Environment

Surfing is my therapy. I’ve been drawn to it since childhood, observing the constantly changing texture, form and shape of the waves. When I first learned the sport, I paddled around eagerly trying to pick up any wave that came along. After a few good wipeouts, I learned to spot the better waves and focus on them. The right swell, contour of the ocean floor and weather are a few factors that create an ideal environment for the perfect wave.

Great conditions are everything in leadership as well as surfing. Every day we face many decisions. Some of the choices are tough, while others require patience and dedication like waiting for that perfect heart-pumping wave. If you want a certain outcome, you need an environment that gets you closer to it. As executives, we must design our surroundings to help us succeed. When one environment is positive that often snowballs to more energy, clarity, focus and power in others. If an environment holds us back, it could drag other aspects of our lives down. Our environment is ultimately a reflection of who we are on the inside.

The bottom line: is your environment working for or against you? 

I recently left the automotive industry for executive coaching after more than three decades in the corporate world. I worked with great people at powerhouse companies such as AutoNation and Sears Automotive, but living out of a suitcase in hotels was taking a toll on this intermittent faster, outdoor enthusiast. Deep down I knew it wasn’t the right environment for my mind, body and spirit. The profound thank yous from those I mentored always meant more than the multi-million dollar handshake deals. Following my passion for servant leadership, I pivoted to launch my own consultancy Servant Leadership Solutions.

My journey in shaping an ideal environment inspires me to help other leaders be more intentional about upgrading all facets of life. Here is an outline of how I examine the environmental factors that impact us as people and professionals:

SELF – our feelings, values, strengths and passions. Successful leaders continually check in with themselves to clarify beliefs and values to ensure they are aligned with goals. Does your inner and outer work align?

RELATIONSHIPS – family, friends and colleagues. Great leaders are distinguished by the people around them. I always say do your best to build a relationship and not a transaction. Do your relationships give you energy or drain you? 

PHYSICAL – our home, office, nature and air that we breathe. These last couple years and increasingly virtual working have made the physical workplace and home environment even more important than ever. Do your surroundings inspire or expire you?

NETWORK – engagement in professional development organizations such as Vistage, community groups, educational institutions and nonprofits. I am the founder, CEO and lead helicopter pilot for the nonprofit Pegasus Project. We give helicopter flights to children with terminal diseases. I need philanthropy in my life, or I don’t feel fulfilled. Is your network putting you closer to your goals?

HEALTH – exercise, nutrition and mental health. I have a doctorate degree in biological medicine and natural health. I work with clients to get fit because they know it’s affecting their minds and bodies. It’s about helping them get to a place where they feel good about themselves. How does your environment impact your health?

SPIRITUAL – meditation, yoga or god. Surfing is where I feel most connected to a higher power. It feels like a conversation between me and the universe. Where are you able to connect with something greater than yourself?

In coaching sessions with members, I take them through an exercise where they rate environmental factors such as relationships, finance and health on a scale from one to 10. Then I ask them to rate where they want to be. The gaps, a five when a 10 is desired, typically indicate where the biggest change in environment is needed. It’s an opportunity for them to take control and identify where their environments can be recalibrated.

My role as a Chair is to encourage CEO and business owner members to ask themselves what their ideal life looks like and to think broadly about their environment. I lead them down a path that marries business skills with their authentic self. Our group of peers meet monthly to weigh in on challenges and difficult decisions, as well as share in our triumphs and successes. We’re here to offer a change in perspective that might mean a change in environment for more achievement and happiness.

From operating improvements to work-life balance techniques, Servant Leadership Solutions is a true force-multiplier for just about any leader or individual seeking to change the status quo. If you’re looking to develop the clarity and confidence to effectively shape your external and internal environment and be the best version of you, contact me at servantleadershipsolutionsllc@gmail.com to learn more about my consulting /chair practice. Regardless of wetsuit or power suit, together we will find the surf break that is pumping waves of possibility.

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