Ideation vs. Implementation: Which Way Do You Lean as a Leader?

This was the season where I discovered I was gifted most to serve in leadership, coaching, and strategy.  I already had a Master’s of Christian Ministry, but with the insight of discovering more fully how I was uniquely wired to serve and positively impact others, it led me on a journey to a Master’s of Organizational Leadership and then an MBA.  I also completed a strategy certificate at Michigan State University.

Then a significant defining moment of transition happened when an invitation came to join two incredible faith-led entrepreneurs who had just started a private investment firm with the goal to create a self-perpetuating philanthropic vision.  I had already sensed a season of change was coming, but didn’t anticipate the fullness of the chapter that was emerging. I knew clearly it was an invitation that I needed to say yes too, even though I couldn’t see the full map of where the path would lead.  I know what it’s like to transition from one sector of work to another. I know what it’s like to have to adapt, be an agile learner and figure out what it takes to thrive in a new environment and role.  I know what it looks like to face your imposter syndrome and insecurities as you enter a new and different space.  That shapes something in you that is ultimately a gift to clients in our partnership.

In my work as the director of a leadership institute within the investment firm I serve internal portfolio companies and external clients. I am a board observer for many of these portfolio companies and partner to the CEOs and executive teams.  Working in a startup context is very different. We were a young investment firm working with young investments. That is a completely different context from my previous leadership environments. For 7+ years I have had the privilege of serving in this capacity in the startup sandbox, and during that time I was ultimately invited into the role of Chief Operating Officer. 

I was also privileged to serve on multiple non-profit boards through this season and serve as President of Christian Coaches Network International (CCNI). This is the oldest, global member associations of Christian coaches aligned to a non-directive, professional coaching competencies.  CCNI offers accreditation to coach training schools and credentialing to coaches, in addition to professional development events and business building support. I originally served the board as Director of Strategy and then Treasurer, and now in the role of President. 

I bring the experience and perspective of executive leadership in for-profit and non-profit roles to the clients I serve. It shapes my approach differently. It changes the questions I ask and though my client’s paths are different than mine, I instinctively understand the privilege, weight, and opportunity of executive leadership. 

I became a coach because I experienced the power of having a coach. I had many certifications at the time in a variety of leadership tools, but the coaching partnership was different. It was transformative. It was empowering. It was elevating in a distinct way. As a certified life and leadership coach, I find it to be an incredible privilege to partner as a friend of leaders. To be in that honored space as their confidant, advisor, and coach, is one of the most fulfilling moments of life.  In so many ways, I discovered I was made for that as my journey unfolded. What a gift it is to experience doing what you love, with what you are skilled at, while meeting a need in the world.

A final thought for me is that careers, titles, degrees and everything else that one might chase in their life is not the center.  They are hopefully expressions of living out who we are, how we are wired, and can be positive reflections of that activity.  But, they can also be traps to try to fulfill and satisfy things that they were never meant to satisfy.  Accomplishment can also be reflective of an empty heart and an unfulfilled life.  I know both experiences, and that is why I coach from an inside-out approach, believing that leadership is ontological before it is anything else.  It is also why my deepest treasures are my faith journey and my family. Who I become on the journey is far more important to me than what I accomplish. And how I love those closest to me is of far greater significance to me than any result or accomplishment.  If we work together, I bring an integrated approach to the partnership, believing the most alive version of you is the best gift to those you lead, and also believing  when leaders lead from the inside-out, there is a sustainable alignment and health that can fuel high performance.

As a note, I serve values-driven, purpose-driven leaders of various religious perspectives.  I honor them and partner with them in coaching to their highest and best self. I also honor my own faith commitments and values, and I do not coach clients in ways that violate those deepest parts of ourselves.   That is part of the integrity and values-driven nature of my coaching that has been forged deeply over time. I stand on my commitments and I stand with you to stand on yours as you lead, positively impact the various stakeholders involved, and move towards a grander vision.