Here's how you can create a meaningful legacy with executive coaching in late career.

However, in late career, it’s also time to let go of the ego and focus on being of service. Working with a coach can help you identify the best causes aligned with your strengths. This shift from legacy to service allows you to make a meaningful impact, fostering positive change in the most effective way possible.

I recall a pivotal moment when, facing a tough career decision, my grandfather, a proud firefighter and World War II veteran, invoked the words of Winston Churchill: "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." He explained that in the chaos of war and the daily dangers of firefighting, it was his deliberate choices and steadfast values that defined his legacy. This wisdom hit hard, making me realize the urgency of aligning my core values with my professional contributions. The choices I made that day not only changed the course of my career but also began to shape the legacy I wanted to leave behind. Don't wait to create your future; an executive coach can help you navigate this critical journey.

Start to define your legacy by assessing your core values - What is important to you? What is significant to your communities? How is this impacting the greater good? From there, assess what you have accomplished in these areas already. Focus on these existing contributions and consider how they may be expanded. What is your mission? What are your goals? How can they be implemented regularly and measured with deliberate milestones? Reach out to your network and see where help is needed. Showcase these stepping stones and journey to your legacy vision. Working with a coach will facilitate a pathway to clarity, conviction and execution.

To help you define your legacy, start by focusing on three key areas: values, vision, and voice. First, we identify your core values by reflecting on your most fulfilling experiences. This forms the foundation of your legacy. Next, we clarify your vision for the future, using tools like vision boards to visualize your goals. Finally, we amplify your voice, enhancing your communication skills to ensure you can effectively share your insights and lead by example. By honing these areas, you create a legacy that truly reflects your deepest values and aspirations.

As a space theorist, I've always been fascinated by the Goldilocks Zone, the region around a star where conditions are just right for life to exist. This concept parallels the need for a balanced approach in leadership, where vision, resources, and strategy align perfectly to create a thriving organization. Inspired by this, I developed the ORBIT framework—Objectives, Resources, Benchmarks, Implementation, and Tracking—to help leaders craft a clear vision and achieve lasting impact. My goal in creating ORBIT was to provide a structured yet flexible tool that guides leaders in navigating the complexities of their roles, ensuring every action contributes to a meaningful legacy.

I always start from a future viewpoint, letting my client suggest that place, time, or experience that they want to look back on their legacy and what they want to be known for. I know some coaches choose a rocking chair, a retirement party, or the birth of a great-grand child as the future viewpoint. And from that viewpoint describe to a trusted friend what has really meant the most in career or life. This surfaces the important legacy elements.

As a space theorist and Ivy League graduate, I've spent years developing cutting-edge strategies and insights. Now, it's your turn to leverage this expertise. Once your vision is clear, it's crucial to take strategic actions that turn dreams into reality. An executive coach is invaluable in this journey—helping you pinpoint precise steps to achieve your legacy. Whether it's launching innovative leadership programs, driving a culture of creativity, or leading transformative community initiatives, your coach ensures every move is intentional and impactful. Don't wait—capitalize on this opportunity to build your legacy today. The time to act is NOW.

Are you ready to unleash your inner legacy-builder? You got your vision nailed down tight. It is time to take strategic action. Working and partnering with an executive coach can help you develop a plan with specific steps and timelines to make your vision a reality. They will also help you stick to your timeline and provide insight into issues as they arise, enabling you to handle them better and faster. Through this process, you will discover that crafting a meaningful legacy is about more than just accomplishments; it's about the lives you touch and the positive change you inspire. With focused action and guidance, anyone can leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond their career.

When I was in Tanzania recently, I observed elder elephants guiding younger members of the herd. These matriarchs pass on crucial survival skills and wisdom, teaching the younger elephants where to find water during droughts, how to navigate their environment, and how to protect themselves from predators. This natural mentorship inspired me to integrate similar principles into ORBIT. With my personalized executive coaching, you’ll learn how to impart your wisdom without overshadowing the learning process, develop a unique mentorship style, and empower others to carry forward your values and vision. This not only enhances your influence but also builds a robust, supportive network of future leaders.

One element of Legacy is often "people remember me and my wisdom", Mentoring is a great way of passing on that wisdom. It can be within the same organisation within a formal program (if there isn't one, set one up), or within an industry (become a leader for your trade association) or more locally.

As you become closer to the end your working years you might find yourself becoming more attentive to leaving your Legacy. In fact, a key dimension of organizational leadership is succession planning and development of future leaders. A recent client found he became more impactful as a leader when he moved from being a very wise "problem solver" to coaching his people to develop and execute their own recommendations. Frankly, some of his team didn't like the new level of responsibility at first. Over time, they saw the wisdom and their regard for this leader increased even more. His new leadership paradigm became, "Leave them ready to lead. Lead with love."

When I was glacier trekking at the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, I witnessed firsthand the majestic and relentless power of nature. The glacier, with its immense size and slow, deliberate movement, is a living example of resilience and constant transformation. As I trekked across the ice, I observed how the glacier continuously carves its path, shaping the landscape around it. This reminded me of the importance of mentorship and personal growth—just as the glacier molds its surroundings, we too can shape the futures of those we mentor. Your legacy isn't just about what you leave behind; it's about who you become in the process. Get in touch and let's launch together!

I enjoy Ethan Evan's (retired Amazon VP) approach to this topic. He evidently has a lot of experience in a Hyper-Growth organisation to draw upon. He has many stories that can help others accelerate their growth. Here is the unique angle that has made his offers a huge success and will likely continue to do so well into his retirement. More so, he is humble in that he recognises that in all his experiences, he still learns and grows through these initiatives.

Executive coaching/Succession planning is very critical in leadership and must be a continuous journey. Intentionally select the people that you want to pass on the leadership skills and nuggets that you have and through delegation watch your team excel

After retiring, climbing the "second mountain" becomes crucial, focusing on deeper fulfillment and legacy. An executive coach can help identify the right path, aligning your post-retirement life with your values and aspirations. Philanthropy is a powerful way to achieve this, supporting causes that resonate with you. By setting clear objectives, engaging your network, leveraging your expertise, and promoting awareness, you can create a lasting impact. Regular review and adaptation ensure your efforts remain effective, building a meaningful legacy that fosters enduring positive change.