“I am a corporate VP at a large company in Vancouver, B.C.. My growth and advancements have been really great, and I am very grateful for Dr. Schwarzbeck and his brilliant effort with me.

In 2013 I heard Dr. Schwarzbeck speak about how analysis of a five-way interaction of seemingly unrelated challenging, competitive forces can create re-sets in company strategy and determine profitability. The next day he gave a memorable talk on episodic constructions of creative thinkers, and how attention to structure, rather than profits and content, can produce structural constructions which pave the way for dramatic advancement.  Little did I know that these two presentations were menus for my life in the next three years.

With logistical challenges of transportation, scheduling and long distance communication, Charles and I went to work a month later.

I was a successful manager in three divisions of my former company, and then a senior marketing manager with more compensation at my present company. I outworked everybody, got pay raises, felt obligated to work longer and harder, and didn’t get promoted. Up close I was well compensated, but from a career perspective I was a stuck,  – an expert at repeatedly doing the same thing in different divisions.

Coaching with Dr. Schwarzbeck was a no-brainer. His focus is intense, his thinking is brilliant, and his ability to create and teach very complex concepts, structures and roles is amazing.  I got it – easily!

At our first meeting I realized that he had already studied my industry and my company. He listened intently and quickly. Within a week he had me perceiving my company, my skill sets, and myself from several perspectives. Quickly, I could see two areas where I needed a rush education. Brilliantly, I could see myself with opportunities that I had never realized.

He coached, he taught, he provided role analyses, and he encouraged me to seriously consider and create a new expertise.  We studied, we read, we made charts and diagrams. Very quickly I had new hopes and dreams. Very quickly Charles translated all of this into new trajectories. Then he encouraged me to design formal presentations and practice their delivery. He encouraged me to take chances.

At each meeting I realized I was with a very compassionate coach.

There is so much to tell.    I can’t understand why I lived and worked the way I did. What was important isn’t anymore. I didn’t know about what is important.

Now I’m alive and creative, and people hope for my next idea.

I’ll just say that I learned more about business in a few months that I did in many years of school. I learned so much about myself. And, with fear covered by certainty and poise, I was rather quickly promoted to GM. My work life became profoundly strategic. I moved to new colleagues, and new mandates.

My mandates are now strategy and invention. I am thinking with smart people who are impressed with my continued learning, my creative thinking, and encouragement to try and do it!

Charles, I haven’t “checked in” since 2013. I’m a VP now. You said I would be! I love my life. So does my family.  Give us lots of your knowledge and thinking with your new sites!

Thank you!”

PJS, Vancouver