Season 7 Episode 7: Grief as a Portal to the Dream with Marita Fridjhon

Grief is everywhere right now. Across the globe, people are mourning what has been lost—lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, certainties and futures they once imagined would be possible. Some losses are sudden and visible. Others are slow, ambiguous and harder to name. What makes this moment particularly challenging is that much of the grief we are carrying has no clear ritual, no shared language and no agreed-upon timeline. We are grieving while still expected to perform, adapt, and move forward.

In systems, unacknowledged grief does not disappear. It goes underground. And from there, it shapes behavior, culture and decision-making. To work with the dreaming nature of systems, we must learn to meet grief not as an obstacle, but as a portal.

Marita Fridjhon is the co-founder of CRR Global and co-creator of Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC™), the first systems coaching methodology accredited by the International Coaching Federation. A veteran coach and respected thought leader, Marita has spent more than three decades developing approaches that strengthen systemic intelligence in individuals, teams and organizations. She serves as a mentor and inspiration to a growing global community of practitioners in relationship systems work. 

Marita’s current work focuses on Systems Inspired Evolution, an approach centered on meeting, revealing, aligning and attending to the unseen dynamics that shape collective behavior. She is the co-author of the books Systems Inspired Leadership and Creating Intelligent Teams and the co-creator of the Systems Inspired Supervision model together with Sunčica Getter.

Read Marita's article:
https://systemsinspiredevolution.substack.com/p/grief-as-portal-to-the-dream

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Season 7 Episode 6: Imagination in Relationship with Nairy McMahon

Nairy McMahon, Head of CRR UK, and Katie speak about the importance of imagination in relationships. When we outsource our imagination to other people, technologies, and systems, do we give away our power and our ability to dream beyond our current paradigm? In this playful and explorative discussion, Nairy and Katie look at imagination in relationships using the Three Levels of Reality model, covering how consensus relationships, dreaming, and essence impact our ability to imagine, and discuss ways to bring imagination back into our relationships and our lives.

Nairy McMahon is the head of CRR UK, a CRR Global faculty member, and a certified coach who specializes in supporting boards, C-suites, and executive teams through complex transitions. She partners with leaders navigating mergers, restructuring, funding challenges, and ambitious strategies, helping them stay in relationship through the tensions of transformation. She partners with leaders navigating mergers, restructuring, funding challenges, and ambitious strategies, helping them maintain strong relationships even through the tensions of transformation. Nairy’s work is all about expanding leadership capacity to meet today’s challenges and step courageously into the unknown. She’s passionate about weaving strategy and culture together, supporting organizations in creating purposeful, life-giving futures. Nairy brings a relational lens to every engagement, turning expertise into impact and helping vision take root in strong cultures.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems-Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Connection Empowers with Duncan Müller

In this Connection Empowers Us episode, Katie Churchman talks with CRR Global faculty member Duncan Müller about how we can use connection to deepen our relationships. Throughout the conversation, Duncan and Katie explore how connecting with ourselves helps us connect more deeply with others. The more we hold within ourselves, the more we can hold for others, too. So how can we continue to deepen our connection, including noticing when we are disconnected from ourselves too?

Duncan Müller is a systems-inspired coach on a mission to help teams and leaders work smarter, lead with courage, and stay true to themselves. With over 20 years of corporate experience and a toolkit of top coaching credentials, Duncan empowers global teams to connect, challenge, and create real change. Known for blending empathy and courage, he inspires leaders to be authentic, speak up, and build workplaces where curiosity, freedom, and respect fuel transformation.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Walking the Talk of Relationships First at Work with Keiko Muramatsu and Eijiro Izumi 

In this episode, Katie speaks with CRR Global faculty members Keiko Muramatsu and  Eijiro Izumi about how the team at CRR Global Japan practices what they preach in their approach to business. This fascinating conversation offers insight into the value of a relationship-first approach to work. Taking time to focus on relationships can feel like a risk in our task-oriented lives, yet as this exploration shows, relationships can be the gift that keeps on giving. 

This was a gorgeous example of Worldwork and the power of Relationship Systems Intelligence (RSI™) in action. Get ready to be inspired by the fabulous duo who represent the CRR Japan system in this conversation.  

Keiko Muramatsu is a dynamic leadership coach who bridges East and West to help leaders and teams unlock their full potential. With deep expertise in systems coaching, a global perspective, and a background as a national athlete, Keiko empowers people to lead with courage, connection and creativity. She’s passionate about real harmony, bold conversations and inspiring transformation—especially for Asian leaders on the world stage. Keiko’s playful spirit and powerful presence helps organizations thrive together, all in service of helping people and systems flourish. This is Keiko’s second appearance on the podcast; she previously appeared in 2021, discussing how she uses ORSC tools in sports coaching. 

Eijiro Izumi is an accomplished leadership coach and organizational consultant with global experience in HR and talent development. With degrees from Kyoto University and the University of Wisconsin, Eijiro has led HR initiatives across the Americas, driven transformation in major corporations, and now empowers teams at a leading automaker. He’s passionate about building workplaces where people find purpose, drive, and inspiration.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Season 7 Episode 3: Why Relationship Matters with Mike Holton

In this conversation, Katie Churchman talks with CRR Global CEO Mike Holton about why relationship matters. Together, they consider how the relationships in our lives — at work, home and in our communities — are a major force for personal and societal growth. Throughout the conversation, Mike and Katie delve into the two-way street of relationships, exploring ways we can find our locus of control through this lens.

Mike Holton is CEO of CRR Global and a systems-inspired coach and facilitator who bridges individual transformation and collective impact. With a unique approach that combines Organizational and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC™), somatic awareness, and trauma-informed practices, he empowers leaders and teams to tap into the wisdom within their systems. Michael’s work is all about fostering authentic connection and resilience through courageous dialogue. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that will inspire and illuminate the journey to transformation!

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Season 7 Episode 2: Staying Grounded in a Time of Tension with Martin Klaver

Right now, our world is filled with divisive, conflicting and fear-driven narratives. How do we engage with these systems, whilst also not losing ourselves? In this episode Katie Churchman speaks with Martin Klaver about staying grounded through turbulent times, in a conversation exploring ways to help ourselves and the systems we work with find centre.

Martin Klaver is a systems-inspired coach and facilitator with a passion for group dynamics. He helps teams and organizations unlock their potential by reconnecting with their purpose. As a faculty member at CRR Global, Martin specializes in team coaching, leadership development and acting as a sparring partner. His knowledgeable and slightly rebellious approach fosters strong relationships, which he believes are essential for creating successful teams.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems-Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Season 7 Episode 1: I Just Can't See The Bigger Picture with Sunčica Getter

To kick start Season 7 of the Relationship Matters Podcast, we are delighted to welcome back systems coach and host, Katie Churchman and Sunčica Getter, co-creator of CRR Global’s Systems Inspired™ Supervision Training Program. In this mind-opening conversation, Katie and Suncica explore what it means to accept that we just can’t see the bigger picture yet and probably never will. This is a refreshing and freeing conversation, and essential listening for coaches, leaders and coach supervisors. 

Perhaps simply accepting that there is always a ‘bigger picture’ from the lens we’re looking through is enough to take us to a systemic-level balcony—a space where we open ourselves to new ways of seeing and experiencing the world. 

Sunčica Getter is a systemic coach, consultant and educator focused on personal and community transformation. With a rich background in coaching, mindfulness, and psychodynamic approaches, Sunčica collaborates with leaders and organizations worldwide — helping them expand awareness and create resilient systems. She co-created the Systems Inspired Coaching Supervision model and holds a master’s degree in consulting and organizational leadership. Beyond her professional work, Sunčica translates poetry and enjoys pottery and nature walks.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

S6. Bonus Episode: The Journey to Becoming a Coach Supervisor

In this bonus episode on Systems Inspired™ coaching supervision, Katie speaks with coach, facilitator and certified coaching supervisor, Katy Stone about her journey.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Coaching supervision is a space for coaches to refresh and renew themselves, a reflective practice and developmental environment where coaches can explore who they want to become as coaches. Great supervision offers a playground for this exploration. 
• The body is a resource to guide our supervisory approach. We recognize that, as supervisors, we are tools for others' learning and growth. 
• Supervision offers ways to unlock the power of the ‘inner supervisor’ within ourselves. 
• Coaching supervision is a process rather than a product. We can embrace and learn from the inherently intelligent, generative and creative supervisory relationship. 

Katy Stone, MA, LPC, PCC, ESIA is a systems-inspired coach, facilitator, and certified coaching supervisor, She supports individuals, leaders and their teams, couples and parents, and coaches to engage more fully with their own wisdom, navigate relational complexity, and co-create transformative change. Katy partners with clients seeking greater alignment, emotional fluency, and systemic awareness. Her approach invites clients to engage the emotional, somatic, and energetic intelligence within their systems in service of authentic and life-giving action. 

Katy holds credentials as an Organization and Relationship Systems Certified Coach (ORSCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and a certified coaching supervisor. She has served as faculty for the ORSC core curriculum and teaches in academic and professional settings, including Naropa University and the University of Colorado. Her work is guided by values of curiosity, compassion, embodiment, and courageous dialogue. 

Katy believes that transformation emerges when systems slow down enough to listen deeply to themselves and act from what is most alive and true. Her invitation is for individuals and collectives to align with purpose, presence, and possibility.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

In this bonus episode, Katie speaks with Director of Continuous Development Sunčica Getter about Systems Inspired™ supervision, why this resource is so important for professional coaches, and developing your inner supervisor. 

Key takeaways from this episode:

• Supervision allows us to access new levels of awareness and hold them with a sense of intrigue and compassion. It is a powerful space that creates connection and reflection.
• Supervision is a slower, holding space that allows us to pause and recognize themes and patterns at individual and collective levels.
• We are instruments in our own work, so we must take care of ourselves. In this space, we can rest, restore and bring to the surface patterns that may not be visible to us.
• When we develop an inner supervisor, we can bring that greater awareness into many areas of our lives, helping shift patterns within ourselves and the systems in which we live and work.
• Patience and pause are essential parts of supervision. Supervision is a process focused on patterns, rather than a product geared toward action. In this space, we can zoom out and connect to the bigger picture in our individual and collective systems. 

To listen to Sunčica’s previous episode on Systems Coaching and Mindfulness, click here.

Sunčica Getter, ORSCC, MA, PCC, is a systemic coach, consultant and educator. With over 20 years of experience, her focus is on transformational leadership development and systemic culture change. Sunčica is a faculty member of CRR Global and a UK Faculty Lead and Senior Consultant for Performance Consultants International. Her work in coaching education has seen her train, mentor, and supervise coaches and design and deliver academic, public, and in-house coaching training and accreditation courses. Her experiences collaborating with world-class coaching institutions and a variety of clients have made Sunčica a trusted systemic coaching consultant. She advises companies and institutions on the implementation of systemic coaching and systemic thinking for both organisational and community development.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

CRR Global is the Institute for Systems Inspired Coaching and Leadership.

Season 6 Bonus Episode
The Observer Effect: How Awareness Shapes the Systems Coaching Process

In this conversation, Katie welcomes CRR Global co-founder Marita Fridjhon to the show to discuss the observer effect in systems coaching. Research in relational psychology and systems theory supports the idea that change arises in relationships, not in isolation. The observer effect reminds us that systems work- whether that be in a coaching session or group supervision- is a co-creative process. It is not just about analysing data, but about what becomes possible in the presence of mindful, attuned witnessing.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• In physics, the observer effect refers to how the act of observing a phenomenon can change its behavior. While the term originates in quantum mechanics, the concept is increasingly relevant to fields that rely on human presence, awareness, and relational engagement—including coaching supervision.
• The observer effect reflects a foundational truth: presence is not neutral. The supervisor is a co-participant in the relational field, actively shaping what unfolds. Observation becomes a force of change—not because of analysis, but because of mindful, attuned witnessing.
• Systems workers engaged in this model relational intelligence recognize that their tone, posture, silence, or intuitive nudge can shift the system. Whether through a well-timed pause or a single moment of spacious attention, their presence invites the supervisee to access greater awareness and possibility.
• When systems workers bring grounded, intentional presence, they create a field that is safe enough for emergence and brave enough for insight. This presence doesn’t seek to fix, but to facilitate a deepened seeing—one that includes the coach, the client, and the unseen patterns shaping the work.

Marita Fridjhon is co-founder of CRR Global and mentor to an ever-growing community of practitioners in the field of Relationship Systems work. She came to this work from an extensive background in clinical social work, community development, process work, family systems therapy, business consulting and alternative dispute resolution. Her primary focus in coaching is on systemic change, leveraging differences, creative communication, deep democracy in conflict management and the development of learning organizations.

For over 20 years, CRR Global has accompanied leaders, teams, and practitioners on their journey to build stronger relationships by focusing on the relationship itself, not only the individuals occupying it. This leads to a community of changemakers around the world. Supported by a global network of faculty and partners, we connect, inspire and equip change agents to shift systems, one relationship at a time.

We believe Relationship Matters, from humanity to nature, to the larger whole.