Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive Coaching Arete Coach Podcast

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast with your host Severin Sorensen, where we explore the relentless pursuit of excellence in the art and science of executive coaching. In this captivating episode, we have the privilege of diving into the mind of Bud Carter, a true giant in the world of executive coaching. As a distinguished Vistage Chair, senior chairman of Vistage Chairs in Atlanta, and author of the thought-provoking books "Great Quotes for Great Businesses" and "Pithy Quotes," Bud brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the table.


Recorded in February 2021, this interview takes us on a fascinating journey through Bud's remarkable career, which began in the dynamic world of media. With 20 years of experience in broadcast radio, television, and newspaper publishing, Bud developed an acute sense of curiosity, a keen ability to ask powerful questions, and a talent for distilling complex ideas into easily digestible insights – skills that would later prove invaluable in his transition to executive coaching.


As Bud embarked on his journey as a coach, he brought with him not only his media background but also an innate ability to connect with people, a passion for helping others grow, and a unique perspective that has made him a sought-after mentor and advisor for business leaders across the globe. Throughout this engaging conversation, Bud generously shares his philosophy on coaching, which is deeply rooted in the power of asking thought-provoking questions, holding clients accountable, and providing valuable insights that inspire transformative growth.


With wit, wisdom, and a delightful dose of humor, Bud discusses the art of leveraging the power of quotes in coaching, drawing from his own experiences and the profound impact that a well-crafted phrase can have on the mind and spirit. He also delves into the challenges and rewards of working with executives and entrepreneurs, offering a candid and insightful look at the role of a coach in helping leaders navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.


Drawing on his early years in Journalism, Bud Carter's commitment to leveraging the power of questions, holding clients accountable, and providing valuable insights to help leaders excel is evident throughout the podcast episode.


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 interview was conducted on 2/08/2021 via Zoom Video.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome back to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen where we explore the art and science of executive coaching. In this episode 1179, we revisit a captivating episode recorded via Zoom on October 17th, 2022, featuring Dr. Vikki Brock, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), consultant, author of the seminal work "The Sourcebook of Coaching History," and mentor. Dr. Brock's extensive research and practical experience have made her a leading authority on the roots and evolution of coaching.


Throughout the episode, Dr. Brock shares her remarkable journey from a successful 21-year career at Boeing to becoming a pioneering figure in the coaching world. Her passion for helping others led her to establish VB Coaching and Consulting in 1995, where she has since dedicated herself to advancing the field through her research, writing, and mentorship. Dr. Brock's groundbreaking work, "The Sourcebook of Coaching History," provides an in-depth exploration of the historical roots of coaching and the influence of pioneers from related fields. Her commitment to understanding the art and science of coaching, as well as her efforts to reawaken humanity through this powerful tool, perfectly align with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission to explore excellence in executive coaching. Her quote, "Coaching has an opportunity to reawaken our humanity," resonated with me and is the title for this episode.


Vikki was closely involved with the early founders of modern coaching: Thomas Leonard and Laura Whitworth. Vikki was an early member of ICF (member #60) and since its creation in 1996 , she was one of the first coaches to receive an MCC from the ICF in 1998. She also was on faculty for the University of Texas at Dallas Coaching Certificate program, and taught for several coach training schools internationally.


In this episode, we explore Vikki's journey into the coach field, her experiences in the growth of the coaching industry, and her passion for interviewing 170 coaching practitioners and scholars as the basis for her Sourcebook on Coaching History.


More on the topic is available at AreteCoach.io.


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 original episode was produced on 17 October 2022. It was released with a forward on 2 June 2024.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, "Exploring Ten Characteristics of Powerful Questions," recorded on May 20th, 2024, Severin explores the essential characteristics of powerful questions in executive coaching. Drawing from past podcast episodes and recent scholarly research, Severin delves into the art of questioning and shares valuable insights on crafting questions that inspire transformative change in coaching clients.


Throughout the episode, Severin guides listeners through ten key traits of powerful questions, providing examples and practical applications for each characteristic. From open-endedness and thought-provocation to fostering self-awareness and encouraging ownership, Severin emphasizes the importance of intentional questioning in the coaching process. By sharing quotes from notable figures and weaving in personal anecdotes, Severin illustrates the profound impact that well-crafted questions can have on a client's personal and professional growth. The episode also features clips from past guests, offering diverse perspectives on the art of questioning in coaching. Severin's deep commitment to empowering coaches with the tools to ask transformative questions perfectly aligns with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission to explore excellence in executive coaching.


The ten characteristics of powerful questions explored in this episode are: open-endedness, provoking thought and reflection, challenging assumptions, fostering self-awareness, encouraging ownership and responsibility, facilitating exploration of values and beliefs, eliciting emotional responses, stimulating imagination and creativity, providing clarity and focus, and facilitating action. These traits, when skillfully incorporated into coaching questions, can lead to profound insights, personal growth, and transformative change for clients.


Throughout the episode, Severin emphasizes the importance of crafting questions that invite expansive responses, challenge clients to think critically, and encourage them to take ownership of their actions. By asking questions that explore clients' values, beliefs, and emotions, coaches can help them gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and behaviors. Additionally, powerful questions can stimulate imagination and creativity, enabling clients to envision new possibilities and generate innovative solutions to their challenges.


Severin also shares valuable insights from past podcast guests, highlighting the diverse approaches and philosophies that successful coaches employ when asking powerful questions. From focusing on open-ended inquiries that evoke reflection to using scaling questions to gauge progress and explore potential, these expert coaches demonstrate the versatility and impact of well-crafted questions in the coaching process. Ultimately, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for coaches seeking to master the art of questioning and elevate their coaching practice to new heights.






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 May 20, 2024.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of lifetime learning in the age of artificial intelligence. Severin Sorensen, a seasoned executive coach, speaker, and author of The AI Whisperer Series, guides us through the significance of continuous learning, resilience, and curiosity in our rapidly evolving world.


In this enlightening episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen delves into the imperative of lifetime learning in the modern era, particularly within the context of the fourth industrial revolution. Sorensen emphasizes that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies necessitates a continuous learning mindset. He underscores the importance of developing meta-skills such as resilience, adaptability, and creativity to thrive in an increasingly automated and interconnected world. These skills are not only crucial for personal growth but also essential for executive coaches who guide leaders through complex organizational challenges.


Sorensen draws on historical and contemporary perspectives to illustrate the timeless value of continuous learning. He references the wisdom of 18th-century essayist Samuel Johnson to highlight the enduring nature of intellectual curiosity and the critical role it plays in personal and professional development. Additionally, Sorensen incorporates insights from modern AI pioneers like Sam Altman and Jensen Huang. Altman advocates for the cultivation of resilience and a high learning rate, while Huang envisions a future where the most important skill is the ability to apply AI and computing technologies to solve real-world problems. These perspectives collectively underscore that learning how to learn is the most valuable asset in navigating the complexities of today's technological landscape.


Furthermore, Sorensen explores the practical implications of lifetime learning for executive coaches. He discusses how advancements in psychology and coaching methodologies can enhance the effectiveness of coaching practices. By staying updated with the latest research in human behavior and motivational strategies, coaches can employ more effective techniques to support their clients. Sorensen also highlights the importance of self-improvement and mindfulness for coaches, as personal growth directly influences their ability to facilitate transformative change in others. Ultimately, the episode serves as a compelling call to action for both coaches and leaders to embrace continuous learning, not just as a professional necessity, but as a pathway to unlocking human potential and fostering innovation in the age of AI.


Coaches will find this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast particularly compelling due to its timely exploration of lifetime learning in the context of the fourth industrial revolution. As artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies continue to reshape industries, coaches need to stay ahead of these changes to effectively guide their clients. Severin Sorensen's insights into the necessity of developing meta-skills such as resilience, adaptability, and creativity provide a valuable framework for coaches seeking to enhance their own professional growth and, in turn, the growth of their clients.


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 May 13, 2024.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen, with an episode that explores: "Footprints of Impact: Exploring the Art of Coaching Through the Metaphor of Leaving Tracks." In this episode, we are honored to have Laura Gordon, a UK Best Practice Vistage Chair. Laura has been in the coaching industry for 14 years and a Vistage Chair for over 10 years. She was awarded the 2023 Phil Meddings Award, the highest accolade in Vistage UK and Ireland, as well as the Rookie of the Year Award for Chairs in 2015 and the Chair Excellence Award every year since.


In an engaging conversation, Laura shares her inspiring journey from her early career as a lawyer and business owner to becoming a passionate executive coach. Her diverse background includes roles as the director of an innovative economic development initiative driven by the Scottish government and as the director of an international education services company. Laura's commitment to personal growth and helping others is evident in her numerous certifications, including Positive Intelligence, Inclusive Leadership, NLP, and clinical hypnotherapy. She has also served on various boards, such as the Glasgow and Edinburgh Chambers of Commerce and the Institute of Directors. Throughout the episode, Laura emphasizes the importance of asking powerful questions, challenging clients to achieve growth, and creating a legacy that positively impacts the lives of others. Her insights perfectly align with the Arete Coach Podcast's exploration of excellence in executive coaching.


Several core themes echo in this conversation related to excellence in executive coaching and personal growth.


The power of asking challenging questions: Laura emphasizes the importance of asking powerful, thought-provoking questions that push clients out of their comfort zones and encourage them to explore new perspectives. She discusses the courage required to ask difficult questions and how this skill has developed throughout her coaching career.


Embracing change and trying new things: Throughout her professional journey, Laura has embraced change and experimented with different careers and roles. She encourages others to adopt a similar mindset, as it leads to personal growth and the discovery of new passions. Laura also highlights the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone and trying new approaches in coaching to keep the experience interesting and engaging for both the coach and the client.


The importance of being intentional and making choices: Drawing from the works of Viktor Frankl and the movie "Groundhog Day," Laura discusses the significance of being intentional in one's actions and making conscious choices, even when external circumstances are beyond one's control. She emphasizes that personal growth and change stem from within and that individuals have the power to shape their own lives and experiences.


Creating a legacy and making a positive impact: Laura stresses the importance of leaving a positive legacy and making a difference in the lives of others. She quotes Ruth Bader Ginsburg, saying, "Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks," encouraging listeners to consider the impact of their actions on their clients, communities, and the world at large.


Continuous learning and personal development: Throughout the episode, Laura shares her passion for continuous learning and personal growth. She has pursued numerous certifications and has served on various boards to expand her knowledge and skills. Laura's commitment to self-improvement and staying updated with the latest developments in coaching underscores the importance of lifelong learning in the field.


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 April 26, 2024.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen, with an episode titled, "The Art of Coaching and Harnessing the Power of Client Metaphors."


In this episode, recorded on April 12, 2024, we are honored to have Lyssa DeHart, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), Speaker, Author, and Coach Mentor. Lyssa is renowned for her expertise as an Executive Coach, Leadership Coach, and host of the Coaching Studio Podcast.


Lyssa DeHart's transition from therapist to Master Certified Coach offers a compelling story of professional evolution, underlining the transferability of skills between helping professions. As a therapist, Lyssa refined her ability to listen deeply, discern patterns, pose transformative questions, and steer clients toward self-awareness, all of which have greatly enriched her coaching practice. This seamless skill transfer showcases how therapeutic expertise can enhance coaching effectiveness, especially in facilitating clients' journeys toward self-improvement and realization.


Exploring the distinctions between therapy and coaching, Lyssa emphasizes that while therapy aims to help clients move from dysfunction to functionality, coaching targets individuals who are already functioning well but aspire to achieve higher levels of growth, performance, and fulfillment. Her own professional shift not only exemplifies the broader impacts possible in coaching but also highlights how coaches can empower individuals to author more impactful and meaningful narratives for their lives. This perspective offers a nuanced understanding of the complementary roles of therapy and coaching.


A unique aspect of Lyssa's coaching technique is her strategic use of metaphors, a topic she elaborates on in her book, "Light Up, The Science of Coaching with Metaphors." By tuning into and exploring the metaphorical expressions her clients naturally use, she facilitates insightful and deeply resonant dialogues that significantly advance client understanding and development. This approach underscores the power of metaphors in communicating complex inner realities and sparking profound personal insights, an approach that not only defines Lyssa’s coaching style but also serves as inspiration for others in the field.


Beyond her direct client interactions, Lyssa is deeply committed to contributing to the coaching profession through mentoring, assessing, and providing thought leadership. Her efforts to nurture the growth of upcoming coaches, particularly those seeking International Coach Federation (ICF) credentials, highlight her dedication to enhancing the profession's quality globally. Her emphasis on the joys of laughter, the value of relationships, and maintaining an uplifting spirit in both personal and professional life further enriches her narrative, offering a holistic view of how joy and human connections are integral to successful coaching. Lyssa's story and insights not only inspire current and aspiring coaches but also reflect the profound, multifaceted impact of the coaching profession.


Memorable quotes include: "I am a collaborative truth teller and thought partner who forms deep relationships that support my clients to grow past their limiting narratives so they can confidently excel at life, love, work, and craft a story worth living." - Lyssa DeHart


"Deep belly laughs. I think that all of us need something that is for us, the thing that when life tilts on its axis will bring us back into balance." - Lyssa DeHart


"Not my monkeys, not my circus. It reminds me, this is not my life right here that we're talking about. This is somebody else's experience and it's a journey they need to go on. So how do I hold that space?" - Lyssa DeHart


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 April 12, 2024.


Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.