Steve Mitten - My Story
It's said a good life is the enemy of a great life. Seven years ago I had a pretty good life. A wife and family I loved. Good health. Good friends. And a career that a lot of people would have died for.
After 15 years of starting and building businesses, having a few good base hits and a few strike outs - where I learned some very valuable and expensive lessons - I was finally beginning to understanding how the game was played. I was managing a public company I had helped form, working with some great people, and doing business all over the globe. I loved the adventure, the camaraderie, the learning and teaching, and the prospect of having a big positive impact. At the time, I thought I would be doing what I was doing for the rest of my life.
I don't remember where I was flying home from, but to pass the time I started to count all the date stamps in my passport. To my shock I realized that I had been away from home close to 50 weeks out of the previous 5-6 years. At that moment I had a deep realization that as much as I loved my job, I loved my family more, and I had to find something I enjoyed doing closer to home.
Well I wish I could say that I immediately took action on this, but in truth I didn't. Out of duty, inertia, fear of the unknown, whatever, I kept doing what I was doing. However the universe, in its mysterious ways, seemed intent on making sure I progressed on my journey.
Shortly after my epiphany in the airplane, three events occurred in close succession. First our prime market all but collapsed. Secondly, one of my partners went through a big mid-life crisis and became very difficult to work with. And thirdly with the persistent encouragement of some good friends I joined them in a personal growth seminar where I was first exposed to coaching. All this contributed to me making a change, quickly.
Years later, I can still remember how strongly affected I was from my first exposure to coaching. The idea of helping others connect to what they really cared about, walk past their limitations, and create fulfilling lives and careers aligned to their gifts and passions - well I simply knew that this is what I was meant to do.
I love business. I love being an entrepreneur. But at heart I am a teacher and my greatest love is helping others learn, grow and live their dreams. By striving to be really good at that, I get to live my dream, and continue to move my life from very good to even better. Coach Central is the latest chapter in my journey.
