Lisa Stephenson is is a globally recognised high-impact coach, consultant, keynote speaker and author, as well as the founder of The Coach Place Global.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
I’ve always known that I wanted to do work that focused on people and personal growth – ideally in a role that allowed me to travel! Obviously, a global pandemic was not part of my plan.
Back in the day, I explored all the pathways, from counselling to psychology, and made plenty of mistakes along the way. It’s been a real adventure, involving various industries and work across multiple countries.
It was pretty early on that I discovered coaching was a powerful way to partner with people in terms of them exploring their own potential. Humans are fascinating. I worked with schools, government bodies, SMEs, athletes and entrepreneurs as I honed my coaching skills.
Then the corporate sector and consulting world opened up and my passion for talent, personal growth, culture and learning evolved. I’m now the Founding Director of The Coach Place Global, where our skilled team delivers high-impact coaching for individuals, teams and organisations.
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
I should make it clear that I am a single, full-time working mum to three teenagers, so my days are long and full. I am mostly up on weekdays by 5am. I often have early calls with overseas clients and walk for 45 minutes.
Mostly working from home has made it easy to ensure I am focused on my children between 7am and 8am, so that we can connect and have breakfast together before we start our day. Mornings are about delivering coaching, masterclasses and client work when my brain and energy are at their best.
From 3pm I mostly write, create and connect with my team when possible. From 5pm to 9pm it’s mostly mayhem, with various dinner times interspersed with kids activities, homework and sometimes calls with clients in Europe.
At 9pm I often do an hour of work, then 10pm is meditation, shower and journal writing before an 11pm-ish bedtime, at which point I normally fall into bed ready to sleep. All the working parents out there will know what I mean.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
We have always worked remotely, often with coaching clients around the world who we never meet face-to-face, so the events of the past 18 months haven’t had a significant impact on us.
However, COVID-19 has meant that we deliver much more of our work online now in terms of masterclasses, programs and workshops. No more weekly gigs speaking on stage to rooms full of people! As a business, we do operate a strong flexible working culture. My PA Sarah has a gorgeous baby and works in and around his needs.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
This is a challenge that many leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs face, myself included. I have a range of strategies and techniques that I use. The most important thing I do is to be clear about my daily/weekly/monthly non-negotiables.
I know what’s needed for me to practice self-care and to manage my own energy and priorities. Across the week I have a minimum number of hours that I walk and meditate. Friday night dinners with my children are scheduled in our family calendar and happen 95 per cent of the time.
I also make sure that I have other things in my life that enrich my thinking and fun factor. It might sound boring, but my non-negotiables all get scheduled. My job is what I do, but it’s not who I am!
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
I must say, I am the healthiest I’ve ever been in my adult life. Big call, I know! Extensive lockdowns in Victoria have meant that my weekly travel commitments have decreased significantly.
Fewer client dinners, less alcohol, less plane food and a lot more exercise and sleep. Like many people, there are some changes to routine and lifestyle that have been so good for me.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Yes! I love Craig Harper’s ‘The You Project’ podcast. He has a huge range of guests who always have amazing stories to tell in the self-development space.
I’ve just started reading The HeartMath Solution by Doc Childre and Howard Martin. I’m fascinated by the concept of heart intelligence and its links with wellbeing and creativity. And I can’t begin to explain my obsession with TED Talks. They really are so easy to listen to and you can find one on any topic whenever you need inspiration.
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
My mobile phone recently died and the anxiety was real. There’s not much else that I couldn’t live without when it comes to products, but I do currently love the Couch to 5k app and I do love Instagram as a means of connecting with our community. I always carry my journal with me.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Jacinda Ardern (Prime Minister of New Zealand) was the first person to come to mind, and I know why. She is a spectacular example of the modern working mum.
I imagine the juggle for her is real. She can lead a country, be a mum and do it all with compassion and strength. I’d be so interested to learn how she runs her days.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Life is messy, complex and precious. What’s working now might not work for you in 2022. I encourage everyone to do a full life audit every six months by reflecting on what’s working in their life and what’s not.
Take time to robustly look at all the critical aspects of your life, such as career, health, relationships and personal growth. Pay attention to the life you are living and don’t miss this amazing opportunity that we’re in post-COVID to redesign what your life looks and feels like.
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