On this episode of the Coaching Studio, my guest is Dr. Frederick Sanders, MCC, the Freedom Architect. Join us as we explore Sanders' journey from a graphic designer to a coaching professional. Sanders shares his transition into coaching after feeling the need for a more impactful career, prompted by a conversation with a friend who was completing a coaching certification.  Sanders then went on to complete his doctorate. His doctoral work focuses on performative masculinity among adolescent black American Christian males, exploring the cultic underpinnings and societal pressures of masculinity.  The discussion also touches on the broader impacts of societal constructs on identity and behavior, highlighting the importance of self-exploration and the role of coaching in facilitating personal growth and authenticity.  We discussed how not only men of color but all people can easily get put in a box of how they are "supposed to be," and together, we unpack the box. This conversation illuminates the power of coaching in fostering self-discovery and challenging societal constructs. Dr. Frederick C. Sanders, an international leadership coach, speaker, and author, has achieved significant acclaim in his field. With a history of professional coaching across organizations like Lyra Health and BetterUp, Sanders has demonstrated a profound impact on leadership development. His academic accomplishments include an M.A. and Ph.D. from the International University of Professional Studies, focusing on ontological and cognitive behavioral coaching. In 2023, he earned the prestigious MCC credential from the ICF and was named the 2023 Gold Winner for Best Executive Coach. Known as The Freedom Architect™, Sanders dedicates his practice to empowering high-impact men of color, aiming to foster integrity, agency, and freedom globally. His book, The Successful Coach Blueprint for Introverts, is available on Amazon. Check out his recommended reading, Conversations with God Connect with Freddy on LinkedIn and visit his Website here. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan