Sign up for the free webinar on January 8, 2026 at 11am ET with Marcia Reynolds.

In this episode, Brian Miller is joined by Dr. Marcia Reynolds, former president of the International Coaching Federation and globally recognized thought leader on emotional intelligence and coaching presence. Together, they explore how neuroscience explains co-regulation—the subtle emotional exchange between coach and client that determines trust, safety, and transformation. Marcia shares practical ways coaches can regulate their own emotions, influence the energy in the coaching space, and trigger the brain chemistry that opens clients to deeper insight and growth.

Key Highlights

• Coaching presence is emotional, not just cognitive. True presence isn't about paying attention—it's about radiating curiosity, compassion, and care that the client feels.

• Energy precedes words. Before a coach says anything, the client's brain detects safety or threat based on the coach's tone, body, and emotional state.

• Co-regulation is constant. We always regulate to the person with the most emotional influence in the room—often the coach or leader.

• The brain's chemistry shapes trust. Compassionate connection releases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which calm anxiety and open creativity and insight.

• Judgment, fear, and impatience break presence. These emotions start in the body before the brain and must be noticed, released, and replaced intentionally.

Takeaways

• Regulate yourself first. Your emotional state sets the tone. Enter sessions grounded, curious, and compassionate.

• Safety is felt, not declared. Saying "you're safe here" doesn't build trust—your calm presence does.

• Track with curiosity. Listen beyond the story for values, fears, and contradictions that reveal transformation points.

• Choose your energy intentionally. Notice where emotion shows up in your body, breathe, and return to curiosity and care.

• Lead with "big light." Like Marcia's mentor said, your job is to model presence and emotional maturity—even when others don't.