Coaching Philosophy and Book Writing Journey

Today we have Stephan Szugat Coach of the month for November.

5. When did you realize you were coaching more than just managing finances?

A: About six years ago, during my interim management role, I noticed that I was coaching more than I was discussing finances. Reflecting back over the previous decade, I realized I had been coaching all along without consciously labeling it as such.

6. What did you do to deepen your skills as a coach once you recognized it as your calling?

A: I took a coaching course where I learned over 40 different methods. That experience opened my eyes to the variety of approaches available. While there are hundreds of methods out there, I found a handful that resonated with me and delivered impactful results for my clients. Practicing these techniques in the course and experiencing their effect firsthand reinforced my commitment to coaching.

7.  Were there any fears you had when you started applying these new coaching techniques with clients?

A: Absolutely. Initially, I worried that the methods might not work or that they wouldn’t be helpful. However, it didn’t take long before I saw positive reactions from clients, often within minutes. This experience quickly eased my fears, and now I’m confident that the techniques do work, sometimes delivering results faster than expected.

8. Can you share an example of a particularly short and impactful session?

A:  Sure! My shortest coaching session was just nine minutes. The client asked a question, and after a few questions back from me, they had clarity on what they needed to do. That’s the beauty of coaching—sometimes breakthroughs come quickly, and sometimes they require more time. The outcome is what matters.

9: How has becoming a coach changed you personally?

A: I’ve become more relaxed and less hard on myself. In finance, I was often driven and pushy out of necessity. Coaching has taught me to be more gentle and flexible, both with myself and others. However, I can still be firm and hold clients accountable when needed. I’m less intense now, which helps my clients feel at ease while still making progress.

10: How does this personal transformation translate to your work with clients?

A: Clients pick up on the calm, which helps them feel more grounded and motivated. At the same time, I maintain the ability to hold them accountable, ensuring they meet their goals. It’s a balance of calmness and firmness, which helps clients stay committed without feeling overly pressured.

11: Can you give an example of a time when a client valued your tough approach?

A: I once worked with a CEO who found my approach challenging, as I would ask hard questions and pinpoint areas that needed improvement. Although it was difficult for him, he told me it was a tremendous benefit because it highlighted necessary changes. This feedback reassured me that my tough but fair approach made a positive impact.

12: What sets you apart as a coach?

A: I’m outcome-driven and prioritize adapting my approach based on each client’s unique needs. I have a blend of calm guidance and tough accountability, which helps clients break through barriers. Rather than fitting clients into a strict program, I focus on understanding what will genuinely benefit them. This adaptability ensures that they feel supported while moving forward toward their goals.

13: It sounds like your coaching approach emphasizes individuality. How do you personalize your coaching to fit each client’s unique needs?

A: Absolutely. My approach is about asking, “Who are you?” and “How does this program best benefit you?” I aim to serve clients based on who they are and where their business currently stands. My program, which includes an online course and group coaching, is adaptable enough to cater to every business stage, focusing on the most important aspects that are unique to each client.

14: Your program sounds very flexible. How does it differ from more rigid frameworks?

A: Unlike stiff frameworks, my program isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. It allows flexibility to address each client’s current priorities, ensuring they get the most value, regardless of their specific business challenges.

15: In your experience, do clients ever hit roadblocks that need a strong push to overcome?

A: Yes, roadblocks are common, and they can stem from either internal fears or external issues like financial constraints. When clients face tough times, I help them identify what’s holding them back. I also motivate them to take action, even if they don’t feel like it, because persistence often leads to breakthrough moments. I draw on my experience as a finance manager to help them stay consistent and focused on income-generating activities, which eventually help them overcome obstacles.

16: So you help clients identify issues, provide motivation, and offer actionable steps?

A:  Exactly! It’s about both inspiration and practical guidance. Simply giving inspiration without clear steps can lead to frustration. My goal is to guide them with motivation and instruction so they know what to do and feel accountable for taking those steps.

17: How has working with the Coach Foundation impacted you and your coaching style?

A: Working with Coach Foundation didn’t just influence my coaching—it impacted me as a person. Through writing my book with their support, I gained more confidence in my experiences and knowledge. The Foundation, especially my book coach, encouraged me to inject my personality into the book, which was incredibly validating.

18: Could you share how your book changed with the Coach Foundation’s guidance?

A: Initially, my book was informative but lacked personality. My book coach pointed out that I needed to bring my fun, conversational style into it. So, after a few drafts, I reworked it to make it more engaging and reflective of who I am. Now, the book feels natural, with a flow that makes it enjoyable to read.

19: What’s the title of your book, and what themes does it explore?

A: The book is titled Interconnected Success: Mastering the Seven Key Areas of Impact in Business and Life. It covers seven areas that I realized are essential in both business and personal life. Writing it was eye-opening because I saw that these principles are universal—applicable in any business and in one’s personal journey as well.

20: Can you explain the concept of interconnected success?

A: It’s about recognizing that business and life are inseparable. Success in one area influences the other, so it’s important to find alignment between the two. Being the same person in both realms allows you to achieve a balanced, holistic form of success.

20: Where can readers find your book? Is it available in digital and hard copy formats?

A: Yes, the book is available in both digital and hard copy formats, so readers can choose the version that suits them best.

21: How can people find your book?

A: It’s available on Amazon as an eBook, paperback, and hardcover. I’m also planning an audiobook version, though that may take some time.

22: What role does your book play in your coaching program?

A: The book serves as the first step in my coaching program, giving readers an introduction to the core principles before diving deeper in coaching.

23: Can you explain the seven key areas you discuss in your program?

A: The seven areas are dependencies, mutuality, profit and finances, processes, rules and regulations, stakeholders, and strategy. These represent vital aspects present in every business, impacting its overall success.

24: What do you mean by “dependencies” in a business context?

A: Dependencies refer to factors a business relies on, like clients, vendors, employees, and society. Some dependencies are beneficial, while others may need to be minimized.

25: Can you elaborate on “mutuality”?

A: Mutuality involves creating win-win situations and respecting others’ decisions. A strong product or service will naturally attract clients who see the value, without forcing agreement.

26: What outcomes do clients typically experience after completing your coaching program?

A: Outcomes vary by client needs but often include increased motivation, clear processes, and most importantly, clarity about focusing on what matters moment by moment.

27: How did you develop your coaching program, and how long did it take?

A: It took over a year, drawing from my experience as an interim manager. I refined it from nine or ten areas to seven core areas by combining similar ones and adding key ones like dependencies and mutuality.

28: How can people reach you?

A: People can find me on LinkedIn and through my websites, selfcoaching365.com for online courses and group coaching, and s2executivecoaching.com for one-on-one coaching.

29: Why did you transition from finance and accounting into coaching?

A: I enjoy seeing the immediate impact of coaching on clients. The clarity, focus, and sense of purpose that clients gain are incredibly rewarding.

30: What makes your program unique among other business coaching programs?

A: My program’s holistic approach, especially with the inclusion of dependencies and mutuality, is unique. These focus areas make the program more intuitive and impactful, helping clients achieve real harmony across different aspects of their business and life.