Meet Brian Wood of MARS Coaching in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Wood.

Brian, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
So, motivating and inspiring people is not a “nice” thing to do – it’s our obligation… our responsibility! Although we have the ability to uplift people daily, my desire has been (for as long as I can remember) to continue to increase my level of influence to drive positive change in leadership, lives and organizations. I’m fascinated with the idea of constantly elevating my platform in order to create a sustainable ripple effect. It’s difficult to imagine a more powerful tool than coaching to accomplish this goal. Providing professional coaching to leaders, athletes, former athletes and organizations generates life changing perspective, which produces results – exponentially.

One of my favorite Steve Jobs quotes:

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world – are the ones who do!”

I will forever owe my parents for shaping and encouraging me while convincing me that I was crazy enough to change the world!

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 “level” of smoothness (pun intended) is relative! I would compare the bumps in the road to an athlete training toward perfection. Every set, each sprint and all practice sessions – as ugly as they may look or feel – create progress toward improved athletic performance. The same philosophy holds true in business and life. Although perfection is unattainable, each imperfection, struggle, and perceived rough patch gets us closer to being who and what we’re designed to be! We have the power to shift our mindset and embrace chaos, struggle and things less than smooth.

I have faith – I believe – and I love the journey!

Let me also say that when I reflect on the obstacles that surfaced on the road of business and life there are some commonalties.

I’ve thought too small. Betting on myself and thinking big has always paid dividends.

I’ve been in the wrong room – and stayed there too long. I acted too slow in identifying the people, places, and things that didn’t serve me. Consciously surrounding yourself with the right people never fails!
I’ve allowed negativity to sneak into my mind. Positive thinking and positive psychology helps us imagine “what am I going to do about it?” as opposed to focusing on the situation we’re in.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the MARS Coaching story. Tell us more about the business.
We have a finite about of time are we don’t always spend it wisely. Too many people live in a way that contradicts their values – preventing their gifts from being realized. We are so much better than we know and simply going through the motions in life is a crime. There are a lot of people hurting out there, and our passion is to inspire them to inspire others and collectively be the change we want to see. The time is now to take action – personally and professionally. MARS Coaching helps people and organizations achieve their definition of success while enjoying the journey.

Certified as a professional coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), I use a model that identifies the mindset and energy that is constructive while strategically addressing the opportunities to convert catabolic thinking. MARS Coaching is available to support your needs in person, remotely, domestically and internationally.

We offer customized coaching programs and other services including:
• Transition Coaching for Athletes/Former Athletes
• Corporate Leadership and Development Training
• Speaking Engagements
• Individual Coaching
• Couples Coaching
• Emergency Response personnel, Veterans, Police and Fire Firefighters
• Energy Leadership Assessments

Honored to support those athletes and leaders with the courage to seek greatness! It’s exceptionally gratifying to support the journey of players pursuing their dreams. It’s humbling to help former athletes realize the lessons learned and attributes refined during their playing days, can translate into success long beyond their days on the court, field or ice. It’s inspiring to support leaders passionate about changing the world, who participate in the American Express Leadership Academy (hosted by Arizona State University – Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Non-Profit Innovation). I’m so proud to be associated with these talented individuals as I enter my third year as an Executive Leadership Coach with this phenomenal program.

The thing that sets MARS coaching apart from other coaching organizations is that we really care about our clients.

Seriously?

Don’t you just hate when people answer questions like that?!

OK – we do genuinely care about our clients but the perspective and authenticity are what serves a differentiator when working with MARS Coaching. Background includes:

• Over 30 years in Corporate America – American Airlines and Waste Management
• Background as a former athlete/hack
• Certified FIBA agent
• Certified with the NBA and WNBA players associations.
• Authentic leadership style
• Passion for supporting leaders, athletes and organizations

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
So, the short answer is – I’ve been extremely lucky and incredibly blessed in life and business! And it’s all about interpretation. We often view events in business and life as unlucky (with a victim mentality) to the point where we neglect to recognize the opportunity.

Exhibit A:

Several years ago, I was demoted. Like many people out there, I wore the number of hours I worked as a badge of honor. My title validated my worth and defined me. After my responsibilities were reduced, I was resentful, angry and blamed everyone else but me. Now, anyone who has worked in Corporate America has been on one of those conference calls that include things like “We’ve got to coach our employees.” So, as I listened to one of those conference calls (in a non-productive mindset), I decided “I’ll show them – I’ll become a certified professional coach. Not sure what my end game was regarding this revenge game plan (I told you I was in a non-productive mindset!). So, as I began to my coaching journey filled with bitterness and rage, I quickly discovered that this was not about anyone else – just about me and the way I show up to life every single day. The process of becoming a certified professional coach changed me dramatically and – I’d like to think – enabled me to change the lives of the people I work with and interact with.

How lucky was I to get demoted? Amazingly lucky and I’m more grateful than I can describe!

It’s not what happens to you – it’s what you do about it! No one has the power to define you unless you surrender that control and claim that “unlucky” energy.

More times than not, the harder we work, the luckier we get. The bigger we bet on ourselves, the luckier we get. The more we believe, the luckier we get.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are surrounded by good luck, opportunities, and abundance – in business and life. And the best is yet to come!

Contact Info:

• Address: 221 E Indianola Ave
  Phoenix, AZ 85012
• Website: www.manfrommarscoaching.com
• Phone: 602-733-4864
• Email: brian@manfrommarscoaching.com

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