In this special memorial episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen honors the extraordinary life and influence of Larry Cassidy—Marine Corps officer, corporate leader, Vistage Master Chair, mentor, and friend. Drawing from multiple past interviews, Sorensen reconstructs Larry’s story, weaving together personal history, powerful coaching moments, signature questions, and original tribute songs written in Larry’s honor.

Born in 1937 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Larry excelled academically and showed an early aptitude for public speaking. He later served as a Marine Corps Lieutenant and Captain, leading Marines in the Pacific region with discipline, courage, and “bark on the wood” truthfulness—a philosophy that shaped his entire coaching career.

After a distinguished corporate career at General Mills, Quaker Oats, and Wilson Sporting Goods, Larry became a Vistage/TEC Chair in 1987. Over 38 years he earned numerous Vistage awards—including the Robert Nourse Chair of the Year Award and multiple Master Chair Awards—and became one of the most respected leaders in the Vistage global community.

Sorensen pays tribute to his friend through archival dialogue, reflective commentary, and two original songs: “Bark on the Wood – The Unvarnished Truth” and “He Learned to Listen to Understand.”

Larry discovered his true calling—guiding leaders through curiosity-driven, truth-seeking, deeply human conversations. He built a reputation for:

• piercing, soul-searching questions
• empathetic listening
• courageous truth-telling (“with the bark on”)
• community-building (“The Romper Room” chair gatherings)
• and an unwavering belief in each leader’s potential

The Arete Coach Podcast continues to explore the art and science of executive coaching at the highest levels. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on the 23rd day of November, 2025. Portions were previously recorded on January 4th, 2021, December 22nd, 2022, and December 12th, 2024,

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this special episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen—executive coach, bestselling author of The AI Whisperer series, and curator of the Arete Coach Podcast—presents a solo discussion on the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence and its implications for leaders, workers, and society at large. Recorded on September 28, 2025, via Zoom, the episode titled “Reimagining and Bridge Building” explores the frameworks behind Sorensen’s two newest books: The Great Reimagining and Building Tomorrow.

With decades of leadership coaching experience and a reputation as a forward-thinking strategist, Severin Sorensen brings deep perspective and actionable vision to this pivotal moment in history through two new books:

• The Great Reimagining: A blueprint for navigating AI-driven disruption through balanced taxation of AI profits, Workfare 2.0 income supports, sovereign AI investment funds, and “The Solomon Solution”—a surplus-sharing framework designed to prevent the polarization of “makers vs. takers.”
• Building Tomorrow: A guide for youth, parents, and educators that frames 30 enduring “hard problems” in areas such as water scarcity, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and environmental stewardship. Written for STEAM-oriented learners, the book encourages the next generation to become problem-solvers in an AI-augmented future.
• Thought leadership: Sorensen has recently published academic work on agentic AI, led large-scale workshops with executives and Vistage Chairs, and integrated the latest generative AI applications into business strategy and executive coaching practices.

Key Insights for Executive-Level Coaches

• AI acceleration and agency: 2025 has seen the dawn of agentic AI—models capable of recursive self-improvement and behaviors that mimic consciousness, raising new opportunities and responsibilities for leaders.
• Bridging disruption with design: The “bridge model” reframes AI disruption not as inevitable collapse, but as a design challenge requiring intentional policy, economic, and community-building responses.
• Work with purpose: Sorensen stresses that while paychecks matter, meaning, identity, and community remain paramount. Coaches must help clients navigate grief, displacement, and reinvention with dignity.
• No one crosses alone: Communities of reinvention—peer circles, guilds, and city hubs—are vital in turning disruption into belonging and shared growth.
• The builder’s mindset: The future is not something that happens to us but something we co-create. Leaders, policymakers, and coaches must “grab a plank” and build the bridge toward flourishing.

The Arete Coach Podcast continues to explore the art and science of executive coaching at the highest levels. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on September 28, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this insightful episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen interviews Stephen Bruyant-Langer, a distinguished executive coach, keynote speaker, bestselling author, associate professor, and founder of The Personal Business Plan (PBP). Recorded on February 28, 2025, via Zoom, this episode explores transformative coaching methodologies, future-oriented life planning, and the structure behind personal reinvention .

With an episode titled, "Design Your Future: Blueprint for Life and Career Success", Stephen Bruyant-Langer brings a wealth of corporate and entrepreneurial experience:

• Corporate and executive search experience: Stephen’s early career spanned 15 years in global marketing roles at L’Oréal and Coca-Cola. He then spent two decades in executive search, including a tenure as Managing Partner of Korn Ferry Denmark .
• Transformational pivot: A personal life crisis became the catalyst for his transition to coaching. He developed The Personal Business Plan, a proprietary methodology for life and career planning now used in over 90 countries .
• Thought leadership: Stephen is the author of three influential books: Career, The Personal Business Plan, and The Existential Playbook, addressing themes of success, personal strategy, and meaning .

Key Insights for Executive-Level Coaches

1. Start with the future in mind: Stephen advocates for "future-back" planning—coaching clients to envision life 10–30 years ahead, then reverse-engineer the pathway with clarity and intention .
2. Structure breeds freedom: His 10-session coaching process provides the structure needed for clients to explore deeply while ensuring measurable outcomes—a concept he dubs "freedom systematized" .
3. Pedagogical integration: Stephen combines coaching, curated readings, and a robust online toolkit to help clients create a comprehensive, 100-page life strategy document .
4. Master the Choice-Action-Responsibility model: This mental model targets client blind spots, helping coaches diagnose and address areas where clients may procrastinate, blame, or ruminate .
5. Be available, be present: For high-performing leaders, availability builds trust. Stephen underscores the importance of concierge-level, just-in-time coaching to accelerate impact .

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on February 28, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast hosted by Severin Sorensen with an episode titled "Leading with Kindness: On Executive Coaching and Cultural Intelligence." In this episode, Severin engages with Dr. Krista Crawford, a distinguished Vistage Chair, speaker, consultant, professor, and leadership strategist. Krista holds a PhD in Organizational Management and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). With over 30 years of experience spanning human resources, organizational development, and executive leadership, she has significantly impacted leaders across corporate and nonprofit sectors. This episode was recorded on March 26th, 2025, via Zoom.

Krista's journey into executive coaching and Vistage Chairing is as unique as it is inspiring. After decades in HR, where she led organizations with up to 8,000 employees, Krista transitioned into leadership coaching serendipitously during the COVID-19 pandemic. A neighbor introduced her to Vistage, leading to her eventual certification and the establishment of multiple peer advisory groups.

Her career is deeply rooted in observing and addressing the human dynamics within organizations. Krista identified early the gaps in leadership development, particularly how some employees flourish while others feel disconnected. Her doctoral research focused on "social monitoring" and "cultural intelligence," exploring how individuals adapt and integrate into diverse cultural settings. Conducted in Belize with service-learning students, her research revealed that active engagement with local cultures significantly enhances cultural intelligence.

Beyond her coaching, Krista serves as an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and Champlain College, teaching leadership, ethics, and organizational development. She brings a rich blend of academic rigor and practical experience, leveraging her HR expertise, research acumen, and passion for continuous learning to guide executives and emerging leaders.

Key Insights

1. The Art of Listening and Pausing

Krista emphasizes the importance of listening to hear rather than listening to respond. In coaching, silence is a powerful tool, allowing clients to reflect deeply. She practices intentional breathing to create space for reflection and meaningful dialogue.

2. The Power of Vulnerability and Group Dynamics

She highlights how vulnerability within peer groups fosters deeper trust and growth. Krista shared a pivotal moment when a group conflict tested cohesion; addressing it transparently strengthened the group's unity and resilience.

3. Job Crafting for Engagement

Krista advocates for job crafting, encouraging leaders to engage employees in designing roles that align with their strengths and passions, thus enhancing satisfaction and retention.

4. Measuring Success Through Joy

Joy serves as Krista's personal metric for professional fulfillment. She believes that work should bring joy and that leaders should reassess their roles when joy diminishes.

5. Use of Psychometrics and AI in Coaching

Krista integrates tools like Wiley DiSC and various psychometric assessments to deepen understanding of team dynamics. She also creatively employs AI for ideation, content creation, and meeting preparation, demonstrating adaptability to emerging technologies.

6. Kindness and Continuous Learning as Guiding Values

Krista's mantras of "kindness is underrated" and lifelong learning reflect her approach to leadership and coaching. She stresses the importance of being both kind and courageous in providing candid, constructive feedback.

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on March 26, 2025

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

That We Might Live Free

A Memorial Day Tribute | Arete Coach™ Podcast with Severin Sorensen. A Special tribute featuring Jay Stringham (posthumously), Irving Ray Stringham Jr., and the Stringham family legacy.

In this special Memorial Day edition of the Arete Coach™ Podcast, host Severin Sorensen departs from his usual exploration of executive coaching to deliver a solemn tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation.

Titled “That We Might Live Free,” this episode reflects on the true meaning of Memorial Day, honors the story of WWII aviator Irving Ray Stringham Jr., and shares a sacred poem—A Soldier’s Last Prayer—written by his younger brother Jay Thorral Stringham.

Rather than featuring a conventional guest, this episode centers on a heartfelt tribute to Irving Ray Stringham Jr., a WWII aviator who gave his life over the skies of Germany, and Jay Thorral Stringham, his younger brother and the only survivor among five friends from their neighborhood who went to war together.

Haunted by loss and moved by a deep sense of reverence, Jay channeled his grief and gratitude into a poem titled “A Soldier’s Last Prayer.” The poem, delivered in this episode, is a poignant reflection of a soldier’s internal dialogue on the eve of battle—capturing a blend of fear, faith, sacrifice, and hope. The host received this poem from Jay’s daughter, Dolly Hicks, who entrusted its legacy to be shared and remembered.

With permission from the family, Severin transforms this heartfelt poem into three powerful musical renditions, each offering a different lens on sacrifice, remembrance, and devotion.

This is not a performance—this is an offering.

A moment of remembrance.

A promise to never forget.

Featuring:

• Historical reflections and family stories
• Three musical interpretations of A Soldier’s Last Prayer
• Quotes from JFK, Reagan, Lincoln, Patton, and more
• A call to live with gratitude, purpose, and honor

🕯️ May we remember. May we honor. And may we live free.

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on Memorial Day, May 26, 2024.

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

In this engaging episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, titled "From Engineering Expertise to Master Chair Leadership," host Severin Sorensen interviews Susan Motkaluk, a visionary leader, Master Chair, CEO, and Board Advisor with TEC Canada. With over 25 years of experience spanning civil engineering, project management, infrastructure innovation, and executive coaching, Susan brings a rich interdisciplinary perspective to leadership excellence. Recognized for her work in sustainable development and awarded for her contributions by the United Nations, Susan shares her insights on coaching, leadership, and building communities of excellence.

Susan’s journey into executive coaching is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning. An early achiever in engineering and leadership roles, Susan led large groups in the oil sands and public sector positions, including as a Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Recognizing gaps in leadership tools early in her career, she sought mentors who became instrumental in her growth.

Her engineering background, particularly first principles thinking developed at the University of Waterloo, became the cornerstone of her coaching philosophy—encouraging structured problem-solving, curiosity, and assembling diverse teams.

Today, Susan channels her passion into leading TEC Canada peer groups, running her company SDM Inc (Sustainable Development and Monitoring), facilitating leadership alignment workshops, and serving on private company boards, helping leaders and communities grow sustainably.

Key Insights

1. Coaching Rooted in First Principles and Curiosity. Susan blends engineering problem-solving techniques with deep curiosity, helping clients move beyond surface-level issues to uncover root causes and achieve sustainable success.

2. The Power of Mentorship and Community Building. Susan credits much of her success to mentors she actively sought out. She stresses that leaders must not only create but recognize opportunity—and that belonging and connection are crucial antidotes to the epidemic of loneliness in leadership roles.

3. Alignment as the Heart of Effective Leadership. Building and aligning leadership teams around shared values and purpose is central to Susan’s work. She champions “carefrontational” conversations—honest yet compassionate dialogues that drive deeper connections and actionable insights.

4. Courageous Leadership and Authenticity. Susan emphasizes the need for courage in leadership: telling the truth with care, remaining authentic, and making bold decisions even when misunderstood.

5. AI and Decision-Making in Leadership. While recognizing AI’s ability to optimize decision-making processes, Susan insists that human intuition, gut instincts, and the spark of original ideas remain irreplaceable. She promotes a balance between data-driven tools and human ingenuity.

Memorable Quotes

1. "If you don't know, somebody might know—so keep asking and surround yourself with great people."
2. "You have to see the invisible to do the impossible."
3. "Opportunity is a blessing, but recognizing it is a skill."
4. "Alignment happens when everything clicks—and that’s when the real magic starts."

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on March 10, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

Welcome to the Arete Coach Podcast, hosted by Severin Sorensen. In this episode titled "Mastery in Motion — Journey to Coaching Excellence and Leadership Impact," Severin speaks with Dr. Wai K Leong, an accomplished ICF Master Certified Coach (MCC), ICF Global Board Director, and Founder of JMC Coach Mastery Academy.

Recorded on December 20, 2024, this conversation explores Wai K’s journey from corporate leadership to coaching mastery, and his influential role in building coaching cultures across Asia and beyond. Recognized as the first Malaysian to receive the MCC credential and a member of the ICF Circle of Distinction (2019), Wai K shares powerful lessons for leaders and executive coaches seeking excellence.

Wai K Leong’s career began in education and corporate leadership, including significant roles at Intel and the Hong Leong Group, before he transitioned fully into coaching. His early leadership challenges sparked a deep interest in coaching methodologies, greatly influenced by the teachings of Thomas Leonard.

In 1999, Wai K founded the JMC Coach Mastery Academy, establishing one of ASEAN’s first ICF-accredited institutions with all four accredited coaching programs. His authored works — including Empowering Asian Mindsets Through Coaching — blend coaching mastery with cultural intelligence, empowering leaders to drive transformational change.

Key Insights

1. Mastery Beyond Tools: Transforming the Self

Wai K emphasizes that true coaching excellence requires a personal transformation — not just mastering techniques, but deep inner work, developing self-awareness, and practicing courageous presence.

2. The Power of Staying Curious

He illustrates the importance of "remaining in a state of not knowing," allowing deeper client truths to emerge without rushing to conclusions, a hallmark of masterful coaching.

3. Narratives Shape Leadership

Wai K teaches that problems are symptoms of deeper assumptions and beliefs, and coaches must guide clients to reframe unhelpful narratives for true progress.

4. Cultural Bridges in Coaching

Addressing the differences between Eastern and Western mindsets, Wai K shares strategies for adapting coaching approaches across cultures, fostering reflection even where expressiveness may not be culturally natural.

5. Lifelong Development and Reflection

From mastering presence to reinforcing healthy boundaries, Wai K champions continuous personal development as the foundation of lasting coaching impact.

Closing & Copyright Information

This episode of the Arete Coach Podcast featuring Wai K Leong, MCC was recorded on December 20, 2024, via Zoom video.

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

Copyright © 2024 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.

© 2024 Arete Coach. All rights reserved.

To learn more about Wai K’s work, visit JMC Coach Mastery Academy or connect with him via LinkedIn.

"Mastering the Art of Coaching: On Readiness, Supervision, and Growth."

In this episode of the Arete Coach Podcast, host Severin Sorensen welcomes Clare Norman, a Master Certified Coach (MCC), author, and master mentor coach based in Brockenhurst, England. With over 25 years of experience in leadership and coaching, Clare specializes in executive coaching, leadership transitions, team coaching, and fostering coaching cultures within organizations. She is also the founder of Clare Norman Coaching Associates and the author of several books, including The Transformational Coach, Mentor Coaching: A Practical Guide, and her latest release, Cultivating Coachability. In this conversation, Clare shares her insights on coaching readiness, supervision, and the journey toward masterful coaching.

Clare’s path into coaching began during her tenure at Accenture, where she recognized the gap between leadership training and the practical application of learned concepts in the workplace. Witnessing the struggle leaders faced in implementing training-driven changes, she discovered coaching as a powerful tool for sustained behavioral transformation. Her research-based approach led her to champion coaching as an organizational development tool, earning her the self-appointed title of “advocate for coaching” within Accenture.

Clare’s journey toward mastery was gradual, transitioning from an ACC to PCC and ultimately to an MCC credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She emphasizes the importance of supervision in this journey, highlighting how mentor coaching and supervision allowed her to unlearn ineffective habits, refine her skills, and deepen her presence as a coach.

Key Insights & Takeaways

1. The Role of Supervision in Coaching Mastery

• Coaching supervision is essential for ethical, professional, and personal growth.
• It provides a reflective space to analyze coaching effectiveness, ethical dilemmas, and personal biases.
• Supervision helps coaches avoid common pitfalls and ensures they remain client-centered.

2. Coaching Readiness vs. Coachability

• Clare differentiates between “coaching readiness” and “coachability.”
• Not everyone is immediately ready for coaching; readiness depends on motivation, timing, and willingness to engage in deep thinking.
• Organizations should assess coaching readiness before assigning a coach to an executive.

3. The Journey from PCC to MCC

• Mastery requires significant unlearning, particularly around directive coaching tendencies.
• Key shifts include summarizing less, using the client’s own words to formulate powerful questions, and focusing on depth over breadth.
• Effective coaching is about presence, patience, and helping clients slow down to gain clarity.

4. The Importance of Full-Body Wisdom in Coaching

• Coaching is not just about cognitive processing but also involves emotional and somatic awareness.
• Encouraging clients to stand, move, or explore metaphors can unlock deeper insights.
• Full-body wisdom integrates intuition, gut feelings, and physical awareness into coaching conversations.

5. The Intersection of AI and Coaching

• Clare acknowledges the rise of AI-driven coaching but emphasizes that human connection remains irreplaceable.
• AI can serve as a useful in-between tool for coaching clients but should not replace human coaches.
• Ethical concerns and ensuring AI remains non-directive are critical.

Memorable Quotes

“Hours of coaching do not a master make.”

“Our job as coaches is to build the client’s thinking muscles, not do the thinking for them.”

“Supervision isn’t about fixing; it’s about refining and deepening our coaching presence.”

The Arete Coach Podcast explores the art and science of executive coaching. You can find more about this podcast at aretecoach.io.

This episode was recorded on February 7, 2025.

Copyright © 2025 by Arete Coach™ LLC. All rights reserved.