"Nothing is more practical than for people to deepen themselves. The more you understand the human condition the more effective you are as a businessperson. Human depth makes business sense."

- From Leadership: The Inner Side of Greatness by Peter Koestenbaum

A philosopher, a behind the scenes sage for CEOs at some of the world's largest companies, Peter Koestenbaum poses the truly big questions. How do we act when the risks seem overwhelming? What does it mean to be a successful human being?

According to Koestenbaum the central leadership quality is the ability to manage polarity. We want to live, yet we must die? How can I devote myself to both family and career? Am I a boss or a friend? Every business interaction is a form of confrontation - a clash of priorities, a struggle of dignities, a battle of beliefs. Koestenbaum links the deep insights of philosophy with immediate, bottom- line business issues to break through "stuck points" and do better business.

You may be wondering why CEO's of top companies are even remotely concerned with deep philosophical issues. These leaders understand that their success in business is based in their continued personal growth and expansion. Every business person committed to success will reach a point when they need to confront the "deep" questions. So what about you? Do you put aside time each week to devote to your personal growth and development? What keeps you on the edge of your business and life? It may be reading, attending a workshop, a teleclass, conference, lunch with people who love to explore the "deep" questions or working with a coach or a combination of the above that keeps you living on the edge. Whatever it is, make sure you include it in your life. This week, schedule something when you can dedicate yourself to doing what a leader does - thinking planning, strategizing creating.

Ruth Zanes

Ruth Zanes has been a Business, Career and Personal Success Coach since 1985. Her broad range of experience prior to coaching includes consultant, business ownership and corporate executive for some of the world?s largest corporations.

Founder and lead coach of Unlimited Resources, Ruth says ?the company is the natural culmination of my corporate career, business experience and my study and training in transformational technologies and human development.? Ruth is currently engaged in one-on-one individual, career and business coaching, group coaching, and leads workshops and seminars related to such topics as team building, leadership, personal growth, negotiation, etc. She is also a speaker at conferences and meetings on these same topics.

Business Owner Prior to Unlimited Resources, Ruth headed Strategic Resources, Inc. a multi-million dollar marketing consulting and marketing research company located in the New York Metro area for over 15 years. The company served corporations in many diverse industries with a distinguished client list that includes Fortune 500 companies such as, AT&T, American Express, Bristol-Myers, Citibank, Clairol, Coca Cola, GE and many others.

Corporate Executive A corporate executive with several Fortune 100 companies before she became a business owner, Ruth?s corporate career included executive marketing positions with companies such as: Avon Products, one of the world's largest cosmetics companies, Chesebrough-Pond's (now a division of Unilever), Clairol division of Bristol Myers, Grey Advertising and Foote, Cone & Belding advertising agencies.

Education Ruth is a graduate of Coach University and is on the faculty for this university. She has a B.A degree from Brooklyn College and did her graduate work in psychology and statistics at the New School for Social Research. She has spent more than 15 years of intensive study with CEU accredited transformational programs such as Landmark Education and has led a variety of seminars and workshops for these organizations.

Other Accomplisments The author for trade and professional publications, Ruth taught undergraduate courses in marketing at Jersey City State College and has served on the boards for professional and community organizations. She is listed in Who's Who of American Women, is an Executive Member of the American Marketing Association, a member of the International Coach Federation and Coachville and serves on the board of the Georgia Coaches.