\What is your background? How long have you been in business for yourself and why did you want to become a leadership coach?

My background includes 20 years of leadership experience in the active duty and reserve components of the US Air Force as well as consulting in the private sector. I have a doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University as well as a master's degree in Public Administration from Troy University. My company, Uncaged Solutions LLC, has been actively in business since December 2017 and focuses on leadership coaching, training and facilitation. I started the company to help individuals, teams and organizations focus on self-awareness as a foundation to help achieve breakthrough results in the various aspects of their lives.

What are the most important skills a leadership coach should possess?

The skills I feel are most important are active listening, empathy and engagement.  

Can you explain how you arrived at the name Uncaged Solutions and the tagline “vision focused leadership for change”? What differentiates you from similar operations?

The name Uncaged Solutions was birthed from the personal desire to have freedom of creativity and the professional desire to help others achieve their goals through a customized approach that keeps their vision at the forefront of everything they do. What differentiates Uncaged Solutions from other coaching businesses is the custom approach that is designed to help our clients Envision the leaders they want to become, collaborate with them to create a Plan that serves as their personal roadmap, Act each day and Achieve the results they desire.

Are you a one-woman operation and what sorts of businesses do you serve? Are there any sectors of the business community that comprise the bulk of your business or that is a specialty of yours?

I currently am a one-woman operation serving clients in the nonprofit, government and private sectors. Leadership is not limited to a particular sector and Uncaged Solutions does not focus its services in a particular area but rather endeavors to help anyone who wants to become to better version of themselves. Uncaged Solutions helps clients with a wide range of challenges and projects.

What are some common problems facing small businesses and how can you help them solve these problems?

The common problems or areas of improvement that are facing businesses, small and large, are self-awareness, communication, trust, accountability and valuing others. Uncaged Solutions can offer coaching, training and facilitation to organizations to help them achieve breakthrough results.

What would you say to a business owner who is waffling about hiring a leadership coach?

There are so many out there so it is up to you to meet with them to see if what they offer truly brings value to the organization and the people in it. If a leader wants more for themselves and their people, investing in a leadership coach can be worth it. Coaching has value, but it is vital for the client to be open to self-awareness and engaged for it to be effective and impactful.

Uncaged Solutions recently offered an eight-week virtual Leadership Gold mastermind study. Can you explain what that is and tell us if there are any similar programs on the horizon?

A mastermind study is when like-minded people who are interested in self-development come together and help each other learn and grow through the sharing of experiences and perspectives. It is facilitated by a coach. Leadership Gold, written by John C. Maxwell, served as the basis of the mastermind study. As the facilitator, I chose and focused on certain lessons in the book (eight weeks is not enough time to go through the entire book) and created a safe environment for participants to share and encourage others to grow. The next virtual mastermind will be based on his latest book, Leadershift starting Sept. 9 and will last for six weeks. The cost will be $119 per person. I do facilitate  mastermind groups for organizations in-person as well.

You’re a John Maxwell certified coach, trainer and speaker. Can you explain the significance of the label? What sorts of topics are you available to speak about?

John C. Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books, primarily focusing on leadership. Titles include The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. His books have sold millions of copies, with some on the New York Times Best Seller List. In 2011, the John Maxwell Team (of which I am a part) was created so men and women (and now children)  can be certified to coach, train and speak utilizing the Maxwell Method. I joined the John Maxwell Team in February 2018 because its core values aligned with those of Uncaged Solutions. Having the John Maxwell brand creates respectable credibility and allows me to continue his legacy when sharing some of his materials in our facilitations. The primary topics I am available to speak about include leadership, self-growth, and focus. I am also a certified MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) Practitioner as well as being certified in DISC.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Serving others by adding value to them.

Contact info: Cynthia Coy-Blackwell  www.uncagedsolutionsllc.com