Steve Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Steve , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This year, after many years of failing, I committed myself to learning to play the guitar. Unlike past attempts, I hired a guitar instructor to teach me the right principles and techniques and hold me accountable for practicing. It’s funny how once you realize you have the potental to play, you become highly motivated.
Six months in and I’m now playing songs I listened to in college!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the founder and owner of GrowthSource Coaching, an Orange County, CA based business and executive coaching company that specializes in helping business professionals become extraordinary leaders, savvy business owners and confident marketing strategists.
My sole mission is to help business professionals develop their clarity, confidence and operating performance so they can play at their highest potential.
As a business and executive coach, my clients consider me to be their ‘Catalyst for Change’. I work with senior level professionals to upgrade their thinking, demeanor, skills, confidence and desire for action so they can have greater impact.
I also co-host a weekly podcast, ‘The Business Wingmen Show’ with his son Travis Smith. And, I’ve authored, ‘Leadership Axioms’- Timeless Principles for Leading in Business and Life.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My second company was the Lysol Chemical Company. Early, I demonstarted enough potential to be promoted, eventually to the corporate headquarters in New York. My boss, who I consider a mentor to this day, taught me things about work (decision making, using authority, taking risks, developing great relationships, etc.) that I not only continue to use today but introduce to my clients. His philosophy transended skills and techniques and focused on mindset, thinking and behavior. I could not have learned this in school.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
After leaving my corporate career of 30 years, I decided that it was time for me to do my own thing. I wasn’t sure what that would be but I knew I was ready to fly solo.
I was introduced and bought into a small start up coaching company. They were new but I loved their philosophy and approach to coaching. I invested heavily to ensure I would make it.
As fate would have it, the company went bankrupt 2 1/2 years later. I was mortified! The thought of going back into the industry I came from was not an option. The thought of trying something else was equally not an option. I had discovered my calling in life and it was coaching.
Fortunately, my wife who was taking all this in, suggested I start my own coaching business. After weeks of researching this move and talking with colleagues inside the now defunked business I was parting from, I decided to move forward and start GrowthSource Coaching. It turned out ot be the best decision I ever made.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Education plays an important role in people’s ability to contribute at their full potential. I say ‘an important role’, becasue I believe there are other characteristics that are more important in achieving career or business success. Experience, mindset, personal relationships and a desire to do what others won’t is ultimately where effort meets success.
For too many folks I know (all of them smarter than me) their formula for success stops with their degree, or quest for more education. It now makes sense to me the ‘saying’ my peers had in high school. ‘A’ students will become the doctors, engineers and scientists of tomorrow. ‘B’ students will become the managers, planners, and supervisors of tomorrow. And ‘C’ students will own the companies that the A and B students work for!
Smarts is an essential quality but drive, discipline, commitment and humility is what wins over time.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I was raised at a time when praise was in short supply. Mom was better at this than Dad but ultimately, I learned that doing your best is part of a code. My code guides me to fulfilling my highest potential by what I can do for others. If praise comes, it comes from the gratitude of the people I serve. If not, I take comfort in the success I see them achieve, even if they don’t see it.
Prasie is appreciated but if it left the planet, I would continue doing what I do, the way I do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.GrowthSourceCoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/growthsourcecoaching
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachstevejsmith
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSCoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GSCBusinessCoach
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/growthsource-coaching-lake-forest-2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GrowthSourceCoachingOrangeCountyCA
- Other: Business Wingmen Podcast- https://www.businesswingmen.com
Image Credits
The Business Wingmen pic contains my son, a co-host. Travis Smith- Sqr1-Engineering.
