Scott’s Why

Here at Stone House, we talk often about trust, vulnerability, and knowing your values. So, I thought, why aren’t we walking the walk? I sat down with Scott to chat about what makes him “tick,” why he became an executive coach, and how Stone House came to be.

What about coaching do you enjoy? Don’t give me a generic “seeing people grow” answer!

The bland, “seeing people grow” really is true for me. I love it when the light comes on. But, I also absolutely love that people trust me with this very important part of their growth.

What specific traits make you a good coach?

I’m naturally curious, and when I’m in coaching-mode, I’m a great listener (not so much in normal life). I’m also pretty process-driven, which was a habit I picked up out of necessity, but now is just part of my life.

What do your clients say about you? Why are they drawn to you personally?

Well, let’s be clear —I’m not everyone’s cup of tea. But for those who are drawn to work with me, I think it’s a few things: First, I make complex things easier to manage by helping people identify & strip away the bullshit (most of which they create for themselves). Second, I help them hold themselves accountable in reasonable ways. Whether they’re too hard or too easy on themselves, part of my job is to get them to right-size that accountability. Finally, for better or for worse, I don’t typically speak like most other coaches. I think my blue-collar no-nonsense approach is just what some folks are looking for.

Have you had a coach yourself? If so, how did that shape who you are as a coach today?

I’ve had several coaches over the years. I continue to lean on certain coaches for different reasons. Every time I work with a different coach, not only do I benefit from the coaching, I benefit from seeing a different style of coaching in action. 

What gets you out of bed? What keeps you up at night?

Often what gets me out of bed is my cat screaming for breakfast. But if you’re wondering what gets me excited for work, it’s the calls with clients. On days when I just have back-office stuff to do, I’m not very stoked to start the day. Nothing much keeps me up at night anymore; the only part of my work that stresses me out is that rare occasion when I know I probably need to stop working with a client who’s not making progress, but I’m struggling to let go. 

Time flies when you’re having fun…what’s “fun” for you?

Travel to new places (and a few familiar ones). Cooking, especially learning a new cooking technique or trick. Eating, especially when I’m travelling to a new place.

What are your most closely held values?

I truly value relationships that are deep and meaningful. I treasure them because they are so few and far between. And, because of my work, I’m blessed with more of those than the average person.

I value the truth. And, I don’t mean just not lying to people. I mean I don’t buy into the idea that sometimes you’re better off not knowing. I need to get to the bottom of things. I need to figure out when I’ve got stuff wrong.

I value action. I’m a planner, but I do that either as a speed-bump for my propensity to move too quickly, or to facilitate quick action later.

How did Stone House come to be? Specifically, how did you get started?

I was working for a small training company. They did really great work—soft-skills training, leadership development, team building, etc. Without getting into details, I thought the company owners were missing some opportunities, but they disagreed. 

So, in December of 2011, I was visiting my wife’s cousin, Brett (a very successful entrepreneur from the UK), at his home in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia. He and I were sitting on the porch, overlooking beautiful Marigot (there was probably some rum involved), and I was complaining about how my bosses just wouldn’t listen to me. Brett said to me, “Look, these people have built a successful business from the ground up over the last 20 years. Who the f**k are you to tell them what they should be doing? If you think you can do it better, you should do it yourself.” He wasn’t wrong. 

Over the next several months, my wife, Maria, and I planned, talked, debated, and pored over the family finances to see if it was doable. In April of 2012, Stone House Management Consulting, LLC was launched. I called it Stone House because the name of Brett’s house was The Stone House. 

(As an aside, Brett’s newer home, The Tea House, is an excellent place for a Leadership Team offsite! 😊)

Why do you think so many of your great ideas come when you have a mai tai in your hand?

Because everything sounds like a great idea if add enough rum.

If not this, then what?

I’d love to be a travel guide. I’d love to show people how to step away from the typical tourist path when they travel and find “adventures and fun and things they’ve never done” (that’s a quote from my friend Katie).