Business Coaching: Not Just for Executives
Why I Coach “in the River”
I worked for many years in manufacturing and supply chain. I also did a stint in new product development within a biotech company. No matter where I was in the organization, one thing remained true: Orders Kept Coming.
Like water in a river, there was no stopping their flow. It was like we were standing in a river and we could feel the pressure of waiting orders like a current pressing on us constantly.
It’s a great thing for the business but can drive managers at all levels and employees wild. There is never any true “down time” with orders waiting to be checked for materials requirements, dispatched to manufacturing, scheduled, manufactured, quality checked, packed and shipped. Or in development, the pipeline was always packed with constant incentive to deliver new product formulations.
In high-pressure environments many burn out fast. I spent enough time working long days in roles of increasing responsibility to realize I was on a path to burnout too. I was able to turn things around for myself when my partner and I decided to have a child.
Who I Coach
I am enthusiastic about coaching people through:
Management challenges (both people and operational)
Transitioning to a new company or role
Achieving work-life balance in high-pressure work environments
ERP implementations
Building influence across teams
Early career development planning (if this is your first “real” job, I’d especially love to connect!)
I’m also open to hear what about other topics you’re interested to be coached on – if you think I’d be a good fit, please reach out!
I learned through mutual coaching sessions that I did not have to give up on ambition to be successful in my family life. I became a calendar-pruning and prioritizing machine. I delegated more. I changed my mindset and let go of unhealthy habits and fears.
In the river of orders, I learned I could be like a duck, the water beading up and rolling off while I effortlessly floated in the stream. I was no longer weighed down by the magnitude of our work, but freed to rise above it and glide to whatever problem needed the most attention.
My own transformative experience arose through coaching and gives me confidence in two things:
1) Work-life balance and high performance within manufacturing, supply chain, or biotech product development are achievable and not mutually exclusive.
2) Coaching is a highly effective tool to enable individuals to achieve their goals.
My Approach and Credentials
I was trained professionally to use the GROW model for coaching while I worked as a manager. I practiced routinely with my employees and other managers for four years. I am also currently practicing the FlipIt Framework for expanding perspectives.
I may use tools in my coaching sessions such as the VIA Character Survey, videos, excerpts from books, etc. but predominantly I aim to ask powerful questions - questions that get you thinking deeply and moving towards your goal.
My confidence and interest in coaching methods grew over time upon seeing positive results. For example, eight of my line reports achieved lateral or upward promotions within the four years I was a manager.
I attribute their success to:
Application of structured coaching frameworks and tools to guide them in an effective direction
Their commitment and drive – they were willing to do the work
I am a current member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) which is an internationally-recognized governing body for coaches that offers continuing education and certification. I’m currently working toward both my Professional Coaching Certification and my Team Coaching Certification with ICF.
As part of the work that I am doing to earn certifications, I am continuing my coaching education through the International Coaching Academy’s Advanced Professional Coaching Program.
My coaching is guided by the ICF Code of Ethics.
I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem previously thought unsolvable.
-John Russell