In this episode we explore how leaders at UNICEF adopt a coaching mindset to develop people and drive impact. We focus on career-centered learning, 360° feedback, and coaching that normalizes mistakes as learning opportunities. Elaine shares vivid examples—leaders who rotate drivers to build inclusion, reps who empower staff to decide, and managers who model humility and growth. We discuss practical tensions (time, emergencies, hybrid work) and concrete habits leaders use to coach under pressure: candid feedback, developmental conversations, and small, regular investments in staff growth.

We host Elaine Lowe, Chief of Global Talent Development at UNICEF (Istanbul). Elaine holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of the West Indies. She has led performance, career and leadership strategies across UNICEF and the FAO, centering career development in learning. Elaine is passionate about empowering diverse teams, role-modeling inclusive leadership, and building sustainable organizational capacity so leaders can do more with less while growing their people.

➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes.

In this episode, we explore contracting—the foundational step for building effective working relationships. We define contracting as clarifying expectations around communication style, decision-making, conflict, and boundaries (e.g., camera-on norms for remote work). You’ll hear real examples of how failing to contract can erode trust, and why explicitly agreeing on roles, response times, and disagreement protocols prevents misunderstandings. We share practical contracting questions—like “How will we handle conflict?” and “What does success look like for you?”—that set teams up to collaborate confidently from day one.

We’re thrilled to host Nancy H. Spiegel, Executive Leader for Medical Education, Leadership Development & Wellness at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and Director of Clinical Science Operations at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. With 30 years at Kaiser, Nancy designs leadership and graduate medical education programs, outcome-driven wellness initiatives, and change-management strategies. She’s overseen organizational development, research, and the Employee Assistance Program, and taught organizational psychology at the University of Rochester. Nancy’s expertise in contracting and culture-building guides leaders toward more transparent, high-trust environments.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

In this episode, I explore cultivating trust as the bedrock of a coaching mindset. I define trust as believing in someone’s reliability, honesty, and integrity, then share why it’s essential before any coaching can happen. Referencing the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, I unpack four strategies—transparency, engagement, ethical conduct, and collaboration—to rebuild dwindling confidence in leadership. You hear how clear communication, involving people in decision‑making, and honoring commitments prevent groupthink and foster psychological safety. I discuss practical steps to listen deeply, share openly, and partner intentionally to show that you truly have your team’s best interests at heart.

I’m honored to have Silvia Shin, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS, as my guest. As Director of Organizational Development and Training at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, she leads leadership programs, coaching services, and culture‑change initiatives for a diverse workforce. With over 20 years of service, Silvia blends her nursing background, professional coaching certification, and mindfulness teaching to facilitate group processes—from brainstorming to quality improvement. Her “people first” mantra drives every strategy she implements to build trust and sustain high‑performance teams.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

In this episode, I explore the essentials of team coaching within a leadership role. I explain why creating psychological safety—through clear ground rules, respect, and trust—is critical for team effectiveness. You’ll learn how to align vision and goals so participants feel inspired and know their interests matter. I break down strategies to prevent groupthink by encouraging diverse perspectives, and share tips on facilitating balanced participation: noticing silent members, managing subgroups, and addressing the “elephant in the room.” Finally, I outline how to listen to both what’s said and unsaid, ensuring every voice contributes to team success.

I’m delighted to welcome Martin Denzel, a scientist with over 15 years of experience translating research into real‐world health innovations. Martin has built and led high‐performing teams in academia (Max Planck Institute) and biotech (Altos Labs), securing competitive funding and driving projects from concept to application. He emphasizes co-creation, involving team members in hiring decisions and decision-making to foster ownership and trust. Martin’s principled approach—treating people fairly by meeting their unique needs—has consistently elevated team engagement, productivity, and innovation.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

In this episode, I dive into active listening—what it is, why it’s crucial, and how you can start practicing it today. We distinguish hearing (a physiological act) from listening (engaging both ears and eyes), explore linear versus nonlinear listening, and highlight context, values, and emotions that often lie beneath the words. You’ll learn three concrete steps to demonstrate understanding: summarizing, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions. Plus, I discuss how leaders can overcome common roadblocks—like thinking faster than we talk—by using tools such as internal summaries and the reverse‐summary technique.I’m joined by Master Certified Coach Patrick Donadio, who shares his IMPACT© Process and explains why a coaching mindset starts with intention and presence. Patrick Donadio is a communication strategist, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP™), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). He’s the author of Communicating with IMPACT©, a book and process that equips C-suite executives to craft clear messages, lead with purpose, and drive results. Patrick is one of the few professionals worldwide with the highest designations in both speaking and coaching. He delivers keynotes, training, and coaching that significantly boost engagement and business performance. His practical insights on active listening and strategic communication make him an ideal guide for leaders who want to elevate their impact.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

Learn More About Patrick: https://patrickdonadio.com/

IMPACT overview: https://patrickdonadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Communicating-with-IMPACT-Wheel.pdf

Active Listening Article:  https://patrickdonadio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Communicating-IMPACT-Listen-to-Understand-1.pdf

In this debut episode, I explain why leaders can’t rely on having all the answers. Drawing on thirty years of coaching experience and my work at Goldvarg Consulting, I introduce the concept of a coaching mindset—built on awareness, responsibility, and trust—and show how it helps teams thrive under constant disruption.

I’m joined by Marcia Reynolds to discuss why this approach is essential in a world shaped by technology, AI, and rapid change. Marcia's coaching work spans 43 countries and has impacted over 100,000 people. She served as the fifth global president of the International Coach Federation. With a PhD in organizational psychology, bestselling books, and features in outlets like Harvard Business Review and Forbes, her passion for transformational leadership makes her the perfect first guest.

➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"

http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

The best leaders don’t have all the answers - they ask better questions, listen deeply, and inspire their colleagues to find their own solutions. Lead With A Coaching Mindset is a podcast for modern leaders who want to get the best out of the people in their team.

This podcast will challenge you to lead with more curiosity, humility, and partnership, so you can navigate complexity and enhance wellbeing, satisfaction and engagement in your organization.

We talk with leaders who are walking the path and share real stories of what it looks like in practice.