In this episode we explore coaching presence—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others. We discuss practical habits that protect attention (phone-free meetings, intentional check-ins, short mindfulness exercises) and tactics for deeper listening: asking curious questions, sitting with silence, and centering the other person’s agenda. We examine trade-offs—time pressure, notifications, back-to-back Zooms—and offer simple remedies leaders can adopt to be more present and energize their teams.

Bill Thompson is the President & Head of Growth at Young Storytellers. Bill led the organization through notable growth and sustainability as Executive Director (2008–2023) and now focuses on scaling impact. A Yale (MFA) and University of the Arts (BFA) graduate, Bill blends theater training with nonprofit leadership, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and listening as core leadership competencies. He’s a City Scholars fellow, Create CA Policy Council member, and recipient of awards for innovation and leadership development.

➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

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In this episode we explore how to build effective relationships with new employees. Alexis Ekizian walks us through his playbook: spend the first weeks listening more than talking, invest time in one-on-ones, run a team “who I am / what to expect” session, and set clear expectations up front (roles, targets, cadence). We discuss how that early investment creates psychological safety, speeds onboarding, and prevents small issues from exploding later. Alexis also addresses pressure points—targets, hybrid work, and imposter feelings—and how prioritizing well-being and rapid, honest feedback keeps performance sustainable.

We host Alexis Ekizian, Head of Agencies & Partners for Google Spanish-speaking Latin America, with 15 years at Google. A computer engineer with advanced training in managerial development and a Master’s in Big Data & Business Intelligence, Alexis blends technical savvy with sales and marketing leadership. He’s built high-performing teams that deliver tech solutions for mid-market clients and is known for adapting his leadership style to individual needs while driving measurable results across the region.

➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com

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In this episode we explore how leaders at UNICEF adopt a coaching mindset to develop people and drive impact. We focus on career-centered learning, 360° feedback, and coaching that normalizes mistakes as learning opportunities. Elaine shares vivid examples—leaders who rotate drivers to build inclusion, reps who empower staff to decide, and managers who model humility and growth. We discuss practical tensions (time, emergencies, hybrid work) and concrete habits leaders use to coach under pressure: candid feedback, developmental conversations, and small, regular investments in staff growth.

We host Elaine Lowe, Chief of Global Talent Development at UNICEF (Istanbul). Elaine holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of the West Indies. She has led performance, career and leadership strategies across UNICEF and the FAO, centering career development in learning. Elaine is passionate about empowering diverse teams, role-modeling inclusive leadership, and building sustainable organizational capacity so leaders can do more with less while growing their people.

➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes.