An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Rise of AI-Powered Coaching Platforms: AI is transforming how coaches interact with clients, offering real-time feedback, personalized learning paths, and predictive analytics to enhance outcomes. I recently saw a coaching platform using AI to suggest leadership strategies based on a client’s decision-making history, making it a more dynamic, tailored experience.
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 Lani Phillips.
Lani Phillips, Founder and CEO of FullCircle Leadership Group is a trailblazing leader with over 25 years of senior executive experience, including her tenure at Microsoft, where she drove billions in revenue through digital transformation. Renowned for her visionary leadership and passion for empowering others, Lani has led high-performance teams, transformed businesses, and inspired leaders across the globe. Through FullCircle Leadership Group, she is now on a mission to share her lifetime of insights, equipping leaders with the tools to drive impactful change.
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 coaching journey began organically through mentoring as I advanced in corporate America. I discovered that many leaders felt comfortable opening up and being vulnerable with me. This trust allowed me to help them strengthen their relationships with employees, improve their interactions with their bosses, and engage more effectively with key stakeholders. Realizing the positive impact I could have, I felt a deep sense of purpose and joy in my work.
In my last few corporate roles, I often took late evening coaching calls, knowing that investing this time could significantly impact someone’s life. This commitment reinforced my belief that I had something valuable to offer.
However, when I was asked to manage a layoff in my last corporate assignment, which would affect many lives, I knew I needed to find a way to make a more meaningful difference. My biggest challenge in the early days was deciding how I wanted to coach and impact more people. I didn’t want to simply trade time for money; I aspired to make a broader impact.
Another challenge was content creation and protecting my intellectual property. Throughout this journey, my heart to serve has remained my guiding vision, ensuring I never lose sight of my mission to make a difference every day.
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?
The three character traits that I believe were most instrumental to my success are:
- Empathy and Connection:
I deeply connect with my team to understand their strengths and areas for development. This allows me to place the right individuals in the right roles, fostering a supportive and productive environment.
When I took over a seasoned sales team, I found a group of individuals who had been in their roles for over three years. Despite some stellar years, their performance had become inconsistent. One leader, in particular, stood out for his erratic track record.
Through our candid discussions, I discovered he didn’t enjoy leading a sales team and often neglected the pipeline. However, he thrived when structuring deals with clients, using his analytical skills to craft the best solutions for the client and our company.
Recognizing his strengths and passions, I decided to move him to lead the licensing team. This new role was a perfect fit, aligning with his skills and desires. The change revitalized his performance and brought a new level of consistency and success to our team.
2. Accountability:
I’ve always felt a deep commitment to delivering results and holding myself accountable. This dedication ensures I consistently meet my goals and maintain high-performance standards.
Throughout my career, I’ve thrived in high-octane, performance-based cultures where success is measured by results. Initially, I believed that achieving these results required an uncompromising, all-costs approach. However, I soon discovered a more sustainable path: driving for results while bringing people along with you.
I firmly believe that building a culture of accountability is rooted in trust and communication. Here are five key principles that guide my approach:
Create a Culture of Accountability: Ensure everyone understands their roles and expectations clearly. Cultivate ownership and promote accountability across the team.
- Lead by Example: As a leader, take responsibility and own the results. Focus on growth and problem-solving, setting a standard for others to follow.
- Drive Execution: Execution is key. Inspire and motivate your team to execute their tasks with precision and dedication.
- Provide Transparent Metrics: Use clear and transparent metrics to ensure accountability and foster continuous improvement.
- Implement Regular Feedback Loops: Establish regular feedback loops to drive accountability and support ongoing development.
By embracing these principles, I’ve learned that it’s possible to achieve outstanding results while fostering a supportive and accountable team environment. This approach not only drives success but also builds a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
3. Courage:
I’ve always embraced the willingness to push beyond my comfort zone and tackle challenges I once thought impossible. This courage extends to saying what needs to be said and engaging in difficult conversations to address real issues and drive the right outcomes.
Early in my career, I learned that people often tell you what you want to hear, not what you need to hear, out of fear of upsetting you or being viewed negatively. To counter this, I implemented a “no judgment zone” policy. I encouraged my team to share difficult messages with kindness and honesty, emphasizing that constructive feedback is crucial for addressing issues and improving the organization.
I respected the “no names needed” policy, focusing on the feedback itself rather than who delivered it. This approach has made me a better leader and helped me build stronger teams and cultures. By fostering an environment where truth is valued over comfort, we can all grow and achieve greater success together.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Why does that resonate with you so much?
One quote that stands out to me is: “Be careful with your words. Once they are said, they can be forgiven, but not forgotten.” This resonates deeply with me because I have witnessed firsthand how a single unflattering or hurtful remark can irreparably damage relationships. Words have immense power; they can build bridges or burn them.
Effective communication is crucial in leadership. Being mindful of our words fosters trust and respect and nurtures a positive environment. However, we are all human and won’t always say the right thing. When you realize that something you’ve said has caused harm, it’s essential to apologize sincerely. Taking ownership of your mistakes and taking action to course-correct can significantly change people’s perception of you.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I am thrilled to share that I am on the brink of publishing my first book, FullCircle Leadership. This book is designed to guide leaders in embracing a holistic approach to leadership that harnesses human capabilities’ full potential while consistently delivering impactful results. Through this work, I aim to empower leaders to create environments where innovation thrives and individuals feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
I am also launching a podcast called Modern Mentoring with Lani Phillips. This podcast brings together the collective wisdom of seasoned leaders from diverse backgrounds to empower individuals to thrive in work and life. Through insightful guidance, practical tools, and meaningful conversations, Modern Mentoring aims to help listeners unlock their full potential and confidently navigate their personal and professional journeys.
Without saying any names could you share a particularly memorable success story from your coaching career?
I once coached a senior leader who was at odds with their manager. They felt justified in their stance and were unaware of how their actions contributed to the organization’s growing divide. It was a challenging situation, and I had to deliver a tough message, pointing out that they were in the wrong and needed to mend their relationship with their manager. After much pushback, they ultimately put my advice into action. This led to a more harmonious and productive working environment, and they are now on better terms with their boss.
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?
Coaching has evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from a primarily directive approach to one that is more collaborative and client-centered. Initially, coaching focused heavily on achieving specific goals and addressing immediate challenges. However, as the field has matured, it has embraced a more holistic perspective, recognizing the importance of personal development, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety.
In my own journey as a coach, I have learned the value of fostering a growth mindset and creating a safe space for clients to explore their potential. One of the most profound personal learnings I have applied to my development is the importance of active listening and empathy. By truly understanding my clients’ perspectives and experiences, I can better support them in navigating their challenges and achieving their goals.
Additionally, I have embraced continuous learning and self-reflection as crucial components of my practice. This has allowed me to stay current with the latest coaching methodologies and adapt my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. Ultimately, my goal is to empower leaders to harness their full potential and to create environments where their teams can thrive.
How do you incorporate feedback into your coaching practice to continuously improve?
Incorporating feedback into my coaching practice is essential for continuous improvement. I actively seek feedback from my clients through regular check-ins and structured feedback sessions. This allows me to understand their perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and adapt my approach to better meet their needs. I also utilize anonymous surveys to gather candid feedback, which helps refine my techniques and ensure that my coaching remains effective and relevant. By fostering an open and transparent feedback culture, I can continuously evolve and enhance the value I provide to my clients.
Can you discuss an innovation in coaching that you believe is currently underappreciated but has the potential to significantly impact the field?
One innovation in coaching that I believe is currently underappreciated is the integration of AI-powered analytics to personalize leadership development. While AI is often seen in operational efficiency, its potential to transform coaching is immense. AI tools can analyze a leader’s communication style, emotional intelligence, and decision-making patterns, providing real-time feedback and personalized growth plans.
This doesn’t replace the human element but enhances it, enabling coaches to tailor their approach to each leader’s unique challenges. When coupled with empathy and human insight, this blend of technology and coaching can unlock potential faster, creating more agile and adaptive leaders. The potential impact lies in how deeply AI can help us understand and evolve the individual, making growth not just a goal but a deeply personalized journey.
It’s a shift from a one-size-fits-all model to something dynamic and ongoing, fostering continuous improvement. This innovation can revolutionize the field by driving more meaningful, tailored outcomes for leaders at every level.
In what ways can coaching address the evolving mental health needs of diverse populations in a digitally connected world?
Coaching can address the evolving mental health needs of diverse populations by leveraging digital tools and fostering inclusivity. Virtual platforms make mental health support more accessible, especially for those in remote or underserved areas. Coaches can use culturally sensitive approaches to understand and address unique challenges, creating a safe and inclusive environment. Digital tools like mental health apps and online resources can complement coaching sessions, providing continuous support and personalized insights. This integration of technology and cultural competence enhances the mental health and well-being of diverse populations.
How do you foresee artificial intelligence and machine learning transforming the coaching industry in the next decade?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are poised to revolutionize the coaching industry in the next decade by enhancing personalization, scalability, and effectiveness. AI-driven tools can analyze vast amounts of data to give coaches deeper insights into their clients’ behaviors, preferences, and progress. This enables coaches to tailor their strategies more precisely to each client’s unique needs, leading to more impactful outcomes.
One significant transformation will be the use of AI-powered virtual coaches that can offer real-time support and guidance. These virtual coaches can provide immediate feedback, track progress, and suggest personalized interventions based on data analysis. While they may not replace human coaches, they can serve as valuable supplements, offering continuous support between sessions and helping clients stay on track with their goals.
AI and ML can facilitate the development of predictive analytics, allowing coaches to anticipate potential challenges and proactively address them. This can lead to more proactive and preventive coaching approaches, ultimately improving client outcomes. Additionally, AI can help identify patterns and trends across large client populations, providing valuable insights to inform best practices and drive innovation in the coaching field.
As AI and ML technologies continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly transform the coaching industry, making it more data-driven, personalized, and accessible. Coaches who embrace these advancements will be well-positioned to deliver more effective and impactful support to their clients.
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?
Ethical considerations and privacy concerns will become increasingly critical as coaching shifts to digital platforms. The need to protect client confidentiality while navigating data-driven environments is paramount. Coaches must ensure that they follow stringent privacy regulations (like GDPR) and adopt secure digital tools to safeguard personal data. Trust will be vital in maintaining strong client relationships, with transparency around data collection and usage being a must. Additionally, the ethical implications of AI tools in coaching — such as bias in algorithms or automated advice — will need careful navigation to avoid compromising the quality and personalization of coaching.
Could you list and briefly explain “Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Coaching” based on your experiences and insights? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
1 . Rise of AI-Powered Coaching Platforms: AI is transforming how coaches interact with clients, offering real-time feedback, personalized learning paths, and predictive analytics to enhance outcomes. I recently saw a coaching platform using AI to suggest leadership strategies based on a client’s decision-making history, making it a more dynamic, tailored experience.
2 . Hybrid Coaching Programs: Digital coaching is now more accessible across time zones, with global teams connecting virtually. During the pandemic, I shifted my leadership coaching fully online, which not only opened the doors to international clients but also provided flexibility that allowed for shorter, more frequent sessions.
3 . Focus on Mental Well-being: The growing importance of mental health has integrated seamlessly into coaching. For example, I recently coached a leader navigating high-pressure work environments, where integrating mindfulness techniques into leadership coaching significantly improved his stress management and emotional resilience.
4 . Data-Driven Coaching: More coaches are now using analytics to measure progress and outcomes. I use feedback tools to gather insights on leadership growth and team dynamics, which helps adjust coaching strategies. This data-centric approach ensures that each session is targeted and impactful.
5 . Group Coaching & Membership Options: Group coaching makes leadership development more affordable and scalable, especially for early-career professionals. It provides a shared learning experience, offering diverse perspectives and peer support. Membership tiers can offer varying levels of access to coaching, resources, and exclusive content for ongoing growth.
How do you envision the integration of coaching within organizational cultures changing the landscape of leadership and employee development?
Coaching, when embedded within organizational cultures, has the potential to shift leadership development from a top-down, static process to a dynamic, continuous one. It fosters a growth mindset, where leaders and employees view feedback and development as ongoing and integral to their success. This shift encourages more self-awareness, accountability, and innovation, empowering individuals to take ownership of their professional growth. Ultimately, it enhances team collaboration, employee engagement, and organizational agility by creating a culture of trust and support.
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 scalability and accessibility. High-quality coaching is often limited to executives or high-level leaders due to cost and availability, leaving many emerging leaders without access. To overcome this, the industry can embrace group coaching models, virtual platforms, and AI-powered tools to reach a broader audience. Offering flexible, tiered coaching solutions can democratize access, ensuring more leaders at every level benefit from professional coaching.
What is one long-term goal you have for your coaching practice, and how are you working towards it?
My long-term goal for my coaching business is to create scalable solutions through group coaching and a tiered membership model, providing options for anyone with a desire to grow as a leader.
How can our readers continue to follow your work?
I can be reached at [email protected] or connect with me through my website www.FullCircleleadershipgroup.com
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
Lani Phillips Of FullCircle Leadership Group 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.