Electrifying Growth Episode 55: Re-release: Even Tiger Had a Coach with Steve Schloss

Steve Schloss, Edison Operating Partner and Founder of ListenForward, has spent his career at the intersection of people, performance, and organizational growth. From leading HR at LivePerson and the USGA to advising Edison portfolio companies, Steve brings a systems-level view on what makes leaders and leadership teams thrive.

In this re-release of Electrifying Growth, Steve shares why coaching isn’t just for the struggling or inexperienced, but for the high performers seeking to scale. 

Listening as a Leadership Superpower

Steve explains why listening is the most underutilized leadership skill. His own journey, from shy observer at noisy family dinners to executive coach, has made him a fierce advocate for slowing down, tuning in, and using listening as a tool to transform teams.

Why Functional Isn't Enough: Building Transformational Teams

Too many leaders settle for “functional.” Steve breaks down what separates functional leadership teams from transformational ones and how CEOs can be intentional about designing teams for the next stage of growth, not just hiring great individuals, but building a high-performance system.

Culture, Values, and the Risk of Inconsistency

What you say and what you do must align. Steve unpacks how organizations break trust by treating values as wall art rather than operational guidelines, and why authenticity must be earned through consistent, observable behaviors.

Coaching Isn't Therapy, It's a Commitment to Growth

Coaching is about unlocking potential, not fixing problems. Steve shares how effective coaching starts with choice and commitment, and why the right coach acts as a mirror, guide, and sounding board, not a therapist.

Advice for Leaders and CEOs

Steve shares practical and provocative advice for leaders looking to scale themselves and their teams:

• You Have the Team You Deserve: The quality of your team reflects your leadership. If you’re not getting the results you want, look in the mirror before pointing fingers.
  
  
• Stop Outsourcing Culture: Leaders must be owners of the culture—not just by defining it, but by embodying it. Culture isn't what you say—it’s how you act when no one’s watching.
  
  
• Listening is a Choice: Great leadership starts with deep listening. Before you speak, seek to understand. Before you decide, ask better questions.
  
  
• Redesign for What’s Next: The team that got you here may not get you there. CEOs must regularly reassess team structure, roles, and leadership capabilities as the business evolves.
  
  
• Coaching Is for the Committed: The best leaders seek feedback, not affirmation. Coaching isn’t a fix; it’s a force multiplier for those ready to do the work.
  
  

Interested in guest-starring on Electrifying Growth? Apply Here to be a guest!