The Three Pillars of CEO Coaching: Insights from Katie Tross

Katie's Journey into the Tech Space

Katie started her career in executive coaching in New York City. While she enjoyed the work, she wasn't fully satisfied with the corporate culture in the industry. Seeking a change, Katie found her way into the tech space, where she began working with CEOs and executives across multiple departments. She eventually decided to focus her expertise on CEOs and their unique challenges in scaling their businesses. This shift allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the tech industry and the complexities of leadership within it.

The Qualities of an Exceptional CEO

According to Katie, an exceptional CEO possesses the ability to lead from a distance. They are not just focused on influencing their direct reports, but also on engaging and motivating thousands of employees throughout the organization. A great CEO is able to create a sense of belonging and purpose within the company, where employees feel like they are part of something bigger and that their work matters. They are also skilled at communicating and reinforcing the company's vision, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.

The Importance of Repetition in Scaling a Business

Scaling a business requires consistent communication and repetition of the company's vision, values, and goals. Katie recommends holding monthly town hall meetings to keep everyone informed and engaged. In addition, she suggests that CEOs record regular video updates to provide insights into the decision- making process and to reinforce the long-term goals of the company. Furthermore, one-on-one meetings with direct reports and office hours with employees can help foster a sense of accessibility and open communication.

The Three Pillars of CEO Coaching

Throughout her years of coaching CEOs, Katie has identified three essential pillars: the CEO, the business, and the people and culture. The CEO pillar focuses on developing the CEO's executive presence, personal brand, and performance. The business pillar revolves around strategy, execution, and financial management. Finally, the people and culture pillar emphasizes building a high-performing executive team, fostering a positive company culture, and effectively managing the board of directors.

The Role of Ego in Leadership

Ego can be both a supporter and a hindrance to a CEO's success. While a certain level of ego and confidence is necessary for starting and growing a business, it is important for CEOs to check their egos to avoid micromanagement and alienating their team members. Building a strong company culture and clearly defining expectations and behaviors can help mitigate the negative effects of ego and ensure that the focus remains on the success of the business.

The Power of Company Culture

Company culture plays a crucial role in the success of any organization. It is important for companies to define and communicate their culture clearly, taking into account the unique needs and expectations of their employees. Whether a company prioritizes teamwork, innovation, or performance, aligning the culture with the values and goals of the organization can help drive employee engagement and overall success.

Check out the full episode on my podcast Let's Go Win, where Katie Tross offers invaluable insights into the world of CEO coaching and leadership. With her expertise in helping tech CEOs navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses, Katie emphasizes the importance of leading from a distance, creating a clear vision, and fostering a positive company culture.

By focusing on the three pillars of CEO coaching—the CEO, the business, and the people and culture—CEOs can develop the skills necessary to drive their companies to success.

Remember, building a successful business takes time, effort, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1105955/14137438

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fgv0LZGP7PE