An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Data-Driven Coaching: Data and analysis are becoming essential components of coaching. Coaches may evaluate client results and progress using data, this can improve their coaching effectiveness by customizing their strategies with the help of these data-driven insights. Coaches may improve the coaching process and assist clients in reaching their goals more quickly by using data to help them make well-informed decisions.
The world of coaching is undergoing a seismic shift, with emerging trends set to redefine its boundaries and possibilities. From digital transformation and the integration of artificial intelligence to the growing emphasis on mental health and the global rise of coaching cultures within organizations, these developments are reshaping the landscape of personal and professional growth. As we navigate through these changes, understanding the forces that drive the future of coaching becomes paramount. I had the pleasure of interviewing Katya Menschy.
Katya Menschy is an Analyst and Researcher at Erickson Coaching International, with a background in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand. Her expertise in coaching and research into human development/potential was nurtured during her academic and professional journey. Her expertise allows her to derive insights that shape effective strategies. Katya excels in applying her analytical skills and understanding of human behavior to drive data-driven initiatives and deliver impactful results.
Thank you for joining us. To start, could you share your “origin story” with our readers? How did you begin your coaching journey, and what challenges did you face in the early days?
My journey began at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I earned my Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. I was immersed in academia for nine years, where I developed a fascination with data, research, and statistics. I was initially drawn to psychology, however, my interest gradually moved towards data and statistics as my academic journey progressed.
I was excited to enter the professional world after finishing my studies and accepted a position as a freelance qualitative and ethnographic researcher in Johannesburg. My experience working in the B2B industry opened my eyes to the complex connections between business variables, and sparked my interest in the fascinating topic of neuromarketing. My curiosity pushed me to investigate the relationship between neuroscience, marketing, and research.
My career certainly took a turn for the better when I discovered Erickson Coaching International. I was immediately drawn to their distinct approach, Solution-Focused Coaching, informed by Neuroscience! So, when I spotted a job posting that was a perfect fit for my qualifications, I applied right away. Accepting the position was an important milestone in my professional development because it exposed me to the diverse coaching industry and encouraged me to sign up for the Essentials course. Given my expertise in psychology, I had some doubts at first, but the course was truly transformative and gave me new tools that have helped me in both my personal and professional life. I highly recommend it!
Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and resilience has had a significant influence not only in my personal life, but on my coaching style; I try to live up to these principles in my sessions. I can feel the excitement growing as I get ready for the Advanced Course at Erickson. I am truly excited about how this will advance both my professional and personal growth as a coach.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
- Resilience: My journey has been shaped by resilience. There have been moments of intense pressure and the temptation to give in to feelings of burnout. During these times, I leaned into this resilience, reminding myself of the bigger picture and my capacity to push through adversity. This self-encouragement and tenacity has been critical in overcoming obstacles and maintaining progress towards the goals that I have set for myself. It is a trait I inherited from my father.
- Patience: Developing patience has been transformative. It’s more than just waiting; it’s about mindfully understanding that some things unfold in their own time. Patience has taught me to manage my expectations and be mindful when there are delays or unforeseen changes. It has been a crucial skill in limiting task overload and ensuring that I take every step with a sense of calm and consideration.
- Empathy: Practicing empathy has been a deeply personal endeavor. It’s about acknowledging that everyone’s life experience is different and that these differences require understanding and respect. For me, having empathy means that I am committed to listening with the intent to truly understand, rather than just to respond. This approach has been a guiding principle in both my personal and professional relationships.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
Thomas Edison’s quote, “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time” resonates with me deeply. It reflects my journey in academia and the professional world, emphasizing the need for perseverance and continuous effort.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
The main focus of my present work is the development of a white paper focused on the global impact evaluation of coaching. This paper is designed to provide an in-depth analysis of the beneficial knock-on effects of coaching in several aspects of an individual’s life. This paper aims to outline the advantageous effects of coaching in a variety of personal and professional areas.
As part of our efforts to expand our reach at Erickson Coaching International, we’re also venturing into new international markets. One of our main initiatives is the implementation of on-site team coaching in Barcelona. In addition to these projects, I’m working on research that investigates how coaching can be integrated into organizational settings and looks at how it affects the efficacy and cohesiveness of teams. Together with the white paper’s conclusions, the research’s insights have the potential to fully assist individuals and businesses in realizing the benefits of coaching for their growth and success.
Without saying any names could you share a particularly memorable success story from your coaching career?
One of my most memorable coaching success stories is about a client who approached me with a lot of uncertainty about their professional path. Despite being a highly respected executive in their organization, they felt that their professional life was not going according to plan.
We started by looking at their experiences, goals, and challenges during our sessions. Through rapport, active listening, and powerful questions, they were able to find the answers they were looking for. When they realized that they already had the answers they needed, that was their ‘Aha moment’.
With this self-assurance, they created a concise, doable plan based on their observations. This strategy included both immediate actions and planned strategic adjustments for the company that better matched its objectives and values. This discovery had a significant impact on them; it not only restored their zest for their work but also started the adjustments required for their plan moving forward.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about coaching. How has your approach to coaching evolved over the years, and what personal learnings have you applied to your own development?
My Master’s degree in coaching-related subjects, as I mentioned earlier in the interview, has given me a solid theoretical foundation. However, it was my participation in The Art & Science of Coaching program that changed my perspective and led me to adopt a more solution-focused approach. This change highlighted the fundamental purpose of coaching, which is to facilitate self-directed learning and development as opposed to offering advice.
The journey also brought to light several common misunderstandings about coaching, particularly the confusion between therapy, mentoring and coaching. While therapy aims to resolve emotional problems and mentoring involves getting support and guidance from a more experienced person, coaching stands out for its emphasis on facilitating an individual’s journey to realize their full potential. It’s more important to ask powerful questions than to offer solutions, letting people explore and solve their own problems, as coaches maintain that the coachee has all the answers.
Using this knowledge to guide my own development, I’ve developed a coaching style that prioritizes active listening, empowerment, and encouraging self-discovery. My development has really benefited from this on a personal and professional level.
How do you incorporate feedback into your coaching practice to continuously improve?
Feedback forms the heart of my coaching approach, it is essential for both my growth as a coach and the advancement of my clients. In my coaching sessions, I’ve established a feedback loop centered on celebrating successes and recognizing the value each session brings to the coachee’s journey. It’s a space where acknowledging ‘what worked well’ sets the stage for recognition of the coachee’s progress.
Within this supportive environment, coachees feel secure to voice their ‘even better if’s’, allowing us to collaboratively explore areas for enhancement and growth. This practice of inviting constructive input is precisely why Erickson’s courses place a significant emphasis on practical application — it’s about learning through doing, reflecting, and refining.
By using this responsive feedback loop, I make sure that every coaching session is filled with the coachee’s voice and lived experiences, resulting in a process of continuous personal development and growth.
Can you discuss an innovation in coaching that you believe is currently underappreciated but has the potential to significantly impact the field?
One underappreciated innovation that has the potential to significantly change the coaching environment is team coaching. Previously limited to individual and executive development, coaching is expanding to include team dynamics by involving external coaches to improve communication and collaboration. Through utilizing instruments like balance wheels to give a holistic picture of the team’s strengths and opportunities for development, this transition from one-on-one coaching to team-oriented approaches capitalizes on the shared expertise of groups. These techniques not only improve the coaching experience but also foster a more vibrant and inclusive team atmosphere.
Another innovation I’m seeing is how many leaders choose to become coaches in order to use their coaching abilities in their leadership roles. This is an innovative approach to utilizing coaching. This dual function, which combines managerial skills with coaching approaches to lead and motivate teams, promotes a culture of ongoing learning and development. The movement in the workplace from traditional leadership to a collaborative and empowering approach is reflected in the adoption of ‘coaching conversations’ and team coaching. This highlights the untapped potential of team coaching to transform organizational culture and performance.
In what ways can coaching address the evolving mental health needs of diverse populations in a digitally connected world?
Coaching can significantly impact the mental health landscape, particularly in our digitally connected world, by providing tailored support and coping mechanisms. As digital technology continues to permeate our daily lives, it brings both conveniences and challenges, especially in the realm of mental health. The constant connectivity can lead to digital fatigue, stress, and a blurring of the lines between work and personal life. Here, solution-focused coaching can step in as a vital resource to help individuals navigate these complexities.
Personalized support in coaching means understanding the unique circumstances and needs of each individual. Coaches can leverage digital platforms to offer accessible and flexible coaching sessions, ensuring that support is available regardless of geographical constraints. This is especially important for diverse populations who may face varying challenges, including accessibility issues, cultural differences, and economic disparities.
How do you foresee artificial intelligence and machine learning transforming the coaching industry in the next decade?
Over the next decade, I anticipate that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will significantly reshape the coaching industry. These technologies hold the potential to revolutionize how coaching is delivered and experienced, primarily by enabling a level of personalization and accessibility that was previously unattainable. AI and machine learning can analyze vast amounts of data quickly and with precision, allowing coaches to gain deeper insights into their clients’ behaviors, preferences, and progress.
What role do you believe ethical considerations and privacy concerns will play in the future of coaching, especially with the increased use of digital platforms?
Looking at the future of coaching, I see ethical considerations and privacy concerns becoming central tenets, especially as digital platforms become more prevalent in delivering coaching services. The digital transformation of coaching opens up an array of possibilities for convenience, accessibility, and the use of advanced tools for better outcomes. However, it also introduces complex challenges related to the management of sensitive information and the maintenance of professional ethical standards in our field.
Coaching, at its core, involves the processing of personal and often sensitive information. Ethical use means staying ahead of emerging technologies and understanding their implications in coaching contexts to avoid potential biases. In response to these emerging demands, we can expect to see the development of specialized training for coaches focusing on digital ethics and privacy.
Could you list and briefly explain “Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Coaching” based on your experiences and insights?
1 . AI-Powered Coaching: Coaching techniques are starting to change as a result of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, and this change is only getting stronger. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions are actively tracking results, making tailored recommendations, and offering insights into customer development.
The continuous advancement of technology highlights the need for coaching educators/facilitators to focus on data utilization and the smooth integration of AI into coaching methodologies, in addition to acknowledging the present impact of AI.
2 . Specialized Coaching Niches: A noticeable change is occurring in the coaching profession as more and more coaches are focusing on specialized areas in response to the growing need for more complex and individualized client-focused solutions. There has been visible acceleration and increased specialization in several coaching fields, taking this continuing trend beyond just conventional development. This customized approach reflects the evolution of the coaching industry.
The industry’s ability to adjust to the requirements of people and groups is shown by its understanding of the importance of highly specialized coaching services. Specialization areas include Mindset and Resilience Coaching, Financial Coaching, Career Coaching, Health and Wellness Coaching, and Data-Driven Coaching. This illustrates how coaching is not only changing to keep up with the times but also sharpening its emphasis to provide more specialized assistance.
3 . Mental Health and Resilience Coaching: Coaching that concentrates on fostering psychological resilience and wellbeing is anticipated to increase given the growing significance of mental health and resilience. Coaches will be essential in helping people manage stress, develop resilience, and advance their overall psychological well-being.
If we look at our digitally driven society, coaches can facilitate the development of strategies for managing digital consumption and establishing healthy boundaries with technology. This facilitation is crucial in preventing burnout and promoting digital wellness. Through this collaborative process, coaches and clients work together to integrate techniques such as mindfulness, time management, and priority setting into daily routines. This collaborative approach helps individuals craft a more balanced and fulfilling life, aligning their actions with their values and goals.
4 . Cultural and Diversity Coaching: As the significance of diversity, equity, and inclusion grows, coaches are placing more emphasis on diverse leadership and cultural competency coaching to foster inclusive work environments. Coaches help create cultures that promote trust and respect by integrating ethical considerations with a focus on cultural competence. This helps to ensure that coaching stays a dynamic driver for positive organizational transformation. This dual focus highlights the importance of adhering to moral coaching principles as well as the critical role that diversity and inclusiveness play in developing effective coaching strategies.
5 . Data-Driven Coaching: Data and analysis are becoming essential components of coaching. Coaches may evaluate client results and progress using data, this can improve their coaching effectiveness by customizing their strategies with the help of these data-driven insights. Coaches may improve the coaching process and assist clients in reaching their goals more quickly by using data to help them make well-informed decisions.
How do you envision the integration of coaching within organizational cultures changing the landscape of leadership and employee development?
As coaching becomes more ingrained in organizational cultures, I envision a transformation where it’s perceived not as a corrective measure for underperformance but as a proactive agent for development. This shift is significant: it suggests that all employees stand to benefit from coaching, not just those who are struggling. This integration will likely reshape leadership development programs to be more individualized, focusing on each leader’s unique strengths and areas for growth. For employees, coaching will become a foundation of their professional journey, providing them with the tools to navigate their career path proactively.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the coaching industry today, and how might we overcome it?
The biggest challenge facing the coaching industry today is its lack of regulation, which allows individuals to self-identify as coaches without the necessary certifications or training. The concept of coaching is often mystified by its portrayal in the media, leading to misconceptions about the profession. Unlike the simplified version seen on TV or social media, becoming a certified coach involves extensive training, including numerous hours of coursework and continuing coach education (CCE) credits.
To overcome this challenge, there should be a universally accepted standard that mandates individuals to complete an accredited coaching program before they can accept paying clients. This would ensure that all practicing coaches have the required knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing the professionalism and credibility of the coaching industry. Implementing such standards would not only protect clients but also elevate the practice of coaching, distinguishing qualified professionals from those without formal training.
What is one long-term goal you have for your coaching practice, and how are you working towards it?
My long-term goal is to continue my personal and professional development. I believe that by continuously enhancing my skills and knowledge, I can provide the best possible value to my clients. It’s about ensuring that as I grow and evolve, so too does the quality of my coaching. I hope to do this through the many courses that Erickson offers!
How can our readers continue to follow your work?
Readers can follow my work through my publications, and professional social media profiles where I share insights on coaching in today’s world, and the intersection of neuroscience and human psychology.
Thank you for offering such valuable insights into the future of coaching. We look forward to seeing your work continue to reach new heights, and we wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com
Katya Menschy Of Erickson Coaching International On The Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Coaching was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.