Why do people use me as a business mentor or coach?

Peter Gourri at the Indian Consulate in New York City on January 19, 2021

Why do people use me as a coach, especially my corporate as well as other business clients? Well it isn’t just because I am a trained ICF coach, who also has extensive experience in business mentoring and coaching, leadership training and personal development. It is also because I make it my business to ensure that I have the up to date knowledge of business practices to ensure I have the abilities to make my clients more successful. 

I was delighted to have been invited by Consul General of India in New York City, Mr Randhir Jaiswal, in partnership with MPEDA and USISPF to an event celebrating Indian Seafood and its impact in the United States of America. It’s a lesser known fact that India exports thousands of tons of seafood, especially shrimp to the USA every year. After an excellent presentation, during which I had an opportunity to ask questions from subject matter experts in India and New York, there were samples of food to taste and enjoy. The food as you would expect was absolutely delicious. It was presented by the famous Michelin Star Chef Hemant Mathur of Saar

For me, being invited to the consulate wasn’t just having some fun engaging with others and tasting delicious food, although it was definitely enjoyable. It was primarily an opportunity to obtain knowledge about different aspects of international business. My background in business goes back to 1987 when I started off as a 17 year old outdoor clerk with a firm of Solicitors (Attorneys) in the Inner Temple area of the City of London. After hard work and a legal education, I rose to become a senior litigation and business lawyer representing small, medium and large businesses as well as individuals. 

My practice included providing business and legal advice and suing or defending against governments, institutions with diplomatic immunity to multinational conglomerates and all types of business. I also enjoyed representing nonprofit organizations and startups, providing them with practical advice on best practice and success. 

Because of my extensive background in business it means that I have very extensive set of skills not just as an ICF coach but also as somebody who has been there, done it and helped numerous individuals and businesses to transform themselves into greater success and contentment.  I’m able to give my clients practical knowledge based on that extensive expertise in business and individual success.

If you want to make your business more successful, or perhaps you want to have a startup or resolve issues which you can’t quite put your finger on as to why it is still around, drop me a line by clicking here. I have no doubt I will be able to help you.

Paying It Forward in 2021

New Years Eve 2020 - Colgate Clock - Jersey City

The numerous universal examples of "Service Above Self" that I have seen throughout my life and especially in the last year have inspired me to continue to give back to others and pay it forward even more in 2021.

I have decided that one of my personal goals for 2021 is to make available free of charge, three 45-minute business mentoring/coaching sessions per week to individuals or businesses. I am happy to discuss whether this is on an individual, team or organizational level. So if you, or anyone you may know could benefit from 45 minutes of professional qualified mentoring/coaching, please share this email, book a 45 minute session via this link 

Why am I doing this? Well, just before midnight on the 31st December 2020 I went for a walk beside the Hudson River where I live, and I took this photograph of the World Trade Centre and Manhattan. I reflected on the beginning of 2020 when I sent an e-shot in which I mentioned how we were now living in a new decade which was being referred to as “The Roaring Twenties” all of which was terribly exciting, and after a challenging past decade for many of us, it was now our time to seize the day and plan carefully for the future, both in our business and personal lives.

I don’t need to tell you that 2020 hasn’t been easy for many of us but if there was one positive aspect of the world we have all seen over the last year it is that we have all in our own ways tried to help each other.  And I’ve learned over the years that when situations might appear at their worst, it will almost always bring out the best in people.  

In the last year, I provided pro-bono coaching sessions to the many individuals who needed help. Many persons found their businesses and personal lives in severe difficulties. Working with me has given people the opportunity to gain clarity both in the here and now as well as the future.    

Think about what you want to create not just in 2021 but beyond that in 2025, 2030 and beyond, not just for your professional and business world but your personal life. This is my work and my passion. Helping those to have a successful future. 

I wish you all the very best in 2021.

Peter Gourri

Taking Care of Yourself and Others

When we entered this pandemic I made a promise to myself that I would not write any articles or emails about Covid-19. We are 6 months into this very strange and stressful period in history and so I decided to review my position as any leader should, and break my promise. I was delighted to be a guest on the "The Modern Manager" Podcast with Mamie Kanfer Stewart where I talked to her about business leaders taking care of themselves and others in the Covid-19 era.  

You can listen to the Podcast by clicking on this link which will take you to Mamie's podcast page.

I can’t guarantee there won’t be challenges in the future but I can promise you will find listening helpful. Remote working, limited public life and human interaction, rising tensions, and mounting uncertainty, has taken its toll upon many worldwide. Only today I was reading just how badly people have been affected and let's be honest, there are few who have not been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the Pandemic. Many managers, business leaders, and their team members are experiencing non-stop excess stress, overwhelm, and are nearing burnout. This isn’t healthy or sustainable. 

Mamie and I talk about how to take care of yourself and your team members during this time of immense stress and uncertainty. We get into some healthy self-care practices that are good even when there isn’t a pandemic, how to take advantage of this strange time, and more beyond. You can also Subscribe to the newsletter for "The Modern Manager" to further get further episodes, articles, and free mini-guides delivered to your inbox. You can also read the related blog article Self Care Tips For Managers And Teams During COVID-19

The Key Takeaways from our discussion are:

Because our mood heavily impacts how we see the world when under excess stress, it's easy to misinterpret actions or written communications (e.g. email or chat). Before assuming the worst, consider the facts vs your interpretation of them. Pause before responding when you feel emotionally triggered. Take a break and return to the situation with fresh eyes and a calm mind.

Give yourself and others a break. We’re all navigating the same complex, confusing and stressful situation. Beating yourself up helps no one, especially your team.

Make time in your calendar for self-care, including the time to do simple things like to prepare and eat meals, go for walks or exercise, etc. Offer to switch a video meeting to audio-only or a phone call to have a bit of a break for everyone. Maybe try a socially distanced walk to have an in-person meeting but only if it is safe to do so and proper precautions are taken in accordance with the relevant advice from the authorities. 

Take vacation time even if there is nowhere to go. There are plenty of things you can do if you put your mind to it. Discover a new park within driving distance or simply take a personal day at home to relax. Encourage your team members to take breaks and time off. You can be a role model this healthy behavior for them by leading by example.

Take up a new hobby or find an activity that energizes you. Or design a project for yourself and work toward it. Create a future vision for yourself by writing a letter to yourself as if you’ve achieved that future state. It will give you something to aim towards and remain focused. Spend time investing in the skills that will help you advance your career or business. Take an online course, etc. Know that you will get through this and be stronger because of this experience, no matter how challenging it is.  

 If you would like to explore any aspect of your business or career, please do not hesitate to book a session with me using the link here. You never know, it might just make an enormous difference and it what I do! I already make a difference to individuals and businesses. I can help you and your business too.