Since COVID-19 changed our world back in March, I have embraced stand up paddle boarding (SUP) for exercise, escapism, mental health, therapy and overall well-being.  I paddle a few miles several times a week on Mountain Island Lake where I live in Charlotte, NC.  I have seen amazing sunrises, incredible sunsets, deer, geese, foxes, blue herring, jumping fish, turtles and an occasional fisherman.  The time on the water has cleaned my mind and my sole.  It puts so much in perspective, gives me hope and prepares me for the endless video calls that consume so much of my work life.

Prior to COVID-19, I ran three LeaderSurf leadership development programs a year in Costa Rica.  These leadership retreats pushed people out of their comfort zones, exposed them to knew ideas, taught them about themselves, taught them to be better leaders and included daily surfing lessons.  It is coming up on a year since the last LeaderSurf program (November 2019).  I miss it so much and hope to run programs again in 2021. 

On my sunrise paddle this morning I was reflecting on the executive coaching meetings I have this week.  While most of them will be held as Zoom calls, I do have two local meetings that will occur in person.  One at an outdoor patio and the other under a gazebo at a baseball park.  Both venues provide social distancing but allow for more effective interactions than the video calls.  I began to think about the idea of merging my paddle boarding with my executive coaching.  Would Charlotte area executives have an interest in executive coaching sessions on the water?  Rather than spending an hour on a video call, why not spend an hour on the water talking and paddling.  I have taken a few clients paddling in the past and they loved it.

Most executive coaching session begin with a simple check in question. What’s new. I use this approach to understand pressing issues and things that are on the coachees mind. What’s SUP is a fun play on the words and approach. I believe that the most effective coaching engagements are built on trust and rapport. The more trust I build with clients, the more they open up and the more effectively I can help them to achieve their goals. A disarming setting can go a long way. Recently I wrote a blog post for Groove Management on this subject. Taking executive coaching outside, frees your thinking . Coaching conversation are about gaining new insights and perspectives that can only be gained through feedback and questions. We will explore the shadow of a leader and discuss whether you cast a positive or negative shadow on those with whom you interact.

Leadership is about individuality and trying new things.  While I am unsure of the interest and the market for paddle board coaching, I have nothing to lose.  If you are interested in being a better leader and you crave an unconventional approach delivered by a certified executive coach, please reach out.  I will provide the board, paddle, life jacket and the venue.  I am happy to offer an introductory session that can then be followed by a coaching package which can include on water and in person meetings.  The time on the water will help re-center you, provide stress relief, some physical exercise and the coaching will provide mental clarity to help you navigate these challenging times.  The paddling is a great metaphor for life and work as it requires balance, agility and the ability to navigate uncertainty. Albert Einstein once famously said

“Life is like riding a bicycle (Paddle board).  To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” 

This quote applies quite well to paddle boarding as well.

Jump on board and let me coach you to be a better leader on the water!