In this episode, I talk with Ephraim Lerner and Shane Leaning, the co-authors of Change Starts Here. Our conversation focuses on human-centered ways to think about organizational change in education. Ephraim and Shane share how they’ve adapted the double diamond model into an eight-stage framework: Connect, Discover, Define, Align, Develop, Learn, Deliver, and Sustain.

We spend time looking at how each stage works in practice, with questions and strategies that can guide meaningful conversations. Throughout, we emphasize the importance of psychological safety, curiosity, collaboration, and emotional engagement, as well as the value of learning from diverse perspectives.

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Learn more about the TLC 2025:

www.tlc-conference.com

Learn more about the Coaching Accreditation Program:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/coaching-accreditation-program/

This Coaching Q&A episode with Jessica Wise is all about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on instructional coaching. We emphasize that while AI can accelerate access to resources and support coaches with feedback and analysis, it cannot replace the adaptive, empathetic, and human-centered work of coaching. Our conversation also addresses ethical concerns such as privacy, bias, and environmental impact, highlighting the need for clear school policies and thoughtful integration of AI. The episode concludes with practical examples and a preview of Jim's upcoming book, "Coach GPT."

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Learn more about Using AI in Instructional Coaching: Best Practices & Tools:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/using-ai-in-instructional-coaching-best-practices-tools/

Shortened URL:

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This week I'm joined by Yong Zhao, an unconventional thinker who’s never been afraid to challenge the status quo in education. We talk about his journey from a small village in China to becoming one of the most important voices in global education reform.

Yong shares powerful ideas about what’s not working, like our obsession with standardized testing and rigid definitions of merit, and what we could be doing instead. We dig into why student-centered learning matters, how creativity and confidence are just as important as content, and how AI might actually help make learning more personalized and accessible.

This one’s full of bold insights and fresh thinking about what school could be. 

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about 1:1 Impact Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Richard Boyatzis, whose work on emotional intelligence and intentional change theory has shaped how many of us think about growth. We explore why real, lasting change starts not with someone else's goals, but with a person's own vision—their ideal self. 

Richard shares powerful ideas about how positive emotions drive learning and how strong, authentic relationships are at the heart of meaningful change. We also dig into what compassionate coaching really looks like, how systems shape behavior in schools, and why curiosity often works better than compliance. 

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Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

Learn more about Introduction Leadership Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

Join Jim Knight and Jessica Wise for their monthly Coaching Q&A as they discuss how instructional coaches can prepare for a new school year. They explore the essential knowledge, skills, and beliefs coaches need, the importance of aligning with school leadership, and building trust with teachers. The conversation highlights practical strategies, the value of reflection, especially through video, and the need for self-care and well-being. The episode also addresses system conditions that support coaching and offers resources for professional growth, providing actionable insights for both new and experienced instructional coaches.

Access your copy of The IC Toolkit - Needs Assessment Tool

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Learn more about TLC 2025:

https://shorturl.at/E9wTa

Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://shorturl.at/Kc9j2

TLC 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Natasha Robinson, a leadership coach and advocate for black girls and young women, shares her journey from South Carolina to the Naval Academy and her work empowering young leaders. The discussion explores the importance of communal leadership, mentorship, and storytelling. Dr. Robinson highlights her nonprofit’s success in developing girls’ leadership skills and expanding their horizons, while emphasizing self-care for leaders. The episode encourages listeners to support and invest in the next generation of diverse leaders.

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Learn more about TLC 2025:

https://shorturl.at/E9wTa

Learn more about Consulting:

https://shorturl.at/9FRtw

In this episode I welcome Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect and Radical Candor and co-host of the Radical Candor podcast, for a powerful conversation about leadership, feedback, and the kind of communication that builds trust. 

Drawing from her experience in both business and education, Kim shares practical strategies for giving and receiving feedback with clarity and compassion. Our conversation explores the importance of psychological safety, the role of trust in team dynamics, and the common barriers that can hinder honest dialogue—such as bias or fear of conflict.

I also reflect on how Kim’s insights align with the principles of effective coaching, and together, we look at how leaders can foster a culture rooted in openness, care, and continuous growth.

Learn more at RadicalCandor.com 

LinkedIn: Kim Scott, Radical Candor

YouTube: RadicalCandor 

TikTok: @radicalcandorofficial 

This episode welcomes Dr. Haesun Moon, Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh, and Michael Bungay Stanier to talk about something that feels more important than ever: friendship—especially in tough times.

We explore the difference between being friendly and being a true friend, and what it takes to build real, lasting connections. We talk about intention, vulnerability, radical listening, and how we can stay in relationship even when we disagree.

Throughout the conversation, we share personal stories, practical strategies, and a lot of heart. Friendship isn’t just something that happens—it’s a skill we can develop with effort, reflection, and kindness.

Our hope is that this episode encourages listeners to lean into meaningful connections with curiosity and courage.

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Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, I am joined by TLC 2025 Keynote Speaker, Dr. Haesun Moon, to talk about the powerful impact of solution-focused coaching. Haesun brings both wisdom and humility as she shares stories and ideas from her book Coaching A to Z. What stands out is her deep belief in people—the idea that when we focus on strengths, listen with intention, and ask the right questions, we open the door to real transformation.

We talk about empathy, the kind of communication that builds trust, and how even the briefest conversation can create lasting change. We also dig into what it means to be part of a coaching community and how connection fuels growth—for both coaches and the people they serve.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on how we show up in our conversations and how a relational, strength-based mindset can shape not just our coaching, but our lives.

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Learn more about the Better Conversations workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/

Learn more about the Managing Challenging Conversations workshop:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Jessica Wise and I talk about something every coach deals with: time. We know coaching can have a huge impact—but only if coaches actually have time to coach.

We dig into the real challenges coaches face when their calendars get filled with everything but coaching. We also share some strategies that have worked for us.

This isn’t about squeezing more into the day—it’s about making sure your time reflects your priorities. We hope the episode gets you thinking about your own habits and offers a few tools you can use to stay focused on what matters most.

At the end of the day, coaching only works when we give it the time and space to make a difference.

Thank you for being a part of our community.

• Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.
• Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.

Learn more about the Intensive Instructional Coaching Institute:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/

Learn more about Consulting:

https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/