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.