Executive Coaching in the Digital Age
Dr Brajesh Bagpai explores how digitisation is transforming executive coaching and leadership. He shares his journey from sales to academia and offers insights on the future of coaching in a digital world.
Dr Brajesh Bagpai, an executive coach with over 16 years of experience, shares his transition from a full-time professional in sales, marketing, and general management to a dedicated academic researcher. His journey began with a passion for coaching and mentoring, which he developed into a academic pursuit, culminating in a doctoral research project at Oxford Brookes Business School.
Brajesh's research focuses on the challenges faced by the coaching industry in adapting to the digital age. He reflects on pivotal moments, such as the rise of video-based coaching and the impact of digital disruptions on traditional face-to-face coaching methods. His journey through academia, including a diploma in coaching from the University of Cambridge and a master's from Ashridge (HULT University), provided him with a strong academic foundation to support his practical experience.
Brajesh discusses how the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digitisation have reshaped organisations and leadership. The traditional command-and-control organisational structures have transformed into more dispersed, collaborative, and instantaneous models. This shift necessitates new leadership skills and styles to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
The pandemic accelerated the need for digital working environments, posing new challenges for leaders. Brajesh emphasises the importance of executive coaches in supporting leaders through this transition. Coaches have had to adapt to virtual environments, providing guidance and support to leaders facing existential questions and navigating the complexities of remote work.
Brajesh envisions a future where executive coaching continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. He highlights the need for coaches to remain adaptable and informed about emerging digital trends to effectively support their clients. His research underscores the critical role of executive coaches as trusted advisors in helping leaders manage change and transformation in a rapidly evolving digital world.
This episode of "Unscripted" provides valuable insights into the evolving field of executive coaching and the critical role of digital adaptation. Tune in to hear Dr. Brajesh Bagpai's expert perspectives on the future of coaching and leadership in the digital age.