After two decades in international banking, I took a deliberate mid-life pause to reflect, renew, and reimagine what the second half of life might hold. Returning to India became a turning point, what began as a pause for reflection soon evolved into discovering my true calling in executive coaching and leadership development. As I supported others in finding clarity, it also deepened my own journey.
I’d long seen the value of assessments in leadership & team development work. They serve as mirrors – revealing strengths, drivers and blind spots. Whilst I’d used other tools, Hogan kept surfacing in conversations within my global coaching circles. The buzz in India was palpable, thanks to the thoughtful evangelism by the ThreeFish team.
In 2022, I joined their certification program. What struck me immediately was the scientific rigour and comprehensiveness of the inventories – HPI, HDS, MVPI. While initially overwhelmed by the depth and sub-scales (my own ‘low science’ preference showing up!), the core framework of ‘getting ahead, getting along, and finding meaning’ grew on me and eventually brought it all into focus.
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
Working with Hogan has shaped key grounding beliefs I now carry into every coaching conversation:
- Who you are is how you lead. [Hogan’s HPI, HDS, and MVPI reveal how strengths, risks, and values shape leadership]
- Leaders bring the weather to their teams and organisations. [HDS & HPI reveal how a leader’s emotional patterns influence the team energy & culture]
- Overused Strengths, can become your greatest risks. [HDS highlights how overplayed assets can derail under stress]
- Your Reputation, not identity—is what drives success. [HPI reminds us that others experience of us matters more than self-perception]
- Values drive Behaviour; alignment fuels engagement. [MVPI shows congruence between personal and organisational values is key to thriving]
- Leadership is how you show up on your worst day. [An HDS truth that underscores self-awareness & emotional regulation]
Shifts in Me & My Practice
Hogan has helped me see my own motivators & derailers with greater honesty. I’ve become more attuned to my ‘inner weather’ and often hold up a mirror to my very own judgements, assumptions and perceptions. At home, I’ve given my wife and son full permission to call out when my ‘Diligence’ or ‘Dutiful’ start tipping into overdrive. Pro-fessionally, blending Hogan’s depth with my coaching has shaped meaningful shifts in how I work:
- I now slow down on debriefs – focusing on safety, inviting reflection & trusting clients to find their own insights.
- I don’t claim to be the expert on my clients – they are. I simply walk beside them, not ahead.
- There are no ‘right or wrong’ Hogan profiles – each journey is unique.
- Context matters deeply – job role, sector, culture, and org-stage all shape interpretation.
- Resistance to feedback is perfectly normal – I don’t rush to fix it, I stay present & curious.
- I now hold space with greater humility, compassion and heart.
Ongoing Growth
I completed my Advanced Hogan Certification in 2024, though my learning continues. I value the steady support and in particular the vibrant ‘Tuesdays with ThreeFish’ alumni sessions, which offers a rich space for community connection and case practice. In closing, Hogan helps me blend the science of assessment with the art of coaching. It reminds me: ‘You can’t change what you can’t see or what you’re not willing to talk about’. It offers both the language and the lens to begin those meaningful conversations with my clients.
