Meet Kim Lemon | Executive Coach & Leadership Development Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Lemon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, how do you think about risk?
What’s the often-used adage, ‘no risk – no reward’? I recognize the truth in that. I coach leaders to take informed risks. There are so many scenarios in work and in life when we cannot be assured of a certain outcome and sometimes, by the time we have all the information that will bring about those assurances it may be too late. We need not be risk averse. We should seek clarity on the goal, come up with an evaluation criterion, gather information, seek input from other stakeholders and/or sources with perspective, and in a timely manner make the decision.

Colin Powell developed his own rule of thumb, which he called his 40-70 rule. Remember this man was responsible for the lives of thousands of service men and women in harms’ way. In essence he believed that with less than 40 percent, you will likely make a poor choice; with more than 70 percent, you will end up taking too long, and the decision will be made for you!

In my experience some risk is healthy. Taking on risk has enabled me to be the decision maker, caused others to value and trust my judgement, permitted me to learn faster and take on greater responsibility in my career. Had I been unwilling to take on risk I would not have flourished in corporate America, and I would never have stepped out on faith, left my corporate role, and started a second career with my own business.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Lemon Group is an executive coaching and leadership development consulting firm dedicated to enabling senior level, high potential, transitioning, and mid-career leaders to achieve break throughs that grow their leadership capacity and impact on the organization. Using 360° or key stakeholder feedback and psychometric assessments, clients improve self-awareness, establish development goals, and with the coach’s facilitation, create their individual development action plan to support their increased performance.

A key principle we adhere to is honoring and leveraging the client’s strengths. Our clients are encouraged not to try to morph themselves into a set mold but to leverage their abilities more strategically, recognize their strengths, and be courageous enough to expand beyond their comfort zone.

Through countless hours with hundreds of clients I have witnessed the power clients have within themselves to unlock their full potential. By providing a person-centered, supportive coaching environment, clients can create innovative solutions for the challenges they are facing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends come here the first thing, I do is ask them what they’re interested in doing and seeing. It’s their trip and so I would not foist upon them an itinerary of my own making. Different folks have different interests and I believe the best way to make sure they have a good time is to try to honor their desires.

Some experiences I’d enjoy sharing include:

Good Food, Good Vibes – Palo Santo, Poor Calvins, Yalda Persian Restaurant, Humble Pie
Culture – Alliance Theater, Atlanta History Center, City Winery, and The High Museum
Fun and Laughs – Beat the Bomb, Sandbox VR, Punchbowl Social karaoke
Fresh Air and ATL in it’s Glory – Any weekend Festival, The Beltline, Chattahoochee Works, Silver Comet Trail
Chillin and Relaxing – cocktails in my backyard with handcrafted pizzas from our outdoor pizza oven

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
No human is an island, and I am no exception. I’m forever grateful for the support I have received throughout my career.

The first shout out goes to my mother and husband. When I had global responsibilities and had to attend meetings early in the morning and late evenings, my mom was always willing to pinch hit for us. If my husband or I couldn’t be present for afterschool pick-up, drop off at dance class or you name it, my mom had my back. And when I was ready to change careers and start The Lemon Group LLC my husband was my biggest supporter. Without them my goals might have been different, and my achievements not realized.

Door openers including Clover Wint, Davie Huddleston, and Judy Rosemarin, mentors including but not limited to June Klein and the iCoach Global faculty, and colleagues too many to enumerate have poured into me.

Lastly, I thank the client organizations I’ve worked for over the years who have entrusted me to work with their senior management, mid-career leaders, and hi-potential talent. I am honored and my purpose is fulfilled each time I am given the opportunity to walk side by side with these leaders and help them achieve breakthroughs.

Website: https://www.lemongroupconsulting.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimlemonthelemongroup

Image Credits
AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEW JERSEY (1 PHOTO)