Episode Summary (Long)

In this episode, Marc and Emily kick off a new part of Season 2—interviewing some of the people they deeply admire. Before bringing on guests, they decided to run through the questions themselves to see what comes up.

They each share how they’d describe themselves, what three words capture their work, what they love most about what they do, and what they’re still figuring out. Topics range from email list management and marketing fatigue to physical health, faith, aging, and what it means to start a new career in your 50s.

There’s plenty of laughter and honest reflection, plus some real talk about entrepreneurship, burnout, play, and the weird transitions of midlife. Whether you're in a career shift, navigating new rhythms, or wondering if you'll ever figure out marketing platforms, this conversation will feel familiar.

Key Takeaways

• Even seasoned professionals are still figuring things out—especially when the tools and platforms keep changing.
• Shifting careers later in life comes with new constraints—but also new clarity.
• Connection, creativity, and curiosity keep showing up as core values in both personal and professional work.
• Making space for play (from local meetups to solo hikes) adds resilience to busy lives.
• Retirement isn’t the goal—it’s more about shaping your next chapter with purpose.

Quote Highlights

“I’m still figuring out Zoho Campaigns... and I’ve been emailing people since 1999.” – Marc
“I feel like I’ve had to make an alliance with my physical body.” – Emily
“There’s a kind of figuring out that feels like frustration—and another kind that feels like play.” – Emily
“Even though I didn’t want to go out, I’m always glad I did.” – Marc
“If I ever do retire, I’ll probably need a strategic plan for what I’ll build next.” – Emily

Resources & Mentions

• Concord Leadership Group
• Zoho Campaigns
• SpeakerFlow (for tutorials)
• Dr. Sarah Glova (referenced during a goal-setting session)
• Pam Slim’s Your Body of Work

Episode Summary

In this episode, Marc and Emily walk through the major events of the last year—from career milestones to health recovery, quiet moments to chaotic ones. They talk about their kids moving across the country and overseas, their experience during a regional hurricane, and the slow return to rhythm after a tough year.

They also share what’s changed in their work: growing the Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification, launching Exactly What to Say® Coaching, and figuring out how to support others while still building new systems themselves.

Along the way, they talk about play—Toastmasters, brewing beer, snail mail nights, and coding projects. It’s a wide-ranging, real conversation about navigating work and life without pretending to have it all together.

Key Takeaways

• Big life changes sometimes pile up all at once—making space to process them matters.
• Progress doesn’t always feel dramatic, but routines (like walking, therapy, or volunteering) help.
• Leading programs means also building trust in the people who will carry them forward.
• Personal and professional wins can come from unexpected places—including hobbies.
• Reflection is easier when you’ve kept a list—or a podcast.

Quote Highlights

“I want next year to be forward momentum toward longevity and strength.” —Emily

“It’s not just about what we’ve built—it’s about the coaches we trust to carry it forward.” —Marc

“Snail Mail Night at the stationery store is unexpectedly life-giving.” —Emily

“From Kindles to Kobos, from reading to coding—it’s like digital jigsaw puzzle joy.” —Marc

Resources Mentioned

• Exactly What to Say® Coaching https://EWTSCoaching.com/
• Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification https://concordleadershipgroup.com/coaching-certification/
• Pam Slim’s book: Your Body of Work
• Toastmasters
• The Warehouse Theater (Greenville, SC)

Episode Summary

In this heartfelt and idea-packed episode, Marc and Emily Pitman reflect on the messy inner journey of leadership. As they prepare to graduate a new cohort of certified coaches from their Quadrant 3 Leadership Coach Certification (Q3LC), they explore the deeper meaning behind their work—and the cost of leadership that relies too much on external validation.

Marc explains the origins of the “Quadrant 3” framework, first developed through years of executive coaching and later popularized in his book The Surprising Gift of Doubt. Emily adds perspective on how growing up as a rule-follower can lead to a leadership crisis when the “rules” suddenly stop working.

They share stories from real leaders, dive into themes like self-trust, stewardship, imposter syndrome, and why coaching isn’t just for aspiring professionals—it’s for any leader looking to move from burnout to effectiveness. Whether you’re an emerging manager or a seasoned consultant, this episode offers clarity, camaraderie, and encouragement.

Key Takeaways

• Many leaders are promoted without being trained—and left to guess the “rules.”
• Quadrant 3 is the point where self-doubt either paralyzes you or propels you toward deeper self-trust.
• Coaching isn’t just a skillset—it’s a mindset shift that can make leadership more effective and human.
• Personal growth often means learning to stop fighting yourself and start working with your wiring.
• Q3LC is for middle managers, retiring execs, consultants between projects, and teams who need to think more critically.

Quote Highlights

“It’s like driving with the parking brake on. Quadrant 3 is where leaders finally take it off.” —Marc

“I realized I hadn’t been working with myself for two weeks—and everything felt harder.” —Emily

“Leadership is stewardship. Not just of the mission, but of yourself.” —Emily

“Some people realize, ‘I don’t want to be a coach—and that’s a great insight to gain!’” —Marc

“We help people become more clear, so others can make a real decision: yes or no.” —Marc

Resources Mentioned

• 📘 The Surprising Gift of Doubt – Marc A. Pitman https://concordleadershipgroup.com/giftofdoubt/
• 👩‍🏫 Q3LC Certification for Individuals https://concordleadershipgroup.com/coaching-certification/
• 🧑‍💼 Q3LC for Teams https://concordleadershipgroup.com/transform-team/
• 💡 Mention of Beatrice Chestnut & Uranio Paes (Enneagram teachers)