Dr Hercules Kollias

Lived Experience:

• Psychological insight from a neuroscientific base
• Experience of difficult conversations in my work as a doctor
• Extensive experience as an executive coach working with boards, CEOs and their ELTs

Success factors:

• Harmonising achievement with personal fulfilment
• Building meaningful connections
• Defining an enduring legacy

Core values:

• Authenticity
• Responsibility
• Legacy

Knowledge:

What medicine and surgery contribute to coaching executive leaders:

1. Risk-Taking and Innovation:
   In surgery, the ability to make quick, calculated decisions is crucial. Executive leaders, like surgeons, must possess the bravery to take risks, innovate, and challenge the status quo. By embracing new ideas and exploring uncharted territories, you can drive your organisation forward and gain a competitive edge.
2. Resolve and Commitment:
   Surgeons require unwavering resolve and commitment to see procedures through, even when faced with complications. Similarly, executive leaders need a strong sense of purpose and dedication to their goals. By remaining committed to your vision and values, you can inspire confidence and loyalty among your team members.
3. Crisis Management:
   In the operating room, surgeons must remain calm and focused during critical situations. Executive leaders, too, must possess the composure to lead their teams through times of crisis. By developing contingency plans, communicating effectively, and maintaining a level head, you can navigate challenges and minimise disruptions.
4. Inclusive Leadership:
   Surgeons collaborate with diverse teams of professionals to deliver optimal patient care. Executive leaders should embrace a similar approach, fostering an inclusive workplace where every voice is valued. By listening to your employees' concerns, promoting diversity, and challenging biases, you can create a positive and productive work environment.
5. Learning from Mistakes:
   Surgeons learn from their mistakes to improve their skills. Executive leaders should adopt this growth mindset, acknowledging that setbacks are opportunities for development. By embracing a culture of continuous learning, you can encourage innovation and personal growth throughout your organisation.
6. Inspiration and Influence:
   Surgeons have the power to inspire hope and admiration in their patients and families. Executive leaders can similarly inspire their teams by setting a positive example, sharing their vision, and recognising the contributions of others. Your actions can create a ripple effect, motivating your employees to reach their full potential.
7. Ethical Decision-Making:
   Surgeons are guided by ethical principles to prioritise patient well-being. Executive leaders should uphold similar ethical standards, making decisions that align with the values of their organisation and stakeholders. By prioritising integrity and transparency, you can build trust and credibility.
8. Adaptability and Resilience:
   In surgery, adaptability and resilience are essential for handling unexpected situations. Executive leaders should cultivate these qualities, remaining open to change and learning new skills. By embracing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth, you can lead your organisation through periods of transformation and uncertainty.

Career highlights:

• Working with people who influence a lot of other people.

Best advice received:

• Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Leaders build leaders, not followers.
• Leadership is about weaving a tapestry of trust, not just building a ladder of success.

Favourite business model:

Transformational Leadership

Book recommendation:

The Shoe Factory: Finding the Clues Future Leaders Need for a Happy and Successful Life
Author: Dr Hercules Kollias

Dr Hercules Kollias | LinkedIn Profile