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Team coaching Success Team Coaching is fundamentally an individual and collective process of learning and change, and as such, team coaches should have a clearly articulated “theory of change” that underlies their Team Coaching approach. Throughout the years with my Team Coaching clients, I have witnessed team members struggling at the beginning with systems thinking skills when asked to draw a picture in their mind of their working systems. I know the feeling, as most of us baby boomers/Gen Xers in the Western world have been (conventionally) educated and conditioned into thinking linearly, step-by-step in a continuous piecemeal approach and bringing with it a scientific one-truth avenue. The temptation is to look for facts rather than allowing patterns to emerge. Being a Frenchman, Descartes initiated a bit of this, and I should know a thing or two about the Cartesian dualism mentality because the French educational system is still overwhelmingly based on this mental construct. Nevertheless, this “mental map” has its benefits such as PMO, striving to standardize and introduce economies of repetition in the execution of projects with its deadlines, implementing and executing task-orientated work. However, in order to navigate the complexity of this VUCA world and its “wicked problems,” it is difficult to adapt to the rigidity, certainty and predetermined linear outcomes, as uncertainty is the new norm. My twelve years in the trenches designing and delivering team coaching programs have led me to conclude that the AQAL Integral Framework developed by Ken Wilber and the Integral Institute is, by far, the most precise map currently available for my “articulated” theory of change within a team coaching context. AQAL itself stands for “All Quadrants, all Levels,” which is short for “All Quadrants, all Levels, all Lines, all States and all Types,” which are the five dimensions or elements that Wilber uses to define reality. The AQAL map ensures that you are utilizing the full range of resources for any situation, with the greater likelihood of success because ALL experiences have both interior and exterior components in singular and collective forms. It’s a 5D multidimensional integral way of looking at reality, and as coaching practitioners, we can use this at different levels. For the simplicity of this article, we will map a change journey from a quadrant perspective using team coaching and the collective as a unit in the center of the diagram: Exercise evaluating impacts in team coaching using the AQAL model: Think of a recent team coaching client and imagine yourself walking into the first (UL) Individual-Interior quadrant of your client and circling right (UR) Individual – Exterior and back to bottom (LL) Collective – Interior and finally (LR) Collective Exterior, mapping this as a unit for the collective: As you enter each quadrant see, feel, sense yourself addressing the coaching alliance from each perspective: What are the individual patterns of competing commitments of the collective (UL)? What do you sense as their common individual beliefs/perceptions and as a collective unit? What would improve the collective emotional DNA of the team? What leadership competencies (i.e., managing conflict) have you established in the team coaching agreement (UR)? What are the key strategic activities that the team needs to allocate to individual team members? What is the purpose and desired values/operating principles of this team (LL)? What is the informal power structure and politics within the team? What rhythm does the team have? What are the interdependent measurable KPIs objectives as a collective (LR)? What are the key strategic goals that the team needs to own as a whole? What is your preferred team coaching quadrant? Do you always start with the (UL) – Individual Interior world of the team leader? Do you spend most of your time on the (UR) focusing on the “what” of team performance? Or, do you prefer to coach on the “how” of team process (LL)? Or, work on the team structure and design (LR)? As learning capability is critical to teaming and a big part of the role of team coaching is to accelerate learning, I find this change journey mapping a useful exercise in setting anchor points, co-creating the relationship and establishing the coaching agreement with my team clients. You cannot understand the experience of your client and fully facilitate learning and results through the lens of any other quadrant, and each unhealthy quadrant will have an impact on the other three as per the example below: In conclusion, one of the key set of capabilities of a team coach is to diagnose the collective team culture and dynamics and systemic patterns while feeding back in ways that create new insights and mindset shift in the team. The AQAL map is just one tool that helps you enhance your systemic capabilities and can be used to diagnose, contract (setting the foundation) and facilitate learning and results with your client team. #SystemThinking #TeamCoaching #AQALModel

Today our times will be marked by how we navigate unprecedented complexity. This new VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity) amplified context, with its pace of change and spaghetti bowl of problems to solve, requires new leadership capacity to prevent stagnation and leading effectively. Navigating through the continuum of the unknown/uncertainty as oppose to the known/certainty old paradigm becomes a must-have to scale the business model and its associated unit economics.

Check out our latest assessment with a FREE report on: How to rapidly increase your organizational capacity to meet your ambitious scaling milestones. You will receive a pdf report and optional 30 minutes FREE no-obligation consultation call. Looking forward to our eCoffee! From your gap score, you can have what you want and overcome these obstacles if you upshift your organization’s capacity in four dimensions simultaneously. #AQALModel #Change #StrategicAlignment

Lego Serious Play We are introducing a team facilitation tool that you will find hopefully fresh and interesting. If you are looking for a progressive; innovative; fun; right brain; creative; transformational; result-oriented facilitation day blended with coaching for your next leadership retreat then Contact Us about Lego Serious Play. Lego Serious Play is a powerful tool designed to enhance innovation and business performance. Innovation is a tool that every organization needs to improve on over the years in order to improve their business performance. Challenges in the work environment are becoming more prominent with the need for growth enhancement due to the fast pace of technology. This calls for unusual approaches to meet these issues in order to enable employees to think outside of the box and enhance innovation. Lego Serious Play does exactly this; allowing employees to communicate on a more open-minded level thus increasing better team dynamics. Breaking down professional barriers and allowing employees to respond in a more informal and natural approach encourages creativity to grow within a group. Lego is often a childhood nostalgia for many people and will stimulate memories of creativity from the past. This will, in turn, inspire employees to think outside the box just like they did as a child. Therefore, enables problem-solving to be more fun as well as motivating for an individual to produce authentic ideas. This kind of thinking is what creates a competitive advantage in an organization; the chance for employees to let loose and contribute more to solutions. Lego Play not only enhances creative solutions for daily challenges that are faced in the work environment but also creates a feeling of a whole team. This dynamic allows for strengthening employee relations and therefore increasing business performance. We can organise Lego Serious Play facilitation days for teams and groups starting from half-day sessions. Unleash your creativity and get in touch with us today to discover what's possible! Half-day Team Facilitation with Fintech in Dublin Integrating Learning for Lasting Impact: The power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® doesn't end when the bricks are packed away. BC Team Coaching ensures that the insights gained are deeply embedded and translated into actionable strategies. Our post-facilitation integration includes: Strategic Debriefs:  Facilitated discussions to extract key takeaways, define next steps, and assign ownership. Action Planning Workshops:  Collaborative sessions to translate insights into concrete, measurable goals and implementation plans. Follow-up Coaching:  Ongoing support and accountability to ensure the new strategies are effectively rolled out and sustained within your sales operations. Performance Metrics Integration:  Working with your team to align new strategies with key sales performance indicators for tangible results. The Perfect Time is NOW: Your Summer Strategic Retreat! Summer offers a unique opportunity for your executive sales team to step away from the daily grind and focus on strategic growth. Imagine this: your team, rejuvenated and engaged, collaboratively building their future sales success during a productive and memorable strategic retreat. Don't let another quarter go by without reaching your full potential.  Enhance your executive sales leadership by collaborating with BC Team Coaching and harness the transformative power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®. You'll see a return on investment through boosted sales, improved team cohesion, and a unified sales vision. Contact BC Team Coaching today to design your bespoke LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Executive Team Facilitation! #Innovation #TeamCoaching

Unlocking your potential is an exciting journey, one that can significantly impact your personal and professional life. If you're feeling stuck or unsure of your next steps, professional guidance can be a game-changer. This blog post will explore how you can harness the power of professional coaching to reach your goals and unlock your full potential. The Importance of Professional Guidance Many people often underestimate the value of professional guidance. With the right mentor or coach, you can gain insights, strategies, and a roadmap for success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate professional, or someone seeking personal development, having a seasoned guide can help you navigate your path more effectively. Research shows that individuals who seek mentorship or coaching are more likely to achieve their goals than those who attempt to go it alone. According to a study by the International Coach Federation, 70% of individuals reported improved work performance due to coaching. Professional guidance provides the necessary accountability and support to help you stay on track. A peaceful office environment encourages focus and productivity. Understanding Business Coaching Business coaching is a specialized form of guidance focused on helping individuals and organizations achieve their business-related goals. This may involve enhancing leadership skills, improving operational efficiency, or developing strategies for growth. A business coach works with you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. Many professionals choose business coaching to overcome challenges that hinder their productivity or job satisfaction. For instance, a business owner may feel overwhelmed with tasks and lack a clear direction. A coach can help create a structured plan to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively. Types of Professional Guidance Professional guidance comes in various forms. Here are a few common types: Mentoring: A more experienced individual provides advice and guidance, usually on a long-term basis. Business Coaching: Focused on specific goals within a business context, often with short-term engagements. Life Coaching: Addresses personal development, helping individuals set and achieve life goals. Executive Coaching: Tailored for high-level executives, aimed at improving leadership skills and business performance. Choosing the right type of guidance will depend on your specific needs and goals. A cozy meeting space fosters collaboration and creativity. Finding the Right Coach Choosing the right coach is crucial for unlocking your potential. Here are some tips to guide you: Assess Your Needs: Understand what you hope to achieve with professional guidance. Are you seeking help with business growth, improving leadership skills, or personal development? See our FAQ section on coaching. Do Your Research: Look for coaches with relevant experience and proven track records. Read reviews and testimonials, and check their qualifications and credentials such as the ICF. Schedule a Consultation: Most coaches offer a free introductory session. Use this opportunity to gauge their approach and see if it aligns with your needs. Please find our calendly: https://calendly.com/bchanliau/chemistry-meeting-bc-team-coaching Trust Your Instincts: Personal chemistry is vital. Choose a coach with whom you feel comfortable discussing your challenges and goals. Look for Accountability: A good coach will track your progress and keep you accountable. Ensure they have a structured plan for follow-ups and evaluations. Setting Goals with Your Coach Once you've found the right coach, the next step is to set clear, achievable goals. Goal-setting is a cornerstone of effective coaching. Here’s how you can work with your coach to establish your objectives: Define Specific Goals: Instead of vague aspirations, outline clear, actionable objectives. For example, rather than saying you want to "improve your career," specify what that means—like obtaining a promotion or starting your own business. Use the SMART Framework: Goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures clarity and boosts your chances of success. Break Down Goals: Large objectives can be daunting. Break them into smaller, manageable steps to make the process less overwhelming. Regularly Review and Adjust: Set regular check-ins to assess your progress. Be open to adjusting your goals based on changing circumstances or new insights. The Benefits of Professional Guidance The benefits of engaging with a professional coach extend beyond immediate goal achievement. Here are some long-term advantages you can expect: Increased Confidence: Working with a coach helps boost your confidence as you face challenges and overcome obstacles. Enhanced Clarity: A coach can help you gain clarity about your strengths, weaknesses, and the opportunities available to you. Improved Decision-Making Skills: Engaging in coaching can refine your decision-making process, making you more decisive in your personal and professional life. Networking Opportunities: Coaches often have extensive networks. They can connect you with individuals who may provide further guidance, support, or business leads. A dynamic working environment cultivates innovation and collaboration. Who Can Benefit from Professional Guidance? Professional guidance is not just for those in leadership roles. Individuals from all walks of life can benefit from coaching. Here are some examples: Entrepreneurs: Business owners looking to scale their business can gain invaluable insights into strategy and operations. Recent Graduates: New professionals entering the workforce can benefit from mentorship to navigate career choices. Mid-Career Professionals: Those feeling stagnant in their careers can work with a coach to identify new opportunities for growth. Individuals Seeking Personal Growth: Anyone looking to develop their personality traits, enhance relationships, or improve work-life balance can find value in coaching. Making the Most of Your Coaching Experience To unlock your potential fully, make the most of your coaching sessions. Here are some actionable recommendations: Be Open and Honest: Transparency is key. Share your thoughts, fears, and obstacles with your coach to enable them to provide tailored advice. Embrace Feedback: Coaches provide critique to push you toward growth. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to improve. Stay Committed: Finding your path takes time and effort. Stay committed to the process, even when challenges arise. Apply What You Learn: Having coaching sessions is just the beginning. Apply the strategies and insights you gain in your daily life and work. Your Path to Unlocked Potential Unlocking your potential can be a transformative journey. While it may seem daunting at first, the right professional guidance can illuminate your path ahead. Whether through business coaching or executive leadership coaching, a coach can be the catalyst you need to push past your limitations. By actively engaging in the coaching process, setting clear goals, and applying new strategies, you’ll find yourself closer to achieving your dreams. Remember, this is not an overnight process. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and, most importantly, believe in yourself. The potential within you is waiting to be unleashed, and professional guidance can help you find the key. Start your journey today—your future self will thank you!

Next week, the EU-Startups Summit in Malta will once again bring together Europe’s most ambitious founders, investors, and innovation leaders for two days of inspiration, networking, and deal-making. As I prepare to join this vibrant community, I’m reflecting on the unique journey of the European start-up founder—and the often-overlooked “parts” that shape their leadership as they scale from seed to Series A and beyond. After more than 7,000 hours coaching founders, executives, and teams since 2004, and as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the ICF, I’ve witnessed a recurring theme: founders are rarely just one thing. They are a complex blend of visionary, engineer, strategist, and—sometimes reluctantly—leader. In the early days, technical expertise and relentless focus on product-market fit serve them well. But as their start-up grows, so does the need to integrate new parts: the communicator, the culture builder, the team developer, the storyteller for investors. This transition isn’t always comfortable. Many founders arrive at events like the EU-Startups Summit laser-focused on their next funding round, wary of anything that feels “soft” or subjective. Yet, scaling across Europe’s diverse markets demands more than technical brilliance and regulatory navigation across the 27 states. It requires the ability to build trust across cultures, inspire teams, and adapt to rapid change—skills that emerge when founders are willing to explore and develop the less familiar parts of themselves. Leadership coaching, especially when grounded in evidence-based practice and deep experience, isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about unlocking the full spectrum of your leadership potential. It’s about learning how to step back from the part of you that solves problems in the lab, and step into the part that can set vision, navigate ambiguity, and empower others to deliver at scale. At the Summit, surrounded by 2,000+ peers and investors, every meaningful connection is a chance to discover and develop these parts. Whether you’re pitching on stage, networking on the terrace, or reflecting over coffee, consider which part of you is leading the conversation—and which part needs a voice as your company enters its next chapter. I'm eager to meet other founders and exchange insights on how coaching can assist in scaling both your business and personal growth, one step at a time. PM on the EU-Startups Summit 2025 app or connect with me on LinkedIn

LEAP 2025 Conference Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Yesterday, while coaching our Fintech C-suite in Riyadh following my attendance at LEAP 2025, I witnessed a fascinating convergence in the global AI landscape. As Saudi Arabia unveiled its $14.9B AI investment vision, President Macron was simultaneously announcing France's ambitious €109bn "Stargate" AI initiative, complete with new data centres and startup partnerships that could reshape Europe's technological future. And this follows Trump’s 2029 Stargate plans for up to $500 billion announcement in January. From my unique position as a French executive leadership coach based in Ireland and working monthly in Saudi Arabia, here are the critical questions I encourage my clients to reflect on in this transformative moment using our systemic approach: For Personal Leadership (I/IT individual quadrants): - With billions being invested across both regions this week, how will you maintain strategic clarity while navigating these parallel opportunities? - How will you adapt your leadership style to harness the distinct advantages of both (global) ecosystems? For Team Development (WE collective quadrant): - With unprecedented investments flowing from both regions and the USA, how will you help your team bridge the Middle Eastern, European or USA approaches to AI innovation? - As data centres multiply and startup partnerships emerge globally, how will you build teams capable of operating across these different innovation cultures? - What capabilities must your organization develop to thrive in this new global reality? For Strategic Direction (ITS external quadrant): - How will you position your organization to benefit from both Saudi's bold vision, France's structured approach to AI development and Trump’s new private venture on AI datacentres? - With major investments flowing simultaneously in globally, how will you prioritize and sequence your strategic initiatives? Through my 20 years of experience and 7,000 hours coaching executives across these regions, I've observed that success in this emerging landscape requires more than technical expertise or cultural awareness – it demands systems thinking that can integrate multiple worldviews and operational styles. The synergy between Riyadh's transformative announcements at LEAP 2025 and Paris's Stargate initiative marks an unprecedented moment in AI-driven growth. As someone deeply embedded in both ecosystems, I'm excited to help leaders navigate these complementary opportunities while fostering sustainable innovation. Ready to explore how systems coaching can help you navigate these converging AI epicentres? ➡ Connect with us for a free coaching chemistry session: https://www.systemscoaching.co.uk/ ➡ Download our Free eBook “How to Unlock Successful Scale-Up growth” 🤝 BC Team Coaching is one of the #EICPartners!💡Accelerate your learning in order to scaleup with our service catalogue #businesscoaching services. You will find us under the #coaching & mentoring category and EIC Accelerator project stage. #EUeic #TechInnovation #startups #LEAP2025 #Fintech #leadershipcoaching #SaudiVision2030

"You've made it to Series A. Congratulations! The pressure is mounting. Your investors are expecting results, your team is looking to you for direction, and somewhere in the back of your mind, imposter syndrome is whispering doubts. You're not alone building an airplane as you're flying it." In today's fast-paced and complex business environment, startups face numerous challenges that require innovative and holistic approaches. As a professional ICF accredited business coaching firm with a decade of experience in the startup ecosystem, we understand the unique demands on early/late Series A startups crossing the chasm scaling their product-market fit. Central to our business coaching is the AQAL (All Quadrants, All Levels) framework, which integrates our ten-year systems thinking approach. Created by Ken Wilber, this comprehensive method guarantees that we cover all facets of your startup's development, including leadership and systemic equilibrium. Why the AQAL Systemic Framework? The AQAL framework comprehensively addresses all aspects of your startup - objective and subjective, individual and collective . This holistic lens prevents overlooking critical areas, fostering well-rounded growth and sustainable success. Traditional piecemeal approaches may yield short-term gains but lead to long-term stagnation or decline due to unaddressed systemic issues.   The systemic framework helps identify and address misalignments in your startup, such as leadership, culture, processes, and structures, to optimize resources and maximize impact. "Imagine walking into your office, seeing your team working in perfect harmony. Your culture is thriving despite rapid growth, your systems are scaling smoothly, and you're confidently leading the charge into new markets." This isn't a pipe dream – it's the power of the AQAL framework in action: Individual (I): Focuses on the interior world of the leader and team members, including self-awareness, values, motivations, and emotions. The main learning channel here is self-reflection and inner experience. Challenges : Lack of clarity and direction, burnout, and imposter syndrome.
Behavioural/Leadership (IT) : Represents outward actions, behaviours, and technical skills. This includes leadership styles, decision-making, and communication strategies. The main learning channel is upskilling in specific domains. Challenges : Poor leadership skills, lack of delegation, poor decision-making, and lack of strategic thinking.
Collective/Social (WE) : Focuses on team and organizational culture, including communication channels, collaboration practices, and psychological safety. The main learning channel is cross-pollination and collaboration. Challenges : Ineffective communication, lack of collaboration, and low psychological safety. External/World (ITS) : Represents the external environment, including market conditions, competition, regulations, and societal impact. The main learning channel is consulting and mentoring using best business practices. Challenges : Navigating market conditions, achieving product-market fit, and developing sustainable business models.   Client Experience: The Significance of Our Guided Business Coaching Workshops Most startups tend to primarily focus on the bottom right exterior quadrant of the AQAL framework, which represents the objective, measurable aspects of the organization, such as systems, processes, structures, and tangible KPI results from investors’ requests. However, neglecting the subjective dimensions (the I/IT/WE quadrants) can be detrimental to a startup's long-term success and overall well-being. Focusing on the subjective dimensions is crucial for several reasons:   1.     Culture and Values Alignment : The left quadrants represents the individual subjective experiences, mindsets, and values of the people within the organization. A strong, aligned culture and shared set of values can foster a sense of purpose, motivation, and commitment among employees, which is essential for driving innovation, creativity, and sustained performance. 2.     Leadership Development : The upper right quadrant encompasses the collective subjective experiences, group dynamics, and shared meanings within the organization. Effective leadership is not just about managing systems and processes but also about inspiring, aligning, and empowering people. By focusing on this quadrant, leaders can develop integral capabilities such as emotional intelligence, communication skills, and the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. 3.     Employee Well-being and Engagement: The subjective dimensions significantly impact employee well-being, job satisfaction, and engagement. When individuals feel valued, understood, and aligned with the organization's purpose and culture, they are more likely to be motivated, committed, and productive, leading to better retention and overall organizational performance. 4.     Innovation and Creativity: The subjective dimensions play a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to innovation and creativity. When individuals feel psychologically safe, respected, and encouraged to think outside the box, they are more likely to take calculated risks, challenge assumptions, and contribute novel ideas that can drive the startup's growth and competitiveness.   Neglecting subjective dimensions can lead to employee turnover, low morale, lack of alignment, and an overall disconnect between organizational goals and individuals. Embracing an integrated approach and investing in subjective dimensions can unlock workforce potential, foster a thriving culture, and position startups for long-term success in a competitive business landscape. Although AQAL Business systemic coaching is beneficial at every stage, our decade experience coaching numerous Startups throughout Europe, has shown us that a universal approach is not effective: Seed Stage: Focus on individual founder development (I) and initial team dynamics (WE) alignments. Series A: Emphasis on scaling operations (external - ITS) and maintaining culture during rapid growth (WE) - bottom allignment. For Series A companies "crossing the chasm," AQAL coaching addresses the critical challenge of transitioning from early adopters to the early majority market. This involves developing robust systems (Lower Right), enhancing team capabilities (Upper Right), aligning organizational culture with scaling demands (Lower Left), and evolving leadership mindsets (Upper Left). Series B: From our experience, prioritization of leadership development for middle management (I and IT) and optimizing organizational structures (ITS). In this segmentation, we bring our Leadership Development Coaching experience from the multinational markets.
Take the Next Step Come and discover the advantages of our guided workshops yourself. Get in touch with us to schedule a complimentary coaching chemistry session and access our complimentary eBook, "How to Unlock Successful Scale-Up Growth." The eBook gives you firsthand experience of using this systemic framework within the startup ecosystem. Let us help you scale your startup, one step at a time. ➡ Connect with us for a free coaching chemistry session:  https://www.systemscoaching.co.uk/  ➡ Download our Free eBook 🌐  "How to Unlock Successful Scale-Up Growth"

As a leadership development coach, I often work with executives at various levels, focusing on honing their leadership capabilities to create a tangible impact on their teams and the organization. Usually, these high-achieving, ambitious leaders are crucial cogs in the bigger system, driving business strategy and transformation. Sometimes the coach-client system will hit a ceiling with always ‘doing more with less’ within the realm of performance coaching. There comes a point where we need to delve deeper, beyond the observable and into the “invisible” — the leader’s inner landscape. This shift takes us into the realm of Executive Mindset Coaching or vertical development cliché of raising one’s level of consciousness. Here, the focus is on developing the self-awareness that is the bedrock of effective leadership. One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of this coaching is revealing the leader’s “unconscious woundedness.” Challenging Assumptions, Unearthing Potential This process involves questioning the leader’s existing frameworks, assumptions, and perspectives about their impact. We move beyond the standard 360-degree feedback and delve into the “why” behind their actions. We explore and challenge their belief systems, conditioning from childhood, and ingrained patterns of thinking. This is truly transformative work, as it unlocks a deeper level of self-awareness that traditional transactional coaching may not reach. The Liberating Act: Coaching the Chiron Within This exploration of the leader’s “mental constructs” is what I call the most liberating act in the coaching process. It allows leaders to break free from self-limiting patterns and unleash their true potential. However, this is also one of the most challenging skills for a coach to master. We are venturing into the intangible — the leadership mindset that shapes the organization’s success. The Wounded Healer: A Metaphor for Growth Many leaders, unknowingly, carry emotional baggage from past experiences. This “wounded self” can manifest as self-doubt, fear of failure, a relentless drive to prove yourself, a struggle to delegate or the need for constant validation. Imagine carrying an invisible backpack filled with childhood experiences, both positive and negative. Some might hold trophies and praise, while others might harbour the weight of unmet expectations or parental disapproval. These experiences shape our self-perception and leadership style, often unconsciously. Take, for example, a startup CEO I recently coached. He exuded confidence, yet struggled to delegate, micromanaging his team. Through coaching, we discovered a childhood marked by a critical father who instilled a fear of failure. This fear manifested as the need for absolute control, hindering trust in his team. Interestingly, this scenario resonates with the archetype of Chiron in Greek mythology as per the pic above generated by generative AI. Chiron, the centaur, was a skilled healer despite his own incurable wound. He embodied the concept of the “wounded healer,” using his own experiences to guide and heal others. Similarly, as coaches, we guide leaders through their “wounds” to unlock their wisdom and leadership potential. The Power of Coaching: A Systemic Lens This is where leadership development coaching comes in. Imagine a trusted guide, a coach who utilizes a “systemic lens.” They see beyond the immediate issue and delve into the family dynamics that might have shaped your leadership style. Unpacking the Parental Wound Let’s revisit the Startup CEO. Through coaching, he might discover how his father’s constant criticism fuelled his need for external validation. This “parental wound” became a driving force, propelling him to success, but also hindering his ability to trust himself and delegate effectively. The Key to Transformation: Healing the Wound By acknowledging and working through these inner wounds, leaders can transform. They can move from patterns that limit them to a place of self-awareness and strength. This, in turn, fosters a more supportive and collaborative environment within the organization. The Takeaway: Coaching Beyond the Surface and it’s Not for the Weak😊 Leadership development coaching goes beyond the technical skills and capabilities. It’s about unlocking the leader’s full potential by addressing the “invisible” — the inner landscape that shapes their impact. This journey of healing the “wounded self” can be the key to unleashing a leader’s true power and driving organizational transformation. By embracing the wisdom within, leaders can become the Chirons of their organizations, leading with purpose and creating lasting positive change. Are you ready to heal your leadership wound and write your next chapter? ➡ Connect with us for a free coaching chemistry session: https://www.systemscoaching.co.uk/ ➡ Download our Free eBook “How to Unlock Successful Scale-Up growth” #EICPartners #EUeic #innovation #startups #enablingtechnologies #learninginprogress #learningculture #learningstrategy PS: for the astrologers here, we’ll experience a New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Aries, tightly conjunct Chiron and the North Node (19°23 Aries) on April 8th, which triggered this article as it’s a power day when it comes to our healing journey.

In the startup world, founder burnout is a significant yet often overlooked issue. From my experience as a business coach, it stems from prolonged work stressors, leading to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Despite the glorification of successful entrepreneurs, the struggles of those who fail due to factors like team or co-founders misalignment and funding shortages are rarely addressed. As a professional (ICF) business coach, I’ve observed this chronic exhaustion firsthand. Startup narratives focus on funds raised and entrepreneurial resilience, but seldom highlight lessons from post-burnout founders. This masks the reality of startup stress, creating a need for more open conversations about founder wellbeing. I’m not a therapist or subject matter expert in the mental health field, however with thousands of hours behind me as a professional credentialed coach, working in the startup and F500 ecosystem, I admire the resilience and grit of my startup clients and have also observed this state of chronic emotional exhaustion resulting from prolonged exposure to stressors at work. I can recall the number of Startup conferences I’ve attended, where the spotlight is on how much funds (i.e. seed/series A) startups raised and the resilience/grit of serial entrepreneurs, however we seldom see post-burn-out founders on stage with lessons learned. Founders mask their stress, and their ideal role is to make people dream. A **Startup Snapshot 2023 survey indicated that 44 percent of founders reported very high levels of stress, 37 percent faced anxiety, 36 percent experienced burnout, and 13 percent battled depression with only 23% going to a therapist or a coach. I coach some of the most innovative startups in Europe but in terms of support, founders are stuck in 20th century technology due to the dark side of the ecosystem. The relentless pace, the weight of decision-making, and the emotional toll of leading a company can lead to exhaustion, impacting not just the individual but the entire organization and personal life. I was struck by Sifted’s latest article on this in the trend in 2024 and founders’ resignation. For me one of the biggest sources of burnout comes from investors and the shadow side of the entrepreneurial ecosystem — the greediness and tension on the financial side as LPs/VCs need a return leading to startups doing more ‘build big and sell it big’; the ability to fundraise from the CEO/founder constantly selling its technology against the odds and the pressure cooker of the struggle for support. Where can I get support if I’m feeling overwhelmed, drained, and unable to cope with daily responsibilities? With whom to trust and share my emotional state without being perceived as weak or a failure? Startups often face pressure from investors to achieve rapid growth and scale quickly. While this pressure can drive innovation and progress from IPOs and acquisitions, it can also lead to burnout among founders and employees as they work tirelessly to meet investor expectations. Burnout is a complex condition that stems from chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. It’s characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. As a professional coach, I've noticed that the most common issue among clients and myself is the loss of perspective, brain fog, and struggle with decision-making. It's crucial to adhere to ethical standards and know when to refer a client to therapy. Self-care is essential in the demanding fields of professional coaching and business management. 😊 Apart from founders struggling for support there is also a miss-conception in my profession where burnout coaching is not our domain and only therapy work. As professional leadership coaches we should know when to refer a client and I feel adequate to support a leader in prevention mode. There is a lot written about strategies for startup founders to tackle burnout in the startup ecosystem. It emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that values work-life balance, delegating tasks effectively, seeking support from mentors or peers, and being willing to ask for help when needed. → What is your flexibility? As a business coach, addressing burnout involves a customized approach tailored to each founder’s specific circumstances. This may involve evaluating the sources of stress and setting realistic goals through “soft action learning” to facilitate growth. Additionally, addressing conflicting values and priorities is crucial, as many founders’ experience burnout due to compromising their values or neglecting personal life for work. → How would you rate your internal compass? Setting boundaries is also emphasized, helping founders define what is acceptable and non-allowable in order to protect their well-being. Boundaries define limits, mark off dividing lines. The purpose of a boundary is to make clear separations between different turf, different territory. . . . and to protect and take care of ourselves. → What is your concept of boundaries? I can also provide perspective and insight, offering an outside view to identify patterns and provide valuable insights not easily discernible from within the startup’s day-to-day operations. → What is your pattern recognition? Furthermore, stress management techniques and decision-making frameworks are essential tools that coaches can provide to help founders effectively manage stress and navigate critical decisions. Leadership development is another key aspect, with coaches assisting founders in honing communication skills, conflict resolution, and team motivation strategies. In summary, the role of a business coach in tackling burnout involves a multifaceted approach encompassing evaluation, values work, boundary-setting, perspective, stress management, decision-making, and leadership development to support startup founders in maintaining their well-being and effectively leading their companies. CEO/founders’ burnout is a serious issue that needs our attention. By acknowledging its existence and implementing these strategies, we can create a healthier, more sustainable startup ecosystem. Recognizing these signs early can help in taking preventative measures and seeking appropriate support. ** https://startup-snapshot.com/ *ICF Code of ethics: https://coachingfederation.org/ethics/code-of-ethics ➡ Connect with us for a free coaching chemistry session: https://www.systemscoaching.co.uk/ ➡ Download our Free eBook “How to Unlock Successful Scale-Up growth” 🤝 BC Team Coaching is one of the #EICPartners!💡Accelerate your learning in order to scaleup with our service catalogue #businesscoaching services. You will find us under the #coaching & mentoring category and EIC Accelerator project stage. 🚀 #EICPartners is a community of limited European organisations that provide business services to Key Innovation Leaders bringing #deeptech technologies to the market with high growth potential worldwide. #EICPartners #EUeic #innovation #startups #enablingtechnologies #learninginprogress #learningculture #learningstrategy Follow-Up Annex: 1) Sifted survey on mental Health 2025 "Of those surveyed (140 startups), 54% said they had experienced burnout in the past 12 months; 46% of founders said their mental health has been ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’; while 75% said they’d had anxiety in the same period"

Think back to the last webinar on the Go2market strategy or how to improve your execution capacity with your peers; your last mentoring session initiated from the latest 'serial entrepreneur' joining your advisory board ‘who’s been there and done that’, the last entrepreneurial online learning course you attended; all those recent startup / leadership podcasts you listened to during your lunch break as that guilt moved up an inch:))😂   → Of what you listened, understood, and learned; how much do you think you retained after 24 hours, 48 hours? And how about after the first week? The forgetting curve shows us how quickly information we learn is lost over time when no effort is made to retain it. I see this often at the start of new coaching engagements with my corporate or startup clients – how do we define the responsibility and accountability of monitoring and tracking goals in-between coaching sessions? What structure are we going to use to capture the insights and follow-up actions? Whose role is it – The learner/coachee? The coach? A collaboration of both? And to complicate matters, each client has their own working style signature such as structured-unstructured learning; formal-casual; directive-non-directive; facts-people focused; …. As the Chinese Proverb, Confucius said, “I hear I forget, I see I remember, I do I understand.” One way to overcome the challenge of the forgetting curve is through professional coaching and its Active Experimentation phase, one of the most critical learning phases in the arc of engagement in terms of business / personal results. It encompasses the competency of cultivating learning growth by facilitating the client growth, as coaching as a learning channel is highly experiential. We define this as Action learning, an experiential learning method in which learners learn by doing and then reflecting on what they have done. Effective leadership development is situated in the context of real work. This is where concrete experience in experiential learning happens. It’s the phase that helps learning “stick” and shows learners where their knowledge gaps are. This phenomenon of application exposing blind spots is known as The Illusion of Explanatory Depth . – what are your learning biases? So how do you learn? What is your preferred learning style? By that, I mean how do you measure the acquisition and integration of your entrepreneurial journey, your organisational learning or other?  Do you observe and do? Or read/watch/reflect and act? 🤷‍♂️ Because founders’ rarely learn something after a single ‘download’ exposure such as a sprint on securing your leading investor workshop, it’s vital that entrepreneurial programmes ditch the “one and done” approach to startup training or the fast food fixing from the numerous advisory services in the ecosystem and adopt a more process-focused approach. Learning is a process and beating the forgetting curve requires a holistic approach to learning and development.   One of the best ways to integrate learning is to increase your reflective practice, to slow down and reflect on the experience. Reflection can occur in an unstructured and independent way by encouraging learners to spend time thinking alone, in a structured and independent way using journaling about an experience, or in a structured and social way through coaching or debriefing peer discussion groups. For me as a professional coach it usually happens in peer supervision or listening to client recordings with a MCC mentor coach / ICF assessor. Latest business coaching *research on “follow-up sessions homework” shows us that the positioning of the homework by the coach, including the terminology used to describe the activity, and the type of work can affect the level of engagement and thus the perceived value generated. For example, working with client founders we use online structures to track and monitor coaching goals progress on stakeholder mapping and alignment, cross-functional influencing skills without power, team effectiveness, difficult feedback skills with performance, improving customer satisfaction …etc so when the client is making progress towards their goals, it can increase their self-efficacy and lead to greater motivation to continue or making progress towards these goals, it can also create a sense of achievement and increase client motivation to continue working towards them...etc. Action learning uses an organisation's complex challenges as the focal point for the coachee/learner's development. While the coachee learns, they build their management team and deliver business results. In your next peer cohort or individual session, what about complimenting your learning and engaging through a process of follow-up actions by experimenting and agreeing on the mutual accountability to affect the level of engagement and thus the perceived value generated? #EICPartners #EUeic #innovation #startups:  https://partnerservices.eismea.eu/partner/bc-team-coaching-ltd * Hands up for homework: exploring inter-sessional activities in coaching (Jonathan Passmore, Claudia Day, Qing Wang)

Les performances d'une startup sont le fruit de multiples paramètres incluant le produit ou services, le contexte du marché, le niveau d'innovation, la compétitivité et bien d'autres...bref le cycle de l'adéquation produit-marché. " Une start-up est une organisation temporaire conçue pour rechercher un modèle économique reproductible et évolutif " Steve Blank Toutefois, parmi cette pléthore de variables, le leadership se distingue comme l'une des composantes les plus déterminantes et quantifiables, en opposition à une conception courante qui sous-estime sa mesurabilité ou son impact. En général, l e leadership exerce une influence significative sur les résultats d'une entreprise. Il englobe la capacité à guider, motiver et mobiliser les équipes vers l'atteinte des objectifs fixés. La recherche indique que le leadership a un impact de 10 à 15 % sur la performance financière et un impact de 25 à 30 % sur la valorisation boursière d'une startup. Contrairement à une croyance populaire, la qualité et l'efficacité du leadership peuvent être appréhendées avec une précision notable. Des indicateurs tels que la performance globale de l'entreprise avec son cycle de croissance, la satisfaction des employés, le taux de rétention du personnel et la gestion des crises (c.-à-d. conception - développement - commercialisation) sont autant de mesures tangibles qui révèlent l'impact du leadership sur l'organisation. En outre, les approches modernes de gestion ont développé des outils pour évaluer et améliorer les compétences de leadership. Les évaluations à 360 degrés, les enquêtes de climat organisationnel et les retours d'expérience des employés offrent des perspectives multidimensionnelles sur la qualité du leadership. Les entreprises proactives investissent dans l'apprentissage comme la formation continue des leaders (i.e. coaching de cadres) et l'encouragement de pratiques de leadership éthiques et adaptatives pour optimiser leur impact positif. Chez BC Team Coaching, nous apprécions l'apprentissage car nous croyons que l'efficacité de l'apprentissage organisationnel est l'avantage concurrentiel le plus important pour toutes les organisations et, comme les environnements organisationnels changent plus rapidement, le taux d'apprentissage doit augmenter. Il est donc vital de reconnaître que la qualité du leadership peut être un prédicteur crucial des performances de l'entreprise. Les entreprises qui intègrent une évaluation régulière et objective du leadership peuvent ajuster leurs stratégies en conséquence, garantissant ainsi une direction solide, inspirante et capable de naviguer efficacement dans un environnement en constante évolution. En somme, bien que de nombreux éléments contribuent aux résultats d'une startup, le leadership émerge comme un facteur déterminant et quantifiable. Sa capacité à influencer positivement la performance globale de l'organisation, combinée aux méthodes modernes d'évaluation et d'amélioration, souligne son rôle crucial. Loin d'être une notion abstraite, la qualité du leadership s'affirme comme un pilier prévisible et essentiel pour le succès et la pérennité des entreprises. "il n'y a pas d'apprentissage dans la zone de confort et pas de confort dans la zone d'apprentissage". Consultation gratuite - Obtenez 30 mns de consultation gratuitement. Notre facteur de différenciation provient de nos services intégrés de coaching en leadership d'entreprise offrant aux clients une approche unique et éprouvée de la conscience de soi, du développement du leadership et de la dynamique d'équipe. Notre méthodologie de coaching entrepreneurial basée sur la réflexion nous permet de libérer le plein potentiel des startups plutôt que de compter sur la consultation d'experts. "La culture mange la stratégie pour le petit-déjeuner et les opérations pour le dîner - les entreprises à forte culture réalisent un rendement total pour les actionnaires trois fois plus élevé"

A question I often get during chemistry sessions from Startup CEOs is “what’s different about coaching compared to mentoring or workshop training?” This question usually comes from the legacy of accelerators and incubators where the main learning channel is mentoring with a predominant subject matter expert consultation. Business coaching is not mentoring. The focus of coaching is about improving performance, in this regard executive (business) coaching is closer to sports coaching. As a result, a key feature of coaching is behaviour, supported by cognition and motivation. After all, the pillars of academia research in coaching emanates from concepts of self-efficacy, goal-setting theories, positive psychology…etc. Such as when a client (coachee) is making progress towards their goals, it can increase their self-efficacy and lead to greater motivation to continue or making progress towards these goals, it can also create a sense of achievement and increase client motivation to continue working towards them…etc. Mentoring as a learning channel whilst having similarities with coaching is different. A mentor has experience in a specific field and imparts specific knowledge and acts as an adviser, a guide — as the role of the coach is not to advise. Anytime we have the mindset of expert, mentor or trainer, we are in the power position in the client-relationship. At BC Team Coaching, one of our main approaches is Transformational Coaching, a comprehensive and holistic approach to scaling up a startup for example, considering the individual, team, and organizational factors that impact growth. Potential of Transformational coaching can be identified at those three levels: (L1) The founder and his leadership behaviours, beliefs, and beings (Inner-Outer Selves). (L2) The startup operational system, structure and processes improving its go2market strategy, business model and investor readiness level (IRL). (L3) The broader innovation ecosystem When applied to scaling, this approach can help to shed light on the interconnection of all the different aspects of a startup, and how they work together to support better alignment, increased engagement or make better informed decisions that impact the entire organization (see our landing eBook page: https://www.systemscoaching.co.uk/ or Amazon Kindle ) By considering the interactions between different parts of the organization, we can help our clients identify patterns and underlying issues that may be contributing to problems and develop strategies to address them. This approach can also lead to more sustainable change, as it addresses the root causes of problems rather than just symptoms. At (L2) , one of the foundational premises of BC Team Coaching is that most Series A/BRL 6–7 startups lack one or more essential parts; once that part has been identified and infused into the organization, it will flourish. If the coach is expected to be a Subject Matter Expert on anything other than the application of coaching skills, the client may be wanting a mentor, consultant or benefit from training/courses. This may be so if someone wants to increase their technical knowledge or expertise. Currently, due to the global venture capital trends from seed stage companies attempting to get funding, we pivoted to a hybrid learning model — mentoring needs on Business Development Structure, Business Growth Models, KPI / OKRs dashboard, Inter-departmental Planning, facilitating a Management Team or Meeting Structure …this directive approach can be more efficient in certain situations where financial runway timing is of the essence or the executive lacks the knowledge or skills to solve the problem on their own. It can also be helpful if the executive is not interested in learning the skill or doesn’t have the time to invest in learning it. Startup clients often think they want someone who knows their industry, or has expertise in something they want to learn, and I understand there’s a level of comfort with that mindset. However, with (L1) Transformational coaching (i.e. founder and his leadership behaviours and beliefs (Inner-Outer Selves*): How do you mentor the greediness in the ecosystem that we witnessed with all the latest Fake it till you Make it lack of integrity scandals (i.e. FTX Sam B/Elizabeth Holmes..etc)? How do you mentor the CEO’s vision of building a unicorn (build them big and sell them big SV mindset) where the underlying issue can be an unconscious dream for the CEO’s inner child to get their parent’s acknowledgement finally? This is where coaching plays its role with the personalized guidance of the coach working on mental models, vertical learning such as beliefs systems (i.e., imposter syndrome, fear of failure) or value-based leadership — the inner-outer selves of the client. In this case, the Entrepreneurial Coaching with its reflection and action-based learning methodologies as opposed to the Expert-Consultation side of Mentoring is more impactful as a learning methodology. Coaches help individuals find their own solutions with an objective perspective on strengths and weaknesses for improvement, rather than offering them subjective advice or opinions. The best lessons in leadership come from observing, talking with, and getting feedback from others. Our approach is rooted in action-based learning and focuses on the transfer of knowledge and skills from the coaching sessions to the actual work environment. This helps businesses bridge the gap between theory and practice, making their learning more effective and leading to tangible results. From these different levels, each startup learning needs are unique so both mentor and coach can play a valuable role in helping people to grow and develop, but their approach, focus, and perspective can be different. Reflect on what type of coach or mentor you’re looking for and most of the time, from my experience, a hybrid approach from a Professional Accredited Coach and experienced mentoring will yield the most positive results. Notes: *The Power of Coaching and Neuroscience
"Coupling these two provides a deep impact emphasis of self-awareness about how one’s brain is wired to process information, learn and create habits while simultaneously using that awareness to dismantle self-limiting beliefs, doubts, anxieties, narrow perspectives and biases. This enables a new road map to be created that will form positive habits, thoughts, perspectives and actions."
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/02/17/seven-ways-neuroscience-based-coaching-can-give-you-the-edge-in-2021/?sh=7f4a8ae8242e