How have I became a trusted C-Suite Advisor?

Becoming a Strategic Advisor to the board took me around 23 years of experience to improve continuously in whatever I do. A growth-oriented mindset is a prerequisite for becoming an Executive or Leadership Coach I would say.

I started my journey as a software engineer around 23 years ago with Geometric Software Solutions. Had played various roles in IT. Was doing Delivery Management for almost a decade. Then got into roles like Agile Coaching and Consulting. Played the role of Agile Practice Head for a few years. Then circled back to coaching space became an Executive Agile Coach and currently a Strategic Advisor to the Board. My journey continues to scale to greater heights.

Now to be an effective executive or leadership coach in the IT industry, particularly when coaching C-suite executives such as CEOs, CFOs, CTOs, CIOs, and other CXOs, one needs a combination of traits, capabilities, competencies, mindset, and skill sets. Here's a breakdown:

1. Understanding of Business and IT: An executive coach in IT must possess a deep understanding of both business and technology landscapes. This includes knowledge of industry trends, business models, financial implications, regulatory requirements, as well as IT infrastructure, systems, and emerging technologies.
2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Executive coaching often involves addressing sensitive issues and helping leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Therefore, empathy, active listening skills, and emotional intelligence are crucial for building trust, rapport, and effective communication with clients.
3. Strategic Thinking: Executive coaches should be able to help C-suite executives think strategically, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities for organizational growth and transformation. This requires the ability to analyze complex situations, prioritize objectives, and develop long-term strategic plans.
4. Change Management Expertise: IT leaders frequently encounter change and disruption in their roles, whether it's implementing new technologies, restructuring teams, or adapting to market shifts. Executive coaches need to guide their clients through these transitions, offering strategies for change management, resilience, and adaptability.
5. Leadership Development: Coaching C-suite executives involves developing their leadership capabilities, including communication skills, decision-making abilities, conflict resolution, delegation, and team building. Coaches should employ various leadership development frameworks and techniques tailored to the individual needs of their clients.
6. Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity: In today's globalized and diverse workplace, executive coaches must understand cultural nuances and promote inclusivity and diversity within organizations. This involves fostering an inclusive leadership style, addressing unconscious biases, and creating environments where all employees feel valued and empowered.
7. Tech Savviness: Given the focus on IT leadership, an executive coach in the IT industry should be technologically literate and stay updated on the latest advancements in technology. This enables coaches to provide relevant insights and guidance on leveraging technology for strategic advantage and innovation.
8. Continuous Learning and Development: Executive coaching is a dynamic field that requires continuous learning and self-improvement. Coaches should actively seek opportunities for professional development, such as obtaining certifications in coaching methodologies, attending workshops, participating in peer supervision groups, and staying informed about industry trends and best practices.

To improve in these areas, executive coaches can:

• Engage in formal coaching education and certification programs.
• Seek mentorship from experienced coaches or industry leaders.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to leadership, coaching, and IT.
• Join professional coaching organizations and networks for ongoing support and learning opportunities.
• Solicit feedback from clients and colleagues to identify areas for improvement and growth.
• Invest time in personal reflection, self-assessment, and mindfulness practices to enhance self-awareness and emotional resilience.

By continuously honing their skills and expanding their knowledge base, executive coaches can effectively support C-suite executives in navigating the complexities of IT leadership and driving organizational success.

If you want to know the structured lesson plan that I have in place for Agile Aspirants who want to climb up the corporate ladder to become a part of the CXO group or C-Suite executives, then you check the same in the link provided in the comments section of this post now.

Now the reality is one of the very important skills that took me to the top of the corporate ladder is my ability to create and implement sustainable Go-Green plans to turn the tables to take a program or an engagement that's in RED to GREEN within a short span of two to three weeks.

The second skill is the ability to interpret financial statements like

1. Income Statement (Profit and Loss Statement)
2. Balance Sheet
3. Cash Flow Statement
4. Statement of Changes in Equity
5. Notes to Financial Statements and formulate strategies on the go to improve the Top Line, Bottom Line, Revenue Margin (Profit Margin), and Net Profit (I meant Net Income or Earnings).

I learned these above-mentioned capabilities as part of my Executive MBA & Advanced Strategic Management Programme from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode.

Believe me, nothing came easy in my way of life. However, I do not want to just sit and speculate/predict my future. I want to work daily and ameliorate myself to create a new future for me so that I live the life that I truly deserve!