Company owners know that investing in people leads to the best business results. It will also improve employees’ personal lives and eventually develop the company’s brand as a rebound effect of that improvement. To Ed Offterdinger, professional development goes further than that; he sees it as a social contribution. 

Ed Offterdinger is a Leadership Coach, Conscious Capitalist, Author, and Former CEO. He is the co-founder of AO People Partners and co-author of the book “Conscious, Capable, and Ready to Contribute: A Fable.” Ed built his extensive and successful career in consulting and public accounting under two premises: heavily investing in leadership and professional development for himself and others.

In this episode, Ed brings a different perspective of personal and professional development. We talk about the book he co-authored, his creative process, and the people and situations that inspired it. We explore the benefits of investing in people, eliminating the “kill the closest snake” mentality, what coaching can offer to improve managers’ and employees’ experiences, and much more. 

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-offterdinger/

Pre-order his book: https://consciousandcapable.com/

Full Episode Breakdown:

2:19 – John and Ed remember their first encounter at Beers & Cutler. John’s first-ever office job.

4:15 – It’s all about the people. John remembers one of Ed’s first teachings at Beers & Cutler that marked his entire career.

8:27 – Ed talks a bit about his first steps in investing in employees’ self-development.

12:36 – Ed talks about his passion for reading and writing and the vital importance guidance and second opinions had in writing this book.

16:57 – Ed explains the concept of Conscious Capitalist and what it means to him.

19:41 – Ed shares his take on the importance for companies to invest in the long term.

23:01 – John and Ed talk about the “kill the closest snake” mentality. 

27:41 – Ed talks about the people that inspired some of the characters of the book.

32:01 – The unique personality and vision of Dave McGuire, Ed’s coach, for over 20 years.

37:43 – Ed shares his experience in transitioning from his successful career in the corporate world to coaching.

41:23 – Ed talks about the challenges of becoming a coach and giving advice to people.

44:51 – Ed talks about what parts of writing the book he enjoyed most.

50:17 – John and Ed talk about the book’s style. And why Ed decided to go for it.

55:17 – Ed shares some brilliant insight on sales and communications.