The Lion And The Panther


I have twice in my life come face to face with a majestic cat. Both times it was in a zoo, but, because of that, I got closer than I ever could have in the wild.

The first time was a lion. He was in London zoo and pacing up and down his enclosure angrily. One of the female lions was in heat and they were being kept separate, but he could smell her. The pent up animal desire was something you could actually sense in the air.

At one point he paced right up to the glass where I was standing and roared -- just a foot or two from my face. It was a terrifying and incredible experience that sent other people running. The sound shakes something primal in side of you. Even through thick, protective glass.

The second time was a rare black panther in Chester Zoo. This time I was alone by the glass, looking at nothing but vegetation. Signs said it was unlikely we'd see anything because they prefer to stay hidden. But then, to my amazement an incredible animal appeared, walking with purpose towards me, fixing me with it's gaze. And in a few moments, it was gone.

The panther made no sound at all. And yet I have never felt the presence of another being like that. An animal so perfectly sitting in it's own skin. You could sense the soul of the animal. It was like it could read you. When I remember it now more than a decade later, I am still in awe.

It was much, much more powerful to experience than than the lion.

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Twice in the last week I have had beautiful conversations with clients where they have said to me versions of, "this is like nothing I have experienced before" when talking about my HeRO Program.

And the reason for that is simple but not easy. My process is different from that of most coaches.

I don't start by asking "who do you want to be?" We get to that later.

I start by asking, "do you know who you really are?", which is a much, much more powerful question.

You see. Most of us don't. Not really. We could shout and roar and display things to others like a lion.

But we can't sit inside of our skin with genuine poise and power like a panther.

Yet, if we do, people feel it. Without the need to say anything at all. And that's a powerful, attractive quality to have.

Stephen

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If you’re curious whether coaching could help you find more clarity or direction, book a free 15-minute Clarity Call and we’ll explore it together.

For anything else, hit reply. I answer every email personally.

HeRO Chronicles

For people who want regular personal or professional development advice from a qualified executive coach.

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