Meet Ken Kilday of New-Tough Leader

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Kilday.

Over the last thirty years and two industries, Ken has been blessed to perform in roles that helped him develop a keen sense of what makes human beings tick, how to serve them effectively, and what works to lead them in a way that brings out their very best.

During his final stint in corporate America, the prior experiences combined and grew exponentially as Ken had been recruited to breathe new life and growth into a technologically advanced wealth management platform. That experience rounded out his background in business development allowing him to create and launch his own executive coaching firm.

Currently, Ken specializes in working with entrepreneur business leaders and corporate executives to focus awareness on their strengths as leaders, leverage that strength, and pursue the same at the team level to drive business development consistent with their Mission.

Typically, the clients he is working with are at an inflection point in their business where they acknowledge that their past efforts will not produce the kind of success they are driven toward. Working side-by-side, they create a new growth plan that combines inspiration with the underlying capability of the business.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The timing of leaving a corporate role and starting his own business was anything but smooth. In fact, after exiting the machine, Ken took a couple of months to catch his breath, renew his energy, and tackle his very long honey-do list.

In the process of exploring ‘what is next’ he discovered that as he interviewed for similar executive roles, the fire necessary to lead effectively was not burning as brightly because it seemed like something he had already achieved.

A close friend asked, ‘why not start your own firm and get the Ken Kilday brand out there?’ At first blush, he dismissed that idea, but the seed was planted and many years of wanting to create his own business came bubbling to the top.

Creating the business, building the website, and introducing himself to the world in a new role would come in fits and starts. Ken has a wide circle of connections that offered guidance, counsel, and resources in order to make that all come to fruition.

Absolutely no one can achieve the launch of ‘their’ business without a large network to collaborate, guide, and support. There is an unpredictable ebb and flow to finding, developing, and delivering to clients. The challenge is to have faith, be persistent, and deliver with all you’ve got!

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Every client begins our work together by taking the Talent/Wealth Dynamics assessment; this measures their natural state of flow – the way in which they are effortlessly productive. Many coaches use an assessment to begin work; however, that is where the similarity ends.

The premise of New-Tough Leader methodology is that many leaders refer to tough decisions they’ve made that are harshly directed toward the people in their care. What is ‘new’ is that leading with a people focus, in a compassionate way, that customizes how we approach our teams to maximize their natural talents unleashes success that is untapped to that point.

Flexibility is a key aspect of the work we do. Businesses are metaphorically a mobile with many arms branching from a central core. As we do work on one arm, they shift the other aspects that they require our attention. Coaching takes on the rhythm of the business adjusting attention among the main priorities. For instance, we may be working on public speaking skills while also working through a plan to assess and evaluate each team member’s fit in their role.

Clients have said that the skill that seems unique to them is how I read what is NOT said in order to combine it with issues verbalized to arrive at a complete story. During my life many have commented that I have an uncanny ability to read people, naturally draw them to share openly, and inspire them to be the best versions of themselves. Add an action with inspiration, and the result is hyper business growth.

When you look back, what are you most proud of?
When I announced the launch of New-Tough Leader (under my name as the LLC), I heard from so many people – business owners, executives of difference level, and front-line team members from my past.

They validated what I was doing was the best execution of my ability in service to others. Several became clients immediately – allaying the main worry of every entrepreneur (what if I hang the ‘open’ sign and no one comes).

Pricing:

• The Power Hour offers an assessment, debrief, and action plan for one fair price of $349; a great way to take action and simultaneously assess coaching.
• Other coaching packages and speaking engagements price by agreement

Contact Info:

• Website: newtoughleader.com or kenkilday.com
• Phone: 602-820-6978
• Email: Ken@KenKilday.com
• Instagram: NewToughLeader
• Facebook: NewToughLeader
• Twitter: KDKPhoenix

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.