Elizabeth McCourt, JD, MFA, CPCC, ACC is a recruiter and certified executive coach through the Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She is also currently being certified in the Hogan Leadership Assessment and in Systemic Team Coaching. She works with high level individuals looking for both a practical and holistic approach to advancing their communication and leadership capabilities by harnessing their strengths and identifying their triggers so they can effectively achieve their goals.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted to make a bigger impact with the work I was doing by helping people own their stories of success and resilience. Expanding my vast knowledge of recruiting to help people recruit their best life has been the key to my success, helping them facilitate meaningful change, both professionally and personally. After a long hiatus from entrepreneurship when I was in private practice in New Mexico, I decided it was time to start my own firm again, continuing to work with high level professionals in recruiting, but also developing my niche by coaching, speaking and writing. Now, I have the freedom to develop my business in a way that works for my clients and for myself.
Tell us about your business.
My focus is leadership development, helping individuals and their teams hone in on their strengths and identify triggers that get them off track of their goals. Using questions and intuition, along with a keen business background, I work with successful people to both channel and focus their energy to attain personal and professional goals. In addition to executive coaching and recruiting, I write and speak at a variety of events about work-life balance, resilience, and the athlete mindset.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
I designed a fun free resilience quiz that people have found impactful.
List awards/certifications/
- Certified Executive Coach (CPCC) by CTI (Coaches Training Institute)
- ACC certified by the ICF (International Coaching Federation)
- Systemic Team Coaching & 360 certificate by AoEC (Academy of Coaching in London)
- Hogan Leadership Assessment & 360
- Certificate in Positive Psychology by UNC Chapel Hill (via Coursera)
- JD from Loyola University, BS in Finance from University of Maryland
- TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=LhHiUGLcn_U
Where is your business based?
Westhampton Beach, New York.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
Establishing a website and social media profiles along with some grassroots methods: postcards to connections, emails, phone calls, etc. In the beginning, I accepted a variety of speaking engagements, beyond my niche but interesting to me, in order to establish more credibility and experience.
Developing strategic partnerships and mentorships with people I trusted and respected continues to be a key source of learning and development.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
LinkedIn has been a tremendous source of connection. Additionally, attending and presenting at conferences both at home and abroad have been instrumental in my leadership development, as well as being a wonderful referral network. Additionally, I write for On Wall Street magazine and recruit financial advisors, keeping current in the industry where I have substantial expertise.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Transitioning from being seen only as a recruiter was a challenge because providing strategic coaching was part of my approach to the recruiting process, which made me different, but very successful and respected. Now, I provide an enhanced version of that consulting to other business people and entrepreneurs.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I use this experience to be a strategic partner. Connecting with women who are bright, engaged professionals looking to be even more impactful and effective in both their personal and professional lives is a personal passion of mine and has expanded my reach.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
The freedom I feel as an entrepreneur reminds me of how lucky I am to have the opportunity to work with people that inspire me. As a motivational tool, I have a personal mini-project called 100 days of resilience, writing down anything I’ve done, big or small, that was resilient. It’s similar to a gratitude practice that I challenge clients with: celebrating little wins and appreciating the little successes. For me, it includes things like failing a little bit better at a yoga handstand, sending an email without overanalyzing it, and even not being deterred by someone saying they’re not interested.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I’m a practical minded creative: serious and tough, but keen to have fun with the people while pushing them to find their edge. I’m a sporty chick, a long-time triathlete, firmly believing that you must move the body in addition to working with your mind. I’m disarming and easy going with the credentials to back up my street sense and intellect.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I was on the train going to the city and a woman sat next to me and said, “The struggle leads you to where you are supposed to be, so trust that everything is going to be okay.” This moved me deeply because it’s what my late mother would have said to me.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Ask people for advice, but trust your gut ultimately. You can get crazy with input, which can have the effect of making you feel like you’re not doing enough. Use the input that works for you and discard what doesn’t. Cut loose relationships that aren’t serving you, networking is key, but time is money.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
- Twitter and Hootsuite to schedule tweets.
- Squarespace for the ease of updating her website.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
For coaching, “The Leadership Gap” by Lolly Daskal was inspiring and impactful, really gave some great insight on your strengths and gaps as a leader. I also just finished reading “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert for the second time for personal inspiration from her writing. I am a little obsessed with neuroscience and how we can effect positive change by working with positive psychology, so I’ve also studied a lot of material about that topic.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
In addition to reading a lot, I’m always for great tools for personal development. I’m currently taking a course about language for linear minds which is fun because there is a lot of neuroscience for regular people. I’m also continuing to develop my brand and media presence so I’m working with a wonderful experienced media duo in Lights Camera Expert course.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
- I just finished a workshop in NYC called Fiercely Female with two amazing colleagues and we’re developing that into a 3-part series for corporations.
- I’ve recently partnered with a few other exciting leadership development projects which should further develop this year.
- On the writing front, I’m nearly finished with her non-fiction book Toughen Up Buttercup, which speaks to resilience for the regular gal, and looking for an agent.
- I just got an offer to publish my legal thriller, “Red Beans & Murder” which is a dream come true. So many fun things!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @rizabiz
Twitter @ecmccourt
Facebook www.facebook.com/mccourtleadership
Website www.mccourtleadership.com
Email elizabeth@mccourtleadership.
Hashtags #regulargalresilience #badassisbeautiful #womensupportingwomen
Veronica@inveronicascorner says
Loves this article. Definitely want to take that quiz!?