Is the story you're telling expansive or limiting? In this episode of the Relationship Matters podcast, Kiki Kesseler and host Katie Churchman discuss the importance of the narrative in coaching. Kiki, a CRR Global faculty member with 20 years of experiences, emphasizes how stories shape our reality and agency. She shares recollections that highlight the need for conscious and intentional storytelling.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

1.        Greater awareness of the power of storytelling in everyday life

2.        An understanding of stories as lenses we look through that shape our lives

3.        Tools for changing or updating unhelpful or outdated narratives

4.        How to empower ourselves and others by shifting the narrative

5.        Vulnerable examples from Kiki and Katie about some of the stories they have worked with in their personal lives.

Kiki Kesseler is a CRR Global faculty member for both courses and the certification programme. Kiki focuses on people development and brings 20+ years of experience in cultural diversity, coaching, training, and team management across various industries, with corporate roles in Sales & Marketing, Business Development, and Training. She specializes in team development, conflict resolution, leadership skills, and systemic coaching. Originally from The Netherlands, she speaks Dutch, English, and German. Her cross-cultural experience was established through living in Austria, the United States, Germany and the UAE over the past 18 years, working within culturally diverse environments, organizations and 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

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

In this Masterclass episode, we'll dive deep into team coaching—a practice transforming how teams collaborate, communicate, and achieve extraordinary results. In this compilation episode, we’ve handpicked some of the most insightful moments from our archives to bring you the essential principles, strategies, and tools that every coach, leader, or team member needs to know.

So, whether you’re coaching a team through a tough transition, looking to boost collaboration, or simply passionate about helping teams thrive, this episode is for you. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped with the insights you need to elevate your coaching practice and create high-performing teams.

Guests featured in this Masterclass episode (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are as follows:

• S.4.23 Martin Klever
• S.4.6 Faith Fuller
• S.3.5 Maddie Weinreich
• S.3.18 Floyd Carlson
• S.4.13 Marita Fridjhon
• S.3.19 Terrance Turpin
• S.4.5 Lori Shook
• S.5.6 Marita Fridjhon
• S.5.18 Judy van Zon & Faith Fuller

Masterclass Series: This is a specially curated collection of episodes from the podcast archives designed to provide both a taster of the Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) approach and a valuable refresher on its breadth and potential. Each episode explores key concepts and themes of the ORSC approach, offering practical insights on enhancing relationships, managing change, and fostering collaboration in various contexts. Join us to learn how ORSC can help you build stronger, more resilient systems in both personal and professional spheres.

Other episodes in the Masterclass series include:

• ORSC Essentials: A Primer on Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching
• Emotional Intelligence Masterclass: A deep dive into self-awareness & personal growth

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.

In this episode, Katie Churchman talks with CRR Global faculty member and UK partner Nairy McMahon about toxic communication and overcoming unhealthy patterns in our relationships. Across this conversation, they discuss and explore how to break free from unskill communication patterns by raising awareness, creating space, and owning what we want in a relationship.  

What you’ll gain from this episode:

1. Insight into different types of toxic communication patterns in relationships.
2. An understanding of how toxic communication patterns can become normalized and unconscious in our relationships.
3. Ways to become more aware of these signals or patterns in our relationships. 
4. Tools that enable us to be more at choice and more conscious of how we show up in our everyday conversations.
5. Vulnerable and authentic examples from Nairy and Katie about how these unskillful communication patterns appear in their lives, professionally and personally.

Click here to listen to Nariy and Katie's previous conversation on Exploring our Relationship with the Toxins.

Nairy McMahon is CRR Global’s Director of Business Development, faculty member and Head of CRR UK. She is a CTI-trained coach and ORSC Certified practitioner with a corporate background, having worked in banking and property development. She has spent the past 10 years collaborating and running a private investment company in London. She also has acted as a business advisor to a number of start-ups. She has a strong interest in teams, especially culturally diverse teams and has lived on four continents.

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.

In the second of this two-part mini-series on the Third Entity, CRR Global faculty members Yuri Morikawa and Fuyuo Sato dive deeper into the concept of the Third Entity, exploring how to lead with it and learn from it. This episode focuses on unlocking the power of shared growth, demonstrating how the Third Entity becomes a teacher and a guide in co-coaching and co-facilitating relationships. Yuri and Fuyuo share stories and strategies for navigating challenges, fostering collaboration, and embracing the unexpected lessons that emerge from the relationship itself. Through practical examples and thought-provoking insights, they illustrate how the Third Entity can help co-coaches and co-leaders grow together while creating richer, more dynamic relationships. 

What You’ll Gain from This Episode:

1. How to “listen” to the Third Entity and respond to its needs.
2. Techniques for staying curious and open to learning within partnerships.
3. Ways to leverage challenges as opportunities for mutual growth.
4. Insights into the transformative power of shared leadership.
5. Practices to continuously evolve and strengthen your collaborative relationships.

Click here to listen to part one: Laying the Foundation for Strong Relationships.

Fuyuo Sato is a senior faculty member at CRR Global and an experienced coach with a passion for transforming relationships in teams and organizations. He began his career as a teacher before taking an in-house position as a coach for his coworkers at the school he was working at in Tokyo. Since becoming an independent coach, he has worked on a variety of organizational development initiatives, mostly in the APAC region, with both large multinational corporations and local small businesses. He has supported his client teams in becoming more autonomous and self-sustainable. He now lives in the forested area of Nagano with his wife and two cats as part of his experiment to explore the right relationship between nature and human society.

Yuri Morikawa has been a professional coach since 2004, training and coaching over 1,000 leaders and coaches worldwide, including corporate executives, NGO leaders, and entrepreneurs. Previously, she worked as a management consultant specializing in organizational and leadership development for 13 years. Yuri is a global faculty member of CRR Global and the founder of CRR Japan, where she launched the ORSC program in 2009. Passionate about social impact, she collaborates with NGOs like the Kamonohashi Project and Asia Rural Institute, focusing on leadership development and social change in Asia and Africa.

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.

What is the Third Entity, and how can we get even more deliberate in working with it? It's a key idea in systems inspired coaching, since we work directly with the unique and dynamic "personality" that is created when two people come together in relationship. In this first episode of a two-part series, CRR Global faculty members Yuri Morikawa and Fuyuo Sato explore how they foster trust, alignment, and creativity by intentionally cultivating their Third Entity.

Through personal insights and professional experiences, Yuri and Fuyuo share foundational principles for building strong relationships and provide actionable strategies to enhance collaboration. Whether you’re a coach, facilitator, or leader, this episode will deepen your understanding of relational dynamics and set the stage for more effective and meaningful partnerships.

What You’ll Gain from This Episode:

1. Learn what the Third Entity is and why focusing on the relationship itself can transform your co-coaching and co-facilitation partnerships.
2. Discover how to set the foundation for strong relationships through clear agreements, role clarity, and shared values.
3. Gain insights on how to turn diverse styles and perspectives into strengths that drive creativity and alignment.
4. Explore practical tips for improving communication, including active listening, feedback exchange, and fostering curiosity.
5. Learn how to maintain and nurture the Third Entity over time with regular check-ins, reflections, and adaptive practices.

Fuyuo Sato is a senior faculty member at CRR Global and an experienced coach with a passion for transforming relationships in teams and organizations. He began his career as a teacher before taking an in-house position as a coach for his coworkers at the school he was working at in Tokyo. Since becoming an independent coach, he has worked on a variety of organizational development initiatives, mostly in the APAC region, with both large multinational corporations and local small businesses. He has supported his client teams in becoming more autonomous and self-sustainable. He now lives in the forested area of Nagano with his wife and two cats as part of his experiment to explore the right relationship between nature and human society.

Yuri Morikawa has been a professional coach since 2004, training and coaching over 1,000 leaders and coaches worldwide, including corporate executives, NGO leaders, and entrepreneurs. Previously, she worked as a management consultant specializing in organizational and leadership development for 13 years. Yuri is a global faculty member of CRR Global and the founder of CRR Japan, where she launched the ORSC program in 2009. Passionate about social impact, she collaborates with NGOs like the Kamonohashi Project and Asia Rural Institute, focusing on leadership development and social change in Asia and Africa.

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.

In this Masterclass on Emotional Intelligence, we'll explore self-awareness—a critical skill for personal growth, effective leadership, and nurturing meaningful relationships. In this Masterclass, we’ve curated a series of insightful clips from some of our most powerful episodes, each offering unique perspectives and practical strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence. Whether you want to improve your relationships or enhance your professional interactions, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and strategies to help you develop and refine your emotional intelligence.

Guests featured in this Masterclass episode (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are as follows:

• S.5.10 Judy Van Zon & Irith Koster
• S.3.8 Floyd Carlson 
• S.4.11 Cynthia Loy Darst 
• S.4.30 Kiki Kesseler
• S.5.19 Rebecca Hou & Jie Zhou
• S.5.18 Neil Edwards
• S.4.26 Mike Holton
• S.5.13 Yuri Morikawa
• S.4.9 Martia Fridjhon
• S.5.9 Suncica Getter

Masterclass Series: This is a specially curated collection of episodes from the podcast archives designed to provide both a taster of the Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) approach and a valuable refresher on its breadth and potential. Each episode explores key concepts and themes of the ORSC approach, offering practical insights on enhancing relationships, managing change, and fostering collaboration in various contexts. Join us to learn how ORSC can help you build stronger, more resilient systems in both personal and professional spheres.

Other episodes in the Masterclass series include:

• ORSC Essentials: A Primer on Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching

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.

In this reflective episode of Relationship Matters, host Katie Churchman and CRR Global co-founder Faith Fuller invite listeners to explore the body as a profound doorway to personal and relational transformation. Drawing from her own experiences, Faith shares how her evolving relationship with her changing body has become a channel for development and awe-inspiring insight.

Through moments of stillness and awareness, Faith reveals how embracing the body’s finite nature can be a gateway to wisdom and profound presence. She discusses the challenges of navigating physical changes and how they have offered her transformative lessons—inviting listeners to slow down, listen, and honor the body's wisdom.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

1. Learn how to cultivate a reciprocal relationship with your body.
2. Discover the transformative power of listening to your body’s signals.
3. Unlock the body’s potential as a source of wisdom and awe.
4. Explore how awareness of the body’s finite nature fosters gratitude and presence.
5. Gain insights on turning physical challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Faith Fuller is co-founder of CRR Global. She is a psychologist and experienced trainer and coach with over 20 years of experience in working with organizations, couples, and communities. Faith takes a systems approach to coaching, namely that all aspects of the system need to be addressed for effective change to occur. Her particular skill empowers powerful, productive, and joyous relationships in couples, partnerships, and teams. She also has a background in consultation, team building, conflict resolution, and community crisis intervention.

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.

In this episode of the Relationship Matters podcast, Katie Churchman is joined by CRR Global co-founder Faith Fuller to explore the delicate balance between a coach’s vision for their client and the client’s own journey. They dive into the challenges of wanting more for clients than they want for themselves and discuss how to foster authentic growth without overstepping.

What you’ll gain from this episode:

1. Insights into respecting a client’s unique pace and journey.
2. Strategies for balancing support and client autonomy.
3. Ways to manage your own expectations as a coach.
4. Techniques for empowering clients to take ownership of their growth.
5. Practical advice on maintaining boundaries in the coaching relationship.

Faith Fuller is co-founder of CRR Global. She is a psychologist and experienced trainer and coach with over 20 years of experience in working with organizations, couples, and communities. Faith takes a systems approach to coaching, namely that all aspects of the system need to be addressed for effective change to occur. Her particular skill empowers powerful, productive, and joyous relationships in couples, partnerships, and teams. She also has a background in consultation, team building, conflict resolution, and community crisis intervention.

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.

In this special three-part series of the Relationship Matters Podcast, Katie Churchman talks with trauma-informed coach Michael Forlenza. Over the next three episodes, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in coaching: trauma. Click here to listen to Part 1, Recognizing Trauma: Becoming Aware of Trauma in Coaching Relationships, and Part 2, Navigating Trauma: Effective Strategies for Coaches Working with Trauma.

In part 3, Michael and Katie examine the impact of trauma on larger systems, such as organizations and communities, and discuss how trauma-informed coaching can contribute to systemic healing and transformation at a macro level.

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Learn how to build collective resilience and trust within teams and organizations impacted by trauma.
2. Gain insights into the nature of systemic trauma, understanding how it manifests across larger social and organizational systems.
3. Discover effective strategies for working with teams to address and heal collective trauma in organizational settings.
4. Understand the ripple effects of trauma and how it can impact entire systems, not just individuals.
5. Learn to uncover and disrupt cycles of trauma at a macro level, fostering long-term healing and transformation in organizations and communities.

Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PCC, TIPC, is an experienced trauma-informed coach, leadership consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience working with leaders across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. He previously served as Assistant Dean at Duquesne University, where he helped establish an ICF-accredited Executive Coaching Program. Currently, he is a Senior Faculty Member at Lodestar Consulting, focusing on trauma-responsive leadership and coaching. Alongside being an ORSC practitioner, Michael holds advanced certifications in Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and mindfulness-based practices and continues to teach and consult on leadership and organizational trauma healing.

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.

In this special three-part series of the Relationship Matters Podcast, Katie Churchman talks with trauma-informed coach Michael Forlenza. Across the next three episodes, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked topics in coaching: trauma. Click here to listen to Part 1, Recognizing Trauma: Becoming Aware of Trauma in Coaching Relationships.

In part 2, Michael and Katie delve into coaching techniques and approaches for supporting clients who have experienced trauma. 

What you’ll gain from this conversation:

1. Gain a deeper understanding of how to shift from judgment to empathy by asking, “What happened to you?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”
2. Learn how to differentiate between being activated and being triggered and how to respond skillfully to support your clients’ emotional needs.
3. Develop the skill of generous listening, witnessing, and holding space to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for your clients.
4. Master techniques for recontextualizing clients’ stories and using empowering language that promotes healing and growth.
5. Understand how building genuine connection can mitigate the impact of trauma and foster deeper healing in the coaching relationship.

Michael Forlenza, PhD, MPH, PCC, TIPC, is an experienced trauma-informed coach, leadership consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience working with leaders across sectors like healthcare, finance, and education. He previously served as Assistant Dean at Duquesne University, where he helped establish an ICF-accredited Executive Coaching Program. Currently, he is a Senior Faculty Member at Lodestar Consulting, focusing on trauma-responsive leadership and coaching. Alongside being an ORSC practitioner, Michael holds advanced certifications in Internal Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and mindfulness-based practices and continues to teach and consult on leadership and organizational trauma healing.

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.