MEET THE COACH: Rose Klementisz

By Mara Dresner

Q. What constitutes an effective phone coaching session? A. An effective coaching session allots time to work on the financials and to review the critical numbers as identified by the coaching client as the critical numbers for their company. It also allows time to work on leadership and culture. When we can get all of those in the call, when that happens, I'm really happy. Q. You've been the owner of The Body Serene Day Spa at Skippack Village in Pennsylvania for 14 years. How have things changed for entrepreneurs? A. I would say, for sure, business owners have got to be much more financially literate than what was required even 10 years ago. They really need to understand intimately the financials and the financial stories of their companies, so they can be in the driver's seat, instead of being driven. I just think it's not as easy or as safe to fly by the seat of your pants anymore. I think you used to be able to get by with more of that. I'd also say that with the onslaught of computers and social networking and those types of things, you've got to be aware of how your customers are getting information and be able to respond with innovations. Q. What have you learned about yourself and your business by being a Certified Strategies Coach? A. On the positive side, there are a lot of things I take for granted in my company, that are things other business owners are not clued into or are really striving to work toward. It's made me appreciate my company and my team all the more. As I'm coaching, I'm reflecting my coaching clients, and it holds me to a higher level of accountability. I can't coach it if I'm not doing it; that's critical. In terms of me as a person, I've really learned how to speak honestly and truthfully with a person in a way that's not disrespectful, in a way that helps promote healthy relationships, in the coaching world, in the business world, and,  quite frankly, in my life. I've also found that in my real life, people don't always appreciate it, as you can well imagine; my husband, in particular! Q. What's your favorite holiday? A. Thanksgiving, without question. Because I feel like there are so many wonderful traditions around the food and the day. It's so family-oriented without the pressure of Christmas, but has the anticipation of starting the holiday season. Also, too, I tend to reflect on the things I'm grateful for. That's part of our holiday tradition, and I think that's a really good thing to do.   Q. What business habit would you encourage people to start or commit to this year? A. Look at your financials once a week. And do some of the straight talk, just to have conversations to remove obstacles — if someone's behavior is interfering with your culture, the bottom line or however that may look. Sometimes, there's a lack of awareness on the other person's part. Sometimes, the situation can't be resolved and it's best that they're removed, because it negatively affects the rest of your team. When it can be resolved, it's so much nicer on other side. Q. What quotation inspires you? A. I have two. One is "Love is as love does." It's basically that actions speak louder than words. The other is Albert Einstein: "Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." I have that poster in my office. The other poster in my office is Harriet Tubman. I have always had an affinity for heroes, for people who have the will and the spirit do the right thing in the face of crappy thinking, who have the courage of spirit to overcome. Since I was a little girl, I've always loved civil rights, Helen Keller, Abraham Lincoln, Harriet Tubman, the underground railroad. I've always had a love for people who were able to figure out how to overcome amazing obstacles because it was the right thing to do. by Mara Dresner _______________ For more information about Strategies coaching, click here.