1. EachPod

Dr. Greg Pennington

Author
Dr Doug Hirschhorn
Published
Tue 02 Sep 2025
Episode Link
None

Dr. Greg Pennington's journey as a performance coach reveals powerful insights about leadership development. Unlike many coaches who focus exclusively on C-suite executives, Greg found his sweet spot working with senior leaders poised for that final promotion – those "knocking on the door" of the executive suite. This distinction allowed him to leverage his intellectual approach while providing concrete value to ambitious leaders seeking that next-level breakthrough.

The conversation explores the fascinating evolution of coaching itself, from what was once called "management psychology" or "business consulting" into today's more refined practice. Greg shares how his ability to observe without judgment, listen deeply, and ask thought-provoking questions became his professional signature. More importantly, he reveals how coaches can navigate the delicate balance between working with individual leaders and engaging their entire teams.

Perhaps most compelling is Greg's perspective on transformation. Through examples from his practice, he illustrates how effective coaching often involves helping people harness their inherent strengths while adapting them to new circumstances rather than fundamentally changing who they are. His story of helping a protective team leader become a successful COO demonstrates how context can shift while core personality traits remain consistent.

Whether you're a coach, manager, leader, or someone fascinated by human potential, this conversation offers valuable insights about building trust, creating psychological safety, and finding that perfect intersection where work becomes so engaging that it no longer feels like work at all. 

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