The Hour

In our occasional focus on individuals and their careers, executive coach and facilitator with Transform People International Adrian Goodall, 50, goes under the spotlight.

How long have you been in your current position?: 5 years

Describe your route to this position: 18 years in broking and investment banking, then director of strategy in a PLC, and several years as a consultant in the venture capital market. I wanted to combine my relationship, business and leadership skills and experience in a way that helps other executives make the most of their potential – so we can all benefit from more effective and productive working environments.

When you started out what was your dream job?: Leading a big organisation with brilliant strategy, cool technology, humour and a bit of air guitar.

What’s your dream job now?: What I’m doing – creating powerful relationships with leaders so that they can feel fulfilled and motivated to achieve their best, and that making a big difference for the people who work for and with them.

What’s the best thing about your current job?: The level of trust which is built between me and my clients – it’s really very special to experience that – I feel privileged.

What’s the worst?: The frustration of incomplete communication.

What advice would you offer to someone starting out?: Take a little time to reflect on what you really enjoy doing and how you can differentiate yourself.  Your CV or business proposition has to be a compelling story. Focus on what drives you and get on with it – but don’t try to do everything yourself. Every success helps drive you on to greater challenges and personal fulfilment.

Anything else?: Treat all set-backs and rejections as an opportunity to learn about yourself and how you can do things differently to achieve what you want.


THEIR WORK LIVES

• The architect
• The helicopter pilot
• The composer
• The solicitor