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)

Episode Summary

Welcome to Season 2! In this honest and often humorous episode, Marc A. Pitman, CSP, and Emily Pitman, ACC, CPCC, reflect on their journey from the launch of their podcast to now. They talk about the initial tech struggles (hello, 18-minute setup delays), learning new tools like Hindenburg Pro, and the unexpected joy of growing together through the messiness of podcasting.

You’ll hear about their commitment to showing up imperfectly, lessons from editing and production, and the evolving way they think about their message, their marriage, and their work in leadership and coaching. Whether you're in the middle of your own creative project or navigating growth in your relationship, this episode will leave you inspired to lean into the messy middle.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Learning a new tool like Hindenburg Pro requires patience and a long-game mindset
• Letting go of perfection allows more authentic conversations to happen
• Collaboration can deepen connection—especially in marriage and in business
• Being flexible and committed to the process matters more than having it all figured out
• Creativity thrives when you're willing to be messy

🗣 Quote Highlights

“I really had to press into our commitment to be messy.” – Emily Pitman
“The first thing I learned is that I really like you.” – Marc A. Pitman
“When we started Season 1, we didn’t even have a name for it.”

🔗 Mentions & Resources

• Hindenburg Pro – Audio editing software