[quote style=”boxed”]I believe the only way to bring my ideas or anyone’s ideas to life is through that first action — that first step. When I work with people who are trying to change their lifestyles or overcome a fear, it is done through small steps, and often these are best experienced physically. So taking one step can be a metaphor for so many actions. We have to take action if the ideas are to gain a life of their own.[/quote]
Rod Beau has been an internationally sought-after education and management consultant and keynote speaker for over 25 years. His practical, real-world business experience and career has been in educational leadership, relocation consulting, and executive coaching. As a Senior Consultant, Rod is a Master Facilitator with experience in Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Effective People / Effective Teenagers, as well as a Life Mastery coach. Rod is a graduate of the Anthony Robbins Life Mastery University Program and embraces many of his experiences into creating a bespoke program to meet his clients’ needs.
What are you working on right now?
I am working as a coach and mentor for people, including executives and top-line managers. I am also volunteering to coach those who are unemployed in their autumn years when they have tremendous challenges returning to the workforce.
Where did the idea for Rod Beau Coaching come from?
I started with Rod Beau Coaching to address the needs of change: change as seen in our schools and education system and how it was mismatched with the needs of industry, communities, and even higher education. Rod Beau Coaching started to address creating working partnerships between schools/communities (parents and students) and businesses. Rod Beau Coaching became the vehicle for me to work in international areas and bring those partnerships to stakeholders around the world.
What does your typical day look like?
Some are chaotic. A typical week can see me driving six to seven hours to a client in southeast England or northwest England and then spending many hours working one-on-one with their management team or chief executive. I enjoy the time in the car because it gives me the opportunity to relax and prepare for the next assignment.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe the only way to bring my ideas or anyone’s ideas to life is through that first action — that first step. When I work with people who are trying to change their lifestyles or overcome a fear, it is done through small steps, and often these are best experienced physically. So taking one step can be a metaphor for so many actions. We have to take action if the ideas are to gain a life of their own.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
It is wonderful that people are becoming more aware of their own abilities. People now try to reach out for assistance or support when they realize that they can change their lives. Often afraid to take that step alone, they turn to coaches to empower them with the impetus for action.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
During a university break, I pumped gas at a gas station. I appreciate how people all have to bring their own personality into their work, and even somewhat mundane jobs can be personalized.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
If I changed anything, I would not be the person I am today. I would not have overcome those challenges and unpleasant moments to learn from them. I do not believe any of us should look back and say, “What would I change?” The reality is we cannot go back and have to make the best out of what we have done or what has happened to us.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep working. Keep trying. There are times when you feel like you are not getting anywhere, but there are also times when you have to just stand up and grab the tiger by the tail. Invest in yourself. If you do, then you will get results. No one else will invest in you if they do not see that you yourself are making changes and maturing through life experiences.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Look at the things you are passionate about. I have always been told throughout life that you have to enjoy work. This is so true. If you do not enjoy what you are doing, then you cannot be successful. Find your passion, and make it your life.
Tell us a secret.
I have a tattoo that says, “My Heart is in Albania.” It took me 56 years to get the courage to have it done! I designed it, and I love it!
What are your three favorite online tools and what do you love about them?
I love LinkedIn. I was a late starter to LinkedIn but have embraced it fully now. I prefer it to Facebook, as there is so much in LinkedIn being shared by people of all professions, and you can find articles and webinars there to help your situation.
I like Skype because you really can video link from anywhere to anywhere (infrastructure permitting). I have the new BlackBerry Q10, and Skype is now one of my essential daily tools.
Google Translate is so useful. I admit it is not always accurate, but it can save the day — or turn your day into an interesting adventure.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I loved “Celestine Prophecy.” It helped empower me to believe in myself. So did our dear friend Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” series. Learn about yourself, and challenge yourself.
What’s on your playlist?
Wow! Everything from Albanian pop music to classical Beethoven to The Rolling Stones to Celine Dion. It changes depending on my mood. High-energy music for those times I need to pump myself up, piano sonatas for those times I want to quietly ponder something. Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Frank Sinatra, and Tri (a Mexican musician).
If you weren’t working on Rod Beau Coaching what would you be doing?
Probably teaching English in a high school somewhere in the world.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
Bev James @Bev_James from The Coaching Academy for her insights into your personal success.
Richard Branson @richardbranson for some sound self-management advice.
Stephen Fry @stephenfry (a British TV personality) for some light humor.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
This is very hard. I’m not sure. Probably watching a comedy on television, but I honestly don’t really remember.
Who is your hero?
My father would be my hero. He passed away some 20 years ago, but he was such a wonderful human being. I miss him and learned so much from him.
What would I like my legacy to be?
To have inspired someone to make positive life decisions that changed their own feelings about themselves in a positive way and helped them reach success.
What is something that you are passionate about outside of your professional life?
I was passionate about flying, and even though I hated physics at school and had to wear glasses, I entered into an FAA program. Not only did I become an Airline Transport Pilot, but I also enjoyed flying single- and multi-engine seaplanes. It proved to me the influence of “beliefs” because I was convinced I hated physics, yet once it was in the context of flying and aerodynamics, I loved it because there was a purpose. We all need to know why we are learning something and that those beliefs we embraced when we were young (under the age of 7) can hold us back the rest of our lives. Those beliefs that limit us and cause fear. Once overcome, the sky quite literally is the limit!
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Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.