What does it actually look like to build a successful coaching practice grounded in a true coaching mindset—not theory, not ideals, but real, day-to-day application?
In this PRIME SPACE episode, Elias Scultori, MCC, is joined by master coach Amy Donovan, MCC, to answer the question many coaches quietly struggle with: How do we do this? How do we stay aligned with the coaching mindset when clients want solutions, answers, and quick fixes
Together, Elias and Amy unpack the practical realities of coaching at a masterful level—clarity of role, courage in client relationships, and the discipline required to resist slipping into consulting or problem-solving. They explore how coaches unintentionally compromise the coaching mindset out of fear, scarcity, or pressure to please—and how that compromise slowly erodes joy, impact, and sustainability in a coaching practice.
This episode is a powerful invitation for coaches to recommit to the transformational power of coaching, to educate clients through presence (not explanation), and to build practices rooted in integrity, confidence, and long-term change.
If you’ve ever wondered how to embody the coaching mindset—not just understand it—this conversation is for you.
Chapters
02:04 – The Core Question: “How Do We Do This?”
What it truly means to build a practice aligned with the coaching mindset.
02:16 – The Coach’s Identity and Role
Amy on self-perception, expertise, and informing clients how to use coaching effectively.
03:10 – Clarity About the Proposition of Coaching
Why confusion about coaching leads to compromise and misalignment.
04:20 – Resisting the Seduction of Giving Solutions
How solution-giving quietly undermines transformation.
05:37 – “They Think They Know”
Exploring client expectations and the coach’s responsibility to go deeper.
07:37 – Educating Clients Without Explaining Coaching
The power of silence, presence, and well-placed questions.
08:40 – Is It Really Possible to Do This?
Why a mindset-driven practice *does* work—and thrives.
10:48 – Scarcity, Fear, and the Courage to Say No
How fear drives misalignment—and how integrity creates opportunity.
12:58 – A Call for Coaches to Pause and Reflect
Reclaiming joy, presence, and commitment to the mindset.
Memorable Quotes
“Once we are clear about the proposition of coaching, there is no other way to practice.” — Elias Scultori, MCC
“When we slip into solutions, we choke off the opportunity for real transformation.” — Amy Donovan, MCC
“Education doesn’t happen when we explain coaching—it happens when clients *experience* it.” — Elias Scultori, MCC
“We are the stewards of our profession, and stewardship requires courage.” — Amy Donovan, MCC
“The coaching mindset is the source of your success.” — Elias Scultori, MCC