The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

Have you ever noticed how emotions from the past or fears of the future can quietly shape the choices you make today?

In this episode, we explore the fifth principle from our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training that,

…emotions are interlinked.

We reflect on how emotions move through time, intertwining between past, present and future, and how this shows up in coaching conversations. We discuss how clients can become anchored in the future, unable to act in the present, and how others may carry echoes of past experiences that colour their emotions today.

Through our own reflections and client examples, we talk about what happens when a person's emotions are entangled with future outcomes that haven't yet arrived. Zoe shares a personal story about navigating a family decision and the moment she realised that her emotions were not rooted in the present, but in imagined futures. By recognising that, she was able to return to the here and now, where clarity and confidence could emerge.

We talk about how, as coaches, our role is not to fix or rescue but to help clients notice and make sense of their emotional experience. This involves recognising when a client is operating from thought rather than feeling and guiding them gently back to contact with their emotions. We explore what happens when clients begin to recognise the difference between what they think and what they feel, and how that awareness opens new insight and direction.

Another aspect of this principle is the coexistence of multiple emotions. Clients often describe being both excited and frightened, or relieved and sad, at the same time. These "parts" can represent internal conflicts that, when explored with compassion, bring valuable understanding. We reflect on how emotions interlink not only with thoughts and actions, but also with the wider world, from relationships and teams to global events that shape how we feel and behave.

This principle is a reminder that emotions are rarely isolated. They are threads in a much wider emotional web, and when we as coaches can hold space for that complexity, we enable our clients to connect with the deeper truth of their experience.

As we close, we reflect on the power of emotional awareness in coaching. It's what makes coaching transformative. When clients understand how their emotions are interlinked and learn to navigate them consciously, they move forward with greater balance, authenticity and resilience.

If you'd like to explore how emotions shape behaviour and learn practical tools to work with emotions in your coaching practice, join us on our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training at www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching

Timestamps:

00:00 – Exploring the fifth principle: emotions are interlinked 00:28 – How emotions connect through time – past, present and future 01:56 – Recognising emotional anchors from the past 03:23 – Unhooking from future emotions to find clarity in the present 04:20 – Personal example of separating imagined emotions from reality 05:14 – Anchoring clients in the here and now 06:38 – Differentiating between thoughts and feelings in coaching conversations 09:29 – Working with emotional "parts" and internal conflict 12:14 – Understanding how personal emotions link with global and systemic emotions 14:12 – Emotional honesty and the value of vulnerability in practitioner training 15:39 – The ripple effect of emotional awareness on coaching impact 16:40 – Coaching as a life-changing process

Key Lessons Learned:

• Emotions are rarely isolated; they are interlinked across time, thought and experience.
• Helping clients to identify whether emotions stem from the past, present or future builds clarity and focus.
• Recognising the distinction between thoughts and feelings is a gateway to deeper self-awareness.
• Exploring "parts" allows clients to acknowledge internal conflict and move towards emotional integration.
• Coaches must hold space for complex, often conflicting emotions without trying to fix or rescue.
• Emotional awareness elevates both coach and client, deepening the transformational potential of coaching conversations.

Keywords:

emotional coaching, emotions in coaching, emotions coaching practitioner training, coaching skills, emotional awareness, emotional intelligence for coaches, coaching emotions, understanding feelings in coaching, emotional interlinking, self-awareness in coaching

Links & Resources

• www.mycoachingcourse.com – Take the quiz to find which coaching course is right for you
• www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching – Explore our CPD on emotions coaching

Have you ever wondered whether the emotions your clients share are the full story or whether there's something deeper waiting to be uncovered?

In this week's episode of the podcast we explore one of the most thought-provoking principles in our series:

Emotions are not always Authentic.

At first, this concept can feel like a puzzle. As coaches, we often take our clients' emotions at face value, believing that frustration, anger, or disappointment are clear and complete emotional truths. Yet, as we discuss in this episode, emotions can be layered and sometimes conceal a more authentic emotional experience beneath the surface.

We begin by exploring what happens when a client describes feeling "frustrated" about their lack of progress toward a goal. Through curiosity and emotional exploration, it may become clear that what lies beneath isn't frustration at all; but sadness, grief, or even fear. Recognising this difference can be transformative.

As we unpack this principle, we reflect on our own experience of connecting with an authentic emotion. There was a moment when we realised that what we thought we felt was simply a cover for something deeper. When that deeper emotion surfaced, raw and unfiltered, it brought relief, understanding, and healing.

We also discuss how coaching with emotions isn't about lingering endlessly in feelings. Rather, it's about clarity and progress. By helping clients access their authentic emotions, we enable them to process their experiences, meet their needs, and move forward with greater confidence.

Throughout this conversation, we reflect on:

• How emotions can mask one another
• The difference between surface and authentic emotional experiences
• The role of conditioning in shaping which emotions we allow ourselves to express
• Why authentic emotional awareness accelerates coaching progress
• How understanding emotional authenticity helps resolve conflict, both internally and interpersonally

This episode is a reminder that coaching is emotional work at its core. As we deepen our awareness of authentic emotion, both our own and our clients', we open the door to greater compassion, insight, and transformational change.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the six principles series 01:00 – What does it mean for emotions to be "inauthentic"? 02:30 – Exploring client examples and the layers beneath frustration 04:30 – How curiosity reveals the real emotion beneath the surface 05:20 – Personal reflection: recognising authentic emotions in real life 08:45 – Conditioning and the emotions we learn to suppress 10:40 – The difference between primary and secondary emotions 12:00 – Why emotions coaching accelerates progress 14:30 – Conflict and communication from an inauthentic emotional place 16:20 – How understanding emotions transforms coaching conversations 17:00 – Resources for learning more about emotional coaching

Key Lessons Learned:

• Authentic emotions often sit beneath surface-level expressions such as frustration or anger.
• Helping clients explore their emotional depth leads to clarity, not confusion.
• Emotional awareness accelerates progress by dissolving unseen barriers.
• Self-reflection allows coaches to better recognise authentic emotion in others.
• Social and cultural conditioning shape how we experience and express emotions.
• Conflict often persists when people communicate from inauthentic emotional places.
• Recognising authentic emotion helps meet unmet needs and fosters true fulfilment.
• Emotional coaching isn't "fluffy" it's foundational to effective practice.
• Exploring emotions supports ethical, person-centred coaching.
• Curiosity is the key to uncovering authentic emotional truth.

Keywords:

emotional coaching, authentic emotions, coaching training, emotion awareness, emotional authenticity, coaching conversations, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, emotional growth, professional coaching

Links & Resources

• www.mycoachingcourse.com – Take the quiz to find which coaching course is right for you
• www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching – Explore our CPD on emotions coaching

Have you ever paused to ask yourself what your emotions are really trying to tell you?

In this episode, we explore one of the most transformative principles in emotional coaching:

the idea that emotions are unmet needs.

This concept reshapes how we relate to our inner experiences, moving from seeing emotions as random or inconvenient to viewing them as valuable signposts guiding us toward greater self-understanding and balance.

As we reflect on this principle, we're reminded of how often our emotions offer insight into something deeper, such as a need for safety, connection, clarity, or growth. When we shift from judging our emotions to becoming curious about them, we begin to uncover their hidden wisdom. That curiosity is where transformation begins, both for ourselves and for our coaching clients.

In our conversation, we explore what happens when we approach emotions not as problems to fix but as messages to interpret. We discuss how naming emotions helps to release their intensity and how exploring the need beneath them invites self-compassion and meaningful action. Sometimes that insight can be profound, and at other times beautifully simple, like realising that nervousness before a meeting might be calling for preparation time or reassurance.

This approach creates space for honesty and courage. Many clients have never been asked, "What does that feeling need?" Giving permission to express an unmet need, whether for clarity, respect, or support, can be profoundly healing. When we help clients identify and articulate those needs, we empower them to take small, grounded steps that lead to significant change.

We also explore how this principle connects to values, beliefs, and goals, which together form the four core pillars of coaching. Unmet needs often sit at the intersection of values and emotions, revealing what truly matters to each individual. When clients begin to interpret their emotions as meaningful signals rather than irrational responses, their relationship with themselves transforms. They move from feeling controlled by emotions to feeling more in control because of them.

Ultimately, this principle is not only a coaching tool but a life skill. By listening to our emotions and recognising what is missing, we nurture emotional intelligence, deepen self-awareness, and create a more compassionate relationship with ourselves and others.

Timestamps:

00:28 - Understanding emotions as unmet needs 01:21 - Common examples of emotions signalling deeper needs 02:20 - Using curiosity to step outside the emotional experience 03:19 - How curiosity dissipates emotional intensity 04:33 - The power of expressing unmet needs in coaching 06:00 - Moving from judgment to understanding 07:29 - Bringing lightness and simplicity to emotions work 08:27 - The three steps of emotions coaching in practice 10:21 - Applying the principle to coaching preparation 11:15 - Linking emotions to values, beliefs, and goals 12:44 - Turning emotional awareness into action and growth 13:39 - Helping clients feel more in control of emotions 15:06 - The ripple effect of emotional awareness in coaching practice 16:00 - Learning more through the Emotions Coaching Practitioner programme

Key Lessons Learned:

• Emotions are valuable messages that reveal unmet needs rather than random feelings.
• Curiosity helps create distance from emotional intensity and opens access to insight.
• Asking "What does this feeling need?" empowers clients to name and meet their needs.
• Emotional exploration is both deep and light, transformative yet practical.
• Linking emotions to values and beliefs creates powerful coaching breakthroughs.
• Emotional awareness builds self-regulation, confidence, and compassion.
• Naming emotions and identifying needs enhances client agency and resilience.
• The principle of unmet needs applies to both coaching and everyday life.
• Emotional literacy helps shift from reactivity to reflection.
• This work creates a ripple effect of personal and professional transformation.

Keywords:

emotional coaching, unmet needs, coaching practice, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, values-based coaching, emotions in coaching, emotional literacy, coaching psychology, curiosity in coaching,

Links & Resources

• Emotions Coaching Demo: www.igcompany.com/emotionsdemo

• https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching

What if the emotions you feel are not who you are?

Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm not confident" or "I'm an anxious person"? In this episode of the podcast, we explore principle two of our Six Principles of Emotion series: You are not your emotions.

So many of us, and our clients, confuse feelings with identity. We slip into patterns of speech where we equate ourselves with an emotion, making it part of who we are. This is where coaching can create powerful transformation. By helping clients separate their sense of self from the emotions they experience, we open the door to growth, choice, and freedom.

In this conversation, we reflect on how over-identifying with emotions such as anxiety, fear, or guilt can keep people stuck. We also consider how positive emotions like joy or calm can become limiting when they are tied too tightly to identity. A client might say, "I'm a calm person," yet find themselves disturbed by stress, which creates inner conflict. Through emotions coaching, we can offer new perspectives that allow people to explore who they are beyond these emotional labels.

I found myself reflecting on the liberating power of simple shifts in language, from "I am anxious" to "I am feeling anxious right now." That pause changes everything. It reminds us that emotions are designed to move and do not define us. When clients see this, they often regain clarity, confidence, and connection with themselves.

This episode is an invitation to lean into conversations around emotions in your coaching. It's about helping clients see they are more than their feelings and guiding them towards new ways of being that support their goals and wellbeing.

Timestamps:

• 00:30 – Why emotions are central to coaching conversations
• 01:00 – How clients over-identify with emotions
• 02:20 – Understanding emotions as temporary and designed to move
• 03:20 – Shifting language: from "I am" to "I feel"
• 06:00 – Exploring fear and preparing for confidence
• 08:00 – The liberating effect of separating self from emotion
• 10:00 – Recognising the emotions gap in coaching
• 13:00 – Using metaphors and perspectives to unlock insight
• 15:00 – When positive emotions create internal conflict
• 17:00 – Spotting identity narratives in coaching conversations
• 19:00 – Resources and training opportunities

Key Lessons Learned:

• Emotions are experiences, not identity. You are not your emotions.
• Language matters, small shifts from "I am" to "I feel" can unlock new perspectives.
• Over-identifying with both negative and positive emotions can create internal conflict.
• Coaching provides space for clients to separate themselves from their emotional experiences.
• Emotions coaching is about helping clients explore new perspectives, not telling them what to believe.
• Emotions are designed to move, getting stuck in them often signals where coaching can help.

Keywords

emotions coaching, coaching and identity, confidence in coaching, separating self from emotions, emotional coaching principles, imposter syndrome coaching, managing anxiety in coaching, positive emotions and identity, coaching for emotional growth, language in coaching conversations,

Links & Resources

• Emotions Coaching Demo: www.igcompany.com/emotionsdemo

• https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching

Have you ever caught yourself labelling your emotions as either good or bad, and wondered how that shapes the way you coach or experience life?

In this episode of the podcast we begin a six-part series exploring the six principles of emotions coaching, drawn from our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training. We open with the very first principle: Emotions are neither good nor bad.

Too often, we attach labels to our feelings. We might view stress or anxiety as "bad" and chase after happiness as "good." But when we categorise emotions in this way, we miss out on their deeper value. In our conversation, Jo and I share how emotions become defined not by their presence, but by the beliefs we attach to them.

Zoe reflects on her own journey of recognising anxiety, an emotion she once denied, and how opening space for it led her to new levels of self-awareness and healthier strategies. We also discuss how coaches can inadvertently get pulled into their clients' "get away from" energy, and how holding space with neutrality invites curiosity, possibility, and transformational growth.

Throughout this episode, we show why suspending judgement around emotions is one of the most powerful coaching tools you can bring to your practice. Rather than trying to "fix" a client's feelings, emotions coaching creates the conditions for richer insight, more authentic self-connection, and ultimately, greater transformation.

Timestamps:

• 00:30 – Introducing the six-part emotions coaching series
• 00:57 – What it means that emotions are neither good nor bad
• 02:20 – How clients bring emotions into coaching sessions
• 03:35 – The role of neutrality and curiosity in coaching
• 06:19 – Zoe's personal experience of recognising anxiety
• 08:39 – Why emotions carry wisdom and strategies
• 13:16 – Coaching conversations around anger and fear
• 16:38 – Boundaries, aggression, and coaching at the root cause
• 18:40 – Why emotions coaching is not "fluffy" but deeply transformational
• 21:01 – The power of startling questions in coaching
• 22:00 – How to develop your own emotions coaching toolkit

Key Lessons Learned:

• Labelling emotions as good or bad prevents us from accessing their full value.
• Curiosity and neutrality allow clients to explore emotions without fear or resistance.
• Denying emotions (like anxiety or anger) can cause them to resurface in unhelpful ways.
• Emotions often carry wisdom, strategies, and insight when welcomed rather than avoided.
• Coaches add transformational depth by holding space for emotions instead of rushing to "fix" them.
• Leaders, executives, and clients alike benefit from having permission to explore emotions beyond surface goals.

Keywords:

Emotions coaching, Coaching principles, Neutrality in coaching, Transformational coaching, Coaching and anxiety, Emotional intelligence coaching, Anger in coaching conversations, Coaching for leaders, Stress and coaching practice, Emotions are neither good nor bad,

Links & Resources:

• https://www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching

What is the greatest risk of not developing coaching skills, and how might that decision shape your life and career?

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the risks of not training to be a coach. We reflect on the subtle but significant ways coaching skills transform lives, relationships, leadership, wellbeing, and what happens when we don't invest in them.

As we explored this theme, we found ourselves thinking back to our own journeys. Had we not stepped into coaching, we know our confidence, resilience, relationships, and even the material aspects of our lives would look entirely different. Coaching has not only deepened our self-awareness but also enabled us to build stronger connections, communicate with impact, and navigate challenges with courage.

In this conversation, we highlight 9.5 key risks that come from not being a coach. We talk about self-awareness as the foundation, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how disconnected intuition often leaves leaders overthinking at 4am. We also discuss the impact of coaching on problem-solving, inclusion, resilience, and future leadership in a world shaped by AI and rapid change.

One of the most profound reflections for me was realising that without coaching skills, we risk staying the same, missing out on our unrealised potential, stronger relationships, and the ability to influence the world around us. The greatest risk may not be failure but never stepping into what could have been possible.

Whether you're considering training to be a coach, or you're curious about the wider benefits coaching can bring, this episode will give you a heartfelt and thought-provoking insight into why coaching matters more than ever.

Timestamps:

• 00:29 – Framing the question: what are the risks of not being a coach?
• 01:23 – Self-awareness as the foundation of growth
• 03:16 – Emotional intelligence and relationships
• 07:32 – Advanced communication skills and listening
• 08:30 – Reconnecting with intuition
• 12:09 – The future of work, AI, and the role of coaching
• 14:24 – Inclusion, belonging, and building cultures that matter
• 15:22 – Beyond the self: the systemic risks of not coaching
• 18:11 – Problem-solving, resilience, and wellbeing
• 22:20 – Coaching as courage, presence, and connection
• 24:46 – The greatest risk: staying the same

Key Lessons Learned:

• Without self-awareness, we risk limiting both our growth and the quality of our relationships.
• Emotional intelligence is not optional; it is essential for effective leadership and connection.
• Coaching develops advanced communication skills that prevent misunderstanding and strengthen trust.
• Intuition is an undervalued skill, coaching helps us to reconnect with it and reduce overthinking.
• In a world shaped by AI, coaching and human connection are the differentiators for future leaders.
• Coaching contributes to inclusive cultures and a genuine sense of belonging.
• A coaching mindset supports resilience, problem-solving, and wellbeing.
• Without coaching, we risk playing small, staying in old patterns, and never reaching our potential.
• The systemic risk is greater disconnection in workplaces and communities without coaching skills.

Keywords Used:

coaching skills, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, leadership development, communication skills, intuition, future of work, inclusion and belonging, resilience and wellbeing, risks of not being a coach

Links & Resources:

• Coaching Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com
• In Good Company: www.igcompany.com

Do you really listen to ignite transformation, or are you listening to respond?

When we think about our journey as a coach, one of the most powerful realisations has been that listening is not a passive act. It is an intentional, transformational choice that shapes the depth and quality of our conversations. In this episode we revisit listening as a critical coaching skill. Out of more than 200 episodes, we've only devoted 1 to listening before, which shows how easy it is to overlook this essential foundation of coaching.

We explore what it means to listen not just with our ears but with our eyes, intuition, body, and presence. We reflect on Nancy Kline's idea that listening well is not about preparing your next response but about igniting something in another person. From the earliest stage of self-focused listening to Otto Scharmer's concept of generative listening, we walk through the levels of listening and share how they show up in coaching and everyday life.

We reflect on moments when clients have asked us, "How did you know that?" They hadn't explicitly told us something, but deep listening allowed us to hear what was unspoken. That level of listening is about creating a space where clients can feel deeply seen and heard, sometimes hearing themselves clearly for the first time in a long while.

We also challenge the myth that one level of listening is "good" and another "bad". Context matters. For example, neurodivergent clients may experience listening as most supportive when a coach shares something of their own in return. Listening, then, is not linear. It's about attuning to the needs of the individual in front of you.

This episode is both practical and reflective. We discuss summarising with the client's own words, listening for emotion as well as content, and noticing the subtle shifts in tone, silence, or energy that can reveal deeper truths. Listening is not just about technique, it is about presence, compassion, and the courage to step aside so the client's voice can emerge.

If you've ever wondered what sets coaching apart from everyday conversation, this episode highlights why listening is the art and science at the heart of transformational coaching.

Timestamps:

• 00:50 – Why listening is the foundation of coaching
• 01:20 – Nancy Kline's perspective: listening to ignite, not to respond
• 03:11 – Listening with eyes, body, and intuition
• 05:02 – Helping clients hear themselves clearly
• 07:25 – Why context matters: different listening styles for different clients
• 10:40 – The difference between listening in coaching vs everyday conversation
• 13:28 – Listening beyond words: noticing silence, energy, and emotion
• 16:20 – The role of presence and unlearning in coaching conversations
• 19:36 – Giving clients time to find and hear their own voice
• 21:01 – Practising transformational listening in everyday life

Key Lessons Learned:

• Listening is not about waiting to respond, it is about creating space for transformation.
• Different levels of listening exist, from self-focused to generative, and each has a place depending on context.
• Deep listening involves presence, intuition, and attention to both what is said and what is unsaid.
• Coaching requires unlearning conversational habits such as rushing to fix, summarising for ourselves, or inserting our own agenda.
• Presence and listening go hand in hand, true transformational listening helps clients reconnect with their own voice.

Keywords:

Transformational listening, levels of listening in coaching, Nancy Kline listening, generative listening, coaching skills, deep listening, presence in coaching, active listening techniques, emotional listening, effective coaching conversations,

Links & Resources:

• Take the quiz to find the right coaching qualification for you: mycoachingcourse.com

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Have you ever wondered how much deeper your coaching could go if you paused to reflect in a more intentional way?

In this episode of The Coaching Crowd, we explore how reflective practice is the often-overlooked skill that truly elevates coaching. While questioning and listening skills usually get the spotlight, it is reflection that helps us to grow as coaches, find closure with clients, and unlock fresh insight.

As we spoke, we found ourselves noticing how reflective practice is both a personal and professional discipline. It is not about criticising yourself for what you missed, but instead about compassionately noticing what you learned, how you showed up, and how you can expand your practice.

We share a series of reflective questions that you can use for yourself or with your clients, such as:

• How am I feeling now?
• How present and attuned was I during that coaching session?
• What habits was I using, and what new experiments could I try next time?
• What biases or assumptions might have shaped how I showed up?

Together, we explore the difference between reflecting in practice (while in session) and reflecting on practice (afterwards), and how both can help you become more present, more courageous, and more flexible as a coach. We also talk about how reflective practice can happen in different ways, through journaling, walking, recording your thoughts aloud, or even using creative prompts like music and drawing.

One of our personal reflections from this conversation was how important it is to approach reflection with kindness. Growth does not come from berating yourself, but from curiosity and compassion. Reflective practice is a muscle, and with practice, it grows stronger.

This episode is full of questions and perspectives that will help you deepen your practice, connect with your clients at a deeper level, and continue your journey of lifelong learning.

Timestamps:

• 00:50 – Why reflective practice matters in coaching
• 02:12 – Reflecting in practice vs reflecting on practice
• 03:00 – Using body awareness as a catalyst for reflection
• 05:21 – Balancing solution-focus with presence
• 06:47 – The importance of compassion in reflection
• 08:34 – Exploring habits and courage in coaching
• 09:52 – The role of client feedback in reflective practice
• 11:14 – Finding your personal style of reflection
• 12:36 – Considering bias and self-development
• 14:25 – Reflection as a muscle to build over time
• 16:11 – Creative approaches to reflective practice
• 18:32 – Reflection as an ongoing process rather than quick clarity
• 19:23 – The role of CPD in deepening reflection
• 21:19 – Lifelong learning and growth as a coach

Key Lessons Learned:

• Reflective practice is the foundation for deepening your coaching, beyond questioning and listening skills.
• Compassion and curiosity are essential, reflection should not become self-criticism.
• Presence, energy, and body awareness are powerful entry points for reflection.
• Exploring habits, courage, and biases helps coaches to avoid falling into fixed patterns.
• Creative methods such as drawing, music, or recording can unlock new layers of reflection.
• Reflection is not about finding instant answers, but about allowing insight to emerge over time.
• CPD and lifelong learning naturally deepen reflective practice.

Keywords:

reflective practice in coaching, coaching reflection questions, reflective skills for coaches, how to deepen reflective practice, coaching growth, reflective coaching techniques, presence in coaching, self-reflection for coaches, lifelong learning in coaching, reflective practice methods

Links & Resources:

• Website: igcompany.co.uk

Have you ever found yourself torn between who you were before becoming a parent and the new identity that emerges after welcoming a child?

In this episode we explore the deeply personal and transformative journey of maternity coaching.

Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life transitions anyone can go through. We reflect on our own experience of having children while holding onto a strong ambition for our careers and the inner conflict that came with trying to reconcile those two worlds.

We talk about the identity shifts that many parents face, the emotional complexities that can arise during maternity leave, and the challenges of returning to work in environments that may have changed significantly in your absence. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on how valuable maternity coaching would have been for us at that time. Having a confidential space to explore emotions, rebuild confidence, and navigate new responsibilities can be life-changing.

We also expand the conversation to include parental coaching more broadly, recognising that transitions affect all caregivers, whether through adoption, shared parenting, or new family dynamics. Coaching can support individuals in building resilience, having courageous conversations with line managers, and re-establishing confidence in their professional and personal identities.

This discussion highlighted for me how powerful coaching can be in safeguarding against burnout, improving employee engagement, and strengthening relationships at work. It left me appreciating maternity coaching not only as a personal lifeline but also as an organisational strategy that demonstrates care for people beyond their job role.

Timestamps:

• 00:51 – Why maternity coaching matters
• 01:21 – Identity conflict after becoming a parent
• 03:39 – What maternity coaching looks like in practice
• 05:06 – Emotional and cognitive changes during maternity leave
• 06:28 – Rebuilding confidence when returning to work
• 07:48 – Benefits for organisations and leaders
• 09:13 – Extending to parental coaching more broadly
• 11:56 – Productivity shifts after becoming a parent
• 13:21 – Exploring systemic challenges
• 15:39 – Why maternity coaching signals organisational care
• 16:35 – Do we need to label it "maternity coaching"?
• 18:02 – Emotions coaching and life transitions
• 21:46 – Invitation to learn more through our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training

Key Lessons Learned

• Identity transformation is one of the most significant challenges during maternity leave.
• Maternity coaching offers a safe space to explore emotions without judgement.
• Coaching supports smoother transitions back to work, reducing overwhelm and burnout.
• Employers benefit through stronger engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
• Parental coaching is not limited to mothers, it extends to fathers, adoptive parents, and anyone navigating caregiving transitions.
• Coaching helps differentiate between personal beliefs and systemic realities in the workplace.
• Productivity often increases when parents return to work due to sharper focus and time management.
• Emotional coaching skills are essential for supporting clients during major life milestones.

Keywords:

maternity coaching, parental coaching, coaching for parents, identity shift after parenthood, return to work coaching, emotional coaching, workplace transitions, coaching for new parents, confidence after maternity leave, coaching in organisations,

Links & Resources:

• Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training: igcompany.co.uk/emotionscoaching

Have you ever wondered how different life could feel if you were able to pause, step back, and coach yourself through challenges as they arise?

In this episode we explore the practice of self-coaching, what it really means, how it works in everyday life, and why it is such a powerful tool for personal growth.

As coaches, one of the greatest benefits of our training has been learning how to develop our own inner coach. This isn't about striving for perfection or trying to be a "superhuman." Instead, it's about cultivating awareness, curiosity, and reflection in a way that allows us to step out of our experience long enough to gain a fresh perspective.

We talk about the cues that signal when it's time to coach ourselves, from moments of emotional intensity to times of great joy when we want to understand how to recreate that feeling. Jo shares how she has learned to notice when she is "in something" fully absorbed in an experience and how to hover above it, reflect, and gently question "what's happening for me"?

We explore a wide range of reflective questions that listeners can add to their own self-coaching toolkit, from belief-based and emotional check-in prompts, to deeper existential reflections. We highlight the importance of differentiating between genuine self-coaching and overthinking, and we talk about the need to balance reflection with action.

Most of all, this conversation reminded us that self-coaching is about the relationship we choose to build with ourselves. Do we want to give energy to our inner critic, or nurture our inner coach? The quality of the questions we ask ourselves often determines whether we stay stuck or move forward.

Whether you are a coach yourself or simply curious about bringing more reflective practice into your life, this episode offers both insight and practical tools to help you grow.

Timestamps

• 00:47 – Why self-coaching matters when resources are limited
• 01:16 – Reflection and noticing: stepping outside your experience
• 03:04 – Core coaching elements that underpin self-coaching
• 04:31 – The myth of needing to self-coach all the time
• 05:25 – Learning from moments of joy and success
• 06:21 – Coaching methodologies that support self-reflection
• 07:46 – Expanding your self-coaching toolkit with powerful questions
• 09:14 – Emotional check-ins and boundaries
• 13:50 – Testing possibilities and taking small, safe steps
• 16:04 – Self-coaching vs overthinking: how to spot the difference
• 17:25 – Radical personal ownership and accountability
• 19:20 – Success criteria for effective self-coaching
• 20:17 – Choosing between your inner critic and your inner coach
• 21:11 – Our invitation for you to reflect, review, and share

Key Lessons Learned

• Self-coaching is grounded in reflection, presence, and awareness, noticing when you need to step back and explore your experience differently.
• It is not about being "on" all the time; sometimes the most powerful growth happens when you simply sit in the messiness of life.
• The quality of the questions you ask yourself matters more than the complexity, simple, courageous questions often lead to the deepest insight.
• Emotional check-ins, belief exploration, and reflective questioning can help uncover hidden patterns and create space for new choices.
• Self-coaching requires balance between reflection and action; growth happens when insights are followed by meaningful steps forward.
• Developing an inner coach strengthens your relationship with yourself and can transform the way you navigate challenges.

Keywords:

Self-coaching, Coaching tools, Reflective practice, Inner coach, Emotional awareness, Personal growth, Coaching questions, Overthinking vs reflection, Coaching mindset, Radical ownership

Links & Resources

• https://www.igcompany.co.uk