Intentionally Directing Careers: An Interview with Maria Kyriakos, CEO of Leader Assist Executive Coaching

Maria Kyriakos is an executive leadership and career coach and CEO of Leader Assist Executive Coaching. Maria founded Leader Assist to guide mid-career professionals to be intentional about their executive presence and career story, by better understanding themselves, their core values, individual strengths and their future goals. Together with her clients she helps develop and implement a customized approach that will boost their confidence, as well as their professional impact.Maria shares her experience growing up as a first generation American and an only child in a family profoundly shaped by the experiences of World War II, where she learned early on the importance of responsibility, commitment, and financial conservatism. Maria details her journey from corporate HR leadership to becoming an executive coach, shedding light on the challenges and rewards that come with starting your own business She discusses the impact of effective coaching, the criticality of taking personal responsibility for career management, and the importance of financial independence. In our conversation, she highlights the importance of deep listening, her definition of executive presence, and the confidence one develops by showing up authentically. She emphasizes the blend of intention and experimentation that is part and parcel of her work with clients.“I think the elements of coaching that make it really an honor and unique for both coach and coachee is this opportunity to be fully present, full focus on you. There's no right or wrong. We're just going to unpack it, as my clients say. We're going to unweave it, unpack it and get to what the real challenge is, so that you can explore and experiment and play and create until you figure out and develop the confidence and competence or competence and confidence in the area that you desire.” - Maria KyriakosKey takeaways:-When contemplating a career change, recognize the skills you’ve developed that will help you move forward. Maria worked for many years as a human resources professional. She had developed deep listening skills and the ability to put the other person first and foremost to help them get clear about what they want from their career. She used these skills to launch her own business as a coach.-Make fun an integral part of the process of change. Maria noted that she does her best work with people who take responsibility for their lives, who make things happen and have a willingness to learn. This includes a willingness to be vulnerable, because every time you put yourself in the driver’s seat, there is the possibility that something can go wrong. Maria recommends moving forward with intention - and experiment.  It can be scary, but it can also be a lot of fun. -Show up as yourself. Maria defines executive presence as “showing up in your own skin, because that’s where you’re confident.” Of course, dressing appropriately, body language, making eye contact are also important. But walking into a room and feeling, no matter who's sitting at this table, I belong and I have something to say that matters, that's part of what executive presence is about.About the Guest: Maria is an Executive Leadership & Career Coach and CEO of Leader Assist Executive Coaching. She has a successful track record of developing and coaching leadership potential and effective career management practices in dynamic, high change Fortune 50 companies domestically and globally. Working with Maria, leaders learn to Career Intentionally® and take the driver’s seats, using her proprietary 3-pillar approach to strategic career management. She is successful with mid-career executives and senior-level leaders due to her hands on experience as a corporate leader and effective results developing and coaching leadership potential. Website: https://leader-assist.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-kyriakos/ Stay connected:Connect with Laura on LinkedIn@Rotters5 on TwitterConnect with Laura on FacebookSubscribe to my YouTube channelSubscribe to my newsletterGet your free copy of Unlock Your Money Blocks Workbook: Your step-by-step guide to unlocking your blocks to financial freedom.Disclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast does not constitute accounting, legal, tax, investment or financial advice. It’s for informational purposes only. You should seek appropriate professional advice for your specific information.