June 2025 - McGinty Coaching

Coaches Help Clients Build Professional Networks

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help clients build professional networks. Do you have a strong network? Could it be stronger? Do you like networking? Some leaders find networking to be exhilarating while others (usually introverted leaders) find it exhausting. Regardless of how you feel about the process, networking is all about relationships. And relationships are what matter most when it comes to long-term career growth and business building. This is where professional coaches play a pivotal role. A good coach helps individuals refine their relationship-building skills, set goals, and, most importantly, build connections that foster career advancement and growth.

The Role of a Coach in Networking

Professional networking is a fundamental element of career growth, and coaches provide a structured approach to making meaningful connections. They act as guides, helping individuals identify key influencers in their industry, reach out to potential mentors, and leverage opportunities that align with their professional aspirations. Through tailored coaching sessions, individuals learn how to strategically expand their networks to gain valuable insights, job opportunities, and potential clients.

One of the main ways coaches support networking is by helping professionals develop the confidence and communication skills needed to engage with industry leaders and prospective employers. Many professionals struggle with initiating conversations or maintaining relationships with key contacts. Coaches offer personalized strategies, such as how to craft a compelling elevator pitch, engage in productive conversations at networking events, and follow up with contacts effectively. These skills not only enhance networking abilities but also create lasting impressions with potential employers, investors, or collaborators.

Coaches also introduce their clients to professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, guiding them on how to optimize their profiles, participate in discussions, and connect with professionals in their field. Leveraging these platforms efficiently can open doors to new career paths, industry insights, and collaborations that might otherwise be inaccessible.

Why Networking is Crucial for Professional Growth

Professional growth is often linked to the ability to tap into new opportunities, gain knowledge from experienced individuals, and receive guidance along the way. Networking fosters these aspects by allowing individuals to build a circle of influence that can offer career advice, business opportunities, and skill development.

For job seekers, networking is often the gateway to hidden opportunities. Many positions are filled through referrals rather than job postings, which means having the right connections can make all the difference in securing employment. Coaches help their clients access these opportunities by guiding them through informational interviews, industry events, and mentorship programs so that they can be top of mind when a new role becomes available.

Beyond job searching, networking is crucial for professional development, enabling individuals to stay informed about industry trends and gain insights from seasoned professionals. Engaging with a diverse network exposes professionals to different perspectives, strategies, and innovations, ensuring they remain competitive in their field. I encourage my clients to build relationships with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who can provide guidance and support in navigating challenges.

Effective Networking Strategies

Not sure how to get started? Here are a few effective networking strategies to help professionals build meaningful connections and advance their careers. Here are some key approaches:

Identify Your Networking Goals – Before engaging in networking activities, define what you want to achieve. Whether it’s finding new clients, collaborating with industry peers, or gaining mentorship, having clear goals helps you focus your efforts.
Build Genuine Relationships – Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about forming authentic connections. Coaches emphasize the importance of sincerity and mutual value exchange when engaging with others.
Leverage Social Media – Platforms like LinkedIn provide excellent opportunities to connect with industry professionals. Coaches recommend optimizing profiles, engaging in discussions, and sharing valuable content to establish credibility.
Attend Industry Events – Conferences, seminars, and networking meetups are great places to meet professionals in your field. Coaches suggest attending events that align with your interests rather than just general networking gatherings.
Offer Value First – Instead of focusing on what others can do for you, coaches advise adopting a “give first” mindset. Providing support, sharing insights, and helping others foster stronger relationships and increases the likelihood of reciprocation.
Follow Up Effectively – After meeting new contacts, following up with a personalized message or scheduling a catch-up call helps maintain relationships. Coaches stress the importance of consistency in networking efforts.
Engage in Online Communities – Participating in professional groups and forums allows individuals to connect with like-minded professionals, share knowledge, and stay updated on industry trends.

Professional Networking is Essential for Growth

Coaches help clients build professional networks that are essential for career growth. They provide the tools, confidence, and strategic guidance necessary to foster meaningful connections, open doors to opportunities, and enhance professional development. In a world where relationships often determine success, investing in a coach can be one of the most effective ways to accelerate one’s career and achieve long-term professional goals. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help clients build professional networks.

How to Coach the Inner Critic with Paul Boehnke

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way, “From Adversary to Ally: How to Coach the Inner Critic with Paul Boehnke”, Yifat Rogers and I sit down with Paul Boehnke. a speaker, author, and life coach helping solopreneurs align their business for greater impact. A former classical musician, Paul transitioned into coaching, focusing on personal growth and mindset transformation. His book, Thoughts on Demand, teaches individuals to turn negative self-talk into confidence, while his coaching emphasizes curiosity and abundance over rigid goals.

Key insights from Paul:

Success evolves from embracing the journey with curiosity.
Letting go of fixed outcomes leads to unexpected opportunities, like his invitation to speak in Iceland.
Addressing the inner critic is crucial for transformation—negative thoughts don’t define us.
Shifting mindset from scarcity to abundance opens up growth.
Curiosity reduces self-doubt, fostering a more fulfilling experience.

Listeners are encouraged to redefine success, question limiting beliefs, and embrace curiosity-driven growth.

Resources

Website: paulboehnke.com
Book: thoughtsondemand.org
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@innercriticcoach

About the Guest

Paul Boehnke (Benkee) is a speaker, author, and certified life coach who helps solo-preneurs find alignment with their business, so they have greater impact, make more money, and have more fun. First as a classical musician and now a coach, Paul has lived the entrepreneurial life for over 30 years. During that journey, he’s discovered what really matters in business building and loves sharing that with others. In Paul’s book, “Thoughts On Demand: Turn Negative Self-Talk into Unstoppable Confidence,” he shares the process he uses to help clients transform that little voice in their heads from an adversary into an ally. When he’s not wrangling inner critics, others in his life know him as a decent cook, lover of British murder mysteries, and a mediocre swimmer.

Reach out if you have ideas or suggestions for future podcast guests!

Strategic Influence is the Power of Persuasion as a Leader

Posted on June 20, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader. Do you consider yourself a salesperson? I never used to either. I have been a lot of things…a COO, a leader, a manager, a marketer, an operator, a chief of staff, an entrepreneur, among many other roles…but I never considered myself a seller. That was until I realized that I was selling every day. I wasn’t selling products or tangible goods, but I was selling my ideas, my programs, my team members, my results – to my customers who were my bosses, my team members, my stakeholders, even my husband and my kids! We sell all the time and oftentimes don’t even realize it. And how do we sell? We sell using our strategic influence.

This ability to exert strategic influence is a crucial skill for leaders, organizations, and individuals striving to shape opinions, drive decisions, and inspire action. Strategic influence goes beyond mere persuasion—it is the art of subtly guiding thoughts and behaviors to achieve long-term goals while fostering trust and credibility.

Understanding Strategic Influence

Strategic influence is rooted in psychology, communication, and leadership. It involves crafting compelling narratives, leveraging social dynamics, and employing persuasion techniques to motivate desired outcomes. Unlike manipulation, which prioritizes self-interest at the expense of ethics, strategic influence is founded on authenticity, mutual benefit, and sustainable relationships.

A key component of strategic influence is credibility. Whether in business negotiations, politics, or personal interactions, individuals and organizations must establish trustworthiness to exert influence effectively. Credibility is built through expertise, consistency, and integrity, ensuring that messages resonate with stakeholders.

The Principles of Strategic Influence

Several principles underpin effective strategic influence:

Reciprocity: People tend to feel obligated to return favors. Thoughtful gestures, such as offering assistance or valuable insights, can foster goodwill and open the door to future influence.
Social Proof: Individuals often look to others when making decisions. By showcasing widespread support or endorsements, influencers can strengthen their message’s impact.
Authority: Demonstrating knowledge, experience, or leadership enhances credibility and reinforces the persuasive power of an argument.
Consistency: People prefer to align with their previous commitments. Encouraging small initial agreements can pave the way for larger commitments.
Emotional Appeal: Connecting with audiences on an emotional level makes messages more memorable and persuasive. Storytelling is an excellent tool for this purpose.
Scarcity: Creating urgency or highlighting exclusivity enhances the perceived value of opportunities, driving quicker decision-making.

Applying Strategic Influence

Leaders, entrepreneurs, and managers use strategic influence to inspire teams, negotiate deals, and shape corporate culture. Successful leaders recognize the importance of clear messaging, transparency, and adaptability in fostering innovation and driving change.

Individuals can harness strategic influence to enhance relationships, build networks, and advance careers. Whether persuading colleagues, negotiating salaries, or inspiring peers, understanding the principles of influence can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

Ethical Consideration of Influence

While influence is a powerful tool, it must be wielded responsibly. Ethical influence prioritizes honesty, mutual respect, and societal well-being. Leaders and influencers must avoid coercion, misinformation, and exploitation, ensuring that their strategies contribute positively to communities and organizations.

Your Power of Persuasion

Strategic influence is the power of persuasion as a leader, and it is an essential skill for anyone seeking to effect meaningful change. By mastering persuasion techniques, fostering trust, and applying ethical principles, individuals and leaders can shape decisions, inspire action, and create lasting impact. In a rapidly evolving world, those who understand and harness strategic influence will find themselves at the forefront of leadership, innovation, and progress. Reach out if you want to talk more about how coaches can help you build your strategic influence skills.

Coaches Help Establish Your Personal Brand

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

Coaches help establish your personal brand. When it comes to navigating your career, very little is more important for both you and your potential employers than clarity on your personal brand. And your brand is more important than ever in today’s digitally driven world.

Whether you’re a leader or a professional in a corporate environment, an entrepreneur growing a business, or someone seeking new opportunities, how well you know yourself and how you present yourself to the world can significantly impact your success. Your brand is your reputation, your values, and the unique qualities that set you apart from your competition. It’s the way people perceive you, and how you want to make others look and feel when they are around you. Managing this brand effectively can open doors, build trust, and establish long-lasting relationships. And this is where coaches can play a pivotal role in guiding individuals through the complexities of personal branding.

What Is Personal Branding?

Personal branding is the intentional process of defining and showcasing who you are, what you stand for, and the value you bring. It goes beyond just having an attractive LinkedIn profile or a polished resume—it’s about crafting a consistent narrative that reflects your expertise, personality, and passions.

The benefits of a well-managed personal brand can:

Boost credibility and authority: When your brand aligns with your expertise and values, people begin to see you as a thought leader in your industry.
Expand opportunities: A strong brand attracts potential clients, employers, partnerships, and collaborations.
Create a lasting impression: In a competitive market, a compelling personal brand helps you stand out.
Enhance trust and relationships: People are more likely to engage with those who are authentic, reliable, and transparent in their personal branding.

Why Managing Your Brand Matters

While creating a personal brand is the first step, maintaining and evolving it is just as crucial. The way people perceive you can shift over time based on your actions, communication, and engagement. Mismanaging your brand—whether through inconsistencies, lack of visibility, or negative interactions—can hinder your growth and opportunities.

Common challenges in personal brand management include:

Inconsistency: If your online presence differs from your offline behavior, it creates confusion.
Lack of clarity: A vague or unfocused brand does not resonate with your target audience.
Poor online reputation: Negative interactions or outdated content can impact credibility.

How Coaches Can Help Strengthen Your Brand

A coach acts as a strategic partner in defining, refining, and amplifying your brand. They provide insights, accountability, and guidance tailored to your goals. Some key ways coaches help include:

Clarifying your vision and values: Coaches help you articulate your strengths, passions, and unique qualities that shape your personal brand.
Enhancing communication skills: A coach ensures that your messaging aligns with your brand, whether in networking, public speaking, or digital content.
Improving online & executive presence: They provide strategies to optimize professional profiles and support you in increasing your executive presence
Providing ongoing support: Coaches help adapt your brand as your career evolves, keeping it fresh and relevant.

Your Brand – Your Most Powerful Asset

Your personal brand is one of your most powerful assets. It influences opportunities, relationships, and career opportunities. By actively creating and managing it, you can establish a strong, authentic presence that reflects your expertise and values. With the guidance of a coach, you can ensure your brand remains authentic, impactful and relevant. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches help establish your personal brand.

Leadership Redefined with Tina Schuricht

Posted on June 13, 2025June 13, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

In this episode of Success Your Own Way “Leadership Redefined: Embracing Growth, Authenticity, & Success with Tina Schuricht”, Yifat Rogers sits down with Tina Schuricht to explore 5 essential characteristics of strong leadership: Emotional Intelligence, Executive Presence, Strategic Thinking, Delegation, and Building Trust. Tina shares how her definition of success evolved over time, from career-driven milestones to a balance of personal connections, flexibility, and time spent on what truly matters. This episode emphasizes that leadership is a journey, where personal growth and authentic leadership strategies unlock the potential of both leaders and their teams. Tune in to reflect on these traits and discover actionable insights for cultivating your leadership style and how coaching can help!

For more information about these topics, check the the following blog articles:

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in Effective Coaching

Coaching Helps Elevate Your Executive Presence

Coaches Support Growth in Strategic Thinking

Coaches Aid Leaders in Mastering the Art of Delegation

Building Trust as a Leader

Link to Video

Link to Audio-only

About Tina

Tina Schuricht has 25+ years of experience hiring, coaching, and mentoring across technology, healthcare, and insurance. She blends leadership expertise with a passion for coaching, helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Known for being engaged, curious, and committed, she builds trust while driving accountability and growth. Tina specializes in leadership development, career transitions, and lasting personal change. A certified professional coach, she has held leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group, Microsoft, and Kimberly-Clark, with expertise in business operations, marketing, and technology. With deep corporate insights, she’s ready to support clients in achieving their goals and dreams through McGinty Coaching.

Reach out if you want to learn more about these leadership characteristics and how to grow them!

The Intersection of Kindness and Accountability in Leadership

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Tina-Schuricht

The intersection of kindness and accountability in leadership has become a point of intrigue for me lately. While in a coaching session, this topic came up and it really got me thinking…is it really possible to be 100% kind and 100% in holding others accountable, or is this a zero-sum game? Might this belief about being able to be both kind and drive accountability come down to how we define these terms? Are we misunderstanding kindness; and what is the difference between being nice and being kind? In leadership, kindness and accountability are often viewed as opposing forces – that to be kind is to be lenient, and that accountability requires strictness. I don’t see it that way. I don’t believe that these qualities are mutually exclusive; rather, they complement each other, creating a leadership style that inspires trust, fosters growth, and drives success.

Kindness as a Leadership Strength

Kindness in leadership is often misunderstood as weakness. Yet, I have found kindness to be a powerful tool for team member engagement and increased productivity. Kind leaders foster a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. They often display empathy and compassion which leads to higher levels of collaboration and innovation. When leaders prioritize kindness, they actively listen to their team members, acknowledge their efforts, and show appreciation. These acts of kindness create psychological safety, a crucial factor in performance and retention. Employees who feel heard and respected are more likely to contribute their best work. Furthermore, kindness encourages open communication, enabling teams to share their concerns and ideas without fear of harsh criticism.

What is the Difference between “Nice” and “Kind”?

As a resident of a state which is known for its “Minnesota Nice”, I got curious about the difference between being “nice” and being “kind”.

Nice is about politeness; Kindness is about intention
- Being nice often means being agreeable, polite, and pleasant in social interactions. It’s about following social norms and making others feel comfortable.
- Being kind goes deeper—it’s about genuinely caring for others and acting in their best interest, even when it’s not easy or convenient.
Nice seeks approval; Kindness seeks impact
- A nice person may avoid conflict or say what others want to hear to maintain harmony.
- A kind person may tell a difficult truth or set boundaries because they genuinely care about someone’s well-being.
Nice is surface level; Kindness is meaningful
- Niceness can sometimes be performative — people may act nice to be liked or to avoid confrontation.
- Kindness is rooted in empathy and selflessness, often requiring effort and sacrifice.

Ultimately, kindness is about genuine care and action, while niceness is about social etiquette and approval. A truly kind person may not always seem nice, but their actions will always be rooted in goodwill.

Accountability: The Backbone of Leadership

While kindness creates an encouraging atmosphere, accountability ensures that expectations are met, and goals are achieved. Leaders who practice accountability set clear objectives, follow through on commitments, and hold themselves and their teams responsible for results. Accountability is not about blame or punishment; rather, it is about ownership and integrity. A workplace without accountability suffers from low standards, missed deadlines, and waning morale. Employees need structure and clarity to perform at their best, and leaders who emphasize accountability provide the necessary framework for efficiency.

The Balance Between Kindness and Accountability

A truly great leader understands the necessity of both kindness and accountability. Too much kindness without accountability can lead to complacency, while excessive accountability without kindness creates fear and resentment. The best leaders strike a balance—leading with empathy while maintaining high standards. Who are some leaders that exemplify this balance?

Satya Nadella (CEO, Microsoft) – known for his empathetic leadership style, which has transformed Microsoft’s culture. He emphasizes a growth mindset, encouraging employees to learn and innovate while holding them accountable for results. His leadership has fostered collaboration and inclusivity, making Microsoft a more dynamic and forward-thinking company. He has had to make some difficult personnel decisions recently, and as a kind leader this can be a hugely emotional challenge. As someone who has experienced, his leadership style, I believe Satya is a great example of this balance.
Jacinda Ardern (Former Prime Minister, New Zealand) – gained global recognition for her compassionate leadership, particularly during crises such as the Christchurch Mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. She led with kindness, ensuring that people felt heard and supported, while also making tough decisions to protect public health and maintain national security.
Alan Mulally (Former CEO, Ford Motor Company) – turned Ford around during the 2008 financial crisis by combining accountability with a supportive leadership approach. He implemented a transparent system where executives had to report challenges openly, fostering trust while ensuring that everyone was responsible for their contributions to the company’s recovery.
Indra Nooyi (Former CEO, PepsiCo) – led PepsiCo with a strong emphasis on both performance and people. She introduced the concept of “Performance with Purpose,” ensuring that the company met financial goals while also prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being. Her leadership style balanced strategic accountability with genuine care for her team.

Implementing Kind and Accountable Leadership

To embody both kindness and accountability, leaders can:

Lead by example – Demonstrate integrity and responsibility in their own actions.
Communicate expectations clearly – Ensure that every team member understands their role and responsibilities.
Provide constructive feedback – Offer guidance in a way that encourages growth rather than fear.
Show appreciation – Recognize achievements and contributions to foster motivation.
Create a culture of trust – Encourage open conversations, transparency, and fairness.

Kindness and Accountability – The Sweet Spot

The intersection of kindness and accountability in leadership can be a sweet spot. Leaders who combine kindness with accountability create environments where employees feel respected and challenged. This dynamic strengthens team cohesion, enhances productivity, and drives long-term success. In today’s evolving workplace, the ability to lead with both heart and discipline is what sets extraordinary leaders apart. Reach out if you want to learn more about how coaches can help leaders find that intersection of kindness and accountability in their leadership style.

Month: June 2025