Special Guest Tom Auld
In this episode of "Live into Your Best Life," host Paulie Skaja chats with Tom Auld, a versatile professional whose career spans roles such as banker, software engineer, project manager, consultant, and trainer. Tom's journey was notably shaped by a significant layoff at a local company during his internship at age 21, influencing his career approach to emphasize small teams, continuous improvement, and paying it forward.
Since 2014, Tom has focused on revolutionizing consulting by integrating training, implementation, and consulting into a dynamic 12-week program. His expertise in adult learning techniques informs his agile methodology training courses. Tom and Paulie reflect on their careers, favorite jobs, and the importance of finding work fulfillment. Notable moments in Tom's career include his impactful time at Daugherty Business Solutions and a realization at the University of Minnesota about the importance of being close to the actual work.
Tom's consulting philosophy is centered on adding value, continuous improvement, and helping clients see and address their blind spots. He discusses the challenges and rewards of coaching, emphasizing that true coaching involves guiding clients to make their own informed decisions rather than just giving advice. His method involves presenting clients with comprehensive data to support their decision-making.
The episode highlights Tom's emphasis on understanding how different people process information and make decisions. He stresses the importance of adapting communication styles to fit others' needs, which is crucial in coaching. Tom talks about the satisfaction of seeing clients become self-sufficient, likening it to "Nanny McPhee-ing" oneself out of a job.
Emotional intelligence, shaped by personal relationships and parenting, plays a significant role in Tom's coaching approach. He shares how his family dynamics have fostered patience and varied viewpoints, enhancing his ability to guide others. Tom also discusses the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, critiquing traditional consulting methods for being overly theoretical. He advocates for a hands-on approach where teams solve real problems in iterative cycles, gaining skills and confidence through practical experience.
