Odette grads learn about executive coaching at alumni event in Toronto

Forty Odette alumni met at the Toronto Board of Trade offices for a networking event to meet fellow grads and renew acquaintances with former classmates. In addition to the networking opportunities, the grads enjoyed a presentation on executive coaching by Dr. Scot McFadden, a well known industrial/organizational and performance psychologist.

As Dean Conway explained in introducing the evening, the topic of executive coaching was chosen to provide young Odette alumni with insight into what it will take for their continued leadership progression.  Dean Conway then introduced Richard Peddie, former CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and the namesake of the newly founded Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative at the Odette School of Business, to introduce the guest speaker. Mr. Peddie explained that Dr. McFadden, who has two degrees from the University of Windsor, has worked with thousands of executives, managers, and professionals in the world of business and hundreds of professional athletes in sports and is currently working with Odette to design the coaching portion of the new leadership initiative.

In his remarks, Dr. McFadden said, “One of the key reasons for you to entertain the idea of engaging a coach to get involved with your career is to ask the question where do you want to be in three to five years.” Dr. McFadden explained that high performance coaching starts out with the identification of the three highest priority development targets or behaviours that need to change for an individual to get to the next level. This may involve relinquishing control and delegating, for example; however, it always involves asking yourself what will bring you closer to your eventual goal. Typically, a coaching program requires the support of the candidate’s manager, and takes place over three, six or 12 months with two meetings per month, each lasting about two hours.

Dr. McFadden advised the alumni to find an executive coach with a proven track record of success—one who has the ability to inspire and one that uses effective methodologies to identify talents and core development areas to achieve success.  Trust and confidence are critical aspects of a successful relationship with an executive coach.

Odette alumni events take place throughout the year to recognize the important role that alumni play in the ongoing success of the Business School. Alumni are engaged with the School in a variety of ways to enhance the student experience by speaking to students and also by serving as advisors to the Dean. To find out about upcoming alumni events, or how to get involved, contact Barbara Barone at bbarone@uwindsor.ca.