Coaching Voices: The Association for Coaching Podcast

In episode 3 of our Psychology in Coaching series, Julia Carden, coach, researcher and author of You're Not as Self-Aware as You Think You Are, admits that one of her regrets is not studying psychology. Yet her coaching work has taken her deep into questions of how people think, change and relate. In this conversation with host Lucy Whitehall, she explores the difference between studying psychology and being "psychologically minded": staying curious about why we behave as we do and reflecting on what we bring into the coaching room. For Julia, that curiosity is part of ethical practice, because a seemingly harmless question can prompt far deeper reflection than the coach anticipated.

Knowledge alone isn't enough, though. Julia argues that you can only take your coaching as far as you've taken yourself. A coach may know the theory inside out and still struggle to sit with uncertainty, resist the urge to fix, or hold space when a conversation becomes difficult. That capacity comes from doing the work on ourselves, supported by supervision, continuing professional development and ongoing reflection, rather than simply learning more models. They also discuss the subtle risks of introducing psychological tools without understanding their roots.

Julia also reflects on what psychological mindedness offers coaches personally: the freedom to admit that we are not all sorted, to get comfortable being messy human beings, and to let go of the pressure to perform in the coaching room. For Julia, the standout message is the value of getting clear on psychological mindedness over psychology itself, and how this connects to work on self, CPPD (Continuing Personal and Professional Development) and the wider coaching profession.

You will learn:

· Psychological mindedness matters as much as formal theory. Curiosity about our own behaviour and what we bring into the room is part of ethical, competent practice.

· Self-awareness is never finished and ever evolving.

· Use psychological tools with care and ensure you understand them.

"I fundamentally believe you can only take the coaching as far as you've taken yourself, and that we should always be doing the deep work on self."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-psychology-in-coaching-psychological-mindedness-self-awareness

In the second episode of our Psychology in Coaching series, host Lucy Whitehall sits down with organizational psychologist Michelle Minnikin, author of Good Girl Deprogramming, to discuss how psychology informs coaching, particularly around gender roles and conditioning. Ten years ago, Michelle burned out after years of trying to change organizations from the inside. Her next move was to build a practice around what corporate life had denied her: autonomy, freedom and fun.

The women who come to her, often in their thirties to sixties and long practiced at being useful, agreeable and available, say some version of "I don't know who I am. I don't know what I want. I don't know what I need." Michelle explains how her ADHD diagnosis helped her recognize her own "good girl" conditioning, and how she now supports women to identify the conditioning that has been holding them back and regain their autonomy. Sometimes that means asking questions about childhood: What did you love doing? What made you angry? Where did you find joy? Sometimes it means handing over a book, a podcast or a talk to explore between sessions. Michelle jokes that her love language is giving people homework, but the assignment is an invitation, not an obligation. It is a fine balance between non-directive practice and guidance, while preserving client choice. She stresses the importance of naming the psychology you are using when contracting with clients and is clear about where coaching ends and when a client may need signposting to a therapist.

Michelle also challenges the idea that women need fixing. She is sceptical of leadership programs that train women to be more confident and then send them back into the conditions that made confidence feel risky, so she works with women, their managers and wider teams. For men, she offers "Model Man Conditioning" coaching, helping them recognise their own gender conditioning. The expectations differ, she says, but nobody is outside the water they are swimming in. In this candid, open conversation, Lucy and Michelle address the impact of gender conditioning on individuals, relationships, organizations and society. It is a reminder for coaches not to ignore it with their own clients.

You will learn:

· Why its important to be transparent about the approaches you use when contracting

· To recognize when an issue needs therapeutic support and signpost accordingly.

· Gender conditioning shapes everyone, so support women, men, managers and organizations rather than expecting women to change alone.

"I struggle to understand how you would say, I'm not going to use psychology in coaching. It's humans! And if you aren't using psychology, how deep a transformation can you support your clients with?"

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-psychology-in-coaching-gender-conditioning-contracting

In this first episode of our podcast series, Psychology in Coaching, host Lucy Whitehall talks with psychologist and coach Dr Hayley Lewis about how psychology shapes coaching practice. Hayley's journey runs from occupational psychology and organisational development at the BBC to executive coaching. She shares how her sketch-note summaries aim to make psychology accessible to the public, and how one of them ended up in Adam Grant's book, Think Again, after she mistook his publisher's emails for phishing. Her story opens a wider conversation about impostor feelings, and why self-doubt can signal that we are learning or stepping into unfamiliar territory.

Lucy and Hayley explore how coaches can draw on psychological knowledge without needing to be psychologists, and why curiosity, humility and attention to individual context matter when applying theory and research. Hayley reflects openly on supervision and the coach's use of self as an instrument, including how it helped her recognise her own rescuing tendencies. They also discuss coach wellbeing, adapting how explicitly psychology is used with clients, and psychological safety as the ability to face discomfort while preserving the relationship.

The conversation closes with an important note of caution. Hayley explains that psychological concepts used without suitable training and supervision can harm clients, and why she is learning about somatic coaching but does not yet feel ready to use it in her practice. This is a thoughtful listen for any coach who wants to use psychology well and responsibly.

You will learn

· Impostor feelings can signal learning. Self-doubt often appears when we are in unfamiliar situations, which makes it a cue for growth rather than evidence of inadequacy.

· Know yourself to coach well. Reflective practice and supervision help coaches spot personal patterns, such as the urge to rescue, before they shape the coaching room.

· Curiosity and humility will help you become a self-aware and a student of psychological theory in your practice

"I think a really good understanding, not surface understanding, a really good dive into an understanding and learning of key psychological theories and concepts can be really helpful in coaching."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-psychology-in-coaching-theory-practice-ethics

This episode is part of our 'A Day in the Life' series, where we talk to coaches about their real lives and businesses. What happens when creativity, personal story and deep self-reflection find their way into coaching? In this warm, honest conversation, our host Maxine Bell, talks with Paul Williamson, Group Head of Talent Development at ATG Entertainment. He has designed acclaimed in-house leadership development programmes, helped to build a successful internal coaching faculty, and coached leaders at all levels within the organization. Paul traces his path from a creative childhood filled with art, drama and storytelling, through management roles, to becoming a qualified coach. Like many people, he was steered toward more 'sensible' career paths, but his creative instincts never left him, and he came to see creativity as a powerful tool for transformation.

Central to Paul's practice is Childhood Story Work, the approach pioneered by Dr Sarah Hill. He explains how looking at your own childhood story and its influences can reveal surprising connections between early narratives and present-day behaviour, work he describes as "transformational for me personally." Paul sees his role as creating a safe container for deep exploratory work, one that invites people to call on "all aspects of who they are, including their creativity." Drawing, music, imagery and metaphors help clients move beyond intellectual defences and into deeper layers of meaning.

Running through the conversation is the question "Who am I?", which Paul returns to throughout his work and his own life. It shapes how he shows up as a coach, from his shift away from structured models like GROW towards a more intuitive, emergent style, to his commitment to self-care, supervision and reflective practice. For Paul, the goal is genuine connection: finding out "what lights up their soul."

You will learn:

· Understanding the early narratives that shape us can reveal the influences behind present behaviour and empower clients to change limiting narratives and create real transformation.

· The importance of creating a safe container for creativity and deeper, exploratory work.

· The power of asking 'Who am I?' and 'How do I want to coach?'

'I think if you can encourage people to step into that childlike space of wonder and possibility, you can start to get wonderful results.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-childhood-storywork-creativity

In this final episode of our series: AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching, we step back from individual perspectives and ask what all these conversations might be telling us about coaching itself. Rebecca Rutschmann, co-founder of Viva la Coaching, researcher, educator and long-standing explorer of the space between coaching and technology, joins host, Smaranda Dochia, to consider whether AI is forcing the profession to become clearer about what coaching is really here to do.

Together they explore what should remain distinctly human, why people choose to work with another human being in coaching, and what we want technology to support rather than replace. Rather than framing AI as something to embrace or resist, the conversation is about engaging with curiosity, maturity and agency, and making deliberate choices about how we use it.

It's a conversation about finding our core, and about what AI may be asking the coaching profession to become next.

You will learn:

· New capabilities are pushing us to revisit what coaching is for, who it can reach and why people value working with another human.

· It's not a choice between embracing or resisting AI but staying informed, curious and deliberate about how you use it

· Build strong roots in who you are and what you value, with enough curiosity to explore what is becoming possible.

"You need your North Star; you need your core. As long as you have roots, you can also fly. That's something my parents taught me very early. You need roots to hold you tight, and you need wings to fly."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-what-AI-asks-of-coaching

AI coaching is moving fast, but the evidence hasn't quite caught up with the excitement. In episode 9 of our AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, host Smaranda Dochia sits down with Professor Nicky Terblanche, Professor in Leadership Coaching at Stellenbosch University Business School in Cape Town, South Africa, where he leads the master's and PhD programmes in leadership coaching. Nicky began his career in electronic and software engineering before moving into coaching and applied psychology and has been researching AI coaching since well before generative AI arrived on the scene.

The conversation centres on a key distinction: 'AI in coaching' versus 'AI coaching' itself, and why the field still needs clearer definitions and professional boundaries. Nicky brings the research into focus, sharing findings that AI coaching can be effective for goal attainment, but has yet to show the same results when it comes to areas like stress, wellbeing, and resilience: the deeper developmental terrain where skilled human coaches still lead. They also explore whether AI should even aspire to imitate a human coach, why coaching methodology matters when evaluating a platform, cultural bias in AI coaching tools, and how AI might ultimately raise the bar for human coaching rather than simply replace it.

Throughout, one message keeps returning: keep an open mind, but remain critical and ask for evidence. Nicky's research suggests a more nuanced picture than either the hype or the anxiety around AI coaching would have us believe - AI coaching can already support outcomes like goal attainment and offers real value through its scale, cost, and accessibility, reaching people who might otherwise have no access to coaching at all. But when it comes to deeper transformation, human coaching still holds its ground. Nicky's closing challenge lingers too: perhaps we're worrying too much about AI replacing coaches, and not enough about what it means to outsource our thinking to technology over time.

You will learn:

· 'AI in coaching' and 'AI coaching' aren't the same thing. The field still lacks clear definitions and professional boundaries, and getting this distinction right matters for standards and accreditation.

· AI coaching if far off from replacing human coaches but it does have value in it's scalability and reach.

· The real risk may not be replacement - it's outsourcing thinking: what happens to our critical thinking and capability when we lean too heavily on technology to do it for us.

"AI coaching is not competing with human coaching, but it can be incredibly scalable and helpful to millions of people who would never otherwise have any coaches."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-AI-coaching-research-service

Across workplaces, AI tools are being introduced at remarkable speed. Licenses are being purchased, productivity gains are anticipated, and employees are being encouraged to experiment. But access to AI is not the same as knowing how to work with it well. In episode 8 of our AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, host Smaranda Dochia sits down with James Varnham, who brings 26 years of experience in learning, workforce development, and AI adoption, to unpack what's actually happening inside organizations as AI moves from experimentation to daily practice. They dig into the gap between leadership ambition and employee readiness, the rise of shadow AI and the data security risks it creates, and why generic, one-size-fits-all training rarely builds the kind of AI literacy organizations need.

The conversation centres on a key distinction: knowing how to use AI is not the same as knowing how to collaborate with it. True AI literacy means understanding when AI adds value, how to steer and question its output, and where human critical thinking has to stay firmly in the driver's seat. James and Smaranda also explore the growing role of coaching in this shift—not as a way to help people feel better about AI, but as a space to think clearly about what to delegate, what to protect, and how to hold onto judgment, agency, and a sense of human worth as the technology evolves around them. They also turn to the question of employee wellbeing, including how AI adoption can quietly erode confidence when people feel uncertain about what's expected of them or fear being left behind.

James makes a pointed case for AI coaching tools too: their scalability makes coaching more affordable and able to reach far more people than human coaching alone ever could. But he's equally clear about their limits—organizations and individuals both need to learn where an AI coach's usefulness ends and where a human coach needs to step in. Ultimately, this episode reframes what "successful" AI adoption should even mean. Rather than measuring it by how much AI gets used, James and Smaranda suggest the better measure is what happens to human capability because of that use—whether people are growing sharper and more confident, or quietly ceding judgment to the machine.

You will learn:

· What real AI literacy means – understanding that using AI isn't the same as collaborating with it.

· Adoption of AI in organizations is outpacing readiness and wellbeing needs attention too. James shares tips on how to bring AI into a workplace with a reminder that AI will involve continuous learning.

· AI coaches make support more affordable and accessible at scale but knowing when to hand off from an AI coach to a human one is essential.

"We're still very, very immature when it comes down to, as I said, organizational adoption of AI."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-organizations-workplace-AI-literacy

AI has brought new urgency to questions the coaching profession has wrestled with for years: what is coaching, what value does it create, and what kind of practitioner should coach education produce? In episode 7 of our series, AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching, host Smaranda Dochia talks with Jonathan Reitz, a coach and coach educator with nearly three decades of experience, about his unexpected path from broadcasting into coaching and what that journey taught him about the profession's evolving identity.

Jonathan draws a sharp distinction between coach training, which transfers skills, and coach education, which reshapes the practitioner's identity, ethics, and self-awareness. He argues that meaningful development doesn't happen in the classroom alone: it comes from a blend of focused instruction, field experience, deliberate practice, community reflection, and a wider circle of trusted support. As AI tools increasingly position themselves as "coaches," he makes the case that providers and professional bodies carry an institutional responsibility to prepare adaptable, reflective practitioners, not just add an AI module to existing curricula.

The discussion also digs into the practical and ethical terrain coaches now have to navigate: GDPR-level data handling, client-controlled recordings, one-year deletion policies, and the difficulty buyers face in measuring coaching ROI. Jonathan's view is that coaches should aim for AI augmentation or redefinition of their practice - never inversion, where the coach hands off genuine cognitive engagement to a tool. Even coaches who choose not to use AI themselves, he notes, need enough fluency to understand the language and developmental world their clients now inhabit.

You will learn:

· AI and coaching bots have forced a reckoning on defining coaching

· Coach education beats training, and it belongs in the field with practice and community

· Ethics and AI fluency are the differentiators. There are foundations of responsible practice that must be in place before AI fluency can start

"I think the advent of some of the AI tools that are in the world right now have forced us to say, hey, with these AI tools now calling themselves coach, what is it that they're doing that I also do? And what is it that I do that they are not doing?"

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-coach-education-definition-ethics

In the sixth episode of our series, AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching, host Smaranda Dochia is joined by Iliana Grosse-Buening, author, speaker, adjunct professor and co-founder of Deeply Human Innovation, who brings a global perspective on the intersection of technology and wellbeing. She widens the conversation on AI from harm prevention and compliance to a more demanding question: what does good look like? And what should good technology make possible for people's lives, relationships and communities?

Through the lens of deeply human innovation, digital wellbeing and human flourishing, Iliana asks whether technology helps people become more capable, connected, curious and able to shape their own lives. She examines the taken-for-grantedness of technology, the slow effects of engagement and attachment economies, and the risks of outsourcing thought, relationship and agency, alongside how organizations can avoid using AI wellbeing tools to individualise problems that are actually created by culture, workload, or power.

The conversation also foregrounds participation, community and the voices of young people in shaping technological futures. Regulation and responsible design matter, but people are not powerless while waiting for systems to change - coaches, leaders and organizations can still make choices that nourish relationships, expand agency and keep human and planetary flourishing at the centre of innovation. Iliana closes with an invitation to the upcoming Deeply Human Summit in Paris, which starts with the Global Youth Imagination Lab. Her passion for humanity creates an episode with a powerful call for action, based in hope and a belief in human potential.

You will learn:

· How can we create technology that truly help people flourish: become more capable, connected, and able to shape their own lives

· Organizations must not individualise systemic problems through AI wellbeing tools that may mask issues rooted in culture, workload, or power

· People don't need to wait for regulation; they can make choices today that protect human connection and flourishing

"AI is making us have to confront certain things, which, if we courageously address them, I think we would actually end up in a world that is more flourishing."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-digital-wellbeing-human-flourishing

In episode 5 of our AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, host Smaranda Dochia talks with Lewin Keller, founder of CoachBot.ai, about what happens when you try to build professional coaching into an AI system rather than just bolting a coaching persona onto a chatbot. Lewin's own path into coaching started almost by accident at Google in 2015, and it left him with a simple question: why isn't coaching more accessible to people who aren't executives with corporate budgets? That question eventually led him to build CoachBot.ai.

Lewin is refreshingly honest about the early stumbles. His first users loved the attention but kept asking why they should pay for questions when a general LLM would just hand them advice for free. That feedback pushed him to think harder about what actually makes a coaching bot different: not the model underneath, but the standards, boundaries, and structure built around it, so it knows when to ask and when to guide rather than defaulting to shallow, generic output. He's also candid about the fear running through the profession right now and pushes back on it in an interesting way: the risk isn't AI itself, but the design choices humans make around it, and coaches who stay curious and involved have far more influence over that than those who simply hope it goes away.

What comes through most is a sense of responsibility rather than alarm. Lewin sees it as the profession's job to help people understand the difference between directive and non-directive coaching, what AI companionship actually is, and why so many people are drawn to it in the first place. For him, coaching still has something the world clearly needs, and AI, used thoughtfully, is a way to get more of that into more people's hands.

You will learn:

· A coaching bot earns that name through the professional standards, guardrails, and structure layered on top of the language model, shaping when it asks questions versus when it offers guidance.

· Fear should be pointed at design choices human's make, not AI itself.

· Educating coaches is a professional duty, not optional extra – helping coaches move from basic AI literacy to AI maturity.

"This is the first LLM that actually behaves like a coach. Like it's not going directly into giving shallow generic advice. It's actually asking questions. It's setting goals. It's keeping boundaries."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-responsible-coachbot-maturity

In episode 4 of our AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, host Smaranda Dochia sits down with Dr Malak Sadek, researcher and teaching associate at the University of Cambridge's Centre for Human-Inspired AI, to explore why conversational AI affects us so differently from other technologies. Conversation is already natural to us, so we never have to learn how to "use" a chatbot the way we'd learn a new app, and that ease is exactly what blurs the line between a fluent response and genuine understanding. Malak explains how design choices in tone, voice, and responsiveness shape trust, reinforce gender and racial biases, and lead people to attribute empathy, authority, or even relationship-like qualities to systems that have no lived experience or personal stake in the outcome. The discussion also touches on how repeated interaction with these systems may quietly shape behaviour, beliefs, identity, and the choices people make over time.

The conversation then turns to the values built into these systems by default. Malak makes the case that no version of "neutral" really exists: privacy settings, curiosity, playfulness, politeness, cultural assumptions, and commercial incentives are all design decisions that shape how an AI behaves, and many carry Western-centric assumptions that go unexamined. For her, responsible AI needs more than technical safety — it needs meaningful participation, cultural representation, and transparency about the values embedded in the system, so that design strengthens human agency rather than quietly eroding it. She closes with a challenge to coaches and other professionals: rather than resisting these tools, the more useful path is to understand their limitations well enough to guide clients through them.

You will learn:

· Fluency isn't understanding – coaches need to help clients see this distinction

· No system is truly neutral: Every design choice — tone, defaults, privacy settings, cultural framing — embeds values, often Western-centric ones, and coaches should be aware of whose assumptions are shaping the interaction.

· Rather than avoiding AI tools, coaches and professionals are better placed to guide clients by educating them on AI's limitations.

"We have a very strong tendency to give human traits and human characteristics to things that aren't human beings just because they kind of either look human or they remind us of humans somehow. and obviously with LLMs this is on steroids now because they are actually behaving on the surface like, human beings."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-conversational-AI-values-chatbots

Most coaches using AI couldn't tell you exactly where their client data actually goes - which platform, which server, whether it's used to train a model. In the third episode of AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, host Smaranda Dochia talks with lawyer and AI governance practitioner Amber Foster, and leadership coach, and technology and compliance specialist Colin Cosgrove to unpack what GDPR and the EU AI Act really mean for coaches, coaching providers, and the organisations that hire them. Rather than treating compliance as a box-ticking exercise, Amber and Colin reframe it as the foundation of client trust starting with a deceptively simple question: where is AI actually touching your coaching practice, and what happens to the data once it gets there?

Beyond the legal frameworks, Amber and Colin keep coming back to principles — both the EU AI Act's own principle-based approach, and the personal ethics coaches bring to their work. They push coaches to go beyond "is this compliant?" and ask "does this align with my own values and how I want to show up for clients?" That said, the conversation stays firmly practical: they walk through how to map data flow, what to actually look for in an AI tool's terms and documentation, and why transparency and informed consent can't be a one-off conversation: tools and clients' wishes change, and so should the contracting around them. They also tackle the trickier territory of organisational coaching, where a use case that looks low-risk one-to-one can become high-risk the moment it sits inside an HR system with multiple stakeholders.

This episode is essential listening for any coach, L&D professional, or organisational leader using AI in their practice. Where inaction will put you at risk, this episode will provide the information you need to get started to ensure both you and your clients are protected, and ethical.

You will learn

· There are two sets of principles and one question: the EU AI Act is principle-based, and so is good coaching; the real test is whether your AI use lines up with both?

· GDPR and the EU AI Act set legal minimums; genuine trust with clients requires transparency and consent that go further.

· Context changes risk: a coaching use case that's low risk individually can become high-risk once it operates inside an organisational or HR system.

"As soon as you start to receive data about people, that's when you need to switch on and start to think about this."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-legislation-gdpr-eu-ai-act-governance

In the second episode of our AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching series, Smaranda Dochia talks with Dr Benita Mayhead, an executive coach, coach supervisor, researcher, and author of Duty of Care in Coaching, whose empirical research moves duty of care out of the realm of abstract codes and into the lived reality of practice: how coaches actually make decisions, hold ambiguity, set boundaries, use supervision, and account for the wider system around them. Benita's research found that most coaches' understanding of duty of care doesn't come primarily from formal training. It's shaped by personal values, life experience, and professional background, and by the sense-making that happens when practice gets genuinely uncertain. Codes, law, and standards offer necessary scaffolding, but they can't make the hard call for you; when a real dilemma arises, coaches tend to reach for another person - a peer, colleague, or supervisor - rather than a rulebook.

The conversation traces how duty of care plays out across the whole coaching relationship: in contracting and re-contracting, boundary-setting, endings, reflective practice, and supervision, as well as in the ripple effect coaching has on people the coach may never meet. Ethical maturity, Benita argues, is an ongoing capacity to sit with silence, ambiguity, notice when values collide, question your own motives, say no when needed, and actively seek challenge rather than certainty.

They also discuss AI's growing presence in coaching, where Benita neither dismisses AI nor treats its adoption as inevitable. Clients may arrive with AI-generated interpretations already in hand, use general-purpose tools between sessions, or take part in AI-enabled organizational programmes, while coaches and supervisors themselves increasingly use AI for preparation, reflection, or documentation. Benita asks the profession to engage with this critically and collectively, in service of the client rather than in step with the technology by default. Her question: in whose service is this? - becomes the ethical test for the rest of the series, reframing the conversation from "can we use AI?" to why it's being used, who benefits, and who remains accountable. Fluency with a tool, she makes clear, does not remove the need for human judgment or responsibility.

You will learn:

· Duty of care is a foundational concept in coaching, but its meaning extends far beyond legal definitions. Benita's research reveals that, for most coaches, duty of care is not just about contracts or compliance—it's about lived experience, personal values, and the impact of every interaction.

· The coach has the responsibility to be informed and develop understanding of AI, even if they don't use it in their practice, because their client may be.

· AI shifts the central question from "can we?" to "in whose service?" Whether a client brings AI-generated insights into a session or a coach uses AI for their own preparation, the technology introduces new actors, unclear permissions, and new routes to foreseeable harm.

'If we are taking a position of no I'm not going to enter into any AI understanding and awareness. I think that we're perhaps missing something within there because our clients are. So, I think there's a responsibility - even if we're not using it in our own practice, to build our own awareness and understanding.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-duty-of-care-supervision

In the first episode of a new series, AI, Ethics and Trust in Coaching, host Smaranda Dochia talks with founder of The Moment Institute and creator of Narrative Coaching, David Drake, to tackle the question on every coach's mind: what is coaching actually here to do in an AI-driven world?

Rather than rehashing the tired "AI vs. Humans" debate, David offers a reframe. AI, he argues, isn't simply a new tool or competitor — it's a mirror that exposes the strengths and limitations of coaching, education, leadership and human development as they currently stand. That shift changes the whole conversation: less about whether AI will take coaches' jobs, more about whether coaches have been quietly protecting familiar methods and formats instead of asking what people actually need to grow, think critically, relate well, and navigate a more complex world.

David doesn't shy away from challenging the profession's comfort zones. He talks about coaching as a "third space" within a much wider human and systemic context, and about how the traditional one-hour session is losing its centrality as immediate, multimodal support becomes the norm. As quick answers become the norm, he points to a paradox: people have never had more information at their fingertips, yet loneliness and disconnection are on the rise. For David, the real risk isn't AI replacing coaches — it's coaches failing to evolve alongside the people they serve. His central challenge to the profession: stop building learning and development around industrial era models, and start building it around real human experience.

Ultimately, this episode is a call to action. David pushes coaches to ask themselves hard questions about purpose — are their current methods genuinely serving human development, or just protecting familiar ways of working? Is the profession mature enough to use technology selectively, in service of something bigger than technique? It's a thought-provoking start to the series, setting the tone for the honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about ethics and trust that AI is forcing our profession to have.

You will learn

· AI as tool, mirror and provocateur: not just something that automates tasks, but something that exposes the limitations of current coaching and learning models, and provokes new thinking about what coaches are really for

· Why coaching may need to be reimagined as a "third space" within a wider human and systemic context

· Why purpose must lead practice: coaches should regularly ask whether their methods truly serve human growth, or just protect familiar routines

'We need to stop being so parochial and precious about coaching. It too was a disruption.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-AI-ethics-trust-in-coaching-purpose-led-practice-human-potential

This episode is part of our 'A Day in the Life' series, where we talk to coaches about their real lives and businesses. In this insightful episode, host Maxine Bell talks to Kate Jenkinson, creative executive coach, business poet, and founder of Next Step HR and the Business in Poetry conference. Kate shares her unconventional career path, from biologist, HR professional, to the coach and business poet she is today. She highlights how emotional intelligence and creative expression aren't "nice to haves" in business, but essential tools for genuine human connection that create better outcomes for all.

Kate discusses the surprising overlap between poetry, neurodiversity, and leadership. She talks candidly about her own neurodivergent journey and how it's shaped the way she sees patterns, people, and possibility - often before anyone else in the room does. As a coach she, highlights the value of curiosity, creativity, presence and silence in coaching and development. Kate talks about her passion for poetry and poetic intelligence, and how it has evolved into the publication of her poetry, as well as the Poetry in Business conference. She shares her vision for supporting poets wanting to create a career path within businesses and organisations, and helping organisations understand how poetry can boost wellbeing, connection, and innovation. This is a conversation demonstrating what happens when you stop compartmentalising your creativity and uniqueness and start bringing all of yourself to work.

You will learn:

· Creativity isn't a special skill – it's innate. It shows up in how you solve problems, connect with people, and see the world.

· Emotions and poetry belong in the workplace, bringing more humanity, connection and effective leadership.

· Seeing the world differently is a superpower, bringing new ideas, perspectives and innovation.

'Post-pandemic, there's a real trauma that people are experiencing and go back to creativity and poetry. We know that these are practices that give people hope, that help people express how they're feeling.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-coaching-neurodiversity-poetry-in-business

In this final episode of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Al Kennedy, a coach who works exclusively with men navigating midlife. Al's own path from graphic designer and business owner to full-time coach grew out of his personal midlife questioning, and it's given him a grounded, deeply caring approach to holding space for other men. He talks about midlife not as a crisis to be fixed, but as a genuine threshold: a rite of passage that Western culture rarely marks or supports, even though many other cultures have rituals for exactly this kind of transition.

Al shares how he creates the safe, intentional spaces men so rarely get: three-day walking pilgrimages he calls "Long Walks," regular men's circles, and creative practices like journaling and poetry. Nature isn't just scenery for him — it's an active part of the work, slowing men down, reconnecting them to their bodies, and mirroring the internal shifts they're going through. He's also thoughtful about accessibility, adapting his methods for online coaching and for men with disabilities or health concerns, so the work stays open to more people, not fewer.

What comes through most in this conversation is Al's warmth toward the men he works with. He pushes back gently on the idea that men are naturally closed off, describing emotional armour as often "just a couple of millimetres deep" — meaning that with the right conditions, openness comes surprisingly fast. It's a fitting, hopeful note to end the series on: a reminder that community, care, and simply being asked "how are you, really?" can be quietly transformative.

You will learn:

· Midlife is a threshold, a rite of passage — approached with intention, it can lead to real renewal rather than just crisis.

· Safe, intentional spaces give men rare permission to slow down and explore without needing to "fix" anything.

· Men's emotional armour is often thin and nature, genuine connection and deep listening can unlock vulnerability faster than we assume.

"It's too easy just to say that men aren't showing up in the right way; we have to provide different types of spaces for men to be able to surface the things that they're really holding down."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-nature-pilgramage-masculinity-midlife

In episode 5 of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence talks to Cassandra Andrews, author of Unlearning Masculinity: Redefining Success for High Achieving Men over 40, to explore why so many successful men—CEOs, founders, and elite athletes among them—feel trapped even after ticking every box of conventional success. Cassandra unpacks the identity crises, purpose gaps, and feelings of entrapment that often surface in midlife, tracing them back to an outdated masculine blueprint that prizes stoicism and winning over vulnerability. Rather than rejecting masculinity altogether, she makes the case for relearning what it means to be a man beyond those rigid rules. Her work starts with a vision, rather than goals: a more personal picture of where a client actually wants to be, rather that what they feel expected to chase.

The conversation turns to Cassandra's coaching methodology, which draws on NLP, timeline therapy, and motivational mapping to help clients build self-awareness and understand how their motivations have shifted from external validation to internal fulfilment. She also shares the thinking behind her intimate group dinners—safe spaces that give high-achieving men permission to open up honestly with peers, often for the first time. Rob and Cassandra close on what she sees as the real prize of this work: not more success, but emotional freedom, autonomy, and choice.

You will learn:

· Winning isn't the same as fulfilment: many high-achieving men over 40 are feeling trapped despite external success.

· Self-awareness, including understanding shifting motivations is key to creating the life a client really wants, rather than what he thinks he should want.

· How Cassandra's work helps men find emotional freedom, autonomy and choice.

"When a woman tells a coach, "I've never told anyone this before," she means apart from her mother, her sister, her best friend. When a man says it, those words have never left his lips."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-unlearning-masculinity-high-achievers

In episode 5 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Sam Adams, a coach specialising in healthy masculinity. Drawing from his background in regenerative farming and chaplaincy across Africa, Sam explains how masculinity and femininity exist as complementary energies within everyone. He discusses the shame and confusion many men face today, often rooted in unspoken social expectations, and the reason why so many struggle to ask for help or express what they truly feel.

Central to Sam's philosophy is a single powerful word: permission. He invites men to give themselves permission to feel, to rest, to be uncertain, and to step away from the silent shame to have everything figured out. Sam also draws on the natural world to guide this inner work, using the rhythm of the seasons as a metaphor for life: summer as a time for action and growth, winter as a time for reflection and renewal. His coaching weaves together nature, spirituality, and emotional courage to offer a genuinely holistic path forward.

Sam reframes the idea of strength, by sharing the root meaning of the word 'courage' is 'heart;' Sam reframes that true strength lies not in fearlessness, but in the willingness to be open and vulnerable. It's a reframe that sits at the heart of everything he does. He also discusses the relevance of spirituality in men's lives and its connection to masculinity and shares strategies for achieving balance and setting boundaries in life. Listen and enjoy this warm, honest conversation.

You will learn

· Giving yourself permission to feel, rest, and be uncertain is often the first and most powerful step toward growth.

· Nature's rhythms offer a roadmap to a life of both action and ambition, and stillness and reflection.

· True strength lies not in fearlessness but in the willingness to be vulnerable and open.

'The emphasis is on liberating yourself by connecting with your own freedom and the masculinity and the femininity within.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-liberating-masculinity-spirituality

In episode 4 of our Coaching Men series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Jess Spiers, a coach who specialises in supporting men in their 40s and 50s who appear successful but feel trapped, unfulfilled, or burned out. Jess shares how a 20-year career in digital content ultimately led her to coaching and why she made men's mental health her focus. It's a candid conversation about a quiet struggle that many men are navigating alone.

Jess discusses the emotional barriers that so often stop men from seeking support, and how coaching creates a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their values, challenge limiting beliefs, and begin to understand their emotions without judgement. As a trained Emotions Coaching Practitioner, Jess makes a compelling case that working with your emotions isn't soft or fluffy — it's one of the most practical tools available for gaining clarity and moving forward.

Jess shares some of the tools she uses, with real life examples that demonstrate their success. The episode closes with an important reframe feeling stuck doesn't always require a dramatic life overhaul. Often, the most meaningful change comes from small, intentional shifts that bring your work and life back into alignment with what truly matters to you. Jess also shares details about her new podcast, Successful on Paper, and leaves listeners with a simple but powerful reminder to be kinder to yourself when seeking help.

You will learn:

· What emotions prevent men from asking for help

· The power of emotional awareness for transformation and change

· Change doesn't have to mean starting over. Small, intentional adjustments that realign your life with your core values can be far more transformative than a dramatic leap into the unknown.

'Men find it quite difficult to reach out and ask for help, so I thought, "You know what? If they're going to do that, that support needs to exist, and I want to be a part of that.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-emotions-values-mental-health

This is no ordinary episode! This week we hit a remarkable milestone: 300 consecutive weekly episodes without missing a single Monday and to celebrate, the podcast team, Maxine Bell, Smaranda Dochia and Rob Lawrence look back on six extraordinary years of the Association for Coaching podcast. Together they reflect on a journey that has brought together 295 guests, 26 guest hosts, and 33 coaching topics, such as health and wellbeing; marketing; mental health; technology and innovation; creativity; leadership; neurodiversity in the workplace; climate coaching; love; coaching outdoors and getting started as a coach. What began as a show dedicated to the coaching profession has grown into something far greater: a thriving global community where connections, collaborations, and even five international conferences have been sparked by the conversations hosted here.

As one listener put it: "I honestly think the podcasts from the Association for Coaching are some of the best quality and content I have ever come across. The range of topics you offer is huge and so relevant to my coaching practice." That spirit of breadth, quality, relevance and genuine usefulness is exactly what this episode celebrates. We have always believed that coaches deserve a space to feel less alone in their practice, a place that champions professionalism, ethics, reflection and growth but also recognises the everyday lives and practice of coaches across the world.

And now, to honour everything the podcast has become, comes an exciting new chapter. From this episode, the show officially rebrands as Coaching Voices: The Association for Coaching Podcast. This new name better reflects its inclusive, diverse, and global reach, and the many coaches it has helped find their own authentic voice within the profession. With new hosts, new topics, and the ever evolving coaching landscape ahead, including AI, systemic change, and much more, the team is as committed as ever to meaningful conversations. New episodes drop every Monday on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. We look forward to the next 300!

You will learn:

· How six years of consistent, weekly conversations have shaped and strengthened the global coaching community.

· Why platforming diverse voices — across backgrounds, topics, and experiences — lies at the heart of everything the podcast stands for.

· What's next for Coaching Voices, and how you can be part of the next 300 episodes, as a guest or host.

"What I find particularly meaningful about this podcast is that it's never been just one voice or one perspective; it's always been a platform for many voices across the coaching profession."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-special-episodes-300-coaching-voices

In episode 3 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence speaks with Jamie Robins, a coach specialising in supporting men through some of life's most challenging transitions. Jamie shares his personal journey into men's coaching and how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to create Safe Harbour - an online sharing space designed to give men a place to open up without fear of judgment. He unpacks why so many men struggle to ask for help in the first place, exploring the deep-rooted social conditioning that teaches men to suppress emotion and "just get on with it."

Jamie dives into the specific fears men face around vulnerability: from the fear of appearing weak, feeling unsafe to open up, lacking permission, to anxiety that decades of bottled-up emotion might come flooding out all at once. He explains how structured men's sharing circles, like Safe Harbour and Andy's Man Club, work to dismantle these fears through simple but powerful ground rules: no advice-giving, strict confidentiality, and ensuring every man gets a chance to speak. Jamie also teaches men to listen on all three levels: head, heart and presence – a way of holding space for others that is transformative.

Jamie shares how he is reaching men through social media and from requests there, he started his Thrive nature walks, monthly group experiences where men gather outdoors, with periods of talking, walking in silence, and answering reflective questions. His description of the effects of these walks is moving and hopeful. Throughout, Jamie makes clear that the men he works with typically in their 30s to 60s aren't lacking strength; they're lacking safe spaces to be and discover who they are beyond their roles. His work is a timely reminder that community, connection, and permission to be human are just as vital for men as for anyone.

ou will learn:

· Men are far more willing to open up when they feel safe and know there's no risk of being judged, advised, or 'fixed.'

· Many men have inherited generational patterns of emotional suppression, and unlearning them requires community, permission and modelled behaviour from other men.

· Nature and ritual have a role to play. Structured outdoor experiences, like Jamie's Thrive walks, offer men a non-threatening entry point into emotional reflection and genuine connection with others.

"On the outside, everything looks fantastic. On the inside, totally lonely and alone, isolating themselves emotionally"'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-midlife-community-groups

Have you ever felt the weight of being the "strong one" — the person everyone else leans on, while you quietly wonder who you can lean on?

In episode 2 of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence sits down with Vicky Kelly, a coach who has spent over 15 years specialising in working with men. Vicky shares how, after launching her coaching business in 2009, she found herself naturally drawn to male clients and discovered a profound gap in the support available to them. Her insights into why men often delay seeking help, and what happens when they finally do, are both eye-opening and deeply human.

Vicky works primarily with high-performing professionals and CEOs, who from the outside, appear to have it all together. But beneath the success, many are running on empty, held back by invisible pressures: societal expectations around strength and vulnerability, stress responses that hijack their best thinking, and long-held stories about who they are and what they deserve. Vicky explains her approach of building genuine psychological safety, regulating the nervous system, and gently but powerfully challenging the narratives that keep her clients stuck.

The conversation also ventures beyond the boardroom. What happens when you've climbed the ladder and find yourself asking, "Is this it?" Vicky shares how she helps clients reconnect with forgotten passions and rediscover who they are outside of their professional identity. She also introduces her upcoming group programme, The Capacity Project, designed to help high performers sustain their success without burning out.

You will learn:

· The Safe Space Paradox - Men are often slower to seek coaching but once they commit, they go all in.

· How your nervous system is running the show. Vicky's work with high performers isn't just about strategy; it's about helping men to learn to regulate themselves, so they can actually access the best of their thinking.

· Questioning the Stories We Tell Ourselves Vicki offers a deceptively simple but powerful question to start dismantling them: "What am I believing here that might not be 100% true?"

"So, it's multiple different demands and a lack of resources: how do I carry myself through all of this without dropping the plates that are spinning or without just sort of spontaneously combusting?"

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-safe-space-high-performing-leaders

What does it take for a high-achieving man to stop, admit he's struggling, and ask for help? In this first episode of our Coaching Men podcast series, host Rob Lawrence speaks with Will Johnson, a facilitator and coach who guides men to live and lead with greater authenticity and peace within and about themselves. Will draws on his own experience of burnout in a senior finance role, where he suddenly ran out of energy, but through asking for help, he attended a retreat with the Centre for Courage and Renewal, which awakened a part of himself he had lost and became the start of a transformational journey that called him to a new adventure.

Will went on to train as a facilitator with the Centre for Courage & Renewal, and he now runs Circle of Trust® retreats where men are invited to slow down, listen inward, and share their stories without pressure to perform or fix. Working mythopoetically, he uses poetry, mythology, and imagery to help men bypass intellectual defences and reach something deeper. These spaces work, Will explains, because they remove the masculine reflex to solve and compete, creating room for genuine presence and self-awareness instead.

At the heart of Will's philosophy is a distinction between the ego story — the CV, the achievements, the ladder climbed — and the soul story, which lives in struggle, failure, and the moments that have truly shape us, and connect us each to our own unique 'thread.' He believes men carry more wisdom than they give themselves credit for, but that it often takes community to help them trust their own inner voice and become comfortable with difficult emotions. He explains why he no longer uses the term toxic masculinity, instead embracing the term 'shifting the masculine mind.' His message is both challenging and compassionate: acknowledging our limits, embracing vulnerability, and going public with our authentic selves is not weakness: it is where real growth begins.

You will learn:

· Burnout is a beginning, not just an ending. Giving yourself permission to ask for help is the first, but best step

1. Embracing difficult feelings, including failures, and tuning into their inner voice is where men can find their soul story and live more authentically.

2. Community matters. The isolation many men experience is one of the biggest barriers to their development so joining safe, structured group spaces is where the real work happens, and where men learn to trust themselves again.

'Now write your soul story. That's the story I want to hear. Tell me about your struggle. Tell me about when you messed up. Tell me when you've disappointed somebody.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-men-myth-poetry-group-work

In this episode of our Day in the Life podcast series, we meet Françoise Olivier, a life coach who specialises in supporting adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs). Françoise brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, having grown up with a father who was alcohol dependent, she understands firsthand the deep and often invisible marks that a parent's addiction can leave. With warmth and honesty, she shares her personal journey alongside practical insights, creating a conversation that is moving and informative.

Françoise explores the lasting traits many ACOAs carry into adulthood — hypervigilance, low self-worth, shame, and a disconnection from their own needs — and how these patterns, once understood, can become the foundation for profound transformation. She speaks candidly about the ongoing, daily nature of healing: learning to ask what she actually wants, unpicking long-held beliefs, and choosing to own her story with pride rather than embarrassment. She also highlights the vital distinction between coaching and therapy, and the importance of trauma awareness in holding a truly supportive space for clients. Crucially, Françoise celebrates the superpowers that so many ACOAs develop: the resilience, empathy, and strength that emerge from navigating such complex childhoods.

Françoise also reminds us, community is everything. Discovering organisations like NACOA (the National Association for Children of Alcoholics) was a turning point for her where she recognised that she was not alone and had nothing to be ashamed of. It's a message she now carries into her coaching practice every day, helping clients move from pain to purpose, and from silence to self-compassion. An inspiring conversation from a coach walking her talk with courage and care.

You will learn:

· Healing starts with owning your story. For many ACOAs, shame and secrecy are heavy burdens carried for years. Françoise's own turning point came when she chose to step into her story with pride.

· Some of the traits developed in survival can become our superpowers.

· The unique power of working with a coach who shares a similar background where the story doesn't always need to be told from the beginning, because the coach simply gets it.

'I want to make sure that when I am working with other ACOAs that, not only are we acknowledging what's happened in the past, but celebrating all the brilliant, wonderful things, and the superpowers that we've developed as well.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-adult-children-of-alcoholics-trauma-aware

In this final episode of the Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif look back across the conversations they've had to draw out the themes that have shaped the series. From the relationship between coaching for wellbeing and coaching for health, to the ethical responsibilities coaches carry into every session, they reflect on what it truly means to practise with intention and integrity. Central to their discussion is the idea that specialist knowledge matters - not as a replacement for core coaching skills, but as a complement to them. Ana and Christian also reiterate how professional humility is just as important as expertise. As Anna puts it, "There are questions we need to ask and there are limitations to what we can do."

The conversation turns to coaches themselves, with both hosts emphasising that wellbeing cannot be something coaches champion only for their clients. Self-care, reflective practice, and staying curious about emerging research are not optional extras — they are professional responsibilities. Christian and Ana also explore the broader power of community, celebrating the role organisations like the Association for Coaching play in creating spaces where coaches can share knowledge, support one another, and keep growing, as well as the responsibilities of supervisors in checking in with their clients general wellbeing.

The episode closes on a forward-looking and hopeful note, grounded in the belief that intentionality in how we care for ourselves can be simple, practical, and genuinely transformative. Ana and Christian leave listeners with a call to action: stay curious, look after yourself, hold space for genuine human connection, and keep asking the questions that matter. Wellbeing, they remind us, should be for everyone — not just those who can afford it.

You will learn:

· Wellbeing is a part of coaching practice – for clients and coaches. Bringing intentionality, ethical consideration and specialist knowledge to your practice is an act of care for both.

· Ongoing learning and reflective practice are non-negotiable and staying humble and curious to that is what creates truly impactful coaching

· Community matters and leaning into communities of practice, sharing knowledge and supporting fellow coaches are ways to sustain both your wellbeing and the quality of the work.

"Specialist knowledge and professional humility for me is really important; there are questions we need to ask and there are limitations to what we can do."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-selfcare-community-practice

In episode 6 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Ana Paula Nacif and Christian van Nieuwerburgh are joined by GP and positive psychology coach, Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee, who supports healthcare professionals and coaches to prioritise their own wellbeing. Drawing on her personal journey through grief and health struggles, Amrita offers a candid and deeply human perspective on why those who dedicate their lives to caring for others so often neglect themselves. The conversation explores the cultural norms within helping professions, including coaches, that have historically placed the needs of others above the practitioner's own, and why this is both unsustainable and ethically problematic.

A central thread throughout the episode is the power of reflective practice and self-compassion. Amrita discusses how metacognitive awareness — the ability to observe and examine your own thinking and emotional responses — can uncover blind spots and unconscious patterns that affect both personal wellbeing and professional effectiveness. She challenges the stigma that many healthcare professionals feel around seeking help, reminding us that professional identity should never become a barrier to accessing support.

The hosts also explore the role of emotional literacy, meaningful connection, and the importance of understanding that wellbeing naturally fluctuates over time.

The episode rounds out with a rich discussion on the ethical dimensions of coaching, including the ongoing debate around regulation of the profession. Amrita emphasises that transparency, ongoing reflection, and creating intentional space to reconnect with your personal identity are not luxuries, but necessities for anyone in a caring role.

You will learn:

· You cannot pour from an empty cup. Sustainable, empathetic care for others is only possible when practitioners actively tend to their own wellbeing.

· Reflective practice and self-compassion are essential core skills.

· Why professional identity can be a barrier to getting help.

"I just felt that there was something in my medical practice that didn't allow me to really and truly connect with people and understand them in a way that I can now."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-self-compassion-reflective-practice

In episode 5 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, co-hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif, are joined by Lizana Oberholzer, a coaching psychologist with specialist expertise in education, to explore how coaching psychology can become a powerful part of an individual's wellbeing toolkit. Together, they unpack the distinctions between coaching for health and coaching for wellbeing, and how a psychologically informed coaching approach can help people navigate life's challenges - from managing chronic health conditions to coping with the pressures of a demanding professional role. Lizana brings a rich perspective on how coaching creates a structured, reflective space for individuals to find their own solutions and reconnect with what truly matters to them.

A significant focus of the conversation is the transformative role coaching and coaching psychology plays within educational settings. Lizana challenges the common misconception that coaching is a remedial tool reserved for those who are struggling, making the case instead that it should be a proactive, developmental resource that allows educators to move beyond performance to allow creativity into their practice. The discussion highlights how coaching support educators in managing workload and emotional labour, building resilience, and preventing burnout, while also fostering the kind of self-awareness and autonomy that allows people to truly flourish in their roles.

Lizana shares strategies for coaches to engage in wellbeing initiatives within education and explores the wider ripple effects of embedding a coaching culture within schools and organisations. When coaching principles are integrated into school communities, the benefits extend far beyond the individual: improving communication, strengthening relationships, and nurturing environments where everyone can thrive. Lizana shares her own personal wellbeing practices and offers practical guidance for coaches looking to make an impact in health and education contexts, reminding us that coaching, at its heart, is about enabling others to drive their own journey and is of itself a wellbeing tool.

You will learn:

· How coaching psychology can become part of everyone's wellbeing toolkit, and offer a non-directive, client-centred approach that empowers individuals to find their own solutions and build lasting resilience

· The profound difference coaching can make to educational settings, acting as a developmental intervention for educators, teachers and students to manage stress and develop self-awareness

· The transformational ripple effects for everyone when coaching is embedded into educational establishments

"Coaching and coaching psychology need to play a profound role in education, business, and health, because they can influence, impact, and enable people across a wide spectrum."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-coaching-psychology-education

In episode 4 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, hosts Ana Paula Nacif and Christian van Nieuwerburgh are joined by Professor Aaron Jarden and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener for a rich, provocative conversation on what it truly means to practice ethically as a health and wellbeing coach. Rather than treating ethics as a set of rules to follow, the guests invite coaches to think of ethics as a set of principles that infuse every part of their practice — a way of being rooted in the character of the coach and a genuine commitment to doing right by clients. They challenge coaches to move beyond compliance and toward a deeper question: what kind of practitioner do you want to be?

A recurring theme is the tension between respecting client autonomy and the coach's responsibility to promote wellbeing. The panel explores the ethical considerations of sharing information, challenging unhelpful patterns, and holding a duty of care whilst staying in a coaching role. Importantly, the discussion pushes coaches to take their positive duty seriously, including having the courage to reflect on their inaction as well as take action. The conversation also touches on justice and fairness in how coaching services are structured and accessed, the critical role of transparent contracting that explicitly includes wellbeing as part of the discussion, and why a coach's own self-care may be a professional and ethical imperative.

The episode closes with a call for ongoing reflective practice and intellectual humility. Ethical perfection, the guests remind us, is a myth: most situations coaches face are grey areas. Ethics in health and wellbeing coaching is about showing up every day with integrity, humility, and a commitment to both your clients' and your own wellbeing. By moving beyond checklists and embracing a reflective, virtue-based approach, coaches can navigate the complex realities of practice with confidence and care.

You will learn:

· Ethics is a principled way of being, not a checklist: ethical coaching is about cultivating the character and values you bring to every client interaction.

· Autonomy and beneficence must be held in balance. Honouring a client's right to choose while actively doing good is one of the most nuanced challenges in health and wellbeing coaching.

· Coach self-care is an ethical responsibility. Your own physical and mental wellbeing it directly shapes your ability to show up with integrity for your clients.

"A better approach would be thinking about the virtues I want to instil in my practice and the way of being I want to approach things with."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-ethics-contracting

In episode 3 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Ana Paula Nacif and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, and guest Andrew Parsons — a biomedical scientist turned Master Certified Coach — explore what it truly means to coach in the mental health and wellbeing space. Andrew brings a rare blend of clinical knowledge and coaching expertise to a nuanced conversation about supporting people living with long-term health conditions. A key starting point is understanding health and mental health not as a fixed state but as a dynamic continuum, shaped by life circumstances, relationships, and personal history: a reframe that sets the tone for everything that follows.

A central theme is ethical practice: knowing where coaching ends and counselling begins, and why that distinction matters, particularly in clinical environments. Andrew explores coaching as a health promotion activity rather than a clinical intervention, the critical importance of trauma-informed practice, and why supervision is non-negotiable when working with vulnerable populations. Coaches in this space, he argues, are not therapists or clinicians, but they do offer something profound — a collaborative, reflective relationship that helps clients develop new perspectives and capabilities to navigate complex health journeys.

What makes this conversation particularly distinctive is Andrew's exploration of nature and human connection as vital but often overlooked dimensions of wellbeing. In our modern lives, we have increasingly lost touch with the natural world and with each other, yet as social creatures, these connections are fundamental to how we thrive. Andrew argues that coaches working within a wellbeing orientation are well placed to help clients reconnect with both, and that this relational, holistic view of health is where coaching's unique value truly comes into its own.

You will learn:

· Heath and mental health exist on a continuum: it is dynamic, not fixed, and shaped by life circumstances, relationships and personal history

· Ethical practice, scope of practice and supervision are non-negotiable, especially in clinical or health contexts

· Why coaches need to have an holistic approach, consider the importance of connection for wellbeing and let go of needing specific outcomes

"Knowing our capabilities and having the appropriate training to be working in this area is really, really important."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-mental-health-scope-ethics-holistic

In episode 2 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif are joined by Dr Pádraic Dunne to explore the integration of lifestyle medicine with coaching and positive psychology. Dr Dunne brings the pillars of lifestyle medicine — healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connectedness — to life with characteristic warmth and clarity, framing them not as clinical prescriptions but as common-sense foundations that generations before us simply lived by. Grounded in robust scientific evidence and focused squarely on preventing non-communicable disease, lifestyle medicine offers coaches a compelling and accessible framework for supporting client health and wellbeing.

Central to the conversation is Pádraic's concept of positive health — the point where positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and health psychology meet — with positive health coaching as the delivery system that brings all three together. He makes a powerful case that knowledge alone is not enough to change behaviour; what people need is a genuine, empowering human connection, and that is precisely what skilled coaching offers. The episode explores the co-design approach at the heart of effective health coaching, where coach and client show up as two experts — one in lifestyle medicine, one in themselves — working in true partnership to build meaningful, sustainable change.

Pádraic and the hosts also reflect on the broader role coaches can play in health and wellbeing, including the potential for health coaches to act as a bridge between primary and tertiary care, and the growing reach of digital health coaching. A thread running throughout is the reminder that connection, meaning, and purpose are among the most powerful contributors to a long and healthy life — and that coaches, by the very nature of what they do, are already working at the heart of that.

You will learn:

· How lifestyle medicine provides coaches with a practical, evidence-based framework for health

· What Positive Health coaching is and how it provides an empowering partnership for good client outcomes

· The quality of the therapeutic alliance, the experience of being truly heard, and the pursuit of a meaningful life are among the most powerful factors in long-term health and flourishing

"The two things that help people live the longest with the longest health span are connection to other humans and meaning and purpose."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-lifestyle-medicine-positive-health-coaching

In this opening episode of the new Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif set the scene for what promises to be a rich and thought-provoking conversations. They introduce a central theme that runs throughout the series: coaching is not simply a tool for wellbeing — it is a wellbeing intervention in its own right. Drawing on their extensive experience, Christian and Ana explore how coaching empowers individuals to take greater agency over their health and lives, fostering self-responsibility and a deeper sense of flourishing.

A key focus of this episode is the important distinction between health coaching — a specific niche typically situated within clinical or healthcare settings, concerned with managing conditions such as nutrition, chronic pain, or hypertension — and the broader umbrella of coaching for wellbeing, which encompasses emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of life. While the two overlap in meaningful ways (physical and emotional health are deeply intertwined), understanding where one ends and the other begins matters enormously both for coaches working in this space and the clients they help. The conversation draws on positive psychology, evidence-based practice, and the evolving role of coaches within healthcare and community settings.

Ethics and scope of practice sit at the heart of this discussion. Christian and Ana Paula reflect on what it means to work in genuine partnership with clients, honouring their autonomy while remaining clear about professional boundaries. Whether you work in organisations, communities, schools, or clinical environments, this episode offers a grounding framework for anyone interested in the intersection of coaching and wellbeing.

You will learn:

· Why coaching is itself a wellbeing tool

· Health coaching and coaching for wellbeing are related but distinct.

· Why ethics and scope of practice are so important in coaching for health or wellbeing.

"You can't talk about health without talking about wellbeing or talking about wellbeing without considering people's health. But in terms of coaching, there is there is a difference."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-health-and-wellbeing-introduction-positive-health-wellbeing

In this episode of A Day in the Life Of, host Maxine Bell sits down with Selana Kong — coach, mediator, and music educator — whose life has woven together the cultures of Hong Kong, Canada, and the UK into something truly unique. Selana shares her refreshing perspective on embracing multiple passions without losing yourself in the process, reminding us that progress, not perfection, is the real measure of a life well lived. Her guiding philosophy — "one step at a time, one foot in front of the other" — is a quiet but powerful antidote to the pressure we all feel to have everything figured out.

From her work in elder mediation to her deep commitment to bridging generational divides in Chinese culture, Selana brings both personal and professional wisdom to the conversation. She reflects on Hong Kong's evolving identity through the lens of someone who has lived its changes firsthand and speaks movingly about how nature — particularly the landscapes along the border of Hong Kong and China — has been a constant source of grounding and solace throughout her journey. Her transition from music educator to coach and mediator is a story in itself: learning to step back, let go of the urge to lead, and instead create space for others to find their own way.

Music remains at the heart of who Selana is — and in this episode she shares a moving story about a village in North Wales and an international choir festival — one that has been bringing voices from across the world together since 1946 under a simple but radical theme: peace and reconciliation. It became a pivotal moment in Selana's life both professionally and personally, "That was my first experience, actually feeling that I am not Chinese. I'm not Welsh. I'm just me. I'm just who I am because I feel accepted." It is, at its core, a story about what becomes possible when people choose connection over division Selana's parting message is, "You are who you are, and you are exactly who you're meant to be. That is perfect."

You will learn:

· You don't have to choose just one path. Focus on forward momentum and let your unique combination of interests become your greatest asset.

· Whether in her mediation work or within her own family, Selana highlights how vital it is to close the gap between generations — especially within cultures experiencing rapid change. Listening across difference is one of the most powerful things we can do.

· Self-care means returning to what nourishes you. For Selana, that's music. Whatever your "first love" is, making intentional time for it isn't indulgent — it's essential to showing up fully in every other area of your life.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-culture-connection-identity

In the final episode of our inspiring series on Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice is joined by CEO of HCG Strategic Solutions, facilitator and executive and leadership coach, Dr. Peter James for a rich conversation on the behaviours, mindsets, and leadership qualities that turn coaching from a buzzword into a business-critical culture. Drawing on his extensive consultancy experience, Peter offers a nuanced definition of coaching culture as a living set of behaviours and mindsets woven into everyday leadership and communication. Central to his philosophy is self-awareness — the foundation upon which trust, accountability, and psychological safety are built, creating environments where people feel genuinely safe to grow.

Peter makes a compelling business case for coaching cultures, from real life examples, as well as research showing significantly higher revenue growth, employee engagement, retention, and customer satisfaction in organisations that commit to the practice — with some studies reporting up to a 700% return on investment. He walks through the three pillars underpinning his work at HCG Strategic Solutions: executive and leadership coaching, structured leadership development, and transformational change initiatives. Together, these create the conditions for leaders to model coaching behaviours, work through resistance and scepticism, build emotional intelligence, and guide teams with greater confidence and adaptability.

The conversation closes with an encouraging message for organisations at the start of their coaching journey: start small, be intentional, and trust the process. Whether navigating scepticism, building psychological safety, or distinguishing between internal and external coaching roles, Peter offers practical, grounded guidance for leaders ready to invest in their people and culture.

You will learn

· Why self-awareness in leaders is key to introducing coaching into teams and organizations.

· Clear evidence that coaching cultures consistently outperform on revenue growth, employee engagement and customer satisfaction

· Embedding a coaching culture a marathon, not a sprint – incremental, intentional steps

'An organization that leans into a coaching culture, you're not just benefitting or strengthening the individuals within the organization to include your leaders, but then you're having better outcomes and some studies are suggesting almost a 700% return on investment.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-transformation-leadership

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

In episode eight of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice, interviews Sandra Cullen, Vice President of Training and Customer Experience at Air Astana, about the airline's inspiring 15-year journey in building a coaching culture. Sandra shares her extensive international experience in shifting organizational leadership from directive approaches to empowering employees through coaching. The conversation explores the strategic, patient work required to embed coaching at every level of an organization, offering practical insights for leaders and HR professionals seeking to foster a supportive, high-performance workplace.

Sandra details the challenges of implementing cultural change, including overcoming resistance from both managers and employees. She discusses how coaching has been integrated into daily management practices and leadership development, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to local and organizational cultures. Sue reveals how Air Astana has sustained its coaching practices at all levels of leadership, as the organization has grown, including a focus on "coaching on the go"—informal coaching moments embedded in everyday work interactions rather than relying solely on formal programs.

Throughout the conversation, Sandra highlights the measurable impact of coaching culture on employee engagement, performance, and retention. She emphasizes that building a coaching culture requires patience, persistence, and clear demonstration of value, while also exploring practical strategies for leaders to develop coaching competencies within their teams and scale these practices sustainably.

You will learn:

· Why cultural context is critical and successful coaching culture implementation must be adapted to local and organizational cultures.

· Why 'Coaching on the Go' is as important as formal coaching programs embedding coaching into daily management interactions creates lasting behavioural change, - making coaching feel natural and accessible to all employees.

· Patience and measurement drive long-term success – building a coaching culture is a long-term investment requiring consistency and persistence.

'I am convinced our engagement scores are the highest they've ever been because of the shift over the years in how departments work with their people through coaching.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-organizational-employee-engagement

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations

In episode seven of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures podcast series, host Rosie Nice interviews Sue Smith, Learning and Development Manager at East Lancashire Learning Group, about the transformative power of embedding coaching culture within large education organisations. Sue shares her experience of moving away from traditional, judgmental observation-based performance management toward a more supportive, developmental coaching approach. Through practical strategies including learning walks, professional learning conversations, and action learning sets, East Lancashire Learning Group has successfully fostered an environment where staff feel valued, psychologically safe, and engaged in their own professional growth.

Sue discusses how traditional observation and feedback methods, often perceived as judgmental and evaluative, can undermine staff morale and create a culture of fear rather than learning. By shifting to a coaching-led approach organisations can transform their performance management systems. Sue shares practical implementation strategies for embedding coaching into everyday practices, as well as the challenges faced. She emphasises the importance of ongoing learning and development support for staff in coaching practices, and the recognition that building a thriving coaching culture is a long-term journey requiring persistence, patience, and genuine organisational commitment.

Sue demonstrates how moving from a performance management mindset focused on judgment and evaluation to one centred on empowerment, curiosity, and collaborative growth can unlock significant benefits for both individuals and the organisation. The episode provides valuable insights for leaders and coaches working in educational settings, human resources professionals implementing coaching programmes, and any professional keen to understand how psychological safety and reflective practice can drive organisational change and improved staff engagement.

You will learn:

· How moving from a judgemental observation model to a coaching approach learning and development model dramatically improves staff engagement and wellbeing

· How to embed coaching into everyday conversations and practices as well as organizational strategy.

· Why persistence and long-term planning is key to embedding a coaching culture

"Sometimes it takes time to develop a culture, and we want to see results really quickly. but we just need to just continue delivering training continuing to model practice. and then eventually more and more people will embed that culture and culture across the organization."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-education-development-performance

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

In the 6th episode of the Building Successful Coaching Cultures series, host Rosie Nice, is joined by Professor Jonathan Passmore to explore what it really takes to embed a coaching culture within organisations. Drawing on decades of research and practice, Jonathan unpacks how a coaching culture goes beyond individual interventions, becoming a default way of thinking, leading, and interacting. He highlights the value of aligning leadership intent with everyday behaviours, and the importance of extending coaching principles across all levels of an organisation—not just within formal leadership roles.

The conversation also tackles one of the field's biggest challenges: measuring impact. Jonathan discusses the current gaps in empirical evidence and offers practical suggestions for capturing meaningful metrics, alongside case study insights that demonstrate the tangible benefits of coaching cultures. The discussion reflects on the evolution of coaching, from a niche leadership tool to a broader organisational capability, encompassing internal, external, and increasingly AI-enabled approaches.

Looking ahead, Rosie and Jonathan explore the growing role of technology in democratizing access to coaching, while also addressing ethical considerations and the unique value of human connection. Jonathan shares his latest research into the differences between human and AI coaching, raising important questions about what makes coaching truly effective. The episode offers both strategic insight and practical guidance for organisations seeking to foster more collaborative, empowered, and high-performing cultures.

You Will Learn:

· A coaching culture is not just about coaching programmes—it's about embedding coaching behaviours as a core organisational norm at every level.

· Measuring impact remains complex, but combining qualitative insights, case studies, and targeted metrics can help demonstrate value.

· AI is expanding access to coaching, but human coaches bring unique relational and embodied qualities that remain essential.

"For me, coaching culture is not the poster on the wall or what the annual report or the chief executive says that it is. It's the actual behaviours that employees each and every day display…It embodies all of this with all of the stakeholders across the wider system in a way that is about growing development and a win-win based culture for us collectively as well as for customers."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-research-AI-organizational

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

In the fourth episode of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures series, host, Rosie Nice talks to Charlotte Hurst to reflect on her time leading Farsight Consulting and how a simple intention - to build a great place to work and deliver outstanding client outcomes - evolved into a deeply embedded coaching culture. Despite not starting with a grand design, the company expanded from a small tight-knit team into an organisation of more than 140 people, where coaching became the backbone of how quality, learning and growth were sustained.

'We realized more and more over time that using coaching almost as the like the micro process would enable us to provide high performing people who could work with clients at scale and in a in a cost-effective way.'

Charlotte shares how giving everyone a coach who wasn't their line manager created space for honest reflection, stronger ownership and real psychological safety. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, coaching became woven into recruitment, project delivery, feedback and career progression. Regular, structured conversations ensured that development kept pace with rapid scaling, while experienced coaches mentored new ones to create a powerful multiplier effect across the business.

From navigating hyper-growth to adapting through the pandemic, Charlotte explains why a coaching culture is never the end goal in itself. It's the mechanism that enables people to thrive, supports consistent performance and results, and helps an organisation stay resilient when circumstances change. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for embedding coaching into the everyday rhythm of work and for aligning it with values, learning and long-term strategy.

You will learn

· The significance of embedding coaching as a skill within the broader organizational framework.

· The four principles Farsight Consulting maintained all through their growth

· Recruitment strategies focused on potential and core capabilities rather than just experience.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-people-first-business-success

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

How do you move from telling your team what to do to truly empowering them? In this episode host, Rosie Nice sits down with Jan Doyle, a specialist in leadership coaching and organizational development, to explore what it really takes to embed coaching into teams and organizations. Jan demystifies the idea of a coaching culture, drawing a clear distinction between professional, 'pure' coaching and the everyday coaching approaches leaders and managers can use to unlock performance. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful mindset shift: moving from telling people what to do to asking the kinds of questions that help them think, learn and take ownership.

Jan highlights the conditions that allow coaching to thrive, particularly psychological safety, empathy and a genuine commitment to growth. She explains that when leaders take a coaching approach, feedback lands differently: people are not only more open to hearing it, but they also understand its purpose and see its value for their own development.

Jan shares common challenges such as securing senior management buy-in and overcoming resistance to change and illustrates her points with real-world examples. She also highlights practical strategies and ongoing support that help coaching habits stick, reinforcing her key advice: ask, don't tell. This approach empowers teams, drives growth, and demonstrates that coaching skills have value not just at work, but in personal and professional relationships more broadly.

You will learn:

· Why building a coaching culture starts with a shift from directive leadership to curiosity and questions.

· How psychological safety, empathy and a coaching style help people recognise the value of feedback for their growth.

· Simple, practical ways to embed coaching habits into everyday management and overcome resistance to change.

"It's shifting from telling to asking and applying the principles of coaching without being a true coach: about using that coaching approach in the workplace."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-practical-tips-insights-leadership

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

In the third episode of Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice, speaks with Felix Karl Gaehwiler, an adaptable and pragmatic leader driving Business Transformation for DMC Europe at Kuoni Tumlare. Felix shares a candid look at life inside a blame-driven sales culture—where responsibility was always pushed outward, energy was low, and while people were functioning, they weren't thriving. The team was stuck, unhappy, and disconnected.

Change began when a new Head of Sales, Tim, introduced a coaching-led approach. Rather than giving solutions, Tim first listened—to frustrations, complaints, and concerns—and then asked different questions that challenged individuals and teams to take ownership: "What ideas do you have to solve that?" Felix recalls how challenging this felt at first and how it took him on his own journey, confronting his resistance until he could see the approach working and eventually train as a coach himself.

The conversation explores how coaching shifted accountability, relationships, and performance over time, while also highlighting the ongoing effort required to sustain a coaching mindset amid leadership changes, cross-cultural teams, and hybrid working. This episode is a grounded, human exploration of what coaching really looks like inside organisations—messy, challenging, and ultimately transformative.

You will learn:

· Blame cultures can appear functional while masking stagnation, disengagement, and low accountability.

· Listening and curiosity are a key part of building a coaching culture

· The powerful shifts that occur over time when a coaching culture is built into organizations

'I think a coaching culture exists when people feel safe to develop new ideas, but even more, when they feel safe to give and accept feedback, irrespective of position or title.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-blame-culture-coaching-organizations

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

The second episode of Building Successful Coaching Cultures explores what it really takes to embed a coaching culture inside a high-performance sales environment. Host Rosie Nice is joined by Jo Richards, Head of Education at L'Oréal Dermatological Beauty, who shares her first-hand experience of shifting sales leadership from a traditional, directive management style to a sustainable coaching-led approach. Together, they unpack the realities of introducing coaching within fast-paced, target-driven teams—without compromising commercial results.

Jo discussed the cultural and practical challenges faced when embedding coaching at scale, from gaining senior stakeholder buy-in to supporting middle managers as they develop new coaching capabilities. She explains how a clear vision and the MAGIC coaching model helped them weave coaching conversations into everyday sales practice, performance management, and team leadership. The conversation highlights how engaging every level of the organisation is critical to building trust, accountability, and long-term career development.

This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, coaches, and organisations looking to build a strong coaching culture that drives both people development and business performance. Jo shares actionable advice on training managers, sustaining momentum through ongoing learning, and balancing coaching with ambitious sales targets—demonstrating how coaching can enhance team dynamics, strengthen relationships, and support consistent high performance over time.

You will learn:

· How to successfully transition from directive management to a coaching-based leadership approach in high-performance sales teams

· The business and people benefit of introducing a coaching culture in the workplace

· Practical ways to integrate coaching into everyday leadership and performance conversations

"The goal is still the same. You need to hit your sales targets—nothing changes, just your approach."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-high-performance-sales-teams

**Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: 𝘊𝘰𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations.

In the first episode of Building Successful Coaching Cultures series, host Rosie Nice speaks with Anna Skeats, CEO of the Rainy Day Trust and former CEO of The Mason Foundation. From her early career supporting vulnerable communities to building a national charity from scratch, Anna's leadership has always centred on empowerment over direction.

Anna challenges the myth that coaching cultures tolerate underperformance, sharing how coaching approaches actually create high-performing, effective and motivated teams by encouraging the skills and strengths already within individuals and teams. Drawing on her experience at the Mason Foundation, she explores how trust, psychological safety, and clear expectations work together to drive inclusion, accountability, and impact.

Throughout the conversation, Anna reflects on the realities of embedding a coaching culture in practice, the importance of listening and responding to real needs, and the incredible results she's experienced. Her insights offer practical guidance for leaders seeking to create sustainable organisations without losing focus on performance, accountability, or impact.

You will learn:

· How coaching cultures enhance performance and empower teams

· How psychological safety and trust unlocks capability

· Leadership starts with listening – Responding to real needs, rather than assumptions

"I found that the way to empower people to make change was to listen, learn, and respond, not just tell individuals what to do."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-building-coaching-cultures-empowerment-leadership-trust

In this episode of our A Day in the Life series, host Maxine Bell interviews new coaches and life partners Amanda Pennington and Chris Bibbo. They share their journeys into coaching after long careers in the nonprofit sector and reflect on how coaching supported them through major life transitions, including a bold move from the USA to Portugal. The conversation offers an honest, inspiring look at how coaching helped them navigate uncertainty, personal change, and professional reinvention.

Amanda and Chris also speak candidly about the realities of building a coaching practice, from attracting clients to hosting their first live offering, the Life Blueprint Workshop, where they found immense joy witnessing their clients' breakthroughs. They explore the emotional heart of coaching, emphasizing self-awareness, courage and compassion to help clients find purpose and meaning in their lives. Their story highlights how coaching is not only a professional path but a powerful tool for resilience, growth, and meaningful connection — for both clients and coaches.

Amanda and Chris's warmth and passion for coaching will encourage new coaches, enthuse experienced coaches and ignite those of you looking for authentic, meaningful coaching.

You will learn:

· Coaching is an impactful, supportive tool for courage and resilience in life transitions.

· Building a coaching business requires persistence, experimentation, and a willingness to learn through doing.

· How coaching assists, us to listen to our courageous hearts, and not just our 'monkey minds.'

'Seeing a client's life open up brings me so much life. It's an honour and a privilege to be part of that.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-new-coaches-transitions-growth

Join host Rob Lawrence, for a special, inspiring episode where we bring back all six hosts from our 2025 podcast series to share their incredible journeys. This heartfelt conversation dives into their experiences, insights, professional and personal growth, as well as the ripple effects of stepping outside their comfort zones to share their passions.

Our 2025 episodes covered diverse yet deeply connected and important topics, including:

· Self-Awareness: Insightful Tools for Growth: Explore a range of self-awareness tools for growth.

· Coaching for Good: Innovative coaching that transforms lives by working for social good.

· Coach as a Leader: How coaches inspire and equip leaders to apply coaching mindsets and skills.

· Supervision Uncovered: Explores the impact of supervision on coach development, skills and wellbeing.

· Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Hear real stories, insights, and strategies to build truly inclusive work environments that benefit everyone.

· Love in Coaching: The impact of consciously bringing love into your coaching practice.

This conversation warmly celebrates collaboration, diversity, innovation, and the power of sharing stories to inspire positive change and development within coaching and the wider individuals and systems it impacts. Listen to reflect, be encouraged and maybe inspired to reach out to us with your own podcast series idea and contribute to future conversations: enquiries@associationforcoaching.com

"Just do it. The excitement might feel like fear, but hosting has been such a thrill and a joy for me".

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_insights-reflections-hosts-2025

In this solo closing episode of the Love in Coaching series, Helena Clayton weaves together the key themes from previous conversations, reflecting on how coaching is evolving beyond performance-driven outcomes towards deeper, more human-centred practice. She explores the importance of coaches doing their own inner work — developing self-awareness and understanding how personal histories and relationships with love shape the way we coach.

Helena considers the ethical and relational implications of bringing love into coaching, including flexible contracting, empathy, and the courage required to work more boldly in organisational contexts. She also reflects on gender dynamics, particularly the role of men supporting men in this work and invites coaches to consider whether explicitly naming love is necessary — or whether it can be embodied through practice. The episode widens the lens to include broader social, global, and spiritual perspectives, highlighting love's connection to meaning and presence in coaching.

The episode concludes with practical reflections on how love can be embodied through care, deep listening, and acceptance, alongside book, podcast, and workshop recommendations and an invitation for listener engagement — affirming love's growing significance in coaching practice and the wider world.

You will learn

· How coaching has evolved from performance focused to deeper explorations of identity, meaning and human connection and why love is involved

· Why coach's self-awareness and inner work are essential to understanding how love shows up in practice

· Bringing love into coaching requires ethical courage, relational sensitivity and awareness of wider social and spiritual contexts

"I have a feeling that conversations about love are the most important ones to be having right now."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-love-matters-leadership

In this episode, our host Helena Clayton is joined by coach, supervisor and coach trainer, Ian Mitchell for a rich and thoughtful conversation about the place of love in coaching. Ian shares his journey from the financial sector into coaching and supervision, alongside insights from his research into spirituality and love in leadership. Together, they explore what it means to bring love, intimacy, and tenderness consciously into coaching relationships, and why these qualities matter in work with leaders and coaches, particularly in our troubled world where the desire for meaning and purpose, over performance is growing.

The discussion centres on the lived experience of coaching rather than technique — highlighting mutuality between coach and client, the courage required to stay present with vulnerability, and the role of porous boundaries in enabling genuine human connection. Drawing on influences such as Martin Buber, adult development theory, and therapeutic perspectives, Helena and Ian reflect on how a coach's inner world, reflexivity, and willingness to engage with shadow shape the depth and impact of coaching conversations.

You will learn:

· The role of love, intimacy, and tenderness in shaping our coaching stance

· How love is expressed through a coach's action logics and developmental capacity

· About mutuality between coach and client and establishing porous boundaries

'For me, a revolution of tenderness would be great in the work that we do.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-adultdevelopment-tenderness-intimacy

In episode four of our Love in Coaching series, host Helena Clayton speaks with veteran coach and educator Aboodi Shabi about love and spirituality in coaching. They explore how the profession has evolved from a performance-driven model to one that embraces the full depth of human experience. Aboodi shares why love—expressed as compassion, presence, and genuine care—is central to transformative coaching in the current world we live in, and how spirituality can provide grounding and insight for both coach and client. He also discusses the courage required to bring these themes into organizational contexts that often focus more on productivity than humanity.

Aboodi emphasizes the importance of coaches doing their own inner work, humility and holding space for clients' full selves. Helena and Aboodi examine the importance of vulnerability, creating space for silence and stillness, and embracing diversity and inclusion in practice. They also contrast human coaching with AI-driven models, highlighting that authentic presence and heartfelt connection remain irreplaceable. This episode offers inspiration and practical insight for coaches seeking to integrate love, spirituality, and deeper human awareness into their work.

You will learn:

· Why love is foundational to modern coaching

· Why coaches' own inner work is essential to enable them to hold an authentic, healthy presence and meaningful engagement with clients

· How it is possible to bring love and spirituality into organizational contexts

'We all learn to harden our hearts to deal with the world, and it costs us connection and love.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-spirituality-love-presence

In this episode, host Helena Clayton is joined by the founder of Mobius Executive Leadership, Amy Elizabeth Fox to explore the field of trauma-informed coaching, vertical development, and the urgency of doing deep inner healing work with senior leaders. As organizations face greater volatility and complexity, Amy reflects on the role of emotional and spiritual development both in the maturation path for coaches and practitioners as well as in the development journey for leaders.

They delve into how understanding trauma, building emotional literacy, and developing presence can fundamentally shift the culture of leadership and organizations. With insights from decades of integrating psycho-spiritual development into executive work, Amy explains why examining and healing trauma is no longer optional for modern executives who want to create impact, and how coaches must do their own inner work to serve with integrity and impact. They explore the specific practices for expressing love in the workplace and how the qualities of tenderness, candour, and wholeheartedness can transform leaders and teams. Amy discusses the power of collective healing, the importance of practitioner communities, and the role of authentic story work in building trust and intimacy in organizations.

From understanding trauma at an individual and systemic level to expressing love in practical, grounded ways, this episode is a guide to cultivating the transformational capabilities needed to lead in a complex world.

You will learn

· The importance of trauma literacy for coaches and facilitators

· The need to undertake healing in group contexts not just private therapy

· The relevance of vertical development in a less predictable volatile world

'I have a strong conviction that the level of emotional immaturity and regression from which most leaders are operating is a sort of invisible pandemic.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-leadership-vertical-development-trauma

What if the real turning point for male leaders isn't more strategy—but more love, presence, and emotional courage? In this powerful episode, leadership coach and host Helena Clayton talks with high-performance coach and men's mentor Craig White, whose work guides successful men —especially those in their 40s and 50s—towards deeper emotional connection, self-acceptance, and authentic leadership. Craig explores why many men feel disconnected from themselves, and their emotional lives and relationships, and how balancing masculine and feminine energies can dramatically expand a man's capacity to lead, relate, and thrive. Craig opens up about his own transformative journey and shares the somatic, holistic practices at the core of his coaching, helping men shift from "head to heart" and reclaim relational presence.

The conversation dives into the role of love in men's development, reframing love not as softness, but as a powerful polarity—presence, connection, trust, playfulness, celebration, and accountability and firmness. Helena and Craig explore the value of men-only spaces, the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, and the profound impact of embodied practice on emotional expression.

This episode is an invitation for male leaders—and those who coach or support them—to consider how love, in its grounded and courageous form, can fuel personal transformation and more human, impactful leadership in organisations.

You will learn:

· Why male leaders are discovering that success isn't enough

· The importance of somatic coaching practices in helping men shift from head to heart.

· How holistic inner work, balancing masculine and feminine energies, creates better leaders and healthy masculinity

"If a man loves who he is, if he is kind to himself, if he accepts himself, then he will be like that in relationship to others."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-male-leaders-emotional-presence

In this thought-provoking episode, host, Helena Clayton sits down with coach, supervisor and author Clare Norman to explore the transformative power of love in coaching, leadership, and organizational life. Drawing on their 15-year professional connection, they unpack how love—specifically agape, unconditional love—differs from empathy, compassion, and care, and why naming love explicitly can shift the depth and quality of coaching relationships. Claire shares real-life examples about how coaching and supervision becomes a deeply human-centred practice when viewed through the 'lens of love.'

Together, they explore the practicalities of integrating love into coaching and the ethical boundaries needed when working with themes that can intersect with trauma, mental health, and personal history. The conversation highlights how love can become a bold revolutionary force in organizations and a catalyst for improved workplace culture and humancentric leadership —while also reinforcing professionalism, ethical rigour, and psychological safety. This episode offers both challenge and inspiration for coaches and supervisors seeking to work more bravely and compassionately.

You will learn:

· How to introduce love as a professional coaching lens

· The importance of inner work for this work - in breaking down a coach's barriers to being loving

· The importance of ethics and contracting when bringing love into coaching and supervision

'I notice an extra notch in myself as I'm listening with love or through a stance of love; there's just something additive in that listening.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-ethics-supervision

In this episode, host Helena Clayton sits down with executive coach, supervisor and trainer Marie Quigley for a powerful conversation about bringing love—courageous presence, authenticity, and deep humanity—into coaching. Marie reflects on her own evolution from traditional, performance-driven coaching to a more holistic practice that balances high challenge with deep compassion. She shares how integrating love not only supports clients more fully but also expands a coach's own capacity to hold complexity, uncertainty, and emotion.

Helena and Marie explore the shifting landscape of coaching in a world shaped by global tension, organizational pressure, and rising client needs. They discuss why clear, intentional contracting—at both the beginning and end of a coaching relationship—is an act of love, creating psychological safety, transparency, and shared responsibility. Marie also offers a glimpse into her forthcoming book, Fierce Love, and invites coaches to experiment with bringing more love into the coaching space. This episode challenges coaches to show up more bravely, embrace relational depth, and use love as an active force for transformation.

You will learn:

· How actively bringing love into the coaching space along with challenge and provocation can create deeper transformation in clients

· Why good contracting is a foundational act of love in the coaching relationship

· Love is coaching is part of the evolving of coaching to more holistic, relational approaches

'If we want to do brave things in our coaching practice and our clients want to do brave things, then we really have to contract for a different approach to how we have conversations with each other.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-love-in-coaching-coaching-contracting

In this episode of 'A Day in the Life Of' podcast series, host Maxine Bell speaks with Lucy Whitehall, a psychologically informed leadership coach whose journey from corporate life to self-employment has shaped a deeply reflective and authentic practice. Lucy shares how she's learned to love working life again by embracing balance, integrity, and compassion—while navigating the grey area between coaching and therapy.

Propelled by her fascination in what makes humans tick, she is a coaching psychologist and positive psychologist whose practice focuses on the deep work – understanding client's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Driven by her own lived experiences with mental health and the current stresses of modern life, Lucy believes that all coaches should have a basic understanding of neuroscience. She is a self-confessed 'geek' for learning and passionate about CPD, which she believes helps her work with credibility, ethics and self-awareness, enabling her to be her best self as a coach for her clients.

Lucy shares her experiences with toxic work environments, and why she believes coaching leaders is key to creating healthy, happy, supported workforces that also perform well. She shares the challenges and highlights of being a self-employed coach and running a business, emphasising the non-negotiables she has about her own self-care. Listeners will gain insights, tips and be inspired by the joy and sense of purpose Lucy has found in her career as a coach and creating spaces for genuine human connection can thrive.

You will learn:

· Understand the principles and practice of psychologically informed coaching

· What coaches can support and develop good leadership

· Why self-care is essential for good wellbeing and good coaching practice.

'I never believed I could go to work, look forward to it, and have to control my working because I love it so much.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-psychologically-informed-leadership

In this episode, Kate Jenkinson talks to Professor Ludmila Praslova, organizational psychologist and author of the acclaimed book The Canary Code. Ludmila shares insights from her research and lived experiences, unpacking the book's central metaphor of the 'canary in the coal mine' — as a powerful lens for understanding workplace dynamics. She explains how neurodivergent individuals, often more attuned to dysfunction, can serve as early warning signals for toxic environments: arguing these sensitivities are not weaknesses but offer organizations a vital opportunity to detect and address systemic issues before they escalate.

With refreshing frankness, Ludmila explores neurodiversity in organizational settings, from poor hiring and evaluation practices to the pitfalls of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts and the value of considering intersectionality. She discusses and demonstrates the importance of 'inclusion from the margins,' providing real examples of forward-thinking companies that have successfully implemented neuroinclusive practices. Ludmila shares the role of feedback mechanisms, flexibility, and fair evaluation, and champions job crafting, role modelling and inclusive leadership.

Ludmila invites listeners to reimagine workplaces, where transparency, curiosity and fairness create environments where every mind and every business can thrive.

You will learn:

· Why sensitivity is not fragility but a signal that can aid organizations in creating high performing teams

· Why traditional performance management, such as bell curves, do not work.

· Why designing workplaces for those most marginalised results in healthier, more equitable and more effective systems for everyone

'You don't just bring in more of the same by adding neurodivergent people to the team. You bring in different pieces that create a much richer overall talent set.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-neuroinclusive-organizational-teams-canary-code

In this insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson speaks with neurodiversity lead, Dominique Stern and scientist and coach, Nathalie Meunier about how the global healthcare company, Roche, is embedding neurodiversity inclusion into its culture through coaching, education, community, and courageous leadership. Together, they explore how understanding and embracing neurodivergent experiences can transform the employee experience. Dominique and Nathalie share real examples and practical strategies that highlight how psychological safety, active listening, and curiosity can unlock hidden potential and foster a sense of belonging and innovation across teams.

This conversation goes beyond awareness, demonstrating how neuroinclusion is a strategic advantage that enhances collaboration, innovation, and business performance. As Dominque summarises, "Neuroinclusion is not charity. Neuro inclusion will directly unlock probably one of the biggest performances reserves you have in your organization."

Gain real-world insights into how Roche's Neurodiversity Network has co-created a thriving, supportive environment where neurodivergent employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Whether you're a coach, internal practitioner, HR leader, or senior executive, this episode offers actionable steps to champion neurodiversity and build an organization where every mind truly matters.

You will learn:

· How neurodivergent employees thrive in an environment of psychological safety, awareness and sense of belonging.

· Practical strategies for leaders and coaches to cultivate a neuroinclusive culture — where cognitive diversity drives real business results.

· How coaching skills can lead the way to healthier inclusive workplace

'We create a place of belonging and acceptance for neurodivergent people, we are neurodiversity affirming, and we also raise awareness of neurodiversity at work and advocate for neuro inclusion in every aspect of the employee experience.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-innovation-corporate-inclusive-leadership

In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson talks to Fiona Plows, VP of Enterprise Innovation, for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity and inclusive leadership. Fiona reflects on her career journey from a PhD in chemistry to leadership in tech and innovation and how she learned the importance of purpose-driven problem-solving over mere technology expertise. She explains how neurodivergent traits can fuel creativity and innovation, offering both personal reflections and organizational strategies for creating inclusive spaces where diverse minds thrive.

With lots of real-life examples and practical tips Fiona discusses the essence of authentic, good leadership: advocating for a gardener style leadership rooted in genuine care, active listening, and nurturing potential rather than controlling it. She unpacks the real meaning of inclusion in everyday team dynamics, from designing better meetings to supporting neurodiverse talent through coaching, mentoring, and importantly, sponsorship.

Listeners will gain actionable advice for fostering inclusion in daily team dynamics, navigating leadership challenges without overwhelm and burnout, and building networks that enable both professional and personal growth. An episode jammed-packed with nourishing insights and advice!

You will learn:

· How neurodiversity is a catalyst for innovation and creativity in the workplace

· Why leadership rooted in care will help individuals, teams and organizations to thrive

· Why purpose-driven careers are the key to success and a happy, fulfilled workforce

"Neurodiversity can be a real superpower; if you think differently, you can imagine things that don't exist yet."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-leadership-care-innovation

In this informative episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with neurodiversity coach and speaker, Cheryl Winter, to explore how the world of hidden disabilities has evolved since 2010 — and what this means for coaches, leaders, and organizations today. Cheryl reflects on her journey since 2011, sharing inspiring client stories and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees. From dyslexia to ADHD and autism, the conversation dives into workplace needs assessments, early strengths identification, and the differences between neurodivergent coaching and neurotypical coaching approaches.

Together, they discuss the changing landscape of neurodiversity support in the workplace, the importance of using a strengths-based approaches and the implications of double empathy. Cheryl talks about some of the sensory challenges for neurodivergent individuals and highlights how empowering managers, training HR professionals, and fostering co-coaching relationships can create workplaces where neurodiversity can work to their talents with better outcomes for all. Whether you're a coach, a leader, or part of an organization seeking to do better, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for the future of workplace inclusion.

You will learn:

· The benefit of workplace needs assessments and strength-based approaches

· What managers and leaders can do to provide good support for their neurodivergent employees

· Why co-coaching can be transformative for neurodivergent employees and employers

"If organisations invested in getting their HR professionals or their occupational health teams trained in neurodiversity workplace needs assessments, I think individuals would be attended to quicker."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-needs-assessments-strength-based

In this warm and insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with friend and fellow coach Mike Bedford over a comforting cup of Yorkshire tea to explore coaching neurodivergent professionals. Together, they unpack the importance of unconditional positive regard, and the everyday challenges neurodivergent individuals navigate in the workplace—such as ambiguity, masking, and burnout. Mike encourages neurodivergent individuals to be brave and open from the start about who they are and what they need: sharing the transformative role of self-advocacy, support networks, and clear communication in thriving at work.

The conversation also highlights the value of individualised approaches to well-being and professional development. Kate and Mike reflect on strategies for managing mental health, recharging, and maintaining balance, while examining how language, identity, and boundaries influence neuro-inclusive spaces. They discuss the role of technology in burnout, and how hidden agendas or vague communication can exacerbate stress for neurodivergent individuals. What emerges is a thoughtful reminder that authenticity, reflection, and respect are essential ingredients in coaching, workplace and leadership practices that truly embrace neurodiversity where neurodivergent professionals can be themselves and flourish at work.

You will learn:

· The complexities of unconditional positive regard at work

· The power of self-advocacy

· Tips and insights for supporting neurodivergent employees

'If you don't know yourself, you're never going to truly be able to get what you need to thrive.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-burnout-self-advocacy-neurodivergent

In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson interviews Anita Patel, an inclusion and intersectionality speaker, trainer, and neurodiversity coach. Anita shares her personal journey with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, discussing the challenges neurodivergent individuals face at work and the evolution of organizational attitudes toward neuro-inclusion. She explains why intersectionality and lived experience are essential for authentic inclusion, and how businesses, leaders, and HR professionals can move beyond tokenistic gestures toward strategic, systemic change.

The conversation dives into practical strategies for embedding neuro-inclusion into organizational culture, highlighting the power of strength-based coaching, psychological safety, community support, and open dialogue. Anita offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where neurodivergent employees feel celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether you're a coach, business leader, or HR professional, this inspiring episode provides actionable insights to foster genuine inclusion and drive meaningful impact.

You will learn:

· Why lived experience and intersectionality matter in shaping effective neurodiversity initiatives

· How organizations can shift from tokenistic practices to positive systemic inclusion

· Practical steps leaders can take to build psychological safety and support neurodivergent employees

"More recently, I've noticed a shift where people are thinking about what neuro inclusion actually means through an intersectional lens and how this can be embedded throughout the year"

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-intersectionality-organisations-neuroinclusion

In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson talks to Nathan Broad, IT Director at Certas Energy, for an insightful conversation on how leaders can create inclusive workplaces. Nathan shares both personal and professional experiences, highlighting the power of organizational kindness, supportive policies, and community-driven approaches to inclusion. They explore practical initiatives such as quiet spaces, community groups, and tailored IT solutions that help neurodiverse employees thrive. The discussion also unpacks common misconceptions and emphasizes the value of reflective listening and feedback as tools for building stronger, more supportive workplaces.

Nathan also speaks candidly about the role of leadership in championing neurodiverse talent, the challenges organizations face in creating truly inclusive cultures, and the progress still to be made. By shifting mindsets, addressing language and narratives around neurodiversity, and embedding feedback loops into workplace practices, leaders can build environments where every employee feels empowered and valued. This episode is both a call to action and a practical guide for coaches, leaders, and organizations committed to fostering more inclusive, compassionate communities.

You will learn:

· Why organizational kindness is good business

· Why a top-down approach is essential

· How employee accountability empowers and informs workplaces

'Business will be more effective if we do the right things by people'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-organizational-kindness-inclusive-leadership

Looking for practical ways to make recruitment more inclusive and supportive of neurodivergent talent? In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with Mark Crawley, founder of Diversita, a consultancy neurodiversity consultancy that help organizations become more neuro inclusive through training, recruitment and awareness. Mark shares his personal motivation for this work, unpacks the barriers many neurodivergent candidates face, and explains why equity—not equality—is key to creating fair opportunities. Together, they explore actionable strategies such as skills-based recruitment, making reasonable adjustments, and equipping managers with the right training. Mark also introduces Diversity's new digital platform for neuro-diverse job seekers and shares inspiring success stories that show what's possible when organizations truly embrace neurodiverse talent.

Listeners will come away with two powerful takeaways: first, the importance of shifting recruitment systems to recognize strengths rather than screen out difference; and second, the vital role coaches play in helping create supportive processes and environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. Whether you're a coach, supervisor, HR professional, or organisational leader, this conversation is packed with insights, tips, resources, and next steps to help you attract, hire, and retain the incredible neurodivergent talent out there.

You will learn:

· Why neuro-inclusive recruitment is so important

· How organisations can start their journey to embracing neurodivergent talent

· Advice for neurodivergent job seekers

'We wanted to make sure we represented jobseekers, but equally so we wanted to make sure we trained and educated organizations. and that a twofold approach is something that no other real recruitment agency or organization are really doing.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-recruitment-neurodivergent-talent

In the first episode of a new series – Neurodiversity in the Workplace – host Kate Jenkinson is joined by Ellie Hand, Senior HR Advisor and Training Lead at Bhayani Law, to discuss how organisations can move beyond legal compliance to create truly inclusive workplace cultures that celebrate difference and empower individuals to thrive. Ellie shares practical advice on tackling misconceptions, implementing reasonable adjustments, and the importance of empathy and clear communication in supporting neurodivergent employees.

She explains what good feedback looks like and delves into the risks organisations face when they neglect neuro-inclusion, including both legal exposure and commercial risk. Ellie emphasises the role of leadership buy-in, collaboration, and valuing lived experiences as workplace champions, when shaping inclusive practices. With insights into intersectionality, unconscious bias, and the impact of effective feedback, listeners will leave with a richer understanding of how to support neurodivergent colleagues and embed meaningful culture change that benefits everyone. Whether you are a coach, HR professional, leader, or part of an organisation seeking to do better, this conversation offers practical strategies and thought-provoking takeaways.

You will learn:

· Why moving beyond compliance is key to building inclusive and supportive workplace cultures

· How reasonable adjustments, empathy, and effective feedback can transform employee experiences

· The risks of neglecting neuro-inclusion and the importance of leadership commitment and culture change

'Organisations are starting to recognise that neurodiversity isn't just a legal issue. It's about creating an environment where all minds can thrive, regardless of where that thrives sits.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-neurodiversity-in-workplace-compliance-inclusion-workplace-culture

Welcome back to another episode of our Day in the Life podcast series, where we meet real coaches living real lives. In this inspiring conversation, host Maxine Bell sits down with Conny Weyrich, an arts-based and trauma-informed coach from Melbourne, Australia. Conny shares her remarkable mid-life journey from a corporate career in marketing and consultancy to art therapy, and ultimately into the world of coaching. Her story offers valuable insights for coaches and supervisors who are curious about weaving creativity, compassion, and trauma-awareness into their practice.

In this episode, Conny shares what art-based coaching really means, the significance of being a trauma-informed coach, and how curiosity and compassion guide her client work. She reflects on her typical workweek, memorable coaching moments, and the deep importance of supervision and self-care. Whether you're an experienced coach or just beginning your journey, Conny's wisdom and practical tips will encourage you to reflect on your own practice, become clear of the scope of your own practice, focus on the development of relational skills and embrace creativity as a pathway to growth. A highly recommended listen for coaches, supervisors, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, healing, and coaching.

You will learn:

· The role of creativity and arts-based methods in helping clients grow

· Why being trauma-informed is invaluable for sustainable, ethical coaching

· Why self-care, self-awareness and supervision make you a better, more effective coach

"I would say the skills around, being in relationship, being present, being attuned to the client and to the process are probably always more important than any skills around a particular coaching framework or coaching tools."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-art-based-trauma-informed

Can we truly make coaching spaces inclusive? This powerful closing episode of our Coaching Supervision Uncovered series invites you into a dynamic panel conversation on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in coaching supervision. Host Helen O'Grady is joined by master coaches Shruti Sonthalia, Dumi Magadlela and Claire Pedrick as they unpack how supervision can become a sacred space for reflection, authenticity, and growth.

Together, they explore how supervisors can model courage, examine safety, shame and co-design spaces where vulnerability becomes a strength rather than a risk. The conversation dives deeply into identity, systemic, cultural and continental context - highlighting the ways power dynamics and intersectionality shape supervision relationships. By weaving personal insights with practical reflections, the panellists show how re-humanisation, presence, and recognition of interconnectedness can unlock truly inclusive coaching spaces. As the series finale, this episode is both a celebration of what has been uncovered and an open invitation to continue the dialogue on inclusion as a living, co-created process.

You will learn:

· How to hold supervision as a sacred space that enables authentic reflection and growth

· Why vulnerability, courage, and cultural awareness are essential to inclusivity.

· Practical ways supervisors can co-create inclusive environments that allow coaches to come as they are

'We can't declare that a space is safe. We also can't declare that a space is inclusive because as the supervisor, that's not our decision.'

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-identity-power-inclusion

How does power truly manifest in coaching supervision? In this episode, host Helen O'Grady sits down with executive coach and supervisor, Shruti Sonthalia to unpack the often overlooked but critical dimension of power in supervision. Together, they explore how power is an inherent element of all human relationships and why acknowledging its presence is essential for supervisors, coaches, and leaders. From "power over" and "power under" to cultivating shared power, this episode dives deep into the ways identity, privilege, and cultural context influence supervision relationships.

Listeners will hear what red flags indicate power imbalance, and practical strategies that foster shared power in supervision. The conversation also sheds light on systemic dynamics, the challenges supervisors face in balancing relational warmth with ethical responsibility, and the transformative potential of curiosity and humility. If you're a coach, coaching supervisor, or leader coach seeking to navigate complex dynamics with greater self-awareness and impact, this episode offers a rich and thought-provoking guide to embodying shared power.

Key Learning Points:

· Why power is an unavoidable and essential element of all coaching supervision relationships

· How supervisors can consciously foster shared power dynamic within the coaching supervision relationship

· The impact of broader systemic and identity issues on a shared power relationship

"When you are able to name what needs to be named and really listen to the unspoken, you are in service to both the coach and the larger systems they serve and the power dynamics that might exist in the systems."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-power-privilege-identity

What if coach supervision wasn't just about reflecting—but about completely rethinking how you grow? In this episode, host Helen O'Grady speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Crosse about how coach supervision can foster real coach development – a dynamic, critically reflexive practice that meets coaches exactly where they are. Drawing on her research, Elizabeth introduces a practical typology for growth through three distinct lenses: the craft of coaching, self-work (the internal work) and the art of coaching (the external learning that comes through coaching). Together, they explore the non-linear, cyclical nature of coach development, and how supervision encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and self-awareness for more effective, holistic coaching.

Elizabeth also shares insights from her Developmental Mindset Inventory— a tool designed to help coaches and supervisors assess and expand their developmental approach. She explains how supervision can meet coaches where they are, balancing professional capability with personal capacity, and turning learning into meaningful growth. This episode is both a framework for practice and an invitation to slow down, notice what resonates, and engage with your own evolving developmental path.

You will learn:

· Why supervision must support both professional capability (knowledge and skills) and personal capacity (navigating complexity).

· That development is not about adding more apps — it's about upgrading your system

· How to be critically reflexive instead of just reflective

"For me, development is something like happiness; you cannot guarantee you'll be happy, but you can do things that are more likely to enhance your ability."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coach-development

In this episode, host, Helen O'Grady is joined by Michelle Lucas, an accredited Master Executive Coach and Supervisor, who explores the vital role of reflective practice in coaching supervision. She clarifies the definition of reflection and reflexivity in coaching; it's iterative nature and application in various contexts. Michelle discusses the three methods of reflection: self-supervision, peer supervision and professional supervision and the challenges coaches face in engaging reflective practice.

She explains how to recognise individual reflective practices and addresses the common barriers. Michelles stresses the value of experimentation with different reflective methods and examines the difference between supporting new and more experienced coaches, highlighting the need for intentional, regular practice. Listeners gain practical insights and resources to deepen their reflective habits and enhance their coaching effectiveness.

You will learn:

· The importance of taking a diversity of approaches when reflecting

· How supervisors can encourage coaches to broaden their reflective repertoire

· How to tailor reflective activities that work for you - there are no "shoulds" here!

'For me, reflection is a really iterative process; it doesn't stop, it just evolves and often comes back several times before we feel resolved.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-reflective-practice-reflexivity

In this insightful episode, host Helen O'Grady and guest Jo Birch, an award-winning supervisor and executive coach, explore the complexities of mental health in coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of clear contracts, boundaries, and competence when addressing mental health issues, the challenges of confidentiality, and the need for self-awareness and reflection on personal beliefs about mental health. The conversation highlights the value of supervision as a safe and reflective space, the misunderstandings around mental health, and the necessity for coaches and supervisors to develop confidence and fluency in these sensitive conversations.

Jo shares the challenges of maintaining confidentiality and navigating sensitive disclosures, as well as the interplay between coaching and therapy, and provides strategies for developing skills in noticing and responding to mental health concerns. This conversation offers easily applied actions you can take, as well as encouraging further enquiry, ongoing learning and open dialogue to better support clients and yourself.

You will learn:

· How to hold the contract for the work, while being human and compassionate

· How to develop competence – skills and knowledge

· How to grow in confidence

You can find further resources on mental health here.

'Fluency in being able to talk about mental health issues is it's a skill for life, not just in our professional work.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-mental-health-essential-skills

In this fascinating episode, host Helen O'Grady is joined by executive coach and coach supervisor Neel Arya to talk about developmental artistry - a creative, embodied approach to coaching and supervision and its relevance in times of significant change. Neel explains how this philosophy, co-developed with Carissa Bub, encourages practitioners to embrace uncertainty, experimentation, and the exploration of liminal spaces – the 'messy middle' of growth - and their significance in the developmental process. Neel explains cultural dimensions and individual personality's influence on the openness to developmental artistry, and they discuss using creative techniques, such as works of art and poetry, to foster deeper awareness and learning.

The conversation highlights the importance of presence, playfulness, and courage, challenging traditional reliance on structured models and inviting coaches to explore emergent, experiential ways of knowing. Neel also shares his experience using the dark and invites listeners to join his Dark Workshop series this autumn, using the discount code found on the AC website below.

You will learn:

· The concept of 'developmental artistry' in coaching and supervision

· How to apply developmental artistry for both experienced and novice coaches

· How the dark can be used to explore liminal spaces

"What we're trying to do with development artistry is, is to say, well, actually, how might we go about the art of development by really focusing in on the embodied, the experiential, the emergent things which are entangled…to move out of, out of our heads into a deeper, more natural felt sense and embodied intelligence. And to learn and to develop through experience."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-developmental-artistry-emergent

In this episode, host, Helen O'Grady interviews ADHD coach and trainer Katie Friedman about coaching supervision through a neurodivergent lens. Katie explains the concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of psychological safety and inclusivity in coaching. The conversation explores the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in identity integration, the need for humility and awareness of positionality, and the value of specialized training. Katie also discusses the evolving landscape of ADHD coaching and her belief that specialist coaching will replace the medical models and continue to grow, and the transformative power of community and ongoing self-discovery. This episode offers a nuanced and compassionate look at building inclusive coaching practices that truly support all minds.

You will learn:

· The difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence

· The many misconceptions about neurodiversity

· The role of supervision and specialized training in creating and supporting inclusive coaching spaces

'The assumption that you can coach anyone is really lacking in humility. It erases my difference and is not respectful.'

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-neurodiversity-adhd-inclusion

In this episode Claire Pedrick, master coach and co-author of 'The Human Behind the Coach,' joins host, Helen O'Grady to explore the vital role of humanness in coaching supervision. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and why the supervisee, rather than supervisor, decides if a space is safe or not. Claire shares personal insights on power dynamics, the value of self-reflection, and the ethics of supervisors bringing their humanity to their sessions. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of supervision, the need for continuous growth, and the courage required to foster genuine human connection within coaching relationships.

You will learn:

· What humanness in supervision means

· The benefits of being human and vulnerable as a supervisor

· The concept of self-supervision and the significance of reflection

"If you're asking me to disclose, explore, and dig, but you're acting like a robot because you know all your great questions and you're not being human, I can't show up either."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-humaness-vulnerability-authenticity

In this episode, we take a deep dive into coaching readiness and coachability, as host Helen O'Grady is joined by Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach and author of two key coaching books. When coaches come to supervision doubting themselves, because their client is not engaged, Clare encourages supervisors to go beyond asking what the contract says, asking a second question, 'Was the client and their organization coaching ready?'

With this question in mind, Clare explores the difference between 'coaching readiness' and 'coachability'. She emphasizes the crucial role of organizational 'coaching custodians' in aligning coaching with strategic goals and the importance of specific compatibility calls that focus on four key questions to assess whether coach and client are a good match. Clare also discusses the misconception that coaching is universally beneficial for everyone. This episode offers clarity and practical tips for coaches and organizations, highlighting the need for supervision to unpack coaching readiness issues, ethical practice and a systemic approach to successful coaching outcomes.

You will learn:

· The definition and differentiation of "coachability" and "coaching readiness".

· Ethical considerations and complexities in coaching relationships

· The value of supervision for coaches to reflect on their experiences with coaching readiness.

"Discussing coaching readiness is a key area for supervisors to explore with their supervisees."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coachability-readiness-custodian

Do you really understand the role of contracting in supervision? This week, join host Helen O'Grady as she speaks with coaching psychologist and supervisor, Anna Springett as they discuss the skill and practice of contracting in supervision. They discuss how it compares to contracting in coaching and the broad range of factors that practitioners need to consider. Anna explains the psychological aspects of containment in supervision and the significance of checking assumptions in supervision relationships.

They explain what questions a coach can ask when looking for a supervisor and explore cultural differences in perceptions of time and group dynamics, emphasising the need for ongoing, adaptive contracting. Anna introduces her 8 Ps model and what emerging trends and challenges she sees for coaching supervision, including technology and global awareness. This conversation defines the vital role contracting has in supervision, with tips and insights to help both supervisors and coaches improve their contracting practices.

You will learn:

· What contracting is and its pivotal role in supervision

· The psychological concepts of containment

· What questions a coach can ask to find the right supervisor

"I genuinely believe that contracting is a core practice; everything else plays out within the contract, the container that we create."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-contracting-containment

Join us for the first episode of a new podcast series: Coaching Supervision Uncovered – an 11-part series exploring the fascinating world of coaching supervision and how it shapes exceptional coaches. Each episode delves into a distinctive aspect of supervision with leading practitioners, uncovering the nuanced ways supervision enhances coaching practices, supports wellbeing and drives professional development.

Our host, Helen O'Grady, is joined by Marie Faire, a master executive coach and supervisor, to introduce the topic and talk about the essential role of coaching supervision. Marie explains what supervision is, emphasizing trust, self-reflection and continuous learning.

The conversation explores differences between supervising novice and experienced coaches, the benefits of individual and group supervision, and common misconceptions about supervision. Marie also discusses the importance of practical experience, the supervisor's dual role as supporter and challenger, and the evolving future of supervision in coaching.

You will learn:

· The definition and essence of coaching supervision

· The key benefits of regular supervision for coaching

· How to find a good supervisor that is right for you

Whether you're a seasoned supervisor, a coach curious about supervision, or simply interested in the dynamics of reflective practice, this series offers illuminating conversations

"I think coach supervision is just the best CPD that a coach can do because it's targeted. It's what you bring; it's your agenda. Whatever you bring, we explore it together. That's why I call myself a fellow traveller—because it's a mutual exploration."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-introduction-benefits-reflective

In this inspiring episode of our 'Day in the Life of' podcast series, host Maxine Bell sits down with Helen O'Grady, an experienced coach and supervisor who brings her background in paediatric nursing into her coaching work within the health, social care, and education sectors. Helen shares her powerful journey from healthcare to coaching, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting professionals working on the front lines. Maxine and Helen explore how coaching can transform leadership and client care in health and social care, the emotional toll of frontline work, and how coaching supports burnout prevention and emotional wellbeing. They also discuss the persistent funding challenges and why coaching should be prioritised in high-impact environments like the NHS, social work and education.

Helen also discusses the importance of supervision for coaches and the evolving conversation around professional regulation in the coaching field. She shares honest reflections on the mindset shifts required in helping professions—from "rescuing" to empowering clients—and why self-trust and community support are vital for sustainable coaching practices.

Full of insights and tips, Helen's passion and care for coaching and supervision light up the conversation. If you are feeling uncertain about coaching in any way or seeking a new perspective and purpose in your practice, this podcast episode is for you!

· Discover the value and impact of coaching in the health, social care, and education sector

· Learn how to shift from a "rescue" mindset to one that supports agency and empowerment

· Understand the critical role of supervision in sustaining ethical, reflective, and resilient coaching

"From the moment I discovered coaching, I was like, wow, this is fantastic. I still get so much joy from all aspects of it; I feel very blessed to have found it."

Tune in next week as Helen hosts a new 11-part podcast series: Coaching Supervision Uncovered!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-supervision-frontline-professionals-inspirational

In the final episode of our 'Coaching as a Leader' podcast series, Jen Kidby is joined by Linda Beatty, Senior Manager of Culture and Engagement in Bank of Ireland, to explore the growing role of leader coaches in formal coaching programs within organizations. They delve into how structured coaching engagements—distinct from day-to-day mentoring or informal support—can elevate leadership development across an organization. Linda shares her personal journey, while highlighting the practical considerations leader coaches must navigate - from contracting and the challenges of confidentiality to the importance of support systems and supervision.

You'll discover why leader coaches bring unique value through their organizational insight and how they create psychological safety when coaching colleagues and employees. Learn the impact that leader coaches can have on colleagues within their organization and the organization itself, as well as the wider impact in the day to day lives of leader coaches themselves. Linda shares the rationale for utilizing leader coaches over external coaches. She offers invaluable insights, guidance and strategies that will both inspire and inform leader coaches and organizations considering formal coaching.

We hope this series has inspired leaders, leader coaches and coaches supporting leaders. If you would like a more in-depth knowledge on this topic you can find the 'Coaching as a Leader' book in book shops and online.

You will learn:

· How formal coaching unlocks leadership development across the organization.

· How structured frameworks and boundaries are essential.

· How support systems, such as peer networks and coaching communities fuel success.

"Formal coaching is a structured relationship between two people, the coach and the coach. And in an organizational setting, that's obviously a colleague or an employee…someone you don't know."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-formal-coaching-future-leaders

In this episode, Jen Kidby is joined by leadership development coach Tony Worgan to explore how the language leaders use shapes the culture, dynamics, and performance of their teams. Tony shares insights from his coaching practice, highlighting the power of being intentional with words and the impact of "discounting" language—subtle phrases that can unintentionally diminish a person's contributions or confidence. He encourages leaders to shift from reactive or rescuing behaviours toward more open, curious coaching conversations. By staying present rather than striving for perfection, leaders can create psychologically safe environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Tony also introduces practical tools from transactional analysis like the Drama Triangle which outlines the roles of Rescuer, Persecutor, and Victim in unproductive dynamics, and shows how to break out of these patterns. He explains the importance of "strokes"—small, meaningful recognitions that fuel trust and motivation—and offers advice on finding the right balance of positive and constructive feedback. The conversation emphasizes the long-term benefits of a coaching mindset, where thoughtful communication becomes a foundation for trust, growth, and stronger relationships at work.

You will learn

· How language shapes workplace culture and either builds or breaks trust.

· Practical advice for leaders on open communication and addressing issues directly.

· The ideal ratio of positive to negative 'strokes' for building trust and resilience in teams

"Coachingtransformed my whole experience of myself as a leader, my identity as a leader, and all my workplace relationships."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-language-workplace-culture

In this episode, host Jen Kidby is joined by coaches and co-authors Katy McGregor and Ross Hunter to explore the benefits and challenges of letting go of expertise as a leader coach, highlighting how identity, values, and experience shape leadership styles. They unpack the tension leaders have between offering expert advice or stepping back to empower others, and discuss the importance of self-awareness, creating a collaborative environment, as well as the need for leaders to ask insightful questions rather than provide answers.

Katy and Ross share personal stories and tools to help leaders foster cultures of learning and encourage leaders to experiment with coaching techniques and embrace continuous learning. Listen and gain practical strategies for loosening the grip on technical expertise and embracing a more collaborative, question-led approach.

You will learn:

· The necessity of fostering a culture of inquiry and valuing diverse perspectives within teams.

· The role of cultural expectations and organizational backgrounds in shaping coaching styles.

· The necessity of fostering a culture of inquiry and valuing diverse perspectives within teams.

"Once you begin to feel how great it feels to help somebody else solve a problem and find their own way through, it's almost like switching out the dopamine and switching in the oxytocin."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-letting-go-expertise-identity-shift

In the premiere episode of our Coaching as a Leader podcast series, host Simone Sweeney talks to coach, supervisor and author Jen Kidby, and AC Head of Corporate Membership and Accreditation, Victoria Leath, to discuss the important topic of leader as coach and the launch of the AC's new book: Coaching as a Leader. Together, they share the inspiration behind the book and explore why coaching skills are now essential for leaders navigating today's complex, people-centred workplaces. Designed to set the stage for the series, this conversation offers a compelling introduction to the evolving role of leadership in driving culture, engagement, and performance through coaching.

Jen and Victoria delve into the core themes of Coaching as a Leader, including the shift from directive, top-down management to a more collaborative, coaching-led leadership style. They highlight how key coaching competencies—such as emotional intelligence, active listening, and self-awareness—are crucial for fostering trust, clarity, and resilience within teams. The episode also offers practical guidance for leaders looking to integrate a coaching mindset into their everyday practice. Jen and Victoria emphasize the importance of aligning these skills with organizational values and strategy to create lasting impact, and the growing trend of coaching as an essential component of organizational culture post-pandemic.

An inspiring conversation for leaders of any level, as well as the coaches supporting them in our ever-changing world.

You will learn:

· Coaching-oriented leadership fosters stronger, more supportive organizational cultures.

· Core coaching skills—like self-awareness, active listening, and emotional intelligence—are vital for effective modern leadership.

· Aligning coaching practices with organizational purpose enhances both individual and business performance.

"They're realizing that coaching is becoming a must, with people and strategies. Companies that are focusing on coaching cultures see a higher engagement, for various different things like innovation and retention."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-coaching-skills-leadership-book

In this episode of our Day in the Life series, we speak with coach, supervisor, TedX speaker, and author Val Mullally. Join us for a rich and thought-provoking conversation that explores reflective supervision, psychological safety, parenting coaching, self-care, and so much more.

Discover Val's inspiring journey from schoolteacher to coach, and how her passion for emotional intelligence and child development evolved into her work in coaching and supervision. Val unpacks her unique TRAKC© model, a simple yet profound framework designed to support psychological safety in coaching relationships.

She shares her thoughts on parenting, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult behaviour and relationships, as well as why coaching supervision is reflective and not hierarchical. Val also discusses Kubler-Ross, Gabor Mate and others who have inspired her work. The conversation dives into grief, forgiveness, the need for feminine energy in the world and the wonders of using creative modalities in coaching and supervision. This is years of wisdom packed into one hour just for you!

You will learn:

· More about the TRAKC© model and how you can attend her upcoming webinar

· Why Val believes supervision is an essential practice for every coach

· The need for continuous learning and adaptation in the coaching profession

"I think supervision is absolutely foundational to being present in a way that really holds and supports and values people."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-reflective-supervisor-author

In this episode, we explore how coaching has been integrated into RELEASE, a bereavement programme which uses exercise in the form of non-contact boxing and mindfulness to enable participants to express their emotions and focus on their own individual outcomes. Host Julie Flower is joined by Claire Henry MBE, a coach specialising in palliative and end-of-life care, who shares her involvement with RELEASE to support those dealing with grief. Claire explains how the programme works and what a typical session looks like. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, non-judgmental environment and highlights the program's incredible positive impact on participants' emotional and physical well-being.

Claire explains how participants benefit from an environment where they did not have to talk and where 'all emotions were allowed.' Learn why participants preferred a coaching approach instead of counselling, and why peer support was also a vital part of the programme. Claire explains how the programme was funded, evaluated and what they are planning in the future, providing lots of valuable tips for coaches who may be interested in this type of work. This innovative programme demonstrates the power of combining disciplines to aid healing, and improve wellbeing.

You will learn:

· How the RELEASE programme was set up and run

· The feedback and benefits to participants

· The challenges and highlights of working in partnership with other disciplines

"One of the quotes from a participant was, 'It was just so refreshing that all emotions were welcome.' They felt so great that they could just let go and talk, and not talk if they didn't want to, just really belt the punching bag."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-bereavement-boxing-release-programme

In this episode, our host Julie Flower discusses the transformative power of coaching within the criminal justice system with Jeffrey Wotherspoon, a coach from the charity Spark Inside, and Elliot, a participant in the Black Hero's Journey program. Jeffrey explains Spark Inside's mission and programs, including the Hero's Journey and Black Hero's Journey, which help young men in prisons challenge their beliefs, understand their identities and embrace their potential. Elliot shares his personal experience, emphasizing how coaching helped him gain self-awareness, and envision and create a brighter future.

Jeffrey explains the criteria for young men to join the programme, emphasising they choose to come through their own desire for change. Learn about the qualities and skills needed to join Spark Inside as a coach and hear the outstanding results that are being achieved. Elliot shares what he is doing now and what his plans are for his future. This episode demonstrates the power of coaching to help transform lives and pays homage to the resilient young men brave enough to step forward into a new future for themselves.

You will learn:

· The role of coaching both prisoners and prison officers in the criminal justice system

· Why the Black Hero's Journey was needed and how it is helping young black men in the criminal justice system

· Future directions and goals for Spark Inside and its coaching initiatives

"The impact has been very positive. I found out my true potential and realized that if I really wanted to achieve something, I could literally achieve it…and that's what I'm doing now."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-black-heros-journey-prisoners-transformation

In this special episode, our host Julie Flower, dives into an inspiring conversation with guests Lindsay Henderson and Shaun Armour from Your Voice Counts, a charity based in Northeast England. Discover how they are challenging perspectives with a groundbreaking scheme that trains people with learning disabilities and autism to coach the professionals responsible for their support. Shaun, one of the coaches and Lindsay, Head of Communities, share how co-production and lived experience aren't just buzzwords – they are essential tools for transforming support systems, empowering individuals and creating meaningful change.

Learn how this innovative model developed, the training process and the shift in power dynamics in during the coaching relationships. Lindsay and Shaun offer honest reflections on what it takes to make this approach work, why accessibility and representation matter and how the scheme is making a tangible difference for both coaches and professionals. They also share their hopes for the future, including plans to expand the model and embed it into services across more regions. If you're looking to make your coaching practice more inclusive, authentic, and impactful, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

You will learn:

· How lived experience can reshape professional coaching and improve services for people with learning disabilities and autism.

· The importance of co-production and accessible training in building inclusive coaching programs.

· The challenges and triumphs of implementing a lived experiences coaching model within professional settings.

"Having a coach opposite them with a learning disability or autism, and they're communicating with them in an equal power relationship, was just my favourite bit of the whole thing, because it started to challenge people's perceptions about people, about people's opportunities and about what people can achieve."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-learning-disability-autism-lived-experience-coaches

In this inspiring episode of our Coaching for Good series, we dive deep into the transformative power of coaching and mentoring for disengaged and vulnerable youth. Host, Julie Flower is joined by Duncan Cherrett and Ana Collier from Young Devon, a leading charity in the southwest of England dedicated to supporting young people who need more help than traditional systems offer. They share how using a coaching philosophy in their work has provided empowering lifelines for many young people navigating complex life challenges.

Duncan and Ana discuss the evolution of their innovative mentoring programs, the requirements and qualities needed to become a young person's coach, the challenges of securing consistent funding, particularly for preventative work, and the significance of local knowledge and partnerships. They also explain the significance of different methods of evaluation in demonstrating the impact of their programmes. Listen and learn how a relational, coaching-based approach can reignite potential, foster trust, and build futures that once seemed out of reach.

You will learn:

· The importance of building trust and rapport with young people

· Specific projects and initiatives by Young Devon aimed at supporting youth

· The training and support they provide to their coaches and mentors

"The Empowering Enterprise Project was probably our most successful, where the freedom to be able to select the timeline, which was really important, and I think allowed far more success than you normally would get with some of those fixed term mentoring programs."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-young-people-mentoring

Listen to this podcast episode to hear how an innovative coaching program is helping survivors of domestic abuse 'dream big.'

Our host, Julie Flower, is joined by the creator of the "Writing for Resilience" coaching program, Charmaine Pollard, as well as two of the participants, Priya* and Shari*. Charmaine, a coach and certified poetry therapist, explains how the evidence-based, 20-week programme uses a combination of writing, poetry, 1 to 1 and group coaching to help survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives. Priya and Shari share their challenges and transformative experiences, highlighting the programme's impact on their confidence and personal growth. They emphasise the importance of group support and accountability, goal-setting and creative expression in their healing journeys. Charmaine explains how the programme's integrative approach, utilising the power of writing with coaching, creates deep and meaningful change.

This episode will challenge perspectives about survivors of domestic abuse. It is both moving, hopeful and a testament to the courage and resilience of these women.

*names have been changed to protect the participants

You will learn:

· What motivated Charmaine to create this programme

· About the different elements of the programme

· The evaluation of the program's effectiveness and its positive outcomes.

"The program enabled us to have that cocoon into a butterfly moment, where we could flourish and become a newer, brighter version of ourselves."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-writing-for-resilience-domestic-abuse

Did you know there are 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK? These individuals dedicate their lives to supporting loved ones, often at the cost of their mental health, physical well-being, finances, relationships, and self-esteem. But what if coaching could help?

Join host, Julie Flower and Pam Thomson, Carer Community Manager and Penni Norris, Coach Coordinator, to explore an innovative coaching programme making a real difference to unpaid carers in West Sussex, UK. Discover the inspiration behind this ground-breaking coaching initiative. Learn how the pilot programme developed and was assessed for impact, the biggest challenges faced, and how the programme currently runs, as well its future plans.

Listen to real-life success stories that have empowered carers across the region. Pam and Penni share how carer feedback and involvement has shaped the programme and why this work is a shining example of coaching for social good. Be inspired by the passion and commitment of Carers Support West Sussex and your ability as a coach to have real impact on communities.

You will learn:

· The values that are the foundational blocks of the scheme

· The incredible positive outcomes for carers

· Their future goals for the coaching programme, including sustainability and outreach improvements

"The uniqueness of this offer, it's we're helping to prevent carer breakdown. We're reducing, and the decreasing the feeling of them being lost. So, we're reducing the isolation that they're feeling and living in."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-for-good-unpaid-carers-coaching-programme

Where does mental health meet culture and race equity? Coach, trainer and TedX speaker Leyla Okhai joins host Maxine Bell to answer this question. This honest and insightful conversation is part of our Day in the Life series where we talk to real coaches about their real lives. Listen to be inspired, pick up top tips and feel less alone in your coaching journey.

Leyla shares her insights from her coaching practice, emphasising the importance of culturally appropriate approaches to mental well-being. They discuss Leyla's experiences at school, working at the University of Oxford, the intersection of race and class and the challenges of navigating a predominantly white spaces and models. This episode challenges societal norms and highlights the need for inclusive approach to mental health and coaching.

You will learn:

· Why and how Leyla found her passion and shaped it into her current business

· How race, class, and cultural backgrounds influence mental well-being

· The importance of fostering equity in personal and professional spaces

"I used to call it the quarantine room, like I was a mosquito infecting everyone with my work on race equity, and they really wanted to squash it down."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-mental-health-edi-culture

How can African leadership transform global perspectives? Join Claudia Day and her guests, Gamu Matarira and Nicola Strong, co-founders of African Leadership Global (ALG), a data and training company that takes a fresh perspective on the diversity of intelligence to include the Global South. In this episode, they dive into the intersection of African philosophies and global leadership, sharing their research on the 'Stories of African Leadership.' Exploring themes of Ubuntu, community-driven leadership and cultural frameworks, Gamu and Nicola critically assess how African values differ from Western-dominant models.

They discuss real-world stories and the duality faced by the African diaspora. Coaches and leaders will gain insights into adapting tools ethically and fostering dialogue across cultures as well as being invited to participate by joining their LinkedIn group. Learn how African traditions such as reconciliation, connectedness and co-creation shape leadership today and inspire a future of inclusivity and innovation.

You will learn:

· The ALG's research results

· How valid Western models and tools are when coaching African clients

· What can coaches learn from the philosophies from Africa

"What we're saying is coaching is a Western terminology, but the practice of it has probably been going on in African communities anyway. The practice of it has been going on since the African child was a child and growing up into adulthood."

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For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-african-philosophies-culture-leadership

Listen to this insightful conversation on cultural awareness in coaching. Our host, Claudia Day is joined by award-winning coach and best-selling author, Philippe Rosinski to explore why cultural awareness is so important for enhancing coaching effectiveness, fostering inclusion, innovation, creativity and strengthening leadership. They define culture and suggest we all have multiple cultures which come dynamically together to create our cultural identity.

Philippe introduces his Cultural Orientations Framework assessment – a tool designed to raise awareness of cultural differences and gives listeners an opportunity to complete the assessment for themselves. The COF is comprised of 17 dimensions grouped into seven categories, providing a vocabulary to understanding cultural variations, in areas such as how we communicate, manage time, organise ourselves, think, define our identity and more generally engage in our various activities. Tune in to gain insights on how cultural diversity can be leveraged for deeper connections, improved team dynamics, and a more inclusive workplace environment!

You will learn:

· What culture is and why cultural awareness helps us leverage cultural diversity to benefit us all

· The Cultural Orientations Framework (COF) assessment - foundations

· Applications and examples of the COF: individual, team, organisational and societal

"We need to be culturally aware if we are going to coach other people, because if we don't have cultural awareness, it's going to be very difficult to coach other people."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-cultural-orientations-framework

Want to take your team coaching to the next level? In this episode, our host Claudia Day is joined by expert team coach Kimberly Lewis Parsons to share how assessments can be a game-changer for fostering collaboration, trust, and effectiveness. With a background in technology and corporate leadership, Kimberly explores the strategic use of assessments from three key perspectives – what she calls the "me view," "us view," and "team view"—to help teams recognize both individual and collective strengths. She also highlights the essential role coaches play, in partnership with leaders, in guiding teams through these insights.

Kimberley discusses how coaches can create a safe environment for honest conversations, the impact of leadership on assessment outcomes, and the power of trust in shaping team dynamics. She explains the concept of the team as a 'third entity as well as the benefits and pitfalls associated with team assessments. Whether you're a coach, leader, or HR professional, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make assessments a valuable tool for improving team dynamics and effectiveness.

You will learn:

· The role of coaches in leveraging assessments for team growth

· How assessments can enhance team effectiveness and collaboration

· Strategies to create a safe space for open and productive discussions

"A benefit of using this level of team assessment is it gives voice to the entire team to tell the story of what's working and not working, where the team has strength, and where the team doesn't have strength."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-team-coaching-assessments

Ever wondered what truly drives you and your team? Dive into the world of Motivational Maps with host Claudia Day and her guest, business motivator, Susannah Brade-Waring to explore how this powerful tool can transform the way individuals and teams understand what fuels motivation and how to harness it for success. Susannah shares her journey into leadership and team coaching and why she is passionate about understanding motivation.

Susannah defines motivation, the significance of recognising individual and team motivators, and the theoretical framework behind Motivational Maps – a tool that offers a unique way to measure and analyse the core drivers that shape decisions, productivity and happiness. She explains how motivation evolves over time, how life stages influence our drivers, and how coaches use Motivational Maps in organizations to enhance team performance, recruitment, and growth. Susannah stresses the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in understanding motivations and how to utilise the maps for team dynamics and conflict resolution. This is an engaging conversation about a proven powerful tool for coaches.

You will learn:

· Why motivation matters in both personal and professional life and how it shapes success

· How Motivational Maps work and are used in coaching

· The role of motivation and assessment tools in emotional intelligence

"The motivational map is a self-perception inventory. It's actually a tool for a conversation."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-motivational-maps

Unlock the secrets to well-being in coaching and leadership development in this insightful episode with host Claudia Day and expert guest Audrey McGibbon, a chartered occupational and coaching psychologist. Audrey shares her journey into the field and explains why well-being isn't just a personal pursuit—it's a critical factor in effective leadership and organizational success.

Together, they explore the multi-dimensional nature of well-being and Audrey introduces her comprehensive Global Leadership Wellbeing Survey (GLWS), designed to measure well-being to assist coaches in supporting leaders and their teams. They discuss the challenges many face when trying to improve their well-being, including the impact of workplace environments, stress, and sleep. Audrey explains how team coaching can play a transformative role in fostering collective well-being and unpacks the science behind well-being assessments, their reliability, and why they matter in today's evolving workplace landscape—especially in light of changing regulations around psychosocial health.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to integrate well-being into your coaching practice and leadership approach and walk away with practical strategies to create a healthier, more resilient environment for yourself and those you support.

You will learn:

· What wellbeing is and why is matters in organizations and leadership

· The challenges for leaders and organizations wanting to improve wellbeing

· The 6 dimensions of the Global Leadership Wellbeing Survey (GLWS)

"It was a crisis of conscience really that made me think I actually can't do this work without also considering how are you in all of this and how is your own well-being then impacting your leadership shadow on the organization or the teams that you're trying to lead."

SPECIAL OFFER - GLWS are offering an exclusive offer of 20% discount off the next GLWS Accreditation Virtual workshop intake which starts on July 29, 2025. Please check the details here and use the code pod20 when you sign up.

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-wellbeing-leadership-organizations

Are you ready to transform the way you communicate? In the second part of this insightful conversation, host Claudia Day is joined by developer Alan Robertson and expert coach Kate Mason-Keaney to dive into the significance of communication styles and the powerful VoicePrint tool. Alan, with a background in organizational development, and Kate, a team and leadership coach, break down how different communication styles shape interactions and workplace dynamics. They introduce the VoicePrint tool - a practical framework and assessment tool that categorizes communication into three clusters: exploring, positioning, and controlling – each cluster containing 3 types, making the 9 voices. Understanding these voices can help you navigate conversations more effectively, foster collaboration, and enhance your impact in any setting.

They discuss the dynamics of communication and the role of different voices in interactions and give practical application of the tool in one to one and team coaching. Alan and Kate share the impact the tool can have on a coach's self-awareness and understanding emotional triggers in communication. They reveal the significance of their self-perception and 360 questionnaires, and strategies for fostering open dialogues and enhancing team dynamics through mindful voice styles.

You will learn:

· The 9 voice modes that shape our communication style and how that impacts ourselves and others.

· The impact of listening styles and the VoicePrint listening profile on effective communication

· How to practically use VoicePrint in your coaching practice

Whether you're looking to refine your leadership skills, improve teamwork, or become a more effective communicator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your communication game.

"Talk is the means by which we get stuff done, so if we want to start achieving different results or remedying failings, it's going to be the way we conduct our conversations with each other."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-voiceprint-communication

Are you ready to transform the way you communicate? In part one of two this insightful episode, host Claudia Day is joined by developer Alan Robertson and expert coach Kate Mason-Keaney to dive into the significance of communication styles and the powerful VoicePrint tool. Alan, with a background in organizational development, and Kate, a team and leadership coach, break down how different communication styles shape interactions and workplace dynamics. They introduce the VoicePrint tool - a practical framework and assessment tool that categorizes communication into three clusters: exploring, positioning, and controlling – each cluster containing 3 types, making the 9 voices. Understanding these voices can help you navigate conversations more effectively, foster collaboration, and enhance your impact in any setting.

They discuss the dynamics of communication and the role of different voices in interactions, and give practical application of the tool in one to one and team coaching. Alan and Kate share the impact the tool can have on a coach's self-awareness and understanding emotional triggers in communication. They reveal the significance of their self-perception and 360 questionnaires, and strategies for fostering open dialogues and enhancing team dynamics through mindful voice styles.

You will learn:

· The 9 voice modes that shape our communication style and how that impacts ourselves and others.

· The impact of listening styles and the VoicePrint listening profile on effective communication

· How to practically use VoicePrint in your coaching practice

Whether you're looking to refine your leadership skills, improve teamwork, or become a more effective communicator, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your communication game.

"The key thing about VoicePrint is not just that it yields insights about the way people are currently behaving. But more crucially, it helps to inform the question, right, well, what could I do differently?"

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-voiceprint-communication

In this episode we delve into the Whole Brain® Thinking Model and the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) with host, Claudia Day and award-winning executive coach and researcher, Verity Hannell. The Whole Brain® Thinking framework developed by Ned Herrmann is a powerful, science-backed operating system for harnessing cognitive diversity in the flow of work. It's based on the idea that everyone has a preferred way of thinking, and that these preferences can be used to improve performance.

Verity shares her journey and insights into the HBDI, explaining its theory, which divides thinking preferences into four quadrants: analytical, practical, interpersonal, and experimental. They discuss the research backing the HBDI, its practical applications, and how understanding thinking preferences can enhance communication and collaboration. Verity explains how our thinking preferences impact something as straightforward as grocery shopping as well as the role of cognitive diversity in coaching and team dynamics, and its impact on decision-making.

· Learn about the four quadrants of the HBDI model and how they shape thinking preferences.

· Discover the value of cognitive diversity and its impact on communication, collaboration, and decision-making.

· Understand how coaches can use the HBDI as a tool to enhance their personal development and coaching techniques.

Whether you're a coach, leader, or simply curious about the science of thinking, this episode provides actionable insights into unlocking your brain's full potential and fostering more productive, diverse teams.

"The HBDI model has been designed to illuminate our cognitive preferences…our cognitive biases possibly, as well as provide self-awareness for individuals and a recognition of kind of the cognitive diversity that we all have as humans."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-whole-brain-thinking-preferences

In this episode, we dive deep into a transformative tool for enhancing team dynamics and organizational effectiveness—the Insights Discovery Tool. Joining our host, Claudia Day, is Mark Leisegang, Practice Lead at Insights Learning and Development, to discuss the pivotal role of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in personal and professional growth. Together, they explore how the Insights Discovery Tool, grounded in Jungian psychology, empowers individuals and teams to understand their personality preferences.

Mark shares his inspiring journey with the tool, shedding light on its cross-cultural applications, scientific reliability and validity, and its profound impact on communication, decision-making, and team collaboration. Listeners will learn from real-life examples, showcasing how teams leverage the tool to bridge personality differences, celebrate diversity, and foster stronger interpersonal relationships. Mark also delves into the concept of "dialling up or down" personality preferences, helping individuals adapt to various situations while maintaining authenticity. Ethical considerations and best practices for using the tool responsibly are also discussed.

Whether you're a coach or leader looking to enhance team performance or an individual on a journey of self-discovery, this episode is packed with valuable insights to improve your communication, potential and relationships. Don't miss this insightful conversation that underscores the power of understanding yourself and others in achieving effective teamwork and organizational success.

You will learn:

· The 3 key areas of the Insights Discovery Tool: attitude, decision-making function, and irrational function.

· The 4 colour energies representing personality preferences.

· The 4 components of team effectiveness: climate, focus, process, and flow.

"I've been in workshops where people have been working in teams together for 17 years, and suddenly they do an Insights Discovery workshop and they go, 'Oh my goodness, if only I had realized how this person wanted to be dealt with, wanted to be treated, wants to be engaged with,' and that's changed their life, they've changed their relationship."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-personality-preferences

Do personality assessments support or hinder our coaching practices? Join Professor Rebecca Jones and host, Claudia Day for an engaging conversation on how personality shapes coaching and personal development. They both share their personal journeys with personality assessments and give a short live demonstration from the IPIP neo assessment and how it can be used in a coaching session. Rebecca explores key personality theories, the ethical use of assessments, and how understanding personality enhances self-awareness and team dynamics.

You can take part in the IPIP neo personality assessment for free by clicking on the link provided in the episode resources on the AC webpage (link below). This episode offers actionable insights for coaches, leaders, and anyone curious about personality's role in unlocking potential.

You will learn:

· The Big Five Personality Traits and their importance for personal and professional growth.

· Learn how personality assessments can drive self-awareness, development, and effective coaching.

· Explore the ethical and practical applications of personality tools in coaching and teamwork.

"It can be helpful to perhaps reveal elements of ourselves that we're less aware of, or as a prompt to explore what or how that might manifest or the behaviours that might lead to, and whether that's helpful or not."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-personality-assessments

This week, we dive deep into the transformative concept of self-awareness and explore its profound impact on personal growth, leadership, and coaching.

Join our host, Claudia Day, as she sits down with coach and academic, Julia Carden. Julia shares her journey from leadership in the Royal Navy to her research and deep reflective exploration into self-awareness for coaches and leaders.

Julia explains what self-awareness really is, it's different components and why it's such a complex and dynamic construct. She highlights the benefits for coaches and leaders both in their personal and professional lives and give practical strategies to develop and deepen your self-awareness. Julia describes the roles and risks of insight tools and defines the difference between self-awareness, self-consciousness, and self-knowledge. Together, they unravel the complexities of self-awareness and provide practical takeaways for coaches, leaders, and anyone on a path of self-discovery. This episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussion.

"What was really enhancing how I showed up as a coach was the work I was doing on myself and the development of self-awareness."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-self-awareness-insight-tools-reflective-coach-development

Ever Wondered What It's Like to Be a Podcast Host?

Join us for an inspiring end-of-year episode where we bring back all five hosts from our 2024 podcast series to share their incredible journeys. This heartfelt conversation dives into their experiences, challenges, and the ripple effects of stepping outside their comfort zones to follow their passions.

Our 2024 episodes covered diverse yet deeply connected topics, including:

· Mental Health: Exploring well-being in today's complex world

· Coaching Outdoors: Unveiling the power of nature in personal growth

· Research in Coaching: Merging science with impactful coaching practices

· Human-Centric Leadership: Leading with empathy and authenticity

· Coaching Beyond Tools: Focusing on connection and meaning over techniques

Through it all, one common thread emerged: a heart-centred approach to understanding ourselves and finding purpose in a fast-changing world. It's an honest, moving discussion that showcases the power of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of goodness. If you're searching for inspiration, connection, or insight into how transformative conversations can shape your life, this is the perfect listen. The warmth and authenticity of our hosts will leave you reflecting on your own journey and eager to engage in more meaningful dialogues.

"I think all of these series had heart in them. There was something in every topic – that had soul in it, something about our humanity in all of them."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_insights-reflections-hosts-2024

Are you considering a career pivot or have already taken the leap to turn your passion into a thriving coaching business?

Join host, Maxine Bell, as she speaks with Sally Twisleton about her inspiring journey from a senior engineering leader at Rolls-Royce to becoming a full-time coach. Sally reflects on the challenges and opportunities of starting her own coaching and facilitation business, emphasizing the importance of listening, self-care, and defining personal values and identity as a coach. With a structured approach and a passion for helping people, she discusses how her engineering background has shaped her coaching practice and offers practical tips for marketing, networking, and finding your niche.

Sally also delves into the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, from overcoming self-doubt to maintaining motivation and well-being. She highlights the value of professional supervision, leveraging past experiences, and staying true to your integrity as a coach. Sally also celebrates the creative freedom working for herself brings, whilst reflecting honestly on the areas she finds more difficult. Tune in for an episode packed with wisdom about navigating transitions with purpose and integrity as well as actionable advice to help you embrace your own unique journey.

You will learn:

· How to leverage your previous skills and network as powerful assets in your coaching practice

· How to care for yourself whilst running your own business

· How to be brave, manage challenges and stay true to your values to build a meaningful and authentic coaching business

"Be brave, embrace your journey, and never lose sight of your integrity—your past experiences are your biggest asset."

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-transition-business-values

Nadine Robson, CEO of Dragonfly Wellness Dorset, joins Darren Robson in a Health & Wellbeing podcast on the core principles of mental health first aider. Listen to this insightful story on how Nadine managed to continue running the Mental Health First Aid training through COVID-19 and reinvented the course's fundamentals. Learn what it takes to be a Mental Health First Aider and gain tips on starting the practical changes within yourself to make a real difference.