An insightful interview with Robin, where he discusses leadership, work-life balance, personal growth, and how a health diagnosis shifted his approach.
In a recent conversation between Joe Dimino and Robin Waite, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach, the discussion touched on numerous aspects of life—ranging from the intricacies of business coaching to personal reflections on life, health, and leadership. This article captures the key takeaways from that insightful interview.
Joe is the host of Famous Interviews. Joe has been engaged in writing and creative pursuits since his time at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, starting around 1993. If you're counting, that's over 29 years of experience. His journey began as a sports writer for UMKC’s University News and has since expanded into a wide array of creative outlets. From crafting poems, art, video, and audio, creativity has always been in the mix.
One of the initial topics covered was the state of global leadership. Robin expressed admiration for political figures like Boris Johnson and Barack Obama. He appreciated Boris Johnson for his down-to-earth approach and relatability to the common person, which set him apart from many other political leaders who often feel "out of touch."J
Robin also admired Barack Obama for his ability to connect with people on a personal level. He highlighted the importance of leaders who can "meet people at their level," a quality that sets apart those who lead with empathy and understanding.
On the flip side, Robin was critical of leaders like Donald Trump and Joe Biden, stating that both seem to lack this connection with everyday citizens due to their wealth and status. This, according to Robin, is a fundamental issue with many leaders today—they’re distanced from the realities of the people they serve.
Robin's career in coaching began eight years ago, but he quickly realised that corporate coaching wasn’t his true calling. He felt that working in large, corporate environments often meant not seeing the direct impact of his work. In contrast, he found deep satisfaction in helping small, one-person businesses grow and thrive.
Robin shared heartfelt stories of how his coaching has helped people afford life-changing moments, such as getting married, buying a house, or even transitioning a side business into a full-time family enterprise. These experiences are what keep him motivated.
One of the remarkable aspects of Robin’s coaching business is how he's structured it to allow for personal freedom. Despite the success and impact of his coaching, he only dedicates about 6–8 hours per week to one-on-one coaching, giving him the flexibility to focus on other important areas of his life—like family, health, and self-care.
Robin's work-life balance also allows him to prioritise taking time off every Friday, providing an excellent example of how entrepreneurs can structure their businesses to optimise both success and personal well-being.
In the interview, Robin opened up about a recent health diagnosis that profoundly shifted his perspective on life. He was diagnosed with a grade one tumour in his brain stem, a slow-growing and benign condition. Although not immediately life-threatening, the diagnosis has prompted Robin to re-evaluate his future plans.
Previously, Robin envisioned a typical retirement where he and his wife would travel the world after their kids were grown. However, this health news led him to reconsider delaying those adventures and start living more in the present.
This diagnosis has also amplified his sense of urgency about seizing life’s moments and focusing on what matters most. As Robin put it, “where I thought I might draw my pension and have a bit of retirement, I’m like, screw that—I think we might need to do some of that stuff now.”
One of the most poignant moments in the conversation came when both Robin and Joe discussed how certain life events, like the passing of a loved one or a serious health scare, make mortality feel more tangible. Both men had experienced the loss of their fathers around the same time and agreed that life-altering events bring the reality of death closer, forcing us to consider our time on Earth.
Joe eloquently described this shift, likening it to the setting sun: “When you get over 50, it’s not about what you’re going to do, it’s about what you’re doing—and knowing the end is coming.”
However, despite these reflections on mortality, both Robin and Joe expressed a deep sense of gratitude for their lives. Robin is immensely proud of his family—his wife and two daughters, who he considers his greatest accomplishments. He also acknowledged that while he still has ambitions for his business, if today were his last day, he would be content knowing he gave it his best shot.
The conversation also covered the importance of being present in life. Joe shared that he has learned this philosophy from jazz musicians. He described how jazz embodies a unique approach to living—each note, like each moment in life, only happens once. This perspective teaches a deep appreciation for the small things, whether it’s the appearance of a new insect or the joy of a good conversation.
The interview with Robin serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable and often filled with unexpected twists, from health scares to career shifts. However, it’s the ability to adapt, reflect, and cherish each moment that truly defines success and fulfilment.
Robin’s story also emphasises the importance of creating meaningful work that not only sustains you financially but also allows you the freedom to live your life on your terms. Whether it’s choosing to take Fridays off to relax or pushing forward to achieve business goals, the key takeaway is to balance ambition with presence.
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