Ever feel like you’re the only one solving problems in your business? In this episode, we kick off our Leadership Balance series with Monique James from Alaska Auto Rental—a leader who transformed her team (and herself) through coaching.

We explore how shifting from control to coaching creates clarity, ownership, and freedom. Monique shares her powerful journey, including what changed when she stopped carrying the load and started developing leaders.

Timestamps & Highlights:

00:01:05 – Introduction: Monique James
Monique’s leadership journey begins at a live event with a major wake-up call.

00:02:20 – Monique’s Experience with Coaching
The moment she realized she was both the problem—and the solution.

00:06:49 – Monique’s Path in Leading People
How leading by example changed her team and culture.

00:19:46 – The Big Shift’s Impact in Her Team
Coaching turned followers into owners.

00:38:27 – Key Questions to Ask
Monique’s top coaching questions that develop critical thinking.

00:40:36 – Marshall’s One, Three, One Tactic
A simple tool to grow confident problem-solvers.

00:41:56 – Taking the Time
Why coaching saves time (even when it feels slower at first).

00:46:47 – A Team That Owns It
Her team now solves problems—and holds her accountable too.

00:56:22 – If You Could Go Back
The one thing she’d tell her younger self: release control.

00:57:49 – Conclusion
Leadership freedom begins with coaching.

00:58:35 – Action Steps
Try this: coach just one person this week. Don’t give answers—ask questions.

01:00:07 – Additional Resources
578 | The Mentorship Advantage: Why Every Small Business Leader Should Have a Mentor

We explore the transformative power of mentorship in small business leadership, offering insights and solutions to common challenges faced by entrepreneurs. 
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