Paws for thought

The book’s third contributor is unusual: Moka, the family’s inspirational and insightful Lhasa/Yorkshire terrier.

Michel Lavoie earned a professional certified coach accreditation from the International Coach Federation. In addition to his Concordia graduate diploma in communication studies, he holds a BA in literature and philosophy and postgraduate degrees in philosophy and educational psychology.

He has coached close to 2,000 hours, including for students at Concordia, and has also taught at Coaching de Gestion Inc., the first francophone coaching school in North America, founded in 1997.

Patricia Lavoie: “While studying literature, I discovered my passion for storytelling. My studies at Concordia gave me the tools to begin a career that allowed me to tell stories in another way, through film and television — and eventually through online games.

Michel made his first film while in Africa and came to Montreal to further his communication studies as well. He went on to work at Radio-Canada in Manitoba, CBC in Montreal as executive producer of Sesame Street Canada, and at Radio-Canada in Montreal as head of youth and family programming.

Before beginning his coaching career, he also worked in the independent production community.”

What was the main inspiration for deciding to write your book?

PL: “Michel wrote a coaching newsletter and a blog for several years as well as acting as editor of the monthly Coach Quebec newsletter. He felt that he had arrived at a point in his coaching experience where he had developed a style and structure in his practice that he wanted to share in a way that was original and helpful for those interested in the coaching process.”

The book notes that Moka “offers insightful observations after hours of listening.” What specific insight do you feel that Moka has brought to the book?

PL: “The book takes the unique perspective of Moka, a dog with above average intelligence, perception and observational skills. Most importantly, her honesty and non-judgemental approach renders the book’s content accessible.”

Michel, do you feel it is your many years of varied experience, and in particular your years of coaching and teaching, that had a significant bearing on deciding to write this book?

Michel Lavoie: “It has been my dream and belief for quite some time that there should be in-house coaches in university settings, because this is when major decisions and orientations are affecting students’ futures. It is my perspective that writing and publishing Coaching Unleashed makes a valuable contribution in this domain.”