What happens when coaching meets improv? In this episode, Cathy Sykora speaks with Betsy Salkind and Amy Warshawsky, co-authors of Coaching with a Twist: Improv for Coaches. With backgrounds in health coaching, leadership, somatics, and comedy, Betsy and Amy have created a dynamic and experiential approach to coach training that blends improv exercises with foundational coaching skills. They explain how play and presence deepen learning, increase client connection, and make coaching more effective—and more fun. Whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, their fresh take on training and development is both practical and transformative.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Betsy and Amy transitioned from mentor coaches to co-creators of an improv-based coaching model
• The similarities between improv and motivational interviewing
• Why experiential learning is more "sticky" than traditional training methods
• How play and improvisation enhance presence, creativity, and emotional regulation
• Why they created a safe, supportive environment for learning through coaching with a twist
• A powerful improv exercise called "three-word coaching" you can try today
• The benefits of supervision and their monthly BNA Coaching Salon

Memorable Quotes:

• "Ultimately, if we are coaching well, we're improvising."
• "No rules, only happy accidents."
• "When you're playing and having fun, you are not in fear."

Bios:

Betsy Salkind, PCC, NBC-HWC, is a health and mentor coach with expertise in team, group, and leadership coaching. A professional standup comic and TV writer, she trained at the Mayo Clinic and holds an MS in Organization Studies from MIT Sloan.

Amy J. Warshawsky, MCC, NBC-HWC, is a leadership and mentor coach known for integrating somatic practices into coaching. She has held roles in nonprofit and higher education, and holds degrees from Northwestern University and Cornell. Together, they co-founded BNA Mentor Coaching and co-authored Coaching with a Twist: Improv for Coaches.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• BNA Mentor Coaching
• Coaching with a Twist: Improv for Coaches

Links to Resources:

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com (https://www.thehealthcoachgroup.com)
• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website
• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving a five-star rating or review on Apple Podcasts.