Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, recorded on August 5th, 2024, Severin explores the critical topic of AI adoption in business. As an expert in leveraging AI for business growth and the author of "The AI Whisperer" Series, Severin brings valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution. This episode is tailored for executive coaches, chairs, mentors, and facilitators guiding CEOs and key executives across thousands of businesses worldwide.

In this engaging exploration, Severin Sorensen delves into the complexities of AI implementation in business, drawing from experience and research. He examines the disparity between companies successfully leveraging AI and those struggling to realize its potential. Sorensen's analysis covers key factors contributing to AI success, common pitfalls, and practical strategies for businesses at various stages of their AI journey. His insights are particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises navigating the AI landscape. The episode also critically examines traditional frameworks for technology adoption, such as "Crossing the Chasm" and "The Innovator's Dilemma," in the context of AI. Sorensen's approach aligns perfectly with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission to explore excellence in the art and science of executive coaching, offering listeners actionable insights to guide their clients through the AI revolution.

Severin Sorensen addresses the critical challenges and opportunities presented by AI adoption in business. He highlights the significant disparity between companies successfully leveraging AI and those struggling to realize its potential. This gap, Sorensen explains, often stems from differences in strategic clarity, investment in necessary resources, and the ability to manage organizational changes. For business owners, this underscores the importance of aligning AI initiatives with core business objectives and investing in quality data infrastructure.

Sorensen emphasizes the value of starting with clear, focused AI initiatives that can deliver quick wins. He advises businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to begin with simple, well-defined use cases that offer immediate benefits. This approach not only provides tangible value but also builds confidence and paves the way for more complex AI applications. The episode offers practical strategies for AI implementation, including conducting thorough business needs assessments, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining a balance between AI automation and human oversight.

For executive coaches, the episode provides valuable insights into guiding clients through the AI revolution. Sorensen discusses the evolving role of executive coaches in helping leaders navigate the complexities of AI adoption. He stresses the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of AI's rapid development. The episode also critically examines traditional frameworks for technology adoption in the context of AI, offering coaches a nuanced understanding of how to apply these concepts in today's business landscape. This knowledge equips coaches to better support their clients in developing effective AI strategies and managing the organizational changes that come with AI implementation.

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 August 5, 2024.

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

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen where we explore the Art and Science of Executive Coaching.

In this special episode, recorded on July 29, 2024, we celebrate the release of Severin Sorensen's "Author's Reading" of the Audible edition of his latest book, "The AI Whisperer, 2nd Edition: Handbook for Leveraging Conversational Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT for Business."

Severin Sorensen is an AI Whisperer, Executive Coach, and Management Consultant, as well as the Founder and CEO of ePraxis and Founder and Curator of AIWhisperer.org.

In this episode, the author Severin Sorensen introduces the Audible Author's Reading of the second edition of his book, "The AI Whisperer: Handbook for Leveraging Conversational Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT for Business." Sorensen highlights the significant updates in this edition, including new sections on how to use ChatGPT, updated Bloom's Taxonomy applications, and 50 expanded business use cases. He emphasizes the importance of effective questioning when interacting with AI, stating, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing," quoting Socrates to underscore this point. Sorensen also discusses the "Three Pillars of Prompting" and provides insights into crafting effective AI prompts for business applications.

The episode delves into practical applications of AI in business, with Sorensen sharing examples of how ChatGPT can be used for tasks such as drafting marketing copy, social media content creation, and product development. He stresses the importance of clear communication with AI, advising listeners that "You can't write first-grade level questions as your prompts and expect the AI to give you Shakespeare." Sorensen also addresses the ethical considerations of AI use, stating, "AI is a powerful tool. When you use it wisely, ethically, and for the betterment of society, great things can be accomplished." The episode concludes with Sorensen emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in business, quoting industry leaders like Sundar Pichai, who describes AI as "probably the most important thing humanity has ever worked on.This episode aligns perfectly with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission of exploring excellence in executive coaching and leadership, with a focus on leveraging cutting-edge AI technology for business success.

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 July 29, 2024.

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

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, episode 1186, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this enlightening episode titled "On Being Grateful, Generous, and Relevant," we are honored to have Louis-Samuel Jacques, a TEC Canada Master Chair, CEO Coach, and Speaker with TEC Canada and Vistage Worldwide. Recorded via Zoom on July 1st, 2024, this conversation delves into Jacques' philosophy of gratitude, generosity, and relevance in the realm of executive coaching. Renowned for his expertise in facilitating high-value conversations with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, Louis-Samuel Jacques helps them navigate major decisions, ambitions, challenges, and opportunities. This episode offers valuable insights into Jacques' approach to empowering leaders and creating impactful coaching relationships.

Louis-Samuel Jacques, a TEC Canada Master Chair, CEO Coach, and Speaker with TEC Canada and Vistage Worldwide, transitioned from a background in agri-food and environmental economics consulting to management consulting before finding his passion in executive coaching. Since 2018, he has served as a TEC Canada Chair, building five TEC Canada groups and engaging weekly with 30 to 50 CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. His exceptional performance earned him the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and the prestigious title of TEC Canada Master Chair. Jacques holds an MBA from Laval University and is known for his keen observation skills and ability to identify universal principles driving success and freedom. His life purpose centers on empowering leaders to create the best places to live on earth, whether in one's own mind and body, home, workplace, community, or country.

In this insightful episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, Louis-Samuel Jacques shares his inspiring journey from consultant to coach. With a background in economics and management consulting, Jacques found his true calling in empowering leaders through high-value conversations. His transition into coaching was not without challenges, as he recalls, "Launching a group takes three months. It takes three months, but only when you understand how to do it." This experience taught him the importance of patience and persistence in building effective leadership groups. Jacques emphasizes clarity over knowledge in his coaching approach, stating, "My north star is clarity. It's not showing up as being intelligent or knowledgeable or whatever." This philosophy guides his interactions with clients, focusing on creating an environment where leaders can thrive and make impactful decisions. He reflects on his personal growth as a coach, admitting, "It's not about me. I can easily be in the way of clarity for my members." This realization has shaped his coaching style, prioritizing being present and asking powerful questions rather than providing ready-made solutions.

Throughout the interview, Jacques reveals his daily mantra: "Every morning I wake up and I tell myself, I remind myself that I want to be grateful. I want to be generous and relevant," which encapsulates his approach to life and coaching. This mindset has profoundly influenced his work, as he aims to empower leaders to create the best places to live on earth, whether in one's own mind, workplace, or community. Jacques views each day as a gift and an opportunity to make a positive impact, reflecting, "To me, every day is not a miracle, but is a gift and I have nothing to lose." His passion for helping others and his commitment to personal growth make Louis-Samuel Jacques a compelling figure in the world of executive coaching, offering valuable insights for both aspiring and experienced coaches alike.

The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This interview for this episode was recorded on July 1, 2024 via Zoom Video.

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

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode titled "From Government Dough to Helping People Grow: A Coach's Journey in Mastering ICF Coaching Competencies," we feature Terrie Lupberger, MCC. Recorded on September 29th, 2022, this episode explores Terrie's remarkable transition from a 14-year career at the U.S. Department of Treasury to becoming a prominent figure in the coaching industry. Aptly captured in the episode's title, Terrie’s journey showcases how she leveraged her government experience to help people grow and develop through coaching.

Terrie Lupberger is an ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC) with over 27 years of experience in the coaching industry. After a successful career at the U.S. Department of Treasury, she transitioned to coaching, where she has made significant contributions to the field. Terrie is the CEO of Terrie Lupberger and Associates and serves as a senior instructor at the University of Miami's certified Professional Coaching Program. Additionally, she is the director of training with the Coach Partnership, offering the Newfield Coaching Program in Asia. Terrie's expertise spans global leadership, management, executive coaching, and change management. She has been involved with the International Coach Federation (ICF) since its early days, contributing to the development of the original core competencies. Passionate about working with women leaders and nonprofit CEOs, Terrie helps them navigate unique challenges and make meaningful impacts. Her approach to coaching emphasizes exploring the human condition, challenging limiting narratives, and creating safe spaces for personal and professional growth.

Throughout the conversation, Terrie shares insights into her extensive coaching career and her process of mastering the ICF Core Competencies. She highlights the importance of creating a safe space for clients, practicing deep listening, and asking powerful questions—all crucial elements of the ICF coaching framework. Terrie's philosophy of "it's all made up" encourages both coaches and clients to question their assumptions and explore new perspectives, aligning closely with the ICF competency of creating awareness.

The episode delves into Terrie's thoughts on the future of coaching and the need for coaches to adapt to increasing complexity in the world. Her emphasis on balancing scientific evidence with the art of human connection in coaching reflects a nuanced understanding of the profession's multifaceted nature. As the title suggests, Terrie's journey from "government dough to helping people grow" is not just about career transition but about the continuous process of mastering coaching competencies to create transformative experiences for clients.

Join us as we revisit this enlightening episode with Terrie Lupberger, where we explore how the art of meaning-making and ICF core competencies can transform coaching practices and lead to greater personal and professional fulfillment.

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 for this episode was recorded on September 29, 2022 via Zoom Video.

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

In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen interviews Jack Gelman, CEO of Gelman Associates LLC, revealing profound insights into leadership, coaching, and personal transformation. Recorded on June 18, 2024, Jack shares his extensive experience navigating the business world, including pivotal roles such as Anderson Partner and President & CEO of Alternity Wind Power LLC. Listeners will gain valuable lessons on achieving balance, fostering humility, and cultivating resilience, all of which are essential for both personal and professional growth. The episode, titled "Jack Gelman: Beyond Success - Living a Life of Importance," underscores the shift from achieving success to finding significance.

Jack delves into his journey from a high-powered executive to a respected coach and mentor, highlighting the transformative impact of the New Warrior Training Adventure. This experience helped him find balance in his life and ignited his passion for coaching. He also recounts his foundational experiences at Procter & Gamble and General Mills, which provided a solid grounding in marketing, sales, and business commercialization. These early career roles set the stage for his later success in turning around and growing companies like CrossPin, Nashua, and Rust-Oleum.

The episode also explores Jack's time in the military as a Naval Aviator and Assistant Professor of Naval Science, where he learned critical lessons in humility and leadership. He discusses the collapse of Arthur Andersen and the importance of having a backup plan, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges. These experiences have profoundly shaped his approach to coaching and mentoring, allowing him to guide others through similar transitions and transformations.

Throughout the conversation, Jack shares key insights and practical advice, underscoring the value of listening, patience, and living a life of significance. Inspired by Raphael Pastor’s idea of transitioning from a life of success to a life of importance, Jack emphasizes the impact of meaningful work that positively affects others. This episode, "Jack Gelman: Beyond Success - Living a Life of Importance," is a treasure trove of wisdom for executives, coaches, and anyone striving for excellence in their professional and personal lives.

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 June 18, 2024.

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

In this enlightening episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen sits down with Janet Fogarty, a Vistage master chair with over two decades of experience in executive coaching. Janet shares her unique approach to coaching, which emphasizes intuition and active listening while discussing the crucial balance between intuitive practices and evidence-based methodologies in the evolving field of coaching.

Central to the conversation is Janet's 'left-hand margin' technique, a method she uses to capture intuitive observations during coaching sessions. This approach, aligned with the ICF core competencies of 'Evokes Awareness' and 'Listens Actively', allows Janet to identify subtle cues and underlying themes that might not be apparent through structured approaches alone. The discussion delves into how this intuitive method can be integrated with more structured, evidence-based coaching practices to create a comprehensive and adaptable coaching methodology.

Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to reflect on their own coaching practices and consider how they balance intuition with structured approaches. Janet's insights, drawn from her extensive experience as both a coach and a former business owner, offer valuable perspectives on the art and science of executive coaching. This episode provides a thought-provoking exploration of how coaches can leverage both intuitive skills and evidence-based methods to adapt to the emerging challenges and opportunities in the field of coaching.

The Arete Coach Podcast seeks to explore the art and science of executive coaching. You can find out more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This interview was conducted on May, 31, 2021 via Zoom Video.

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

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode, recorded via Zoom on April 27, 2020, we are honored to have Richard Bosworth, founder and CEO of What If Forums, an executive coaching practice established in 1967 in London. Richard was a former TEC Vistage UK chair known for his candid and insightful coaching style, earning him the affectionate title of "Chief Tormentor" among his clients.

In an engaging conversation titled "The Chief Tormentor as CEO Coach," Richard Bosworth shares his inspiring journey from agricultural scientist to renowned business turnaround marketer and global executive coach. His career began in marketing and corporate life, where he led transformative programs before discovering a passion for coaching. Over the past several decades, Richard dedicated himself to challenging the status quo and helping leaders see things through fresh eyes. Recognized globally, Richard pioneered telecoaching and was an early adopter of digital coaching methods. This episode delves into Richard's profound commitment to creating awesomely successful leaders and his unique approach to ideation facilitation, perfectly aligning with the Arete Coach Podcast's exploration of excellence in executive coaching.

Richard's coaching approach: He describes himself as an "unconventional coach" who challenges the status quo. He focuses on helping leaders look at things through fresh eyes and try new approaches. His coaching style earned him the nickname "Chief Tormentor" among clients.

Evolution of his career: Richard shares his journey from agricultural scientist to marketing expert, then to business turnaround specialist, and finally to executive coach. He was an early adopter of telecoaching in the 1990s, working with clients across Africa.

Coaching tools and techniques: Richard discusses his key coaching tools, including the "aspiration guide" (be, do, have chart), listening to one's gut, and the power of silence. He emphasizes the importance of asking thought-provoking questions.

Most powerful question: Richard reveals that his most impactful question is "What does your family think?" This often leads to deep insights about work-life balance and personal priorities.

Leadership in changing times: Richard observes that the pandemic has accelerated changes in how people work and how leaders need to adapt. He emphasizes that leaders now need to engage and consult their teams rather than just lead in the traditional sense.

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 April 27, 2020, via Zoom Video. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast with host Severin Sorensen and his guest Gail Schaper-Gordon, Ph.D. In this episode, Severin speaks with Gail, a Vistage Executive Coach, business psychologist, organizational consultant, and experienced CEO. Gail has 22 years of experience as a successful CEO and business leader, having founded and run several small to mid-market professional service companies, including Aegis Psychological Corporation and Behavioral Health Information Management Systems, which were cornerstones of a behavioral health care delivery system of more than 500 mental health care providers serving a quarter of a million individuals. She received her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of California and her Ph.D. in Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.

In this engaging conversation, Severin and Gail explore her pathway into executive coaching, her Vistage Chair practice, and her passion for business psychology. Gail shares her approach to coaching, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in both personal and professional life. She discusses the power of leaning into one's uniqueness and embracing different perspectives to drive change and create value. Gail also highlights the significance of deep listening and empathy in coaching, describing her method as being fully present and listening from a deep feeling place. Throughout the discussion, Gail's commitment to continuous learning and growth shines through as she shares her passions, heartaches, and the many ways she contributes her mindshare, wisdom, and energy to others. This episode aligns perfectly with the Arete Coach Podcast's mission to explore the art and science of executive coaching.

Gail Schaper-Gordon's memorable quotes r capture key insights from the conversation.

"The best questions and the most powerful questions are the ones that I don't even remember asking and that people come back and tell me about them."

"You learn that you take your time, you find your right space to grieve, and then you go back. It's not about being consumed by grief. It's about continuing with life and managing all that."

"My why is to make sense so that people with us why observe about elements of every situation and make sense out of them. They take complicated or what may appear to be complicated factors, problems, concepts, and organize them to create solutions that are sensible and easy to implement." -

"I think that I've learned that the less my opinion is expressed in a group, the less that they hear what my idea of a solution would be in a group meeting. And the more that I listen and give them the space, the better."

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 November 23, 2021, via Zoom Video. Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

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.