Athletes hire mindset or skill coaches. Actors hire acting coaches. Writers hire writing or book coaches.
And you’ve probably heard of Executive Coaches. If you are an actor, writer, artist or other creative, maybe you think they aren’t for you. Maybe you haven’t thought much about them because you think they are for more ‘business-y’ kinds of people or careers.
But did you know that there are specific skills that executive coaches bring into the lives and careers of their creative clients that can create phenomenal career growth and personal happiness?
In fact, many successful people point to a coach who has helped them get unstuck. Or to enhance their performance. To help them see what they are really capable of. Most of us vastly underestimate what we’re capable of. A coach sees things clients are blind to that are getting in the way of the goal they say they want. If you want to know what’s getting in the way of your success, a coach can be the key to figuring it out and for you to get to move forward.
An executive coach, in particular, concentrates on a high-level strategic focus for a creative career. What does the actor, writer, or artist really want for the whole of their lives, where are they at right now and (importantly) what’s in the gap?
Executive coaches who work with creatives often bring a deep understanding of the entertainment and creative industries, providing some perspective and know-how to help clients see when they are bullsh*ting themselves.
This is one of my favorite parts of knowing the entertainment and creative industries as an executive coach. It is incredibly powerful for a client and I to be like, “Is that true?” when exploring places they are stuck and their beliefs about the industry.
Executive coaches are also uniquely qualified to help artists develop leadership skills–essential for leading their own creative career, collaborating, and operating in the business side of the creative life. I think a lot of creatives don’t see themselves as leaders and this can be a massive shift in thinking. When you lead, you take ownership of your own life AND acknowledge the power of artistic influence on your world and THE world. Having a mindset and insight around yourself as a creative and as a leader are a potent combination.
Essentially, executive coaches focus on helping clients develop a thrilling vision for their lives, hold space to explore mindsets that may be keeping them stuck, and bring a particular set of skills to the coaching space (please hear me say this in Liam Neeson’s voice).
What I have found with creative clients I work with is that clients see measurable progress towards their goals in a set timeline. Executive coaching focuses on turning insight into action. We don’t just talk about things; we explore what kind of movement they can take that aligns to their vision. And then we create accountability and support around that.
Insight is great and useful. But it’s action that changes lives and careers.
I sometimes distill the difference between all the different kind of coaches available that the ‘execute’ in executive means to move. To go. To take action and get it done.
Here are some specific takeaways actors, writers and artists gain from working with an executive coach:
How an Executive Coach can support a creative life and career:
- Strategic Focus: Executive coaches often work with artists on high-level strategic goals, such as career trajectory, brand development, and industry positioning.
- Industry-Specific Insights: They bring a deep understanding of the entertainment and creative industries, offering tailored advice on navigating these fields.
- Leadership Development: Executive coaches help artists develop leadership skills, which can be crucial for those managing teams or leading projects.
- Networking and Influence: They leverage their networks to connect artists with influential industry contacts and opportunities.
Wonder how an executive coach might be just the person you want to add to your team? Connect with me here and we can explore what action you want to take on all those thoughts swirling around in your heart and mind.
[Are you an actor who wants to explore what you are capable of? Join me for a free online workshop to explore vision, mindset and strategy! Register here!]
