What is life & executive coaching?

‘Life and executive coaching is a person-to-person relationship that
will help you to identify and accomplish your personal and professional goals faster than you would on your own.’

A sports coach’s role is to help unlock an athlete’s potential, reinforce his or her strengths and counteract negative beliefs, all with the aim of maximising performance. An executive coach takes a similar approach and applies it to people in business – executives, professionals, entrepreneurs – with the aim of maximising their power and performance.
So a coach stands alongside an already successful person and helps that person to clarify their vision (their great life goals) and devise strategies for achieving that vision sooner, with greater clarity and effectiveness. The net effect for the client is more power with less effort, and a more balanced life, as the coach works in all major areas: finance, career choice, health, relationships and personal character development.

How does coaching accomplish this?

‘Coaching is based on the belief that every person has all the mental, physical and emotional resources they need to be successful doing whatever they choose to do.’

The coach helps to unlock any hidden or as-yet-unrealised potential; he does this by applying effective questioning techniques that help the client to clear the mental and emotional fog that blocks his way and bring clarity and purpose to his life. Regular coaching sessions keep the client on track and are a powerful means for implementing changes much faster than going it alone.

What does a coaching relationship consist of?

‘A typical coaching program consists of one-hour sessions held weekly in person or by telephone. Additional support is offered by email and/or fax.’

The sessions involve discussion. Coaching is the art of asking powerful questions and so the coach asks the questions that need to be asked in order to bring the client to certain A-ha! realisations and show the client how to link this new awareness to action. These new actions are then implemented by the client during the ensuing week, and this is followed up with feedback and reinforcement at the start of the next session.

What outcomes can I expect?

• Experiencing greater focus, clarity and purpose
• Improved performance in all areas of your life, business and career
• Increasing your power and confidence to take on new challenges
• A calm and confident attitude towards the future
• The tools to effect real change in your life whenever it becomes necessary
• Achieving goals you could never reach on your own
• Being more organised according to ‘first things first’
• Being the creator and master of your own destiny

Who are the typical clients?

‘People who use coaches are generally high achievers
who are prepared to be challenged in order to get the best
out of life, business and career.’

Typically people appoint a coach at a time when great change is either thrust upon them, or when they realise that a breakthrough is called for in order for them to reach the next level or phase of business and/or life. Often you will get highly successful people asking, ‘What now?’ or, ‘What next?’ or, ‘How do I cope with this?’ The coaching relationship aims to thrust these high achievers forward on their own, to create independence, not dependence, although many clients continue their relationship with their coach in order to maintain the levels of clarity and power that coaching unveils for them.

Why would I choose Neil Bierbaum as my coach?

‘Neil combines significant life, business and management experience with formal education in business administration, psychology and coaching.’

Neil is an award-winning journalist and was the founding editor of FHM South Africa. He was at the helm of that magazine from its launch in 1998 through 2001 (three years), during which time it was consistently the fastest-growing magazine in South Africa. Today FHM is the biggest English-language monthly magazine in South Africa, selling over 120 000 copies a month and with an annual turnover of more than R50 million.
Neil holds a B.Com degree, as well as formal studies in psychology and coaching. He is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

How much money will I have to invest?

‘Coaching charges are calculated according to the client’s current position and stated coaching objectives.’

In general they are always affordable to the particular client, with a 20% out-of-the-comfort-zone stretch. This stretch encourages the client to demand value, and by demanding value, he succeeds.
A fee is calculated upon application. Application is made by filling out the attached ‘Coaching Objectives’ questionnaire and faxing or emailing it to the number provided.

‘I look forward to making a difference in your life!’
– Neil Bierbaum