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The Unlock Moment

In this compelling episode of The Business Elevation Show, I’m joined by Dr. Gary Crotaz—executive coach, award-winning author, and host of the hit podcast The Unlock Moment.

Recognised as the #2 global thought leader in coaching by Thinkers 360 in both 2023 and 2024, Dr. Gary has a remarkable career journey that includes being a doctor, professional ballroom dancer, and C-suite executive at major global brands.

Together, we delve into why “unlock moments”—those pivotal moments of clarity that transform lives—are so important. We explore the profound insights from Dr. Gary’s own journey, uncover key unlock moments and powerful takeaways from his podcast guests, and groundbreaking coaching work with leaders and organisations worldwide.

Here are some insights from the interview you don’t want to miss:

  1. An “unlock moment” is a sudden and remarkable moment of clarity that creates lasting change – you can often remember exact details of where you were and what happened during these pivotal moments.
  2. True unlock moments are about gaining permission or freedom to make changes, not necessarily about the actual change itself (like Dr. Crotaz realising he didn’t have to be a doctor, rather than the moment he quit).
  3. Understanding your unlock moments can reveal deeper patterns and purpose in your life that may not be immediately obvious on the surface.
  4. Success and happiness don’t always align – pursuing what makes you authentically happy (like Sam Horton choosing happiness over traditional success metrics) can lead to both fulfilment and achievement.
  5. Freedom to choose is a powerful catalyst for change – whether it’s freedom from others’ expectations or freedom to pursue an unconventional path.
  6. Your deepest sense of purpose often takes time to discover and may not be immediately accessible through standard goal-setting exercises.
  7. Being uniquely brilliant requires letting go of trying to please others or following predetermined paths – authenticity matters more than conformity.
  8. Career transitions, even from prestigious positions, can be necessary for personal growth and fulfilment, despite others’ potential disapproval.
  9. Physical experiences (like dance training) can provide powerful metaphors and lessons for leadership and personal development.
  10. The most meaningful success comes from being true to yourself rather than trying to meet external metrics or others’ definitions of success.

This conversation offers a treasure trove of inspiration and actionable ideas to help you uncover your own unlock moments and elevate your personal and professional life. Do take a listen!

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Dr Gary Crotaz & Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).


More about Dr Gary Crotaz:

Dr Gary Crotaz is an executive coach, award-winning author, keynote speaker and host of the hit leadership podcast ‘The Unlock Moment’.

Formerly a doctor, a professional ballroom dancer and a C-suite executive with Mothercare plc and Selfridges Group, Thinkers 360 named Dr Gary the number 2 global thought leader in Coaching for 2023 and again in 2024. His book ‘The IDEA Mindset’ was named ‘Coaching Book of the Year’ by Henley Business School in 2022.

Dr Gary has worked with highly-talented people in over 25 countries, including CEO and other C-suite executives in major global retail, technology, professional services and pharmaceuticals firms, as well as UHNW families across all sectors. Corporate coaching clients include L.E.K. Consulting, OC&C Strategy Consultants, the Bank of England, ASOS and others.