Terence H Clarke

Author name: Terence Clarke

Two days, two cities, two workshops, one torn meniscus, and a scooter

Beyond the Grind: Leading with Adaptability, Influence, and Compassion Welcome back to Build a Better You! Each week, I share practical insights from my coaching journey to help leaders and professionals grow with resilience, purpose, and genuine connection. This week’s edition brings stories of adaptability, the power of influence, and the surprising kindness we encounter along the way. This Week’s Focus: 1. Navigating Challenges with Compassion Every now and then, we face physical, mental, or logistical challenges that test our resilience. This past week, I encountered one of those moments myself: two days, two cities, and two workshops—all with a torn meniscus. Thanks to a kind loan of a scooter, I managed to navigate a 2,000-person factory without unnecessary strain, a reminder of the immense generosity in the world. Takeaway for Leaders: Sometimes, leadership isn’t about pushing through pain; it’s about recognizing our limits and graciously accepting help. Leading with compassion starts with ourselves and extends to understanding and supporting others’ journeys. Reflect on the kindness around you and find ways to pass it forward in your team or organization. 2. Enhancing Executive Presence It was an honor this week to work with Wellington College’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) on executive presence and influence as part of their induction program for new leaders. These skills go beyond verbal communication—effective presence involves posture, authenticity, and active listening. A true executive presence is grounded in values and an awareness of how you inspire those around you. Practical Tips for Building Executive Presence: 3. Strategies for Effective Conflict Management Conflict, though uncomfortable, can lead to deeper understanding and innovation when managed well. During my session with the Global Lean and Quality team at WIK, we explored how to address conflict constructively. Embracing conflict as a space for growth enables teams to resolve differences while preserving relationships. Techniques for Productive Conflict Resolution: 4. Cross-Cultural Leadership Insights Next week, I’ll be traveling to Beijing, Tianjin, and Bangkok to train teams in leadership, conflict, and cross-cultural communication. As leaders work globally, adapting to different cultural norms is essential. Every culture has unique expectations and preferences, and success hinges on mutual understanding and respect. Key Tips for Cross-Cultural Leadership: Reflection Corner: Questions for the Week Quotes to Inspire “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” — Marianne Williamson Thank you for joining this week’s Build a Better You! Here’s to a week filled with adaptability, connection, and compassion. And remember—sometimes a helping hand makes all the difference. Wishing you simplicity and strength, Coach Terry C Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Two days, two cities, two workshops, one torn meniscus, and a scooter Read More »

Why is gratitude important (skip to the end to find out if you really must)?

As I prepare for the last workshop of this week I feel incredibly grateful for the clients that trust me to deliver for them and to coach them. This week I have been to Dalian to talk about DEI and inclusive leadership, coached clients in Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, Paris, Bangkok, New York and Taipei (online) and had the opportunity to enter a bid for a two year leadership development program for a long term client in Shenzhen. All while working on my capstone project (the development of my own coaching model) for my master coach training to be presented in Malaysia next month (oh how I hate exams haha). I’m so grateful for all these opportunities, and the knowledge that you have to create the opportunities yourself, no one is going to hand things to you and the world owes you nothing. It’s hard work but so rewarding and it’s amazing to be able to do something I love. Did you skip to here immediately? Here are several reasons why gratitude is important: 1. Enhances Mental Health2. Promotes Positive Emotions3. Improves Physical Health4. Strengthens Relationships5. Encourages Resilience6. Increases Self-Esteem7. Fosters a Sense of Purpose. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Why is gratitude important (skip to the end to find out if you really must)? Read More »

What Does It Take to Be an Effective Leader in Today’s Diverse Workplace?

Effective leadership requires more than just technical expertise and management skills. One of the most crucial elements of leadership is fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). This became crystal clear to me during a recent workshop I facilitated in Dalian, China, for prominent German manufacturing giant Liebherr. The workshop, titled “Fostering a DEI Mindset for Inclusive Leadership,” brought together leaders from across various sectors to discuss the qualities needed for leadership in today’s diverse workplace. Workshop Highlights The workshop’s agenda centered around six key areas essential for inclusive leadership: The participants were fully engaged, bringing their unique experiences to the table. This created a highly interactive and insightful learning environment where leaders learned from each other. It was a day filled with valuable discussions, practical exercises, and eye-opening revelations. Learning Outcomes By the end of the workshop, attendees had gained a deeper understanding of what it means to lead inclusively in today’s workplace. Some of the key takeaways included: Why a DEI Mindset Matters A DEI mindset is not just a buzzword in leadership; it is essential for building a workplace where every individual feels they belong. Leaders who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion can expect to see significant benefits across their teams and organizations. Tips for Developing an Inclusive Leadership Mindset If you’re a leader aiming to cultivate a DEI mindset, here are some practical steps you can take: By applying these strategies, leaders can create a thriving, inclusive environment where every team member feels they belong and can contribute to their full potential. Final Thoughts In today’s diverse and fast-changing workplace, effective leadership goes beyond managing tasks—it’s about creating an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Leaders who embrace a DEI mindset will not only enhance their team’s performance but also strengthen the overall health and sustainability of their organization. Want to learn more about fostering inclusive leadership? Stay tuned for upcoming workshops, or contact me to explore how you can transform your leadership approach to be more inclusive. Together, we can build a workplace where everyone thrives. By focusing on these actionable steps and fostering a culture of inclusion, leaders can create a workplace that stands out for innovation, collaboration, and employee satisfaction. If you’re interested in more insights on leadership, diversity, and inclusion, subscribe to my newsletter and join the conversation! Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

What Does It Take to Be an Effective Leader in Today’s Diverse Workplace? Read More »

Understanding Developmental Relationships: A Simple Guide

In life, we all need guidance at different stages, whether it’s for work, personal growth, or decision-making. Have you ever thought about the types of relationships that help us grow? There are four main types of developmental relationships that each play a unique role: Mentoring, Sponsorship, Coaching, and Advising. Let’s explore what each of these relationships means, how they help, and when you can use them. 1. Mentoring: Learning from Experience Mentoring is when someone with more experience helps guide you. Imagine you have a big brother or sister who has gone through what you’re experiencing now. They help you because they’ve been in your shoes before. Mentoring is often a longer relationship, where the mentor helps you think about your future and the steps to get there. It’s like having a wise guide by your side. 2. Sponsorship: Creating Connections Sponsorship is different from mentoring because the sponsor does more than offer advice. They use their social network to open doors for you. A sponsor is like someone who introduces you to important people, vouches for you, or helps you get into new opportunities. Sponsors are people who put their own reputation on the line for you. This can be a great way to advance in your career or achieve personal goals, as they make sure you get noticed. 3. Coaching: Gaining Clarity and Confidence Coaching is all about asking the right questions to help you find your own answers. A coach doesn’t tell you what to do but helps you think through problems and make decisions for yourself. In coaching, the coach leads the process by asking powerful questions, but you, as the coachee, decide the direction and take charge of your goals. This type of relationship helps build self-confidence and clarity. 4. Advising: Getting Expert Help Advising is when someone with more knowledge gives you information to help solve a problem. An advisor is like a teacher or expert in a certain area, giving you direct advice on what to do. Unlike coaching, where you find the answers yourself, an advisor gives you the answers. They tell you what steps to take and provide useful information that you need to move forward. How Do These Relationships Work Together? All four of these relationships—mentoring, sponsorship, coaching, and advising—can be useful at different times. Sometimes, you might need advice from a mentor. Other times, a sponsor could help you get a promotion, or a coach might help you think through your next big decision. Each of these relationships brings something different to the table: Whether you’re trying to make a big life decision, advance in your career, or learn a new skill, these four types of developmental relationships can support your journey. Understanding when and how to use them will help you get the most out of each relationship. The key is knowing that everyone needs support, and with the right kind of help, you can achieve great things! By learning how to use mentoring, sponsorship, coaching, and advising, you’ll have the tools to grow in every area of your life. Which one do you need right now? Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Understanding Developmental Relationships: A Simple Guide Read More »

Ready to Build a Better You in 2025?

Ready to Build a Better You in 2025? You can get a free copy of my 2024 Personal Annual Report! I’ve made it available to the public for a limited time. My Personal Annual Report 2024 is your tool to take stock of your accomplishments, reflect on setbacks, and create a solid plan for 2025 What You Get (it’s 100% free!): ↳ 8 Simple Questions to help you reflect on the past year ↳ Practical steps to turn setbacks into strengths ↳ Tips for setting realistic, achievable goals for 2025 ↳ This isn’t just another worksheet. It’s a comprehensive self-reflection tool designed to spark personal and professional transformation. ↳ Successful people know that reflection fuels growth. ↳ Gain clarity on what’s holding you back—and learn how to move forward with confidence. ↳ Get the roadmap to make 2025 your breakthrough year. ↳ Whether you want to advance your career, achieve personal goals, or get more out of life, this report will help you unlock your potential. 📥 Get Instant Access Now! Download here Quotes for Reflection: Questions for Reflection: For more insights and resources, visit my blog here Wishing you simplicity and strength, Coach Terry C Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Ready to Build a Better You in 2025? Read More »

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Do you ever feel like you have to suffer in silence? Growing up in Ireland and the UK, many of us hear about keeping a “stiff upper lip.” This means not talking about our feelings and just pushing through tough times. But let’s be honest: that approach doesn’t really work. 1. Start with a Strong Foundation Your foundation is your belief system. What do you believe about yourself? If you think you can achieve great things, you’re more likely to try. Here are some tips to strengthen your beliefs: 2. Build Your Walls with Knowledge Knowledge is like the walls of your house. It keeps you safe and secure. Here’s how to gather knowledge about mental health: 3. Add a Roof with Resilience Resilience protects your mindset from challenges, just like a roof protects a house from rain. Here’s how to develop resilience: 4. Decorate Your Mindset Just like decorating a house makes it feel like home, adding joy and fun to your life makes your mindset stronger: 5. Maintain Your House Just as houses need maintenance, your mindset needs care too: You’re Not Alone Remember, it’s okay to not be okay. Everyone has ups and downs, and reaching out for help is perfectly fine. You don’t have to go through tough times alone. If you want more tips on building a successful mindset and taking care of your emotional well-being, sign up for my weekly newsletter Building A Better You Join my community and start your journey today!

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay Read More »

Can You Bounce Back from Anything? 10 Ways to Build Unshakeable Resilience

Life throws curveballs at everyone, doesn’t it? In the past two months, I’ve had the privilege of running resilience workshops for two very different groups: leaders at Loewe and headteachers of international schools in Shanghai. Despite their diverse backgrounds, both groups faced similar challenges when it comes to resilience. This experience showed me that no matter who you are or what you do, building resilience is crucial. So, how can you develop this superpower that helps you bounce back stronger from any setback? Building resilience is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and practice, but the payoff is huge. Whether you’re leading a luxury brand like Loewe or managing an international school in Shanghai, resilience is the key to navigating challenges and coming out stronger. Ready to transform your own resilience? You’re in luck! I’m thrilled to announce my exclusive 6-week Resilience Program starting November 1st. This program is built on the same principles I used with leaders at Loewe and headteachers in Shanghai, tailored to help you overcome your unique challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to build unshakeable resilience and become the strongest version of yourself. Sign up for the waitlist today and get ready to face any challenge life throws your way with confidence and grace. Your journey to unstoppable resilience starts here!

Can You Bounce Back from Anything? 10 Ways to Build Unshakeable Resilience Read More »

The Transformative Power of Coaching

Have you ever wondered how coaching can unlock your true potential and help you overcome personal and professional challenges? Yesterday and today, I had the pleasure of conducting regular coaching sessions with four remarkable clients: RS, Head of Legal in Mumbai; AC, Head of Marketing in Shanghai; PS, Data & AI Consultant in Andhra Pradesh; and GS, Head of Legal in Shanghai, along with SB, Senior Project Manager in Shanghai. Each session was a powerful reminder of why I love coaching and the incredible transformations that can occur. The Impact of Coaching Throughout our time together, every client expressed how their confidence and leadership skills have grown. It’s energizing to see this progress and to hear them articulate the positive changes they’re experiencing. For example, RS shared how he now feels more capable of leading his team effectively and delegating, while AC talked about her ability to create a more open and collaborative environment in her marketing department. These moments of realization bring me so much joy and motivation! Building Confidence Confidence is foundational to effective leadership, yet many professionals struggle with self-doubt. Through coaching, my clients learn to identify and embrace their unique strengths. PS, who specializes in Data and AI, discovered practical ways to tackle challenges with renewed confidence. Watching him recognize his potential and capabilities was truly inspiring. Developing Leadership Skills Each of my clients faces different challenges in their roles, and that diversity enriches our coaching sessions. For instance, SB focused on enhancing team collaboration, while GS gained insights into managing complex legal matters in her position. What I love about coaching is that it’s not just about providing solutions; it’s about guiding individuals to find their own answers. Everyone’s journey is unique, and I’m here to support them in navigating it. We’re All in This Together Despite our different backgrounds and locations, we all share similar needs and challenges. The desire for growth, the need for support, and the drive to overcome obstacles connect us all. Coaching provides a space for individuals to explore these feelings and work towards their goals, creating a sense of community. Personalized Solutions for Real Challenges Coaching is deeply personal and tailored to each individual. AC learned to see vulnerability as a strength in her marketing role, which not only benefited her but also had a positive impact on her team dynamics. It’s incredibly rewarding to help clients take ownership of their development and thrive in their roles. Why Coaching Matters After these recent sessions, I’m filled with energy and purpose. The progress and transformative changes I witness in my clients are truly fulfilling. The moment they realize how coaching is helping them is a highlight for me. It’s a reminder of the potential we all have within us, waiting to be unlocked. Ready to Explore Coaching? If you’re curious about how coaching can benefit you, I’d love to chat! Book a free call with me, and let’s discuss your goals and how we can work together to achieve them. Plus, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter, where I share insights and tips to support your growth journey. Coaching is a powerful journey that connects individuals and helps them navigate their unique challenges. Whether you’re in Mumbai, Shanghai, or Andhra Pradesh, the path of self-discovery and growth is something we all share. Let’s unlock your potential and create meaningful change in your life and career. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

The Transformative Power of Coaching Read More »

Midpoint Reflections: Strategies for a Thriving Mentorship Program

Creating a successful mentorship program is essential for fostering growth and development among participants. As we reach the midpoint of the Kering APAC mentorship program, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on our journey so far and to share insights that can help enhance the experience for both mentors and mentees. The Importance of Mentorship Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. It provides a structured way for individuals to gain insights, learn new skills, and navigate challenges in their careers. However, many mentorship programs struggle due to a lack of clarity in goals, insufficient communication, or mismatched expectations. Common Challenges in Mentorship Programs Solutions for a Thriving Mentorship Program To address these challenges, consider implementing the following strategies: 1. Set Clear Goals At the beginning of the program, both mentors and mentees should establish clear, achievable goals. This helps create a roadmap for the mentorship relationship and ensures that both parties are on the same page. 2. Schedule Regular Check-Ins Midpoint check-ins are vital. They provide an opportunity to reflect on progress, reassess goals, and make necessary adjustments. These meetings should include discussions on what is working well and what could be improved. 3. Foster Open Communication Encourage an environment where both mentors and mentees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feedback. This openness can lead to more productive discussions and a stronger relationship. 4. Provide Resources and Support Offering resources such as workshops, reading materials, or networking opportunities can greatly enhance the mentorship experience. These tools can help mentees develop skills that are crucial for their growth. 5. Celebrate Achievements Recognizing milestones and successes, no matter how small, can motivate participants and reinforce the value of the mentorship program. Celebrations can range from a simple acknowledgment in meetings to more formal recognition events. As we continue our journey in the Kering APAC mentorship program, I encourage all participants to actively engage in these strategies. If you’re interested in learning more about effective training and mentorship, consider checking out my book, Training That Works: Strategies for Professionals, available on Amazon. This resource is designed to provide additional insights and practical tips to enhance your professional development journey.By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that our mentorship program not only meets but exceeds the expectations of all involved, paving the way for future success and collaboration. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

Midpoint Reflections: Strategies for a Thriving Mentorship Program Read More »

How I Built My Coaching Business in China

Starting a business in a foreign country can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can thrive. Here’s how I built a successful coaching business in China, working with world-class companies like Airbus, L’Oréal, LVMH, and BMW and amazing individual clients. 🌟 Tip 1: Build Trust Through Word of Mouth and learn the language In China, trust is everything. Here’s how I did it: Quality Service + Happy Clients = Word of Mouth Growth 🌐 Tip 2: Leverage Local Networks Networking is crucial. Here’s my approach: Networking + Relationships = Credibility & Opportunities 📈 Tip 3: Consistently Deliver Quality Every session, whether in-person or online, had to be top-notch. Here’s how: Tailored Coaching + Tangible Results = Reputation for Excellence 💡 Tip 4: Adapt and Innovate The business landscape is always changing. Here’s how I stay ahead: Learning + Innovation = Sustainable Growth Here is a brief summary of what my business does: I write about the intersection of personal development, coaching, and entrepreneurship. Follow me for more content like this. You can also sign up for my weekly newsletter here to receive weekly strategies on personal development, coaching, and entrepreneurship. Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

How I Built My Coaching Business in China Read More »

Scroll to Top