hill Inc. With over 27 years of experience, Sylvia has become a matriarch in the international coaching community, leaving an indelible mark as an executive coach, leadership trainer, and corporate change agent.

Being the first German coach certified as a Professional Certified Coach by the International Coach Federation in 2002, Sylvia's influence reverberates globally. She has served in leadership positions in various coaching organizations and left an enduring legacy by seamlessly blending science, experience, and a touch of the mystical.

Armed with a diverse set of certifications and a hands-on understanding of various coaching and learning methodologies, Sylvia brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. Her proprietary models empower clients to undergo profound transformations with unparalleled ease, speed, and grace.

Let us explore her tremendous journey: Could you please brief us about yourself, and elaborate on your inspiration and motivation behind embarking on this sector?

Sylvia's magic extends beyond boardrooms! Empowering audiences on corporate, college, and public stages with

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Raised in Germany as the cherished only child of my parents, I shared my home with them and my maternal

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Top 10 Most Promising Execu ve Coaches to Know

grandparents. The backdrop of my early years was a milieu fraught with stifled emotions, depression, and the enduring trauma of World War II. My love for my parents, my veritable "sunshine," was an implicit commitment to bring them happiness. Unbeknownst to me, this deep affection for my parents laid the foundation for my early immersion as a fervent explorer of human potential. My journey commenced with a precocious ability to read, even before stepping into formal education. By the age of 10, I found solace in the pages of academic tomes, resembling the literary prowess of Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. My academic journey mirrored this enthusiasm, with my hand perennially raised in response to questions, securing my place as the top performer throughout both my college and university years. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, I embarked on a quest to comprehend the intricacies of human dynamics, history, evolution, gender, linguistics, and change management. Each discipline, I believed, held a key to answering the overarching question that fueled my passion:

Sylvia Becker-Hill Cer fied Master Neuroplas cian and Professional Cer fied Coach Becker-Hill Inc.

"What essential components must align for people to attain lasting happiness?"

weekly 30-minute phone sessions—my focus was empowering participants to seamlessly integrate their training into their daily work lives. The success of this initial offering revolutionized corporate training, saving corporations substantial resources and frustration by providing an effective pathway for employees to yield a return on their training investment. The impact was profound. The beginning of a transformative journey.

Could you please brief us about your company and its inception story? In 1997, my journey as a professional coach began when the CEO of a local construction and engineering bureau recognized my innate coaching abilities during an extended, in-person communication training. Impressed by my approach to relationships, feedback, and inspiration, he urged me to develop a concept for his business challenges.

Can you share your background and experience as an executive coach, including your areas of expertise and the types of clients you have worked with in the past?

His frustration stemmed from offering weekend seminars on business development, sales, and leadership to local engineering and construction companies, with minimal implementation by his peers. While still a student at Heinrich-Heine-University in Duesseldorf, Germany, I delved into the issue of "corporate training and their ROI challenges." What I uncovered was a burgeoning industry plagued by a significant problem: millions were invested annually in employee training with little to no return on investment.

Commencing with architecture and engineering leaders, I transitioned to corporate middle managers with "Coaching over the phone for sustainable corporate training." My research in human motivation, psychology, and habit creation played a pivotal role. As a network partner, I facilitated post-merger integration processes across Europe. Designing events, diversity training, and coaching top leaders in pharmaceuticals and finance, my change expertise led to miraculous outcomes—dubbed "Sylvia's Magic."

I became the solution. In September 1997, I founded my coaching company, securing a groundbreaking $60,000 start-up grant from the NRW Ministry of Research and Development as the first woman ever. With a single coaching product—12 weeks of

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In 2002, I became the first German PCC certified by the International Coach Federation, consistently renewing every three years.

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boundaries of a coach and step into other roles for the benefit of this unique clientele: jester, truth teller, mirror, provocateur, confident, muse, fan, philosopher. How do you approach building a strong coach-client relationship, and what methods do you use to establish trust and rapport with your clients? With a nonjudgmental space, transparency, holding nothing back, and honesty, honesty, honesty. Combined with a 'BMW quality' of contracting and expectation management from the get-go. Can you provide an example of a challenging coaching situation you've encountered and how you successfully navigated it to benefit your client? Corporate coaching can be intricate, with budget holders, contract partners, and clients often being distinct entities.. Over the years, navigating behind-the-scenes politics in unfamiliar corporate systems has been a challenge. My German systemic thinking training equips me to detect potential issues, as seen in a case involving a supposedly difficult executive. Contrary to HR's portrayal, she presented herself as a professional leader. Trusting my instincts, I risked a coaching fee to declare no case existed. Investigations revealed fabricated rumors, leading to

Relocating to Michigan in 2006, I founded a coaching training school for German expatriate women, with graduates achieving leadership roles and 2 ICF presidencies. Beyond that, I served as the sole German executive coach in Michigan's automotive sector, coaching top leaders, facilitating retreats, and delivering culture training series. In Chicago, I coached on transitions, work-life balance, and burnout prevention, developing Brain Alignment™ and Ego Management™ models. After moving to Southern California in 2013, I intensified my focus on empowering women leaders, breaking glass ceilings, and dismantling subconscious barriers. Guiding women executives toward the C-suite, my approach emphasizes collaborative strategies and a holistic leadership paradigm. What do you believe are the key qualities and skills that set outstanding executive coaches apart from others in the field? Ego-management, substantial knowledge in applied neuroscience, highly trained intuition, unshakable integrity, courage to be honest and blunt, focus on tangible ROI and not just "feeling good," humility regarding their limits, strong boundaries, high energy, humor, playful creativity, and loving their clients more than they love their favorite change tool, process, or modality, so they always coach by listening to their clients and leave them more empowered, independent, and resourceful than they were when their relationship started. Plus—especially for the many personality types of powerhouses among executive leaders—the willingness to go beyond the old defined

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rectification, an apology, and an expanded coaching opportunity. Empowered, the executive achieved a promotion, enhancing productivity, self-care, and work-life balance. What is your coaching philosophy, and how do you tailor your coaching approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each executive you work with? In essence, my clients are accomplished leaders with a proven track record of success. When they seek coaching, I recognize the presence of a blind spot and some form of subconscious self-sabotage. My role is to guide them in clarifying their goals, ensuring authenticity, and uncovering blind spots and self-sabotaging habits. Leveraging applied neuroscience and a tailored process with diverse change tools, I facilitate the cultivation of new, goal-aligned habits of thinking, feeling, and acting. Sustainability is a cornerstone of my coaching practice. My objective is not to merely provide temporary feel-good moments but to propel clients beyond their comfort zones. I stand by them as they navigate uncomfortable revelations and growth, leading to profound, lasting, and tangible transformation. I am not a proponent of a "short-term positivity mindset" or a purveyor of superficial fixes. The embodiment of knowledge results in identity-level transformation for my clients, propelling them to evolve into the kind of leaders the world demands. How do you stay current with the latest developments and best practices in executive coaching, and how do you ensure your knowledge and techniques remain upto-date? I'm a lifelong, passionate learner. I'm curious and have a playful, creative, and open mind. At any given time, I am a participant in several training programs and a member of learning communities. Plus, re-certifying every 3 years with the ICF keeps me in a structure where I can't get too exotic with my private research interests but rather have to receive certifications in closely coaching-related fields.

What tools, assessments, or frameworks do you commonly use in your coaching practice, and how do they contribute to your clients' growth and development?

I am, for example, an alumni member of the Canadian Neuroscience School and a member of the Neuroplastician Hub at the Institute for Organizational Neuroscience. Plus, I have years of subscriptions to my executive clients' relevant magazines like HBR. My car is my rolling university. I never drive anywhere without listening to podcasts or replays from a mentor. And my habit of ‘eating books for breakfast’ has not changed since my childhood. I had read 10,000 books by my 30th birthday and am now 56, still reading several books per week.

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Since 1997, I have accumulated a long list of assessment, change modalities, and coaching training certifications. In recent years, I have used mainly a mix of applied neuroscience, somatic coaching, and Intentional Creativity®. Why? When I started in 1997, modern brain imaging technology had been in use just for a short while. It was in the early 2000s that finally more and more research was published that revolutionized many previously held beliefs about the

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brain, human motivation, the nature of emotions, and the dominance of the mind. As a Certified Master Neuroplastician, I am trained to facilitate conversations, inquiries, and coaching processes that teach my clients how to rewire their brains so they can overcome many of the human brain's innate biases that sabotage our success goals and desires for happiness and fulfillment.

In 2014, the International Coach Federation honored me with a leadership award, recognizing my contributions to advancing the coaching industry. In 2023, I secured the BRAVA Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners Chapter San Diego in the category of "Women's Advocate," acknowledging my enduring impact on women's advancement.

Having been frustrated for a few years at the beginning of my practice with a percentage of clients whom I saw regressing into old ways of being, I was proud to be one of the first to break the dominance of the mind in regards to changing ourselves and integrate a somatic - body empowered - approach in my coaching practice. Coaching that doesn't include reprogramming cellular memories and the release of old stuck emotions is doomed to be successful only for a limited time! Adding my certifications as a Color of Women Intentional Creativity® teacher and coach allows me to teach my clients simple drawing processes that give them access to their subconscious mind, emotions, and intuition and open their brain's pathways to limitless creativity, ideas, and solutions.

A top executive from a major German bank, during a challenging facilitation amid a global financial crisis, expressed astonishment: "Wow, Sylvia, I don't know how you did it. Your constant pivoting and adapting felt as if you were breathing with our team's soul. In 20 years of my HR career, I've never experienced anything like this. Thank you. It was exactly what we needed, and we didn't even know it." Another female top executive, initially seeking help with workplace conflict and work-life balance, experienced a surprising transformation: "Thanks to you, I forgave my mother and now have a close, loving relationship with her. This personal shift grounded me, making me more relaxed, confident, and genuinely happy."

It is truly astounding how far the coaching industry and we as humanity have come in the last 28 years when it comes to the possibilities of living authentically and producing dream results without burning out in the process!

A male CEO expressed profound gratitude in an email testimonial: "Thank you, Sylvia, from the bottom of my heart. Without you, I wouldn't be CEO; my marriage might not have survived the last two years, and I would still be 40 pounds heavier, facing pain and burnout."

Can you share any success stories or testimonials from clients you have worked with that highlight the positive impact of your coaching on their professional growth and leadership skills?

Please feel free to add any other additional details that we might have missed out on or that you want to highlight in the article.

I received a heartfelt Christmas card from a couple who were both alumni of my coaching training eight years prior. As founders of an industrial product company, they enlisted me also to train their 27-member team in neurosciencebased self-management, aiming to reduce friction, enhance collaboration, and boost efficiency. The cherished card, safely kept in my desk's drawer, reads:

In my initial 18 years as an executive coach, I distilled insights from corporate clients into a book on 12 Leadership Powers. Derived from client feedback 6 to 12 months post-coaching, the book became an international bestseller on Amazon, maintaining robust sales. It's an executive-style compendium that clients revisit, and you can explore it at www.becker-hill.com/book.

"Even after so many years, not a day passes without reflecting on you and your invaluable coaching. We continually apply the tools you taught us, like 'putting on the researcher's hat' in triggering situations, simply saying, 'Wow, fascinating!'... You have changed us forever!" A more recent testimonial, encapsulates my coaching's impact: "Sylvia, after this breakthrough session over 3.5 hours with you today, I feel more empowered than after 10 years of working intensively with Tony Robbins!" Please give us a few testimonials from your clients and awards or recognition that accurately highlight your achievements in the corporate niche.

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Who, exactly, seeks out a coach? If you ask a coach the answer is usually the same: Winners who want even more out of life. - Chicago Tribune

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