Meet Pete Srodoski | Business Coach & Author

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

Hi Pete, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The cornerstone of my success—and by extension, my brand—stems from a relentless commitment to honesty, transparency, and authenticity. Having navigated the high stakes world of business as a CEO and COO, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. This isn’t just about strategies and goals; it’s about real-world insights that only come from being in the trenches. As a business coach, my primary aim is to see other business owners succeed. This means providing the kind of candid feedback and mentorship that can be hard to come by. I strive to build genuine connections with my clients, guiding them through challenges with advice that’s tailored to their unique situations and backed by my extensive experience. It’s this approach that not only defines my brand but also drives the tangible success of those I work with.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey in the business world has been anything but easy, but it has been profoundly rewarding. Starting out in executive roles, I experienced the highs and lows of leadership first-hand. These experiences laid the foundation for my later work as a business coach and author, where I’ve channeled my learnings into helping others achieve success.

What sets my work apart is a blend of hard-earned experience and a deep commitment to authenticity and empathy. My books, especially ‘Lead With Empathy,’ encapsulate this approach. Unlike traditional business guides that focus solely on bottom-line results, my work emphasizes the human element of business leadership. I believe that true success comes from understanding and genuinely caring for your team, which in turn drives performance and loyalty.

The path here wasn’t straightforward. Transitioning from a high-powered corporate role to a business coach and author involved numerous challenges, from redefining my identity to mastering the nuances of effective mentorship. Each obstacle was a lesson in perseverance and adaptation. For instance, learning to translate complex business concepts into accessible, actionable advice for a diverse audience took considerable effort and reflection.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience. Each setback has been an opportunity to refine my approach and reinforce my commitment to my values. This resilience has shaped my professional ethos and is something I instill in those I coach.

I want the world to know that my brand is about more than just business success; it’s about fostering a culture of empathy and integrity. It’s about showing that profitability and kindness are not mutually exclusive but are, in fact, complementary. My aim is to inspire current and future leaders to adopt a more empathetic approach, fundamentally changing how business is done for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, I’d show him the best of North Georgia. We’d start with a day at Lake Lanier—fishing, boating, and just chilling by the water. Next, we’d tackle some hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, enjoying the outdoors and great views.

We’d spend a day in Dahlonega, checking out the local brews and exploring the historic sites. For meals, we’d hit up a mix of the top local spots, from classic BBQ joints to some unique diners around town.

To cap off the week, we’d find a good spot to relax, maybe catch a local band or just hang out at a pub downtown. It’s all about good food, great views, and even better company.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely, there have been numerous pivotal influences throughout my career, but interestingly, some of the most impactful have been the negative examples of leadership I’ve encountered. These experiences exposed me to what I firmly believe one should never emulate in a leadership role. Witnessing leadership driven by ego and lack of empathy convinced me there had to be a more constructive way to lead.

This realization inspired my book, ‘Lead With Empathy.’ It’s a manifesto for changing how leadership is viewed and practiced. It advocates for leading with understanding and a genuine regard for team well-being, contrasting sharply with the command-and-control styles that once dominated my earlier professional environments.

The journey to write this book and my entire approach to business coaching are fueled by a commitment to turn those negative examples into positive change, both for myself and for the leaders I mentor. It’s about transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth and exemplifying how leadership can be both compassionate and effective.

Website: https://www.rollwithpunch.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roll_withthe_punches/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterSrodoski/