PBN BUSINESS WOMEN AWARDS 2020 ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE: Mary T. O’Sullivan | Encore Executive and Corporate Coaching
ALL BUSINESS OWNERS look to stand out from their competition. But corporate executive coach Mary T. O’Sullivan is in an industry where her work can be gravely misunderstood.
“There’s a huge problem with the word ‘coach,’ ” O’Sullivan said.
O’Sullivan, who founded Encore Executive and Corporate Coaching in North Kingstown, not only must differentiate herself from professional peers but also help educate society and potential clients in understanding contrasts between a life coach and professional coach. They are sometimes seen as doing similar work, she said, which isn’t the case.
“Coaching has a low barrier to entry. You don’t even need a degree [to call yourself a coach]. If you are looking for a coach, investigate one who is board-certified – you need to have a degree to get that certificate,” she said.
Changing the wording of her role to “corporate executive coach” was recommended by a public-relations expert. It gives an idea of a corporate image right away, said O’Sullivan, hopefully smoothing the way for clients looking for services she offers.
Specifically, she works with company leaders who are looking to transform the culture of their organizations, whether that means reining in inappropriate behavior, boosting team morale or retaining talent. O’Sullivan’s company offers online, group and individual training with customized strategies.
Executive coaching allows O’Sullivan to help facilitate change and improvement in a different way. It is about asking the right questions, said O’Sullivan, with clients playing a role in figuring out the answers themselves. They fully participate in drawing conclusions and determining areas of growth.
“There are no pat answers,” said O’Sullivan. “Everyone is on a different path. I help them gain perspective on how to achieve goals.” O’Sullivan does this by asking questions, not dictating, so clients come to their own resolutions and fully own the work it takes to get there, she said.
Another client worked with O’Sullivan to determine her future path, namely, whether she should stay in the family business. O’Sullivan guides clients through processes she has gone through firsthand.
O’Sullivan wants professionals to know there is no shame in seeking help with one’s career. In addition to a misconception that all coaches are the same, there is still a stigma in asking for help, she said.
But doing so can lead to transformation.
