Jim Herman: President-Elect

How many years have you been coaching, and what inspired you to become a professional coach?

I started coaching in the mid-90s after I took two “Coaching for Managers” classes based on Sir John Whitmore’s Performance Coaching model. The two classes transformed how I supervised, managed, and led people and teams. I started coaching full time in 2019 after I retired as a U.S. diplomat. I was inspired to take up coaching full time after seeing the powerful transformative impact modern coaching tools can have on people, teams, and organizations.

What is the primary focus or niche of your coaching practice, and If you could have any fictional character as a coaching client, who would it be? 

I primarily focus on senior executive and leadership coaching. I also do some life and team coaching. Part of me would resist coaching a fictional character because it’s the coachable parts that make the story worth watching/reading. Having said that, though, I would love to coach Indiana Jones or Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) or Queen Elizabeth!

What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives will you contribute to our ICF chapter as a board member? 

I’ve been fortunate to have had so many unique experiences and to connect with people from all over the world. One of my first jobs as a teenager was as a janitor at a busy club. In that job, I learned that every job has dignity and purpose - what the Japanese call ikigai. In my role as a Chinese linguist in the US Air Force, I learned the importance and power of teamwork when aligned with mission. In my role as the Principal Officer at the largest US consulate in the world with about 900 employees, I learned how to be a servant leader while driving the team to achieve its mission. Finally, as a student studying political science at UH, strategic studies at the Army War College, and conflict transformation at Eastern Mennonite University. I learned the power of learning with others and embracing their passion especially when I don’t share that passion.

What is one goal you’d love to achieve as a board member to strengthen our chapter and support its members? 

I wish to support the board and membership live into our chapter’s vision, mission, and values to grow coaching in Hawaii in order to positively impact our community.

What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know, and how does it shape who you are as a coach or leader? 

After I graduated from high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. I ended up hitchhiking around the U.S. off and on for two years, while also going to college. I spent many weeks completely broke sleeping on beaches, in parks, or on peoples’ couches. I also met many amazing people on my journey. That experience helps me connect deeply with all kinds of people, gives me empathy and compassion to most people and situations, and helped me understand that I don’t have to fix everything - life unfolds in its own time and way.

Visit Jim’s Coaching Website: Honu Lei Connection