The Academies is pleased to introduce you to an alumnus of our neuroscience-based coaching courses, John Venuti. John completed the Certified Executive and Leadership Development Coach (CELDC) course. Read on to learn more about his coaching journey and his experience with The Academies!
Tell Us About Your Experience With The Academies Leadership Coaching Program
My experience with the Academies was excellent. Our cohort was a mix of many disciplines, ranging from people with significant coaching experience to those like me who had no formal background in it. I had just transitioned out of a position I held for 15 years and hired someone for my former role, whom I would now oversee as part of my new duties. I originally began the training to better prepare myself to coach this person in their new role.
As I started the program, I quickly realized that traditional coaching does not always directly interface with direct supervision. After being in a command level position for over 25 years in law enforcement, I noticed that listening, rather than suggesting or directing, is the specific skill needed for any successful coach. This training has completely changed how I navigate my day-to-day activities overseeing all police and safety related functions at a large, complex urban academic research institution.
How Does Neuroscience Influence Your Coaching Style?
What’s interesting is that within law enforcement, there is a renewed focus on de-escalation. This leads to much better outcomes compared to being uncaring or escalating a situation. I have learned through the Academies that neuroscience is used in many of the same ways. Focusing on successes and celebrating those wins is actually very similar to de-escalation. It builds trust and encourages people to share and discuss their experiences rather than becoming defensive. That was another “Aha” moment for me.
Would You Recommend Our Programs To Others?
I have found that often when in positions for long periods of time, everything becomes autopilot. We focus on the things that we do very well. Often we are not trying to solve new problems; we are on a daily basis solving the problems that we are good at solving. I highly recommend this training to anyone who wants to recalibrate how they engage and interact personally as well as professionally. I look at this like realigning the front end of your car—after time, the wheel starts to pull to one side. You don’t have to fix it, but when you do, you notice the difference.
What’s A Memorable Win You’d Like To share?
Our cohort was very interesting and engaging. I tend to be on the progressive side, so I began to do online coaching with AI. This allowed me to create scenarios and actually coach as if I were in a session with a person. I found it very valuable to have more coaching opportunities in a sterile environment. I shared this with the cohort, and everyone was amazed and started similar additional coaching training.
What Have Clients Said About Your Coaching?
I always find it rewarding when people thank you for taking the time to be present and genuinely listen to understand their perspective.
Anything Else You’d Like To Share?
Overall, this experience has been very valuable and has enabled me to build skill and depth in an area that had a deficit. I don’t think I would have been able to identify my deficits without the Academies training sessions.
Thank You For Sharing Your Coaching Journey, John!
You can find John via these channels:
John’s Website:
John’s Leadership Blog:
https://johnvenuti.wordpress.com/
LinkedIn: