Karla Campbell of zant On An Inside Look at the Benefits and Impact Of Working With an Executive Coach
An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Having severe dyslexia, I learned our education system is still struggling with learning to deal with differences. Though my struggles in school were significant, I know now that the failures of others are not my failures.
The competitive edge in business often comes down to a combination of strategy, foresight, and professional development. For executives looking to level up their skills, an executive coach can be their biggest asset. In this feature, we talk to business leaders who heavily invest in personal and professional development opportunities, coaching, and leadership programs. They’ll share why they invest so much and the impact it has on their life. Today, I had the privilege of speaking with Karla Campbell.
Karla Campbell helps organizations create the leaders of today in our ever-changing and complicated world. Her approach is rooted in her belief that “the answers are always in the room, and the magic is in the mess.” Karla excels in empowering today’s leaders to tackle challenges head-on, refine strategies, and enhance engagement. Leveraging her extensive expertise and certifications in Leadership Coaching, Emotional Intelligence Training, Conflict Resolution, Facilitation, Leadership Development, Planning and Strategy, and Project & Change Management, Karla provides a holistic and tailored solution to address both organizational and individual needs.
Thanks for being part of this series. Let’s jump in and focus on your early years. First off, can you give us a snapshot of your life before you started your career?
I had humble beginnings and saw that adults do not always do as they say; they can cause harm and may not have had my best interest in mind. At the age of 11, I hit an all-time low, not understanding what I was doing wrong and “why me”? I was contemplating ending my life; however, something amazing happened. Call it spirituality, my intuitive understanding, a bit of logic, or all of the above; I began wondering and changing my question of “what is wrong with me” to “why I am here”. Through the years, with many triumphs and meaningful failures, I believe I am here to help others and accept the help of others. We all have something to give and something to receive to continue our spiritual and human journey. This journey led me to see my value!
What was it about personal and professional development that attracted you to start investing in yourself? Also, can you share when you started and what your first investment was?
I learned and developed perseverance and resilience early in life. I came to learn that perseverance is the ability to keep going and resilience is the ability to meet what comes my way. Professionally, I deepened my understanding of the gifts I have to share which was the beginning of investing in myself. I believe that I have the gift of instinct, at times the eyes and ears can deceive so I trust in my gut, I see my dyslexia as a blessing that allows me to see patterns others do not and helps others realize their gifts and create solutions that have heart and meaning.
Can you think back and share one of the biggest blind spots you had that someone helped you see and something specific about what you learned and how it showed up in your life?
I have been working and helping leaders for over 20+ years. At first, I was seen as someone who gets things done. Along the way, I was handed difficult situations, from leading workflow solutions and transitional work out of the organizations to organizational change. The more difficult the task, the more people asked me to participate. However, I was not very fond of this work; I didn’t particularly appreciate having to deliver bad news, and I would worry about the complications of the situation and doubt my confidence. I would reflect on my father and grandmother’s words — “It is not the situation that causes the discomfort; it is your self-doubt that will cause you to go sideways. Stay true to yourself, know when to walk away, and always be kind.” When I started my own business, I learned how to lean into these words, and now, I do not shy away from these situations. This, I did not come to learn on my own. A leader within an organization I was working with was the guiding light I needed to see the true extent of my potential. She gave me the opportunity to work overseas. I told her I was not looking for a change and was unsure if I would be the right person. She told me you should always look for that next opportunity, not only when you need the change. Opportunities are always around us; what is the harm in taking a look?
How long have you had an executive coach and how would you describe your relationship?
I have had coaching in and out over the last fourteen years. Coaching requires commitment and the will to be open to honest feedback and suggestions. My relationship with my coach is professional, full of laughter, supportive, and still relevant to this day.
If I was sitting down with your coach, and asked “what’s the one thing your client needs to work on more than anything else in the world” what would I hear them say about you?
Knowing my coach and our sessions, I believe she would continue to say that I need to grow in showing myself grace, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It is okay that others see these strengths from you.
If you were questioned about your “ROI” (return on investment), is there anything you can point to that justifies how much you spend on being coached? If not, how do you justify it?
Coaching is a third-party objective point of view with no agenda. The question to ask is, how much is it costing you now to continue without coaching? Finding the right coach for you is key. The right fit, the expertise you seek, and the experience you currently need are things you must take into consideration.
Let’s dive into specifics. What are the top 5 things you’ve either gained or learned about yourself, where you specifically made changes, and have seen positive results. Be specific and feel free to give us either the background or story about each.
1. Having severe dyslexia, I learned our education system is still struggling with learning to deal with differences. Though my struggles in school were significant, I know now that the failures of others are not my failures.
2. I started my career as a middle and high school teacher. I loved teaching; however, I wanted to spread my wings and show my value and skills in other areas. When I gave my notice to the principal I was working with at the time, he made a statement that I “could not do anything other than teach”. As a woman, I knew this was a man’s opinion and viewpoint on the ‘limitations of women’… I felt for his wife and daughters. It was then I realized this was the right choice for me. People show their true colors when they are under stress or unable to cope with their emotions. I knew I was on the right path and others’ shortcomings were not mine to fix.
3. Encourage failures! Success only exists because of them. Without failure, how would you know if you are successful? I believe that there are two sides to everything. Light and dark, success and failure, likes and dislikes, etc. To ignore one means ignoring the other.
4. Look at what you avoid: There are valuable lessons there. I have learned that if I am trying to fix something or avoid something, It usually means there is a lesson for me to learn. An example was when I avoided difficult situations; I was not giving myself a chance to “rise to the occasion.” These situations are important because we will be ready to face them when they appear again.
5. As I reflect on what I have learned about friendship, I realize that not every friend you have is meant to be in your life forever. Some go, some are here for a brief moment, and a few stay for a lifetime. No matter how long the relationship lasts, each has an integral part in your life, so hold on to the learning, memories, and experiences.
What advice would you give other entrepreneurs who don’t think it’s worth investing in a coach or spending money to join a leadership program?
- The cost, both financially and personally, can take a toll, especially for women and women of color. Entrepreneurs will need to find and develop support to be successful. This support should include coaches, mentors, experts, personal support, and financial sustainability.
Any investment should consider the following:
- Right Timing: Is this the right time to seek a coach? Are you willing to find the time to dedicate yourself to the coaching sessions?
- Action and Accountability: Are you ready to take action and hold yourself accountable?
- Clarity: what problem are you trying to solve and/or the opportunity you seek? From within, coaching will challenge your current beliefs and understanding, are you willing to put your curiosity hat on?
Do you have any examples of how being coached had an impact on others who work around you? How has it spilled over to your team or your family?
I learned about the impact coaching had on my working environment, as I struggled to be myself at work due to judgments and because my values did not match the organization’s values.
Through coaching, I discovered that the environment matters and that we must adjust. Unfortunately, this can lead to losing our sense of self. I believe that organizations have the responsibility to create, fine-tune, and evolve the working environment. Someone may have found their dream job however, if the environment is not supportive, then move on!
Another lesson I believe in is to have an outlet before or after work. Mine is the driving range, but it took me a while to find it. At first, I tried Yoga, but I was so competitive that Yoga is now called “No-ga”. Then, I moved on to pottery. Throwing it on a wheel, the occasional swearing and a guy in class even told me that maybe I should try Yoga. I told him this was my process. So, I left pottery behind and moved to the driving range. I loved it so much. I even brought my son, and it was a wonderful bonding experience. It helped me see the humor in my failures.
There are so many executive coaches out there. How did you go about selecting the right one for you?
Finding the right fit is important, along with knowing the results you are seeking. Coaches are here to help you find the answer, not to give the answers. If you are looking for guidance and advice perhaps pursue someone who has both coaching and consulting expertise. Secondly, is there specific expertise, certifications, or education that you believe is necessary to help you succeed? Be careful about this one, make sure these are your thoughts and not those of others or systems that may influence you without your needs in mind. Thirdly, is a coach willing to give other coaches’ contact information to help you interview other possibilities? And finally, like it or not we make decisions based on our emotions. So pay attention to your thoughts and feelings in this interview (ask for a complimentary session) and listen to your gut!
Lastly, where can our audience go to follow your journey and perhaps get inspired to make their own investment in coaching?
Learn more about my services, articles, ways to contact me, and my qualifications on my website www.4directionsconsultingandcoaching.com.
You can also follow my professional journey through my LinkedIn and Instagram and visit my profile directly at https://user.zant.app/provider/profile/Karla_Campbell.
Thank you so much for joining us! We wish you only success.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator, and launched and leads an online leadership development community which can be downloaded for free for iOS and Android.
Karla Campbell of zant On An Inside Look at the Benefits and Impact Of Working With an Executive… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.