The Transformational Power of Change with Will Samson
Introduction Host Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes transformational coach and consultant Will Samson. With over two decades of experience in organizational change and a PhD in psychology, Will empowers executive teams, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals to navigate growth, resilience, and self-discovery. His inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and reinventing his life in his 50s proves that transformation is always possible.
Overcoming Rock Bottom Will shares the pivotal moment that led him to change. Despite professional success, he struggled with addiction, using alcohol to mask his unhappiness. A traffic accident with legal consequences became his wake-up call. He decided to embrace transformation, leading to personal growth and a new path in coaching and consulting.
The Impact of Recovery on Coaching Will outlines how his recovery journey shaped his coaching methodology. He emphasizes four key steps in transformation:
- Identifying what is within one's control
- Reconciling with oneself
- Building better relationships with others
- Establishing systems to sustain progress These principles apply not just to overcoming addiction but also to business and personal growth.
Helping Executives Embrace Change Will discusses the resistance to change in leadership and how he helps executives overcome it. His seminar, You Are Chaos, challenges leaders to recognize that they shape their own environment. The acronym VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) describes today’s business landscape, and Will teaches leaders to take ownership of their internal change first before addressing external challenges.
Building Resilience in Leadership A key component of leadership is resilience. Will guides executives through an exercise using three questions:
- I come from a people who…
- I come from a place where…
- I bring with me… These reflections help leaders recognize their past influences and develop self-trust, which is essential for resilience in both personal and professional life.
The Slow Change Approach Will stresses that meaningful transformation takes time. Recovery research shows it takes 18 months for the brain to reset from addiction, and similarly, real change in business and life requires patience. His "slow change" philosophy helps clients commit to the process of transformation rather than seeking instant results.
Common Misconceptions About Coaching One major misunderstanding in coaching is the belief that a coach will do the work for the client. Will differentiates coaching from therapy, emphasizing that coaching is about guiding individuals to act on what they already know they need to do. He likens it to sports coaching—strategic insight is valuable, but the player must execute the plays.
A Success Story Will shares an inspiring client story: a young engineer with ambitions to become the youngest CTO in their company’s history. Through structured coaching, they achieved their goal in 15 months, demonstrating the power of clear goals, self-awareness, and persistence.
Key Qualities of Successful Leaders Successful executives share common traits, including:
- Asking more questions than making statements
- Practicing empathy and authenticity
- Understanding what they can and cannot control
- Building a team around them that fosters interdependence
BIO:
Will Samson is a transformational coach and consultant who shapes the future of work and life through thought leadership. With over two decades of experience in organizational change management and a Ph.D. in Sociology, Will empowers executive teams, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals to navigate growth, resilience, and self-discovery. His personal story of overcoming addiction and reinventing his life in his 50s showcases his belief that it’s never too late to change and thrive.
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LIVE with The Famous Dr. AL
Discover the golden pearls of wisdom within you! Dr. Allen Lycka has been acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped develop several new technologies and has spoken at podiums worldwide. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After courageously fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage, determination, and tenacity. Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life" with a foreword by #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup For The Soul.
Brushwood Media Network is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Allen Lycka on reaching a remarkable milestone—his 500th episode of the popular series "How To Live a Fantastic Life." Dr. Lycka's inspiring show has become a staple for listeners seeking advice on living their best lives, and this milestone is a testament to his dedication and the impact of his work.
“LIVE with The Famous Dr. AL” will offer a dynamic blend of features, ensuring that each episode provides something unique and exciting. Listeners can look forward to intriguing conversations with authors, captivating lifestyle stories, travel and food adventures, exclusive celebrity insights, and the latest in beauty secrets.
Dr. Lycka has an incredible ability to connect with his audience and provide valuable insights that inspire and uplift. Don't miss out on the fun and inspiration. Dr. Lycka also has the #1 syndicated radio shows How to Live A Fantastic Life, Doc Fix That, and Driving Biz, on the Brushwood Media Network, with millions of listeners each month.
Dr. Allen Steven Lycka was acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world for three decades. A pioneer in cosmetic surgery, he helped to develop laser-assisted tumescent liposuction – an advanced body sculpture technique, and Moh’s Micrographic Surgery, an advanced means of removing skin cancer with 99% success. He has lived and practiced in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada since 1989. He’s written 17 books, 30+ academic papers and hosted the number one internet radio show in the world – Inside Cosmetic Surgery Today. He is a co-founder of Doctors for the “Practice of Safe and Ethical Aesthetic Medicine” and founder of The Canadian Skin Cancer Association. He won the prestigious Consumers Choice Award For Cosmetic Surgery for 16 consecutive years.
In 2003, Dr. Lycka’s life changed drastically when he suddenly developed a right foot drop while on vacation with his family at Disneyland. He promised his wife he would explore it, and after seeing many doctors was misdiagnosed with having ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Still, he maintained his status as a leading cosmetic doctor for 30 years. He later discovered he has Chronic Lyme disease.
Because of what he learned through his experience, he left his practice and co-authored the bestselling book, “The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life” with Harriet Tinka, a former fashion model and Woman of Distinction.
He has also authored two more books: one with Corie Poirier entitled, “bLU Talks Presents: Business, Life and the Universe” and one with Jack Canfield entitled, “The Pillars of Success.” Both books also became bestsellers during the Covid crisis in 2020. Currently acknowledged as a leading expert in Living A Fantastic Life and Turning Points, he is a transformational speaker, thought leader, coach, and mentor.
Dr. Lycka is happily married to Dr. Lucie Bernier-Lycka for 38 years and they have four lovely daughters and seven beautiful grandchildren. He counts his family as his most important accomplishment.