In this episode of "Thriving Through" podcast, host AJ Riedel interviews Pete Cafarchio, an executive coach and consultant with over 8 years of experience following a 22-year career in tech startups. Pete discusses his journey from tech professional to founding his coaching practice and later establishing Oculus Consulting.

Throughout the interview, Pete shares valuable insights about businesses staying true to their original vision and values, highlighting how companies often flounder when they drift away from their core purpose. He explains that the biggest problems in tech companies typically stem from leadership and people issues rather than technical or business challenges.

Key topics covered include:

Pete's transition from tech executive to coach/consultant
The challenge of charging appropriately for your expertise
Managing imposter syndrome as a self-employed professional
The importance of building a community of peers for support
Pete's book "Align with Your Design" and its core message about authenticity

The interview concludes with Pete's inspirational advice for consultants, including his memorable "ABC" philosophy - "Action Brings Clarity" - encouraging professionals to take action rather than overanalyzing, and his reminder that each person brings unique value to the world.

Show notes

In this illuminating episode of "Thriving Through," host AJ Riedel interviews Pete Cafarchio, an accomplished executive coach and business consultant. With over 8.5 years of full-time coaching experience following a 22-year career in tech startups, Pete shares valuable insights on the journey from corporate executive to successful self-employed consultant. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom for consultants at any stage of their business journey.

Key Topics

Introduction & Pete's Background

- Pete's transition from tech startups to coaching/consulting

- Why leadership issues, not technology or business problems, are often the core challenge for companies

Mindset Challenges for Consultants

- Overcoming the hurdle of charging appropriately for your services

- The value of peer community and collaboration

- How to avoid isolation as a self-employed professional

People-Centered Solutions

- Approaching challenges that appear technical but are actually people issues

- Using tools like 360 assessments and strength finders effectively

- The importance of earning trust before delivering hard truths

Personal Insights from Pete's Journey

- Pete's transformative realization about leaning into his natural strengths

- The freedom that comes from accepting your limitations

- How self-awareness reduces self-centeredness and increases client impact

Final Wisdom & Advice

- Dealing with imposter syndrome: "manage it, don't try to fix it"

- The value of partnerships and staying in your zone of excellence

- "ABC - Action Brings Clarity" - Pete's formula for getting unstuck

- "You are God's gift to the world" - the importance of bringing your authentic self to your work

Notable Quotes

"True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it's thinking of yourself less." - Pete sharing one of his favorite principles

"Remember: there are people less qualified than you doing the things you want to do simply because they chose to believe in themselves." - Pete quoting Marshall Goldsmith

"ABC - Action Brings Clarity. You can overthink this. You can just be stuck analyzing over and over and never launch out. Just get out there and try stuff." - Pete Cafarchio

Featured Book

"Align with Your Design" by Pete Cafarchio - Available in paperback, hardback, audio, and Kindle formats on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DR9KFYLT/ref=sr_1_1

Connect with Pete Cafarchio

https://www.linkedin.com/in/petecafarchio/

petecoaching.com

consultoculus.com

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