Interview with Jonathan Bowman-Perks, Global Leadership Coach

When I was a senior director at Asda (mid management position with a US job title) I was fortunate enough to realise I was entitled to executive coaching. 

I seized the opportunity and after selecting three potential coaches from a long list of ten, I picked Jonathan Bowman-Perks.

After an initial chemistry call with JBP and my then boss Chris McDonough I then embarked on a journey that helped change my life. Six two hour face to face sessions in his coaching apartment in London. Me being me, and Asda being Asda, I managed to stretch them out over a whole year, rather than the standard six months. 

But what I learned about myself and the power of a great question and the use of metaphor literally empowered me to take charge of my own destiny.

Some of the conversations we had together are as vivid now - nearly seven years on, as they were back then. Precise observations, challenging my limiting assumptions, the use of story and biology. Forcing me to confront how I viewed myself, and the impact of the words I chose to describe myself.

Jonathan taught me so much, I will always feel a sense of gratitude to him and of course to Asda for paying for it! I left Asda a few months after completing my coaching journey. The right move for me, and ultimately the company - so it wasn't wasted money. I left on good terms having helped restructure an entire part of the business, which meant my role was obsolete.  

Anyway, have a listen to this 20 minute chat and see for yourself what a fascinating person Jonathan is - and how his application of Nancy Klein's Time to Think principles are so powerful. 

If you enjoy listening to this podcast why not check out some of the others in season 1 & 2. Or perhaps you fancy taking part yourself? If so why not get in touch. You can find me via LinkedIn or Twitter