06/03/2026
Last week rounded off an exceptional month of May thanks to Vistage and the Napa Valley.
One of the biggest impact questions I heard all week was:
"What if _________ so that _________?"
A powerful reminder of how we frame challenges. It shifts us from "I have an issue with..." to possibility, ownership, and action. Thanks to Vistage Chair Bill Kern for the reminder.
As someone who loves both wine and coaching, Napa delivered plenty of both. Premium experiences, hidden gems, exceptional service, and meaningful conversations across three Vistage groups.
Day 1
I reconnected with Helen Thompson, whom I first met at The Open Door Coaching Group course 21 years ago. After an incredible career in corporate coaching, Helen and her husband John are the owners of Hartford House in St. Helena. If you're ever in the area and looking for unique gifts, it's well worth a visit. Personally, I love my new earrings!
Day 2
Vistage Chair Karen Roche led the charge with her Advancing Leaders group. The energy lifted the moment we started coaching.
Day 3
A Key group with Vistage Chair Bill Kern explored the art of coaching upwards, sideways, and beyond direct reports.
Day 4
A CE group focused on a thought that stayed with me all week:
"Perhaps the next evolution of coaching isn't another model or framework, instead having the courage for CEOs to embrace coaching as a way of leading, and to coach the human first and the performer second."
In the workplace, a powerful coaching question is:
"Who is this person becoming as a result of this experience?"
rather than simply: "How can this person perform better?"
When leaders focus on developing the human, not just improving the outcome, performance, engagement, and growth often follow.
Thank you, Karen and Bill.
Day 5
A final stop at the hidden gem that is Nichelini Winery on the way to the airport.
All three workshop days were held at the Learning & Development Center of Homeward Bound of Marin in Novato. Thank you to Moira McGinty and the team for creating such a welcoming environment dedicated to helping people build skills, confidence, and pathways to employment.
Thank you, Vistage. Another week of curiosity, connection, coaching, and a few great glasses of wine.
