Welcome to episode 155 of The Executive Edge with Brenda Harrington.

In this episode Brenda discusses her background in business, her transition to coaching, and some key aspects of leadership and decision-making. She has also written an excellent book called ‘Access Denied’

So, what did we talk about?

Brenda shares her extensive experience in private industry, particularly in real estate-related activities and global mobility consulting. She and I discuss a tumultuous acquisition experience that led her to explore coaching and professional development. She also emphasizes her belief in the importance of the human aspect in business and her decision to pursue executive coaching, leading to the establishment of her practice.

Brenda reveals her higher risk tolerance compared to most people and her reliance on curiosity and a “what if” approach to decision-making. She believes it is important to emphasize personal qualities and leadership style beyond technical competencies in making an impact in business. This is why her coaching concentrates on helping people develop their individual and authentic style

She believes many senior people experience difficulties in feeling ‘heard’ and Brenda advises on strategies such as asking powerful questions and becoming a facilitator to guide conversations effectively.

I ask her about the typical experiences people bring to her when she coaches. She describes the multitude of issues potentially related to confidence, decision-making, or tools necessary for navigating professional situations. Throughout the conversation, Brenda emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself, taking calculated risks, and finding one’s voice in professional settings.

She and I both believe it is very important to highlight your strengths rather than weaknesses, steering away from the term “soft skills” and emphasizing the critical nature of these skills in leadership. She also stresses the importance of relationships, politics, and interpersonal dynamics at higher levels in organizations, highlighting the necessity of these competencies for growth and influence.

It was a fascinating conversation and one where I learnt  a lot too, both about the risk of making assumptions about success, and about how many different situations we need the courage to speak up.