L&F Consulting Group is proud to introduce Ruben Smith, our new project manager whose unique background and extensive expertise bring a fresh perspective to our team. Ruben’s journey to this role is anything but conventional. He is a former professional hockey player, boasting seven Norwegian championships and participation in three World Championships and one Olympic Games as a representative of Norway’s national team.
During his illustrious sports career, Ruben pursued academic excellence, earning a bachelor’s degree in economy and administration. His commitment to continuous learning led him to attain certifications in coaching and undertake specialized courses at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences. Ruben’s passion lies in sport psychology, particularly in understanding and leveraging the mental aspects of sport performance, a field that has always fascinated him.
Ruben’s accolades extend beyond the rink. He was twice named MVP in the Norwegian playoffs and MVP of the Continental Cup. One of his proudest achievements is mentoring a talented player, transforming her mindset to become a mentally tough professional athlete.
Ruben’s approach to problem-solving is pragmatic and grounded in real-world applications. He focuses on what can be controlled and areas where change or increased effectiveness can be achieved. While he does not claim to solve real-world problems directly, he excels in facilitating growth in his clients. His expertise is particularly valuable in industries where employees must handle pressure, work effectively as a team, and foster a culture of performance.
Ruben’s firsthand experience as a professional athlete provides him with a unique insight into the demands of high-pressure environments. He understands what it takes to perform and pivot under pressure, creating a culture of performance. This practical knowledge, coupled with his formal education, sets him apart in his field.
A notable example of Ruben’s impact is his work with a young national team player who was struggling with the pressures of high expectations. Through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and constructive inner dialogue, Ruben helped the player reframe his perspective on pressure, leading to improved recovery and enhanced performance.
In his coaching practice, Ruben takes a holistic approach, considering the entire person rather than just their role as an athlete or employee. By building strong relationships and creating a safe space for dialogue, he facilitates significant personal growth, which naturally enhances performance. His methods are particularly effective in developing critical mental skills such as confidence, motivation, concentration, and stress management.
One of Ruben’s key strategies in coaching is to help clients discover their own solutions through guided conversations. This approach ensures that clients take ownership of their growth, leading to increased motivation and improved performance over time.
Looking ahead, Ruben envisions his expertise evolving to become increasingly relevant across various professional domains. He aims to extend his impact beyond the sporting environment to assist leaders and employees in any industry who aspire to be the best versions of themselves.
At L&F Consulting Group, Ruben will offer mental performance coaching, focusing on fostering a growth mindset and applying fundamental mental techniques to drive client growth. His services include one-on-one coaching and team coaching, aimed at developing high-performing teams by enhancing individual mindsets.
In conclusion, Ruben Smith’s diverse background, combined with his formal education and passion for sport psychology, equips him with the tools to facilitate significant personal and professional growth. As a new project manager at L&F Consulting Group, Ruben is dedicated to unlocking potential and driving success through his expertise in mental performance coaching. We are excited to have him on our team and look forward to the unique contributions he will bring to our clients and projects.