Meet Phil Chun of Polaris Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Chun.

Hi Phil, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I became interested in Organizational Health in college when I took an Industrial and Organizational Psychology class. Shortly after graduation, I joined a small company that valued cultural health and provided a ton of opportunities for me to develop my own practical approach to leadership and cultural development. After leaving that position, I had roles at several different companies that placed varying degrees of emphasis on organizational health, which reignited my passion for fostering balanced work environments and developing leaders. I put in my notice before the Pandemic, not sure of what would be next for me. Then, the world started to shut down, and I, like many, stayed home and had too much time on my hands. During those countless days, I began to ask myself a ton of questions. What do I want to do with my life? What do I want my legacy to be? What impact do I want to have on the world?

Through journaling, therapy, listening to podcasts, and at-home coffee dates with my wife, it became clear that I am passionate about partnering with and developing leaders. And I’ve discovered how integral your own personal growth journey is in moving your career forward and I want to help people in leadership positions continue growing as individuals as they navigate leadership.

In my years in leadership positions in several different industries, I found that I am gifted at helping leaders better understand themselves and their teams and, in turn, become more effective leaders. Leadership can be an incredibly lonely and isolating experience. I wanted to provide a space to partner with those in leadership and bring my expertise and knowledge of people-operations and development to the table.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, this journey has been a roller coaster. It has been incredibly exhilarating and freeing at times, and other times it has been challenging and scary. The biggest challenge has been the feeling of loneliness that creeps up with solo entrepreneurship. When you run your own business, you quickly realize how heavy the weight of responsibility is that falls on your shoulders. As you carry the burden of pushing your company towards success, the experiences you face feel unique to you, and it can begin to feel like you’re isolated in that. As you spend every waking minute thinking about what you need to do and how to do it, it becomes very easy to have tunnel vision. And when you’re in the trenches, any task or appointment can start to feel like a burden. And that can be difficult to express to others.

The other factor contributing to loneliness is realizing how bad you are at specific parts of the business. For example, I am a good consultant, but I am a terrible salesperson. But when you’re a solopreneur, it’s all you. You can start to judge yourself and feelings of guilt begin to creep in as you compare yourself to others. And, if you aren’t careful, it can quickly start to affect the way you run your business and serve your clients. It can take a toll on your mental and physical self.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Polaris Consulting?
Polaris is another name for the north star, which serves as the anchoring point for seafarers to find direction and guidance to their ultimate destination. In the same way, my company serves as a guide for people to find direction and become better leaders. I do this by equipping individuals with a deeper understanding of themselves, their motivations, their relationship to the team and equipping them with tools to communicate more effectively. I work with executives, new and seasoned managers, and entrepreneurs by providing one-on-one and group sessions. I believe that every individual has the capacity to lead. It is a matter of discovering what kind of leader you are, where your natural strengths lie and learning to work through areas of struggle.

The first step is recognizing that growth is a necessary part of success. Once someone genuinely believes that there is more to know than they currently do, the growth process can begin.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
First, it is so important to find community. Whether it be a networking group or a group of close friends, have a group of people who will allow you to contribute and receive during your journey. It is important to receive help when you are struggling and, on the flip side, have a group of people that can celebrate your wins with you.

Second, building “learning” into your workflow is essential. Learning can be in the form of a meeting regularly with a business coach or consultant, an online course, listening to a podcast, or even seeing a therapist. You want to set up a system to continually push yourself to think outside of your box and comfort zone. The moment you think you know everything, your business is at the most risk.

Contact Info:

• Email: phil@withpolaris.com
• Website: www.withpolaris.com