Spotlight: Mark Robertson, PCC

1 - What is your professional background, and why did you become a coach?

Between 21 and 30, after my college days, I jumped around in a number of jobs (tech sales, management consulting, IT development, assistant golf professional, etc.), as I like to say these days “in pursuit of a career I was passionate about”. I then got my Masters in Human Development Counseling and it was right after that that I realized I wanted to be a coach and committed myself to becoming a coach. Within 6 months I’d launched my business and away I went. I’ve been at it 23 years now and I continue to love it even more.

2 - How did you choose your specialty area?

As an Executive Coach, I’d say my specialty area is consistent with my Ontological Coach training – the idea that as Leaders we essentially get paid to have Effective Conversations, and those conversations are always shaping our Relationships. So, these days I call my specialty area “all things Conversations and Relationships”. So, once I chose to deepen my learning of the Ontological distinctions, I then chose my specialty area in working with senior leaders to affect sustainable change in them and the other people that make up their organization.

3 - What are the greatest challenges and greatest rewards of your career? 

Challenge – continuing to assure myself that my business development and marketing approach of “if you build it they will come” and “you don’t have to kill yourself to have your own business” continues to work, and that I get to design my life the way I want and limiting my work hours works for me. I have to remind myself from time to time that our cultural pressures work against that commitment!

Rewards – all the clients I’ve helped over the years, the ways they’ve expressed their gratitude for our work, knowing the impact I’ve had on their lives. It lines up perfectly with my purpose in life, so I don’t think it gets any better than that!

4 - How do you enjoy spending your free time?

Hanging with friends – laughter and great conversations! Spending time with my awesome dog Nellie at home or at the park. Having fun at Sounds games, UT games, or any other fun, social event around town. I love enjoying life with others, even to excess at times! 😊

5 - What is something that most ICFTN members would be surprised to learn about you?

I really can’t answer that as I can’t speak for what surprises others. If I had to guess though I’d say probably that I used to be an assistant golf pro.

6- What is your favorite quote?

Well, that’s tough, I can’t have just one. So, I’d say either “Be Yourself. Everyone else is taken!” or “The true journey of discovery consists not in searching for new territories, but in having new eyes!”

Connect with Mark on Linkedin.