Spotlight: Walter Tieck

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

My first career after high school and trade school was as a dental laboratory technician and the military. I enlisted in the Air Force in 1968 for four years and found my niche. I ultimately served 30-years in the Air Force doing a multitude of jobs including Professional Military Education, Dental Management and manufacturing artificial teeth. It was a great career that would prepare me for the work I do today.

2 - How did you choose your specialty area?

Following the Air Force and a few other shorter positions, I joined an international Career Coaching and Consulting organization in Atlanta and found my new niche, Career Transition Coaching. I started as a contractor and ultimately was offered a full-time leadership position and relocated to Nashville in 2004. The work I did then and continue today really brings many of the transferrable leadership and management skills I developed in the military to my coaching practice today. I am able to help our veterans and their family members to transition and successfully land at a satisfying career opportunity.

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

The rewards of my work far outweigh any challenge. Seeing clients flourish is the best outcome, the challenge sometimes is having the patience for them to realize their abilities and how to successfully employ them. It is all worth it for sure.

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

One thing most people don’t know is my last assignment in the military was in the Air Force Surgeon General’s office as the Dental Career Field Manager.

5- What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes is usually in my email signature block - Challenges are simply a stepping-stone to joy.

Connect with Walter on Linkedin.