Embarking on a journey from the vibrant world of theatre to the transformative field of executive coaching, Robert Stephenson’s unique path offers inspiring insights into personal and professional development. With a background in acting and educational theatre, Robert’s early work involved engaging schools and communities through storytelling and creative expression.
His transition into coaching was sparked by a passion for narrative thinking and a commitment to helping teams grow, fostered through meaningful collaborations and mentorship. In this exclusive Q & A, Robert shares the story behind his first job, the inspirations that guided his shift to coaching, and how his theatrical roots continue to shape his approach to leadership and team development.
DECD: What was your very first job?
Robert:
I trained as an actor, specialising in theatre and education, so my first jobs were in schools and theatres, delivering educational theatre, as well as performing in parks with The London Bubble Theatre. So development and perspectives have always been apart of my work, also narrative, which is part of the reason why I used narrative thinking within the coaching I do.
DECD: What inspired you to become a coach?
Robert:
During my time as an actor, I ran lots of drama workshops and began working with creative partnerships. I delivered drama workshops in schools to explore creative curriculums. I met Dr Mathilda Joubert and we began working together, exploring how the creative connected to the curriculum. During this time she became my mentor, introducing me to coaching as a tool for team development when working with Senior Leadership Teams within schools. And this then became a part of my drama work, which led to me teaming up with Animas Centre for coaching to develop a Youth Coaching program for coaches that wanted to work with young people.
DECD: As a coach what led you to specialise in the particular area that you concentrate on
Robert:
Through my work as a leader within Animas, I got very curious about the role leaders play, and the challenges that they face, leading to more reading and exploration of this space.
Working with Ivy House, developing new leaders, as well as the self – developmental work with Simon Western, Peter Hawkins and David Drake, enabled me to move into the leadership coaching and facilitation space.
DECD: What is the most interesting part of your work?
Robert:
One of the interesting parts of my work is the narrative element, exploring the story that we are currently in and the character that we are playing, by choice or expectation, and shifting the style of narrative or character to gain perspective.
And as a reiki practitioner, I bring an element of energy work to my work, not always explicit, but exploring and noticing what’s present in the field.
DECD: What is the one project/case that you’re most proud of in your career and why?
Robert:
I took a team of trainers, from in-person delivery to online during the pandemic. I supported and coached trainers during a time of challenge and uncertainty. This experience helped me understand the challenges of a leader, which has supported my coaching within organisations as they manage change and/or reorganisation. I am currently supporting the creation and delivery of a coaching program for a large cosmetic company, experiencing change, and being able to bring my understanding and experience to the space, with empathy and compassion.
DECD: What are your thoughts on diversity and inclusion in the workplace in today’s society?
Robert:
I think its key and forms some of the work our company Zenith focuses on, as it’s often overlooked, or not taken seriously enough to create the lasting change within orgs.
DECD: What about your heritage makes you feel proud?
Robert:
The hard work that goes into bringing up a family in a sometimes hostile world, living in the uk, and how this created a sense of family and belonging that supports both myself and the work I do. There is something magical about being part of a community that answered the call to support a nation, even though they were not exactly welcomed, but they answered the call and in doing so have made the UK a better place for it.
DECD: What do you do outside of work?
Robert:
Outside of work, I love to explore the world of energy work, including yoga and reiki, as well as fire walks and arrow breaking. And my favourite pass time, is meeting my son, who travels for work, in various European cities to just hang, explore and be.
DECD: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read this week?
Robert:
Currently reading about changes in the Redbull F1 team, and its curious to see how poor communication, power grabs, ethical or not behaviour, shows up in a team and impacts it’s productivity, and exploring how this is echoed within other work forces.
DECD: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Robert:
“What if it all works out” “Keep saying yes to new opportunities, as we have no idea where they may lead”
DECD: What is your favourite movie, book, song, album or quote?
Robert:
The Matrix
Interested in working with Robert? Find out more about her professional coaching career here.
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