Silicon Valley’s go-to personal and executive coach talks about growth and resolutions.
“I believe innovation lives inside all of us,” says Lisa Foon (fooncoaching.com), whose client base includes some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names. “Innovation means constantly finding new ways or paths to broaden our experiences and grow. It requires a willingness to risk beyond what we already know and to lean into that which we do not know. Professionally, it can be a willingness to lean into areas where we aren’t skilled and risk failing—be a leader instead of looking to someone else to lead.” Foon cleared her busy schedule to chat with us about everything from mantras to her life’s theme song.
Biggest impediments to personal growth? The desire to stay comfortable and live within our own set of personal limiting beliefs. Another impediment to growth is an unwillingness to critically look at oneself and request the support of others. We can’t change what we can’t see. We all require support to grow and learn. Take a workshop, find a mentor or hire a coach. Th e critical component is creating relationships with people who are willing to give you honest feedback.
Your mantra? The life you want to live is possible.
Do you believe in New Year’s resolutions? Generally, no. My coach inspired me to consider another practice. Set an intention and choose a word of the year. This process starts with reflecting on where you currently are and then connecting to what results you want to generate most in the new year. For instance, if I choose the word brave, it reminds me to lean into the opportunities where I am confronted by fear. I find it easier to have a North Star. It serves as a guide when opportunities arise and supports in choosing actions that I’m committed to taking throughout the year.
When are you happiest? When I experience the people I love living fully.
Biggest impediments to happiness? Immense suffering occurs when our current reality doesn’t match our expectations. This tends to bring frustration and resignation.
Song to describe your life? ‘Good to Be Alive’ by Andy Grammer
Favorite spot to recalibrate? The Ferry Building in San Francisco. There’s no place better to be on a beautiful weekend, mid- to late morning, than here. It attracts people of every gender, race and age. Families, couples and people are wandering, curious and exploring. I love having a nice cup of coffee and a croissant and sitting near the water or in the sun and people-watching.
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