The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

This episode explores a powerful question at the heart of coaching: what if its real advantage is not simply what you do, but who you become? Coaching is often misunderstood as a skill, tool, or professional add-on, but this conversation revealed something much deeper. Coaching changes how you think, relate, lead, and live. In leadership, it has become essential, especially in a world shaped by uncertainty, complexity, and constant change. It helps leaders build trust, communicate with emotional awareness, inspire others, and navigate complexity with greater clarity.

We also explored how coaching develops the ability to hold multiple perspectives. It builds mental agility, allowing you to step into someone else's world, understand their view, and then return to your own with clarity. That flexibility transforms relationships by creating collaboration instead of conflict and connection instead of resistance. Coaching also strengthens resilience, helping you move through challenge more quickly by reframing, adapting, and responding with intention. It gives access to a steadier internal resource and strengthens your sense of identity, values, and how you want to show up in the world.

The conversation also highlighted the relational advantage of coaching. It changes how you listen, respond, parent, lead, and connect with others. It encourages a shift from judgement to curiosity, acceptance, and understanding, reducing the mental load of constantly evaluating others and bringing the focus back to personal growth and choice. At the same time, greater awareness can bring greater complexity, as seeing multiple perspectives can sometimes feel overwhelming. Ultimately, coaching gives you options: the ability to choose where to place your attention, how to respond, and how to live with greater intention.

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

If people don't know you exist, how can they ever choose to work with you?

This episode felt like a necessary conversation. One that many coaches avoid, delay, or quietly struggle with.

We explored why personal brand matters for coaches, and more importantly, what it really means beyond the noise of marketing jargon.

Because for many, the idea of "personal branding" feels uncomfortable. It can feel like self-promotion, like performance, or like stepping into a space that doesn't quite fit with the values of coaching.

And yet, the reality is simple.

If people don't know you exist, they cannot work with you.

What we reflected on in this episode is that personal brand is not something you create. It is something you reveal.

It is how people experience you. It is what you stand for. It is the consistency between what you say and how you show up.

When someone chooses a coach, they are not only choosing a skillset. They are choosing a person.

They are asking:

• Do I feel safe with this person?
• Do our values align?
• Do I trust how they think and how they work?

And personal brand is the bridge that helps answer those questions.

We shared openly how, in the early days, we didn't think about personal brand at all. We believed that being a coach was enough. That our work would speak for itself.

But over time, we learned something critical.

Clarity creates trust. Consistency builds credibility. Visibility creates opportunity.

And personal brand sits at the centre of all three.

What became clear as we talked was that authenticity is the foundation of everything.

We never sat down and decided what our brand would be. We didn't curate a persona or engineer an identity. What you hear on this podcast is who we are in real life. The depth, the curiosity, the challenge, the care. It runs through everything we do.

That consistency allows people to understand what it feels like to work with us before they ever step into a room.

And that is where personal brand becomes powerful.

We also spoke about the discomfort that comes with visibility.

There is a moment every coach faces where sharing your voice feels exposing. Where putting your thoughts out into the world feels permanent. Where fear shows up.

And yet, growth sits on the other side of that.

Personal branding is not about feeling comfortable. It is about being willing to be seen anyway.

Over time, it becomes easier. Your voice becomes clearer. Your confidence builds. And what once felt like exposure starts to feel like expression.

Another important shift we explored is this:

You already have a personal brand.

Whether you are intentional about it or not, people are forming perceptions based on how they experience you. The choice is whether you actively shape that experience or leave it to chance.

And when you begin to take ownership of it, something changes.

You start to see what makes you distinct. You recognise the patterns in how people describe you. You begin to build something that feels aligned, not forced.

For us, investing in our brand marked a turning point.

It was not only about how others saw us. It was about how we saw ourselves.

It moved us from hoping things would work, to deciding that we believed in what we were building.

And that shift created momentum.

This episode is a reminder that personal brand is not about becoming someone else.

It is about standing more fully in who you already are.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction to personal branding in coaching
• 00:43 – What personal brand really means
• 02:09 – How people experience you as a coach
• 04:35 – Clarity, consistency, and credibility
• 06:01 – Authenticity and real-life alignment
• 08:19 – Why you cannot fake your brand
• 09:38 – Consistency builds trust over time
• 12:28 – Visibility and the fear of being seen
• 15:14 – Recognising what makes you unique
• 17:37 – Brand evolution and growth over time
• 20:05 – You already have a brand
• 21:58 – Investing in your brand and business growth
• 24:49 – Evolving your brand as you grow
• 27:43 – Why visibility is essential for success

Key Lessons Learned:

• Personal brand is about authenticity, not performance
• Visibility is essential for attracting coaching clients
• Consistency builds trust and strengthens credibility
• You already have a personal brand, whether intentional or not
• Discomfort around visibility is part of growth
• Your brand should reflect your values, beliefs, and coaching style
• Testimonials can reveal powerful insights about your brand
• Investing in your brand can transform your confidence and business growth

Keywords:

Personal brand for coaches, Why personal branding matters in coaching, Coaching business growth, Coach visibility and marketing, Authentic personal branding, Coaching identity and brand, How to attract coaching clients, Coaching marketing strategies, Building trust as a coach, Coaching business development,

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What happens when you slow down enough to truly see yourself as a coach?

This episode felt like one of those conversations where we didn't set out with a script, yet uncovered something far more meaningful along the way.

We opened up about how coaching supervision training changed us, not only as practitioners, but as people. What stood out immediately was how difficult it is to articulate the impact. The changes are subtle, yet undeniably profound.

As we reflected on our experiences, one theme kept surfacing: slowing down.

Not only slowing down how we speak, but how we think, how we show up, and how we hold space. Through supervision training, we both experienced a shift away from doing more, towards creating more space. And within that space, something powerful happens. Insight deepens. Awareness expands. Coaching becomes less about performance and more about presence.

We also explored the discomfort that comes with this level of growth.

There were moments of resistance, emotional reactions, and even questioning everything we thought we knew about coaching. At times, it felt like a stripping back of identity. Not only refining our coaching practice, but re-evaluating who we are within it.

And yet, this is where the real transformation happens.

Through deep reflection, supervision training helped us:

• Develop a stronger internal compass
• Challenge traditional coaching norms
• Build confidence in our own voice as coaches
• Embrace uncertainty rather than resist it

One of the most powerful shifts was around identity.

Moving from "how do I coach?" to "who am I as a coach?"

That shift changes everything.

We also spoke about how supervision introduces you to a completely different level of awareness. From ethical sensitivity and power dynamics, to the relational field between coach and client. You begin to notice what is happening beneath the surface. Not only what is said, but what is felt, what is unsaid, and what is emerging in the space between.

For us, coaching supervision training elevated our practice into something deeper. More intuitive. More reflective. More human.

It also normalised something many coaches quietly struggle with: imposter syndrome.

Rather than eliminating it, supervision helps you understand it, sit with it, and move through it. Over time, that discomfort becomes a signal for growth rather than something to avoid.

And perhaps one of the most unexpected outcomes was how much it expanded our curiosity. From somatic awareness to energetics, to exploring intuition within coaching, supervision training opened doors we hadn't even realised were there.

This episode is not only a reflection on our journey, but also an invitation.

If you are a coach who values depth, reflection, and growth, then coaching supervision training might not only change your practice, it might change you.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Introduction and why we're talking about supervision training
• 00:49 – Why coaching supervision changes you in subtle but powerful ways
• 01:46 – The importance of slowing down in coaching
• 03:22 – Resistance and questioning everything you've learned
• 04:22 – Emotional reactions and identity shifts
• 06:42 – Becoming a different version of yourself as a coach
• 08:00 – Learning alongside experienced coaches and building confidence
• 09:30 – Imposter syndrome and finding your own voice
• 11:48 – Developing your internal compass as a coach
• 14:06 – Ethical awareness and deeper coaching conversations
• 16:32 – Coaching at a more advanced and intuitive level
• 17:28 – Energetics, intuition, and expanding beyond traditional coaching
• 18:59 – Introducing our coaching supervision diploma

Key Lessons Learned:

• Slowing down creates space for deeper insight and more meaningful coaching conversations
• Coaching supervision training develops your identity, not only your skillset
• Discomfort and emotional reactions are part of the growth process
• Supervision strengthens your internal compass and confidence as a coach
• Reflective practice enhances long-term sustainability in coaching
• Exposure to other experienced coaches normalises imperfection
• Ethical awareness and relational depth significantly improve coaching quality
• Supervision expands your curiosity into areas such as intuition and energetics

Keywords:

Coaching supervision training, Coaching supervision benefits, How to become a better coach, Reflective coaching practice, Coaching identity development, Coaching supervision course, Professional coach development, Imposter syndrome in coaching, Advanced coaching skills, Coaching supervision diploma

Links & Resources:

Supervision Training: https://www.igcompany.com/supervisiontraining

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

Is staying neutral as a coach always the right thing to do, or can it quietly cause more harm than good?

In this episode, we found ourselves deep in reflection while developing our coaching supervision training, questioning something many coaches are taught early on: neutrality. It is often positioned as a gold standard in coaching, yet as we explored it more deeply, we realised the reality is far more nuanced.

We began by unpacking what neutrality actually means in coaching. For us, it has always been about creating a clean space where clients can explore their own thoughts, beliefs, and decisions without influence. We are trained to avoid imposing our views, resisting the urge to label ideas as good or bad. That foundation remains important. Yet as we talked, it became clear that neutrality is not always straightforward or even helpful.

Through our conversation, we explored the tension between being non-judgmental and being responsible. We reflected on moments in our own coaching where staying completely neutral could have led to avoidance. Avoidance of challenge. Avoidance of difficult conversations. Avoidance of responsibility.

One example we discussed was working with leaders whose behaviours may unintentionally create toxic dynamics. In those moments, remaining passive can allow harmful patterns to continue unchecked. Instead, we explored how curiosity, thoughtful questioning, and sometimes stepping slightly beyond neutrality can help clients see the true impact of their actions.

We also reflected on the role of rapport and contracting. The depth of challenge we bring as coaches often depends on the relationship we have built and the expectations we have set. Some clients want to be stretched. Others need space first. There is no one-size approach, and this is where coaching becomes more art than formula.

A key theme that emerged for us was the idea of responsible neutrality. Neutrality that is not detached from ethics or awareness. Neutrality that does not ignore systemic issues such as power, culture, or discrimination. Because choosing not to challenge can unintentionally reinforce harmful systems.

We also shared moments where stepping slightly outside neutrality created powerful breakthroughs. Whether it was expressing surprise, offering an observation, or gently pushing a client to stretch further, these small shifts can create significant impact when grounded in trust and intention.

Ultimately, this episode is not about rejecting neutrality. It is about evolving beyond a rigid interpretation of it. Coaching is not a rule book. It is a practice that requires awareness, reflection, and continuous learning.

We left this conversation recognising that great coaching sits in the tension between discipline and intuition, between structure and flexibility, and between neutrality and courageous challenge.

And perhaps the real question is not whether neutrality is toxic, but whether we are using it consciously.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and the question of neutrality
• 01:02 What neutrality means in coaching practice
• 02:35 When neutrality supports curiosity and openness
• 04:52 When neutrality becomes avoidance or passivity
• 07:23 Real coaching example of challenging leadership behaviour
• 09:07 The role of contracting and client expectations
• 11:02 Reflecting on your own coaching approach
• 13:52 Stretching clients beyond surface-level actions
• 15:25 Systemic impact and ethical responsibility in coaching
• 17:23 Real example of stepping outside neutrality
• 18:57 Introducing the concept of responsible neutrality
• 20:48 The complexity and contradictions of coaching
• 22:15 Learning when to be neutral and when not to
• 24:18 Final reflections and invitation to continue the conversation

Key Lessons Learned:

• Neutrality in coaching is a foundational principle, but it is not always sufficient on its own
• Passive neutrality can lead to avoidance of challenge and reduced coaching impact
• Responsible coaching requires balancing support with meaningful challenge
• Contracting and rapport play a critical role in determining how far to stretch a client
• Coaches must remain aware of systemic issues and the impact of silence
• Small, intentional shifts away from neutrality can create powerful breakthroughs
• Coaching is both a discipline and an art, requiring judgment, reflection, and adaptability
• Supervision and peer discussions are essential for navigating complex coaching decisions

Keywords:

Neutrality in coaching, Coaching ethics, Coaching supervision, Leadership coaching, Coaching skills, Non-judgmental coaching, Coaching challenges, Professional coaching development, Systemic coaching, Coaching conversations,

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What if the most powerful tool you bring to coaching isn't your questions, but your energy?

In this episode, we open up a conversation that sits at the intersection of awareness, presence, and depth in coaching practice. We explore something that is often felt but rarely named: the energetics of coaching.

As we recorded this conversation, we found ourselves reflecting on how often energy operates in the background of our work, shaping outcomes without us consciously engaging with it. Coaching is not only about techniques or frameworks. It is about the unseen exchange that happens between coach and client in every moment.

We explore what it means to accept that we each carry an energetic field, and how that field both influences and is influenced by the people we work with. From the moment we enter a coaching space, whether virtual or in person, there is a meeting of energy. That meeting can either be intentional and supportive, or unconscious and potentially disruptive.

During our discussion, we reflected on how awareness of energy is not always natural for everyone. Some people instinctively feel it, while others are less connected to it. Yet as coaches, developing this awareness becomes a critical part of our effectiveness and sustainability.

We explored how preparing for a coaching session goes beyond reviewing notes or setting an intention. It involves checking in with your own energy, understanding what you are carrying, and creating clarity around what belongs to you and what does not. This becomes essential when navigating moments such as frustration, where the key question is whether that experience is yours or something emerging from the client's world.

One of the most powerful insights in this conversation was how energy can be used as data within a coaching session. When we notice shifts in our own internal state, we can bring curiosity rather than judgement. This opens up a deeper level of coaching, where clients feel seen and understood in ways that go beyond words.

We also touched on practices such as somatic awareness and the exploration of energy within the body. Questions like where a feeling is experienced physically can unlock new insights and create space for meaningful breakthroughs. For some clients, this may extend into concepts such as chakras or energy centres, offering alternative ways to understand blocks and patterns.

As the conversation unfolded, we found ourselves reflecting on the importance of energetic boundaries. Without them, it becomes easy to absorb and carry what is not ours, leading to feelings of heaviness or depletion. This is where self-awareness and self-care intersect with coaching mastery. Supporting clients effectively requires us to also restore and manage our own energy.

We also explored the idea that coaching is both a science and an art. While there are models and methodologies that guide us, the energetics of coaching sit firmly within the art. It is the nuance, the presence, and the subtle shifts that create transformative experiences for clients.

This episode is an invitation to expand your perspective. Whether you already resonate with the concept of energy or are approaching it with curiosity, there is an opportunity here to deepen your practice and explore a new dimension of coaching.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to the energetics of coaching
• 02:00 Understanding energy in coaching relationships
• 04:00 Accepting and working with your energetic field
• 06:30 Preparing your energy before coaching sessions
• 08:30 Distinguishing your energy from your client's
• 11:00 Using energy as an entry point in coaching conversations
• 13:00 Exploring chakras and alternative perspectives
• 15:30 Somatic coaching and energy in the body
• 17:00 Energy, self-care, and compassion fatigue
• 19:00 Energetic boundaries and releasing what is not yours
• 21:00 Coaching as both art and science

Key Lessons Learned:

• Energy is always present in coaching, whether consciously recognised or not
• Awareness of your own energy is foundational to effective coaching practice
• Distinguishing between your energy and your client's is a critical coaching skill
• Energy can be used as valuable data to deepen coaching conversations
• Preparing and restoring your energy supports both performance and sustainability
• Somatic awareness can unlock deeper insights for clients
• Energetic boundaries protect against burnout and emotional overload
• Coaching mastery involves both structured methods and intuitive awareness

Keywords:

Energetics of coaching, Coaching presence, Emotional intelligence in coaching, Somatic coaching, Coaching self-awareness, Coaching energy management, Coaching techniques for deeper conversations, Coach burnout and self-care, Coaching skills development, Energy in coaching relationships,

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

Re-accreditation Checklist:

At the start of this episode, we laid out everything you need to have in place for a smooth, stress-free re-accreditation process. Here's the full checklist to guide you:

• Know your accreditation renewal period (e.g. 3 years for ICF, 5 years for EMCC)
• Track your re-accreditation deadline well in advance
• Complete the required number of CPD hours
• Ensure your CPD meets the criteria of your accrediting body
• Budget for re-accreditation costs and ongoing CPD investment
• Keep your coaching log accurate and up to date
• Record coaching hours clearly and ethically
• Maintain structured notes for potential case studies
• Understand requirements for supervision or mentor coaching
• Ensure supervision or mentor coaching aligns with accreditation standards
• Stay active in coaching practice to meet hour requirements
• Prepare for potential audits or verification checks
• Clarify requirements if progressing to the next accreditation level
• Plan ahead for recordings or evidence submissions if required
• Align your CPD with your professional development goals
• Regularly review your progress rather than leaving it to the deadline

Have you ever felt that quiet pressure when an accreditation deadline starts creeping closer, knowing you might not have everything in place?

In this episode, we unpack what re-accreditation really involves and why it often catches coaches off guard. We move beyond the surface-level requirements and into the reality of maintaining professional coaching standards over time.

As we talk through this, we found ourselves reflecting on how easy it is to assume accreditation is a one-time milestone. In reality, it is an ongoing commitment to growth, ethics, and professional integrity. Re-accreditation is not simply about ticking boxes. It is about demonstrating that you are actively developing, learning, and showing up responsibly for your clients.

We explore the practical side of re-accreditation, including CPD requirements, coaching logs, supervision, and the financial investment involved. One of the biggest insights that stood out for me is how important it is to understand what actually counts as valid CPD, especially when different bodies like the International Coach Federation, European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and Association for Coaching all have different expectations.

There is also a deeper layer to this conversation. Re-accreditation invites reflection. It creates a moment to pause and ask: who have I become as a coach since I started? What have I learned? Where am I heading next?

We also talk about the reality that many coaches leave things too late. Trying to pull together dozens of CPD hours or reconstruct coaching logs at the last minute creates unnecessary stress. A more strategic, forward-thinking approach transforms re-accreditation into something far more valuable. It becomes a structured pathway for continuous professional development.

What we felt strongly during this conversation is that re-accreditation should not feel like a burden. When approached intentionally, it becomes a powerful tool for growth, clarity, and confidence in your coaching practice.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to re-accreditation
• 00:28 Why accreditation is not a one-time achievement
• 01:26 The reality of CPD requirements and time pressure
• 02:22 The responsibility of being an accredited coach
• 04:35 Understanding renewal periods across coaching bodies
• 06:21 CPD requirements and what counts
• 08:49 Budgeting and financial planning for re-accreditation
• 09:19 Coaching logs and why most coaches struggle with them
• 10:24 Reflection and growth through re-accreditation
• 11:22 Progressing to higher accreditation levels
• 13:00 Case studies and record keeping
• 16:18 Supervision and mentor coaching requirements
• 18:14 Ethical coaching beyond the accreditation process
• 19:31 Building a proactive re-accreditation plan

Key Lessons Learned

• Re-accreditation is a continuous professional commitment, not a one-off milestone
• Planning ahead removes stress and improves the quality of your development
• Not all CPD is equal, understanding what counts is critical
• Coaching logs are essential and should be maintained consistently
• Supervision and mentor coaching are foundational to ethical practice
• Re-accreditation is an opportunity for reflection, not only compliance
• Aligning CPD with your long-term goals accelerates your growth as a coach

Keywords:

coaching re-accreditation, CPD for coaches, coach accreditation requirements, ICF re-accreditation, EMCC accreditation renewal, coaching supervision requirements, professional coaching development, coaching log requirements, mentor coaching, continuous professional development coaching,

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What if the way someone shows up today is shaped by something they don't even fully understand yet?

In this episode, we explored a topic that is gaining real traction in the coaching space and beyond: trauma-informed coaching.

We sat down to unpack what this actually means in practice, not from a theoretical standpoint, but from the lived reality of working with people. Because the truth is, whether you are a coach, leader, or simply someone supporting others, you are already in the presence of trauma more often than you realise.

We reflected on how trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by the impact it leaves behind. Two people can experience the same situation and carry entirely different imprints from it. That insight alone shifts how we approach conversations, relationships, and growth.

Throughout the conversation, we explored how trauma can show up in coaching. Sometimes it is obvious through emotional responses, avoidance, or disconnection. Other times it is subtle, sitting beneath behaviours like self-criticism or hesitation. What stood out most for us is that coaching often surfaces self-awareness, and with that, past experiences can naturally come into view.

We shared our own reflections on moments where unexpected responses emerged, reminding us that trauma is not always something we consciously recognise. It can live in the body, revealing itself in ways that catch us off guard.

A key theme in this episode is responsibility. As coaches, we are not there to process trauma. Our role is to create a space of safety, choice, and autonomy. That means recognising when a client is present and reflective, versus when they may be re-experiencing something overwhelming. In those moments, our focus shifts to regulation, grounding, and support.

We also challenged the idea that there is a clear-cut boundary in coaching between what is acceptable and what is not. The reality is more nuanced. It comes down to self-awareness, competence, and understanding where your role begins and ends.

This episode is not about turning coaches into therapists. It is about raising awareness, deepening compassion, and equipping you to hold space in a way that is ethical, grounded, and human.

Whether you are a coach, a leader, or someone navigating your own growth, this conversation invites you to consider how trauma awareness shapes the way you show up for yourself and others.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to trauma-informed coaching
• 00:29 Why trauma awareness is rising
• 01:25 What trauma-informed coaching really means
• 02:10 Understanding the prevalence of trauma
• 03:07 Big T vs little t trauma explained
• 04:25 How trauma develops and repeats
• 05:22 How trauma shows up in coaching conversations
• 06:40 Boundaries in coaching and trauma
• 08:01 When trauma appears in coaching sessions
• 08:59 The role of safety and compassion
• 10:23 Client awareness and unconscious trauma
• 11:40 Is trauma-informed coaching different?
• 13:05 Training, knowledge, and coach capability
• 14:31 Control, contracting, and client safety
• 15:56 Self-awareness and professional boundaries
• 17:17 Real-life example of a trauma response
• 18:30 Somatic awareness and working with the body
• 19:25 Co-regulation and present moment awareness
• 20:18 Holding space when unexpected memories arise
• 22:08 Supporting clients through choice and autonomy
• 23:31 Real-world coaching scenarios
• 25:09 Coaching vs therapy boundaries
• 26:05 Final reflections and next steps

Key Lessons Learned:

• Trauma is not defined by the event, but by the impact it leaves on the individual
• You are likely interacting with people carrying trauma every day, whether visible or not
• Coaching can surface past experiences through increased self-awareness
• The role of a coach is to create safety, not to process trauma
• Recognising the difference between reflection and re-experiencing is critical
• Regulation and grounding are essential tools in trauma-informed practice
• There is no fixed boundary list, self-awareness and competence guide decisions
• Somatic awareness helps identify responses that are not cognitive
• Clients must always remain at choice in how they proceed
• Trauma-informed coaching starts with understanding your own experiences and limits

Keywords:

trauma informed coaching, what is trauma informed coaching, trauma awareness in coaching, coaching and trauma, emotional safety in coaching, somatic coaching techniques, coaching boundaries and trauma, trauma response in coaching, coaching vs therapy, ethical coaching practice, nervous system in coaching, trauma informed leadership,

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

Are you making decisions that truly align with what matters most to you, or are you operating on autopilot without realising it?

In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful yet often overlooked elements of coaching and personal development: values. As coaches, we have seen time and time again how uncovering values can transform the way people think, feel, and act. This conversation goes beyond theory and into the lived experience of what happens when someone finally understands what is driving their decisions.

We reflect on how values operate like internal guidance systems, quietly influencing behaviour, priorities, and emotional responses. Many people move through life without consciously recognising their values, yet they feel the consequences when those values are either fulfilled or ignored. Through coaching, we create space for people to bring these unconscious drivers into awareness, allowing them to make more intentional and aligned choices.

During this conversation, we unpack what values really are and why they are essential in effective coaching. We explore how values are not simply words, but deeply personal meanings shaped by life experiences. Two people may share the same value, such as freedom or connection, yet interpret and live it in completely different ways. That distinction is where real coaching insight begins.

We also reflect on the emotional impact of discovering values. There is often a moment where everything clicks into place, where confusion turns into clarity. It is not uncommon for people to feel a physical response when they uncover a core value, as though they have found a missing piece of themselves. This is where coaching becomes transformational rather than transactional.

A key theme we explore is the link between values and decision making. Many people feel stuck or conflicted without understanding why. Through a values lens, that tension becomes clearer. For example, a desire for creativity may be in conflict with a need for security. Rather than forcing change, coaching allows individuals to honour both values and find a way forward that feels aligned.

We also discuss how values influence motivation, particularly the difference between moving towards something meaningful versus moving away from something uncomfortable. This distinction can have a significant impact on energy, resilience, and long term sustainability.

Throughout the episode, we share practical ways to begin exploring values in coaching conversations, from simple reflective questions to deeper exploration of meaning and behaviour. We also touch on how values are shaped through early life experiences and how they can evolve or come into awareness at different stages of life.

Ultimately, this episode is about helping people reconnect with what truly matters. When values are understood and honoured, decision making becomes clearer, confidence grows, and people are able to live and lead with greater purpose and intention.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to coaching values
• 00:29 Why values shape decisions and fulfilment
• 01:25 What values are and how they influence behaviour
• 02:46 Values and self-understanding in coaching
• 03:42 Examples of common values and their meaning
• 05:02 Hidden values and deeper layers
• 06:20 Values, goals, and personal alignment
• 08:13 Values and internal conflict
• 10:07 Using values to unlock stuckness
• 11:06 Simple ways to explore values in coaching
• 12:25 Towards vs away from values
• 13:46 Energy, burnout, and value alignment
• 15:07 Linking values to behaviour and decision making
• 16:29 How values are formed
• 17:19 Do values change over time?
• 18:13 Life events and shifting values
• 19:03 Values as a foundation for resilience
• 20:19 Final reflections and next steps

Key Lessons Learned:

• Values act as internal drivers that shape decisions, behaviour, and emotional responses
• Awareness of values enables more intentional and aligned life choices
• Values are deeply personal and go beyond surface level words
• Internal conflict often stems from competing values rather than lack of clarity
• Moving towards values creates sustainable motivation, while moving away can drain energy
• Values provide a powerful framework for coaching conversations and personal growth
• Understanding values helps individuals move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered
• Values are influenced by early experiences but can evolve or come into awareness over time

Keywords:

coaching values, values in coaching, personal values coaching, decision making coaching, coaching for personal growth, understanding values, values and behaviour, coaching techniques, mindset coaching, emotional intelligence coaching, leadership coaching values, overcoming internal conflict, motivation and values

Links & Resources:

IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What if the reason your client is stuck is not a lack of motivation or clarity, but the way their executive functioning is wired?

In this episode, we explore eight powerful lenses that can completely transform the way you coach neurodivergent clients and, in truth, the way you coach all clients. Executive functioning sits at the heart of how we plan, start, organise, regulate emotions, manage impulses and adapt to change. When we understand it, coaching becomes more inclusive, more compassionate and far more effective.

We begin with a simple but important reframe. Executive functioning is not only relevant for clients who identify as neurodivergent. Many people remain undiagnosed, and every human being has a unique profile of strengths and challenges across these functions. When we bring this awareness into our practice, we move away from labelling behaviours as procrastination, lack of focus or resistance and instead start working with the real barrier.

As we walk through each of the eight areas, we share how easily traditional coaching approaches can unintentionally create shame. Asking a client how to get motivated when the real challenge is task initiation creates a completely different experience from recognising what is actually happening in their brain. That moment of being seen and understood often unlocks progress faster than any strategy.

We talk about organisation and the importance of helping clients design systems that work with their brain rather than forcing themselves into methods that were never built for them. We explore planning and prioritisation through the lens of demand avoidance and spontaneity, recognising that for some clients the plan itself is the obstacle.

Working memory brings a powerful reflection on coaching style. Keeping questions simple, using visual anchors and contracting around how to hold the thread of the conversation makes coaching more accessible and more effective.

Self monitoring and emotional regulation reveal the deep emotional impact of executive functioning challenges. Many clients carry a lifetime of self criticism without realising that what they are experiencing is a difference in processing rather than a personal failure. Coaching becomes a space for self acceptance as much as progress.

Impulse control and flexible thinking invite us to move beyond deficit based models. Impulsivity can be a source of energy, creativity and connection. Rigidity often signals a need for safety. Our role is not to fix these traits but to help clients use their strengths and create support structures that allow them to thrive.

Throughout this conversation, what stands out is that neurodivergent inclusive coaching is not about having the answers. It is about having the lens. When we understand executive functioning, we accelerate trust, deepen our coaching relationships and enable clients to achieve their goals in ways that are aligned with who they truly are.

This is coaching that replaces judgement with curiosity, removes shame and gives clients practical levers for change. It is inclusive, ethical and deeply human.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to coaching neurodivergent clients through executive functioning 00:31 What executive functioning means in coaching 01:24 Inclusivity for diagnosed and undiagnosed clients 02:21 The executive functioning wheel as a coaching tool 04:18 Task initiation and removing the shame of procrastination 07:10 Organisation and creating brain aligned systems 08:59 Body doubling and in session action 10:24 Planning and prioritisation with demand avoidance 13:29 Working memory and adapting your coaching style 16:17 Practical ways to support working memory in sessions 16:46 Self monitoring and the emotional impact of over analysis 18:41 Emotional regulation and accessing resourceful states 22:55 Why emotions coaching and neurodivergent coaching fit together 23:25 Impulse control as strength and challenge 24:48 Moving beyond the imposter syndrome label 25:35 Flexible thinking and creating safety in change 27:52 Using strengths to support flexibility 28:47 Why executive functioning matters for all clients 29:17 How to continue your learning

Key Lessons Learned:

• Executive functioning provides a powerful lens for inclusive coaching.

• Many behaviours labelled as procrastination or resistance are task initiation challenges.

• Brain aligned systems are more effective than forcing traditional productivity methods.

• Coaching style must adapt to support working memory and accessibility.

• Self compassion is a critical outcome of neurodivergent inclusive coaching.

• Impulsivity and flexibility can be strengths when understood and supported.

• Awareness of executive functioning accelerates trust and progress in coaching.

Keywords:

coaching neurodivergent clients, executive functioning in coaching, ADHD coaching strategies neurodivergent inclusive coaching, task initiation procrastination coaching, working memory coaching techniques, emotional regulation for neurodivergent clients, flexible thinking coaching strength based neurodiversity coaching, ICF neurodivergent coaching training,

Links & Resources:

Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching programme: https://www.igcompany.com/nd

What if the reason your client cannot access clarity, action or decision making has nothing to do with their mindset and everything to do with their nervous system?

In this episode, we explore a dimension of coaching that sits beneath the questions, the goals and the models. Every coaching conversation is not only a meeting of minds. It is a meeting of two nervous systems. When a client arrives in a state of urgency, overwhelm or shutdown, the most powerful coaching move is often not another question. It is the creation of safety.

We reflect on moments in our own coaching and supervision where dysregulation was present and how quickly everything shifted when the focus moved from performance to regulation. A single breath. A slowing of pace. A gentle acknowledgement of what was happening in the body. These are the moments that allow a client to return to themselves and re access their thinking, their resourcefulness and their learning.

What becomes clear is that dysregulation does not only appear in the big life events. It can show up in the everyday pressure of a full diary, the urgency before a holiday, a difficult conversation that happened that morning or the weight of time and responsibility. Without the ability to recognise and work with these states, a coaching session can remain on the surface, even when the client is highly capable and committed.

We talk about co regulation and the role of the coach as a steady nervous system anchor. When we are grounded, calm and present, we invite our clients back into their own window of tolerance. From this place, curiosity returns. Reflection becomes possible. Decision making becomes clearer. Action becomes meaningful.

We also explore the different ways dysregulation can present. It may look like anxiety, restlessness and pressure. It may look like fogginess, disconnection and a lack of motivation that could easily be mislabelled as resistance. With awareness, we stop pushing for progress and instead resource the client so that progress becomes possible.

This work sits firmly within the role of a coach. If a dysregulated nervous system is the obstacle to a client's goal, then supporting regulation is part of working in the gap between where they are and where they want to be. It is ethical, it is powerful and it is deeply human.

We also turn the lens towards ourselves as coaches. Our own nervous system is part of the coaching relationship. Noticing when we become activated, understanding our triggers and knowing how to return to regulation is essential if we are to hold safe, effective spaces for our clients.

Ultimately, this episode is about presence. It is about recognising that transformation does not happen when a client is in survival mode. It happens when they feel safe enough to think, feel and choose. And sometimes the most valuable coaching session is the one where the goal is not achieved, but the client leaves regulated, resourced and reconnected to themselves.

Timestamps:

00:00 Coaching as a meeting of two nervous systems 00:27 Why dysregulation blocks progress 00:56 A supervision example of co regulation in action 02:24 Coaching happens in the body as well as the mind 02:51 The coach as a nervous system anchor 03:19 How to help clients arrive in safety 04:44 Everyday examples of nervous system activation 06:09 When coaching feels like an interruption for the client 07:07 Resourcing before support and challenge 08:27 Simple regulation invitations and awareness 09:50 When past experiences are triggered in coaching 11:12 Dysregulation is not doing harm 12:09 Window of tolerance explained simply 13:36 Fight, flight and shutdown in coaching sessions 15:24 Working ethically with regulation as the goal 16:23 Coaching in the gap between goal and obstacle 17:49 Nervous system awareness for trauma and neurodivergence 18:44 Connection before progress 19:39 When clients cannot access future thinking 20:31 Powerful regulation focused coaching questions 21:39 Holding safety until the client can return to themselves 23:07 How quickly regulation can restore clarity 24:33 The coach's own nervous system in the relationship 25:28 Further learning through neurodivergent inclusive coaching

Key Lessons Learned:

• Coaching effectiveness depends on the client's nervous system state.
• Co regulation is a core coaching capability, not an optional extra.
• Dysregulation often appears in everyday pressure, not only major events.
• Shutdown can be misinterpreted as resistance without nervous system awareness.
• Regulation is sometimes the most valuable outcome of a session.
• The coach's own regulation directly impacts the quality of the space held.
• Nervous system literacy is essential for trauma informed and neurodivergent inclusive coaching.

Keywords:

coaching the nervous system, nervous system regulation in coaching, trauma informed coaching skills, window of tolerance coaching, co regulation in coaching sessions, neurodivergent inclusive coaching, somatic coaching awareness, how to help clients feel safe in coaching, executive functioning and coaching, advanced coaching presence,

Links & Resources:

Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching programme: https://www.igcompany.com/nd