Today we’d like to introduce you to David Brendel

David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

How can we explain, predict, and influence the thoughts and actions of human beings? That complex and tortured question has fascinated me for as long as I can remember. This deep interest led me to study philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology throughout college, medical school, graduate school, and beyond. It led me to build a career in both psychiatry and executive coaching. The common thread that ties the various dimensions of my work together is powerful dialogue. By asking incisive questions that prompt people to enhance their self-awareness, we build a trusting professional relationship that empowers people’s self-discovery and decision making. I continue to be amazed at the high impact this can have. It’s been a privilege for me to participate in people’s personal and career growth. I’ve worked with so many people who have turned crisis and conflict into unforeseen opportunity and wild success.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Moving from a comfortable position at a major Harvard hospital to exclusive private practice of psychiatry was daunting at first. A few years later I took the additional step of starting a separate executive coaching practice. There was scant precedence for this dual approach, and no specific mentor to guide me. At times I felt like I was flying solo in a small, single-engine plane with unrelenting turbulence. Then I recalled what a professional coach I knew had told me: “people tend to overestimate what they can accomplish in one year and underestimate what they can accomplish in five.” Those words turned out to be prescient. Both of my practices took off. The fruits of my labor have been so fulfilling, as I continue to run busy practices of both psychiatry and executive coaching.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

In addition to my private practice of psychiatry, I am the founder and director of Leading Minds Executive Coaching. My associates and I offer a “holistic” model. By holistic we mean a comprehensive approach to supporting people’s well-being in all aspects of their work and personal lives. Traditional executive coaching focuses on changing behaviors in the workplace, such as delegating tasks and building “executive presence” by way of improved verbal and nonverbal communication. We help clients build all of these skills as well. But what differentiates Leading Minds Executive Coaching from many other firms is our major focus on cognitive psychology and wellness. Oftentimes it’s a pure mindset change about one’s work that leads to a cascade of behavioral improvements. And enhancements to health (bolstered by downtime from work, high-quality sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness) also are key underpinnings of career growth. We address all of these cognitive, behavioral, and health enhancements as equally foundational to success.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

Knowing your passions and values is absolutely essential. While it’s critical to keep an open mind and willingness to alter one’s tactics, the core vision and goals should remain pretty unshakable. If you know yourself and what you want to contribute, then the inevitable obstacles that present themselves become opportunities for growth. Remember that people often overestimate what they can accomplish in a short time frame and underestimate their longer term potential.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leadingmindsexecutivecoaching.com
• Twitter: https://x.com/DrDavidBrendel
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/ZFAYxr5u4Rs?si=O0ZZzBmOYCv7sxbD
• Other: https://www.drdavidbrendel.com