I have known Cyndi Radke for about as long as the expert from my last blog, Amy. Cyndi joined my local workout program back before the pandemic, and she quickly became a core member of that group. She is one of the most upbeat, positive people I know, and as a serious lover of both kids and pets (they sometimes seem interchangeable IMHO), Cyndi has an impressive amount of patience for my kids!
In addition, she has had an impressive career touching many different fields, including extensive experience in sales, marketing, and event planning. When you meet Cyndi, this comes as no surprise, as she’s a natural networker and relationship-builder. Skills which she has successfully turned into a second (or third?) career as an Executive Coach & Consultant. What exactly does that mean? Read on and you’ll find out.
Tell us a little about what you do.
I am an executive coach & consultant. I have my own practice – Covantage - but I also am a member of a consortium of coaches and consultants - Executive Coaching and Consulting Associates (ECCA) – which is comprised of 15 coaches/consultants. In my previous role as a sales leader, I both helped clients resolve business issues and helped my team maximize their potential. Becoming a coach was thus a natural transition, and at ECCA, I am able to work with a group of diverse, highly committed and experienced coaches and consultants.
What I love about coaching is the opportunity to partner with clients in a thought- provoking, creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and
professional potential.
For Cyndi, being a coach allows her to pursue her passion for helping others people be the best versions of themselves.
Why do you feel your area of expertise is important for others?
Coaching helps accelerate your path, wherever that path may lead: to your life purpose, to a more meaningful professional life, to realizing your full potential as a leader… finding that true fulfilment is beneficial to anyone, regardless of profession or stage in life. Cyndi has helped both younger professionals just starting to carve their paths and older individuals going through end-of-career transitions. To Cyndi, purpose is not intrinsically tied with professional goals; finding your purpose can involve a deeper dive into your personal and life goals, as well.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is organizational coaching & consulting, where I am able to help organizations in transition, create a meaningful culture, define organizational structures and operations, make impactful customer experiences, and define sales strategies to drive profitability and growth. The goal is to achieve measurable results for whomever you’re working with.
What is one thing you think people don’t know or understand about your field?
Coaching is not therapy or mentoring. A coach’s primary focus on the now and the future and help accelerate your path to get there. I work with clients to remove obstacles that may be holding them back, create a vision on how to get to their goal destination… and learn new ways to succeed. While taking the time to understand how one's purpose propels them forward.
How do you see your area of expertise contributing to better health and happiness?
People who seek meaning beyond themselves are healthier, happier, and live longer. It’s vital to our wellbeing that we maintain a strong sense of purpose. Introspection makes you a healthier, happier, better person. Look at the blue zones, for example. All five of the original blue zones of the world share a common theme: that of purpose in life, or “ikigai”, as Okinawans say.
What are the biggest mistakes you see people make in your area?
Not wanting to put in the time to get the desired results. Clients who come to me are ready for change. It is a process and it can take time. Give it the time it needs.
Clients seek coaching because they need support in overcoming obstacles, achieving goals and making positive changes in their lives. These are often lofty tasks that cannot be achieved overnight. Many people feel they can see a coach once or twice and make the progress they want, which is typically not the case. That said, clients who seek coaching to work through a job transition don’t generally need as many sessions as someone seeking guidance on bigger life purpose questions.
What are the top 3 most common questions you are asked by potential clients?
What is coaching? How will it benefit me? How long is it going to take?
Coaching helps your reach those aspirational goals that can feel out of reach with our busy lives. Most of us are just trying to keep our heads above water and navigate daily life. But for true fulfillment – and a happier, healthier life – it is important to make time to contemplate what will make you a better, happier, more successful you.
Top 2-3 pieces of advice for clients and/or potential clients?
Trust in the process, trust in yourself. You are all entitled to live your best life. Let’s get you there.
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