397. A New Life Purpose
Barry Demp
After 12 years of rewarding job assignments with a large pharmaceutical company, Barry unexpectedly found himself no longing looking forward to his future, or even wanting to go to work the next day. He kept at the job, but enrolled in adult education courses, too. It was there that he found what he was meant to do… for the rest of his professional life.
Barry Demp is a forward-thinking, business and executive coach based in Troy, Michigan. He has coached more than 1,000 individuals over the last 25 years, and earned the distinction of Master Certified Coach (MCC) from the International Coach Federation (ICF). He works with executives, business owners, and high-potential professionals to significantly increase their productivity, profitability, and life balance.
How Did You Start Using Your Talents?
After a two-year stint as a sixth-grade science teacher, Barry jokes that he started a career as “a legal drug dealer” at the pharmaceutical giant, Upjohn. His first job was in sales, but, “I was very fortunate and approximately every two years I was getting promoted.” On his way up, he worked with hospitals and academic research institutions, ending up in corporate headquarters in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he also had a hand in advertising.
The Most Impactful Turning Point?
After 11 or 12 good years at Upjohn, Barry became disillusioned, not seeing the kind of future he wanted at the company. He began exploring the field of coaching. “I took a variety of courses through an organization called Landmark Education Corporation, which used a supportive coaching model to help individuals produce greater results. I first participated as a student, then volunteered as a coach. I realized that I had found what I was meant to do the rest of my professional life.”
The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?
“The fact that somebody would be open and receptive to a partnership with me that will help that individual achieve the personal and professional excellence they want is a great honor. In some ways coaching is like parenting. Not only do you want to pour yourself into them but, perhaps more importantly, to bring out of them their uniqueness as individuals. To be able to support well over a thousand individuals, and to work with about 80 or 90 other coaches as well, has been a great honor.”
Steps to Success from Barry Demp
1.Aim for greatness, not just “good enough.”
2. Strive for purpose, meaning and significance, not just momentary successes.
3. Develop mastery in the area you have chosen.
4. Ask for and accept guidance and coaching to reach your goals.
On His Bookshelf
Free Agent Nation: The Future of Working for Yourself, by Daniel H. Pink
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, by Daniel H. Pink
What to Do When it’s Your Turn (and it’s Always Your Turn), by Seth Godin
Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters, by Michael Bungay Stanier
The Quotable Coach: Daily Nuggets of Practical Wisdom, by Barry Demp
Connecting With Barry Demp
Website: dempcoaching.com
Twitter: @BarryDemp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/barrydempcoaching
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/barrydemp
