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"Possibilities were opened up through the coaching process that wouldn't have occurred in its absence."
"Jane's skillful coaching over a 4 month period enabled a staff member to structure a plan to return to school to complete his Bachelor's degree. This not only impacted the individual, but has positively affected the Agency as well. He is now talking about going on to earn a Masters degree. Possibilities were opened up through the coaching process that wouldn't have occurred in its absence."
-Linnea A. Olson, Executive Director, ACNY
"Sometimes, life throws me a fast ball, and I need to respond immediately. Jane is there to help me just do it."
"I have known Jane Cranston for 10 years. During that period of time, she has directed and assisted me when making crucial and critical decisions. One of the many things I found to be extraordinary, is her strength based model, of finding all of my strong points and utilizing them in order to help me feel more empowered. I also found her ability to ' reframe' connections extremely helpful. One example is, years ago, I was in the throws of making a very important career decision. A colleague of mine referred me to Jane as a coach: I knew immediately that a coach was exactly what I needed to proceed. I became very tired of friends and mentors giving me advise about what 'they' thought I 'should' do. Instead, my work with Jane was one of creating my own internal strengths to determine and make my own decisions. No pros and cons with Jane. Things are more concrete and less vague. When I would make a statement about my 'weaknesses', Jane would say...'you have no weaknesses...you only have areas in which you need to improve'. That statement has helped me in numerous situations. I could go on and on. My life has changed for the better since having my "own coach". For me, I need to move through a situation quickly, and have no time for therapy. Sometimes, life throws me a fast ball, and I need to respond immediately. Jane is there to help me do just it. No more ruminating, no more endless hours of guilt, no hundreds phone calls to hundreds of people, asking opinions I don't ever take...no more sleepless nights..... I hope everyone can have a coach....namely Jane Cranston."
-Susan Flynn, Ph.D., LCSW, CASAC. Site Director, Project Contact, Educational Alliance
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Interview with Jane Cranston about executive coaching and career coaching
How did you become an executive and career coach?
I came to coaching having worked many years as a successful senior executive in major corporations such a the Gap and Liz Clairborne, managing millions of dollars and leading as many as 700 people at a time (often coaching them). I was responsible for overseeing the resources and operations of start-up projects, turn-around situations and mature businesses. Playing to my entrepreneurial side I owned, and eventually sold, at a substantial profit, a retail business (a general store). I trained and practiced as a psychotherapist enhancing my understanding of human behavior and developing the skills to help people make the changes they imagined. Seven years ago I decided to add to my education, which already included three degrees, and graduated from a coach training program, the ExecutiveCoach Academy.
Today I operate my executive and career coaching company ExecutiveCoachNY from my office in midtown Manhattan in New York City. I work with a variety of successful executives and professionals associated with major corporations such as JPMorganChase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Calvin Klein, MTV, Infinity Broadcasting, Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, as well as decision makers with hedge funds, venture capital firms, high tech research companies and owners of design and marketing companies, sales, management consultants and some smaller, more entrepreneurial, firms, mental health professionals, government (the FBI), and not-for-profits such as the Caron Foundation, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) and the Alcoholism Council of New York.
I see my executive coaching as a perfect mix of my work experience, education, and training as well as a great opportunity to share some life lessons and hard-earned common sense.
To read more about my training and professional experience, visit Get to Know Jane Cranston.
Who are your executive coaching and career counseling clients?
My coaching clients are successful, motivated executives, professionals and mid-size and small business owners looking to accelerate their career growth, deal with workplace issues and enhance their lives. They are ready for the next step—a promotion, going out on their own or tackling a new project. They are prepared to do the work required. Some of my clients are looking to make a major career, company change or job search. Others are dealing with managing people or a difficult boss. Most of my career coaching clients are also interested in having lives outside of work with better time management skills. Many of the executives and business people are challenged by the people management side of their position preferring the more technical/financial aspects of their work to the hiring, retaining, and the managing part of their responsibilities. On the other hand, they know they cannot succeed without excellent people management skills.
At Executive Coach NY I coach individuals in the fields of:
- Information Technology (IT) and High Tech
- Banking and Finance
- Media and Entertainment
- Fashion and Retail
- Sales and Marketing
- Manufacturing
- Law
- Real Estate
- Education
- Not-for-Profit
- Small Business Owners
My Executive and Career Coaching Clients are:
CEOs, COOs, CTOs, Directors, EVPs, SVPs, and VPs, Partners, Principals, Specialists, Executive Directors, Heads of Departments, Project Managers, Consultants, National Sales Mangers, Sales Reps and Business Owners (to name but a few).
What they have in common is a desire to excel at who they are and what they do. They want a career strategy, a road map to gain the competitive edge in their organization, field and life: to reach their potential and earn at a higher level. Some are looking to make a job change or career transition.
To hear what my clients have to say, visit Client Testimonials.
How would I know if I am ready to be coached?
The fact you are asking the question is a good indication that this may be the perfect time to work with a coach. Let's probe a little further...Are you tired of the same work issues coming up again and again? Are you planning on planning a career strategy? Starting a job search, contemplating a career change or in work transition? Disappointed with your progress? Burned out with no relief in sight? Is your boss driving you nuts? Need to get your staff working as hard and productively as you? Have you been thinking about hiring an executive coach for some time? Do friends or colleagues have career coaches or career counselors? Has someone suggested to you that you might benefit from an objective listener? Are you ready to invest time and money in yourself? Are you willing to commit to a series of sessions for the next few months? Can you keep an appointment, find a private place (or come to my office in New York City, NY) for a coaching session? Will you make time to practice new behaviors or investigate new ideas? Can you be honest and open with another person? Are you open to constructive feedback? Are you ready to make some serious changes? Can you take a risk? If the answer to many of the questions is "yes" I invite you to schedule a get-acquainted session with me.
Can you give me a few examples of executives you have coached?
Let's see, a senior manager of dynamic, mid-size software consulting firm. The guy was working a zillion hours and it was beginning to have an impact on his personal life (spouse complaining she never saw him). In addition, the CTO was being asked to rescue poor upper management decisions. People wanted to quit and needed to share with someone so they were in his office all the time. My client was also not sure what he wanted to do next since this was not the environment in which he was able to thrive. A very logical and intelligent person he sometimes was challenged understanding why what was obvious to him was not perfectly clear to others or that they were not as motivated as he. In the course of his executive coaching we worked on all of the issues simultaneously. Some of the homework was simple—close your office door time and a date a week with you wife. Others parts included techniques for listening and responding. We also started looking at possible alternatives to where he worked. Should he stay and wait for regime change? move to a competitor? start a job search or what ultimately happened, his decision to form his own company and run it with a management style that was innovative, participative, and highly productive. Only a few years later the company he formed is on the cutting edge, doing great business, and has a choice of quality people to hire. The client works from home and has partners and a staff he respects and enjoys. Total success.
Another is the COO of a venture capital firm. Intelligent and successful with great experience in her field. She was challenged with making good hiring decisions and knowing how to handle poor performers. Time management was an issue as was dealing with other partners in the firm who did not appreciate the complexity of this part of the business. In our executive coaching sessions (face-to-face in my New York City office) we looked at all of the players and analyzed why certain hires did not work out as expected and identified the weak links. We planned future personnel needs and created new job descriptions. Headhunters were held accountable. We tracked time use, short and long-term company objectives, as well as management and personal goals. A top-notch assistant was hired. Support for personal responsibilities identified. This manager was taught how to coach her staff so that people knew what was expected and were held accountable. She became more aware of her time and how it can easily be taken by others. She began to manage up, getting more from the CEO in the way of feedback and authorization. She began to network outside of the office to enhance her exposure for her career and her firm. At times she works from home and is able to sustain a level of balance.
A SVP in a financial institution. Excellent performer with a great track record. Had trouble selling himself and was often taken advantage of when it came to assignments and recognition. In the coaching we devised a marketing program for the client—how to get greater exposure in the division and company, get a buy-in from the supervisor regarding performance goals, compensation and career steps. Time was spent in the executive coaching sessions writing her self-evaluation, interpreting her 360 instrument results and creating a development plan for what she wanted and when. The result was a greater than average salary increase and bonus, a decision tostart a job search and to move to another division and achieving some long overdo personal goals.
A senior executive for a mid-size company calls requesting information about executive coaching and the career search process. Seems the division he was working in for the past five years is being closed. Offered outplacement services by HR but decides executive and career coaching might better serve his needs. Not having looked for a new position in a very long time his resume was outdated not only in information but in format. His networking was limited to customers and needed a serious expansion plan. In our career counseling we talked about the stresses of losing a job, especially when you were doing so well and receiving excellent feedback from the people at the top and colleagues. We discussed the advantages and pitfalls of working with search firms. Within a few sessions this executive coaching client had a toolkit of job search implements. Had practiced interviewing skills and was out in the world of work and searching for a new job and possibly a switch in direction for his career.
PS: Want to know more about executive coaching, career coaching or career counseling? Hear what my clients have to say on the Client Testimonials page.
What is executive coaching?
Executive coaching is a collaborative relationship between you, the client, and me the coach. Most people come to executive and career coaching because of job/workplace aspirations or challenges. Coaching takes place either in-person (my office is located in Manhattan, New York City) or on the telephone. The agenda is always the client's, with me asking probing questions, helping the client re frame a situation or belief, looking for options and trying new approaches or behaviors. I sometimes offer advice on specific tasks or projects. In executive and career coaching we focus on the present and the future. As your coach I assume you are mentally healthy and we work from your strengths. One of the important features of executive coaching is it holds you and me accountable. You agree to complete tasks, projects and challenges within a set timeframe and I agree to assist you in the work using my expertise and training. For many clients career coaching provides the safe, objective, and supportive environment that does not exist in their place of employment. Coaching accelerates progress because of its power of purpose—most of us perform better when we have a vision, a deadline to meet, take time to focus and commit to report progress to another person. For the busy executive or manager scheduling a time to focus on their needs is an enormous step forward and necessary for success .
How do you and Executive Coach NY differ from other coaches?
I am exclusively an executive and career coach, not a life coach. I create a customized coaching program for each of my clients using models and theories I have studied and practiced over the decade I have been coaching. People come to me around career, job search, work and staff management issues. In addition, I was a successful senior corporate executive for many years managing hundreds of people and millions of dollars. I also was a small business owner. Few coaches can legitimately make that claim. I am educated and trained in the fields of business, coaching, education, and clinical work (a small percentage of coaches are). When you hire me as an executive coach or career coach you work only with me, not an assistant, intern, or subcontractor. You have hired me and you get me. Unlike many coaches I offer all my clients the option of in-person (in my NYC office) or telephone sessions (some people choose to do a combination). Telephone sessions eliminate the need to travel to and from my office and also permit coaching to continue when you travel for business. Face-to-face provides the privacy that is often not possible in a business environment.
How do we start?
Now is time to schedule a get-acquainted meeting or call me at 212-628-5280. The sole purpose of our chat is to insure there is a great match. We also discuss the executive coaching program, the timetable and answer each other's remaining questions. Once we have agreed to go forward I will e-mail you your welcome packet. This will include some of the basic bio facts I would like from you as well as some more exploratory questions about your goals and vision. It will also tell you how to take the MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator). We then set a day and time for our first series of coaching sessions.
After you have read this Executive Coach NY interview and checked out the testimonials, read the coaching program menu.
Which Executive Coach NY Coaching Program is best for me?
First read the Executive and Career Coaching Programs page. Ask yourself the following questions. Is my challenge simple or complex? Am I clear, somewhat sure, or clueless what the problem is? Am I narrative by nature (meaning you like time to describe the situation) or do I generally lay out the facts? Am I on a very tight budget or do I have enough funds to invest knowing I will get a great ROI? Am I ready for coaching or somewhat timid or skeptical? Is data (in the form of an assessment instrument (such as the MBTI) important when making a decision? How much time am I willing to devote to executive coaching? How important is the option of meeting face-to-face (rather than by telephone) for me? Do I want access to Jane during the week either by phone or e-mail? Which program do most of your executive and career clients choose? That question is easy for me to answer most of my clients select to "Best of the Best" program because it is the most comprehensive and choosing the best is how they operate. Still not sure? Schedule a "Get Acquainted Appointment".
What happens in an executive or career coaching session?
In the initial session we will focus on determining your goals, the steps to achieving them, benchmarks as well as a timetable. Prior to each session you will prepare a Weekly Progress Form. This will allow you to recap your achievements, note where you had challenges as well as help you identify what the focus of the session should be. At our scheduled time you either call me or come to my New York City office where we meet for our session. Since you are in charge of the agenda, we will focus on what you see as important. I will help direct the coaching conversation with questions and observations. Do I ever give straight out advice? Sometimes. Do I prefer to explore options with you? Absolutely.
How long is each executive or career coaching session? How often do we meet?
We meet for an hour a week. Coaching Programs. Sessions take place 3 weeks out of each month. I strongly suggest to all clients that they commit to a minimum of 3 months of coaching. This means a total of nine (9) sessions. It is difficult to see real progress, and insure staying power, if we work together for less than 90 days. It is hard to keep the weight off if you diet or exercise only a few weeks, so it is with coaching. It is hard to make lasting change without some practice and that takes time. When job search or career change is part of the coaching agenda it is necessary to do the proper amount of research and networking before making an important move.
What does executive or career coaching provide?
Most important coaching delivers a rapid and measurable return on investment. The power of coaching is in the relationship between the client and the coach. I am here to support you. Sessions provide structure, laser-focus, time to explore and discuss, and an opportunity to practice new techniques in a safe environment as well as a place to voice your concerns, vent frustrations, and hear other perspectives. At the more concrete level for people starting a job search it can help you create the tools you need - a dynamic resume, powerful cover letter and jump start your networking.
I have a friend who is a very successful surgeon. While I do not dismiss the fact he is smart, was a very good student at an excellent school, and worked hard to become top in his field, when I asked him the key to his success he quickly replied "I was smart enough, I had good training, and I am talented, but more important, I had a plan and I showed up". In coaching we set a plan and show up. This is the power of executive coaching.
Who is not a good executive or career counseling client for you?
Executive Coach NY offers custom executive and career coaching to executive and professionals. Because I personally work with all clients, teams, and organizations, I am very selective as to whom I can and will coach. Executives who cannot keep appointments or not able to complete assignments will not do well with me. People who are suffering with debilitating anxiety or depression, or other mental health issues are not appropriate at this time (they should seek mental health services). Individuals who do not have the resources to make the financial investment in themselves might first want to try one of my teleclasses or subscribe to my weekly "Competitive Edge Report" or go to www.CoachFederation.org and seek a less seasoned coach. Motivation to see or do things in a different way is essential in coaching. If you are content with now, highly resistant to change, prone to whining and excuses—I am probably not your coach.
How do executive coaching and career coaching or career counseling differ from therapy?
Coaching assumes and attracts people with good mental health. It is forward-focused and is a relationship of equals. The agenda is clear, agreed upon, and followed, rarely open-ended. Specific goals are set and a timetable established. Therapy clients often come to treatment because they are in pain or some form of emotional trouble. Therapy is face-to-face and significant time is spent exploring the client's past and looking at the genesis of motivations and coping skills. In therapy the relationship is one of expert and client. The dynamic is an important part of the work. In coaching the relationship is one of equals, more transparent and open. As an executive coach I would share more of many experiences than most therapists. Some clients have an executive coach and a therapist. While I am trained as both a coach and a clinician, I can only be your coach.
Ready to gain the competitive edge?
Make more money?
 Receive the next title, change jobs or careers?
Work on those top assignments?
Would you like this to happen...
with less stress and greater ease?
Click here to contact Jane or call her at 212-628-5280.
PS: Want to know more? Sign-up for the "Competitive Edge Report" right-now! Use the form at the top of this page.
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