Executive Sparring: an exciting way of working
Learn about executive sparring, NYC gatherings, and two new podcast episodes
In 2020, Chris Schembra and I started working together.
We called it “executive sparring.”
I first heard about this term and way of working from Tom Critchlow here.
When I told Chris about it, he loved it. And then soon thereafter, I started working for and with him in this capacity.
Whenever I tell people about executive sparring they say “oh, that sounds cool. what is that?” So I asked Chris if we could chat about it and our experience working together, in case you wanted to pursue this way of working!
Let’s get into it!
What is executive sparring?
In this video, Chris describes how executive sparring is a combination of coaching and consulting.
How Chris and I worked together in an executive sparring capacity and why he hired me in 2020:
In this video, we talked about how executive sparring workers often turn conversations into tangible action plans. We also talked about how Chris and I would work collaboratively together and also independently.
On the growing opportunity for executive sparring work:
In this video, we talked about how executive sparring work may be increasing due to the growing gig economy, and also the loneliness epidemic and the crisis of disconnection in the workplace. Chris mentioned how he thinks executive sparring may be a great fit for soloprenuers as well.
On how you could turn a “pick your brain” type of call into a potential sparring client:
In this video, Chris talks about how he aims to support people by asking questions and then strategizes for them when he has a catch-up call with someone. He then asks them to update him after they (hopefully) take action. This a great example of what an executive sparring type of call could look like. I am not sure if Chris has capacity or not, but he would be an amazing executive sparring partner for someone. I was so lucky to work for him too!
What do you think of executive sparring? Do you work like this? Do you know someone who does? I would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Also, follow Chris on LinkedIn, if you don’t already do so. He shares a lot of great content there and /or you can follow-up with him there about these videos too. Thanks Chris!
NYC Gatherings: check out my NYC Gatherings calendar for fun gatherings to attend!
🎧 Podcast Episodes
In this week’s podcast episode, I talked with Emily Chertow, the Founder of Journaling Classes. You will learn about hosting journaling events because she couldn’t find these kind of events to attend before, inflection points, taking the leap a year ago to go full-time on Journaling Classes, and so much more!
Last week, I published a personal podcast episode with Katy Atherholt. We both wrote an essay called “what does it mean to live an A+ life,” chatted about it, and then recorded a podcast episode about it. One big takeaway from this experience is that your definition of an A+ life is… your own!
So, what does an A+ life look like to you? Reply back and let me know!
To your A+ life,
PS: if you want to learn more about executive sparring, Tom Critchlow mentioned it in this podcast episode we did together in 2020 as well!
PPS: if you are looking for a song recommendation, here you go! so good!