Advertise on podcast: The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

What if redundancy was not the end of your career story, but the moment you finally stepped into the work you were meant to do? In this episode, we explore what it truly means to redundancy proof your career in a world where roles are disappearing, industries are reshaping, and AI is accelerating change at a pace many people never expected. We reflect on how redundancy is rarely only about the loss of a job. It touches identity, confidence, security, and the deep question of who we are when our professional label is removed. We talk openly about how coaching training develops skills that cannot be automated. Deep listening, emotional intelligence, self regulation, perspective taking, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complexity. These are the human capabilities that organisations need more than ever and that individuals need in order to remain adaptable, resilient, and employable across multiple career transitions. We share how redundancy often creates a crossroads moment. Sometimes it arrives as a shock. Sometimes it arrives as the nudge we secretly needed to leave a role that no longer fitted. Either way, it invites reflection. Who am I beyond my job title. What do I want my work to stand for. What am I being called towards next. From personal experience, we reflect on how coach training acts as both an insurance policy and a catalyst. It builds metacognition, the ability to notice how you think as well as what you think. It supports emotional regulation during uncertainty. It strengthens decision making and helps people move from fear driven reactions into intentional, values led choices. We also explore how professional accredited coaching qualifications signal ethical maturity and leadership capability in a changing employment market. Whether you want to become a coach, lead through change, work at board level, build a portfolio career, or future proof yourself against redundancy, the psychological shift that comes through coaching training changes how you experience work, identity, and possibility. Ultimately, we reflect on how redundancy does not have to be something that happens to you. With the right mindset and skills, it can become something you co create with. A doorway rather than a dead end. A transition rather than a termination. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and why redundancy is now a widespread reality 01:20 Redundancy and identity, why it feels personal 02:10 Skills that cannot be automated through coaching training 03:20 Redundancy as a crossroads and opportunity 05:10 Coach training as a multiplier and resilience builder 07:00 Zoe's personal redundancy story and stepping into business 09:50 Metacognition and emotional regulation in uncertainty 11:40 Coaching skills in leadership and organisational change 13:30 Coaching qualifications as career insurance 15:00 Redundancy as a niche for coaches and organisations 16:50 Decision making, intuition, and embodied confidence 18:45 Choice, perspective, and emotional intelligence 21:00 Depersonalising redundancy and seeing the bigger system 23:00 The psychological shift that future proofs your career 24:00 Next steps and resources Key Lessons Learned: Redundancy often impacts identity more than income and requires emotional as well as practical resilience. Coaching training develops human skills that AI and automation cannot replace. Metacognition helps people move from fear driven thinking to intentional career choices. Accredited coach training signals emotional intelligence, ethical maturity, and leadership capability to organisations. Redundancy can become a catalyst for aligned career change rather than a crisis when supported by reflective practice. Coaching skills enable adaptability across portfolio careers, leadership roles, consultancy, and board level positions. Keywords: Redundancy proofing, coach training, future proof your career, career resilience, emotional intelligence at work, leadership development, career transition support, redundancy coaching, professional coaching qualification, adaptability in the workplace, career change mindset, executive coaching skills. Links and Resources www.mycoachingcourse.com  www.igcompany.com/ilm-call https://igcompany.co.uk/howto

What happens when a client walks into a session with an issue you did not prepare for, and you have to trust your presence rather than your plan? In this episode of the Podcast, we to explore one of the most real and sometimes unsettling parts of being a coach: not knowing what a client is going to bring, yet being fully responsible for creating a space that can hold it. We reflected on how often coaches ask questions like, how do I coach confidence, fear, conflict, burnout, overwhelm, or decision making. Beneath those questions is usually something deeper. A desire to feel competent. A wish to feel resourced. A fear of being caught out when a client arrives with something emotionally charged, complex, or unfamiliar. What struck us during the conversation is how much of coaching is about unlearning the need for control. In most areas of life, we walk into conversations with a sense of the agenda. Coaching is different. The agenda emerges. The topic may be named, but the real work often sits underneath in emotion, belief, identity, or uncertainty. We talked about how coach training gives us core skills that apply to any topic, yet many coaches still crave practical anchors. Questions, frames, observations, and ways of working that help them feel steady when a client says, I feel overwhelmed, I am stuck in fear, I cannot decide, or I have lost confidence. That is where topic based learning and community become powerful, not as scripts to follow, but as ways to deepen awareness and broaden choice. We shared how, as coaches, we can sometimes narrow in too quickly on the words a client uses, or unconsciously overlay our own relationship with that topic. When a client brings fear, uncertainty, or burnout, it can trigger our own stories and associations. Building familiarity with common coaching themes helps us stay grounded, curious, and spacious rather than reactive or overly cognitive. We also explored the fine balance between holding space and offering structure. There are moments when a client genuinely wants to hear what might be possible. A menu of approaches. A sense of what others have found useful. Knowing when to lean in with suggestions and when to stay with emergence is part of the art of coaching, and it develops with experience, supervision, and reflective practice. One of the deepest reflections for us is that clients rarely bring what they actually need to work on. They bring what they can currently see. The coaching happens in the gap between the stated goal and the hidden pattern, emotion, or belief that is getting in the way. When we deepen our understanding of themes like uncertainty, self trust, overwhelm, decision making, and emotional regulation, we become better at noticing what is present but unspoken. This episode is also an invitation to coaches who want to accelerate their confidence and capability. Through our how to series and accredited CPD, we are creating spaces to explore topics such as beliefs, burnout, confidence, conflict, fear, overwhelm, procrastination, certainty, metaphors, and constellations. Not to provide formulas, but to build presence, perception, and practical range so that whatever walks into the room, you can meet it with calm, clarity, and skill. Coaching is not about mastering topics. It is about mastering yourself in the presence of whatever topic arrives.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and why coaches ask how do I coach specific topics 02:20 The unpredictability of coaching and letting go of control 04:30 Building confidence through topic familiarity and CPD 06:40 Balancing suggestion with client led focus 08:10 Fear, uncertainty, and staying resourced as a coach 10:05 Deep dive into coaching uncertainty and emotional states 12:00 Clients bring goals, but the work is often underneath 14:00 The art of observation and naming what is emerging 15:00 CPD programme and community invitation   Key Lessons Learned: Coaching competence grows when we trust the core skills rather than seeking topic specific formulas Clients rarely name the real issue at the start of a session Emotional states such as fear, overwhelm, and uncertainty often drive the presenting topic Supervision, community, and shared learning accelerate a coach's confidence and pattern recognition The balance between presence and practical structure is a developmental edge for every coach Observations offered with care can reveal what clients cannot yet see for themselves   Keywords: How to coach confidence, coaching uncertainty, emotional coaching, coaching overwhelm, coaching fear, coaching decision making, coach development, coaching presence, coaching supervision, coaching CPD, leadership coaching, self trust in coaching   Links and Resources: https://www.igcompany.com/howto

Are you looking for CPD that actually fits into real life while still deepening your confidence and capability as a coach? As we recorded this episode, we found ourselves reflecting on the growing gap between what coaches need from professional development and what most CPD programmes actually deliver. We know how busy life is. We know how difficult it can be to commit to long programmes with heavy time demands. And we also know how frustrating it feels to learn theory without truly knowing how to apply it in real coaching conversations. This episode is our response to that reality. We introduce our Done for You 2026 CPD programme, the How To Series, a bite size, practical and accredited professional development journey designed specifically around the topics coaches face every day. Each session is rooted in a popular Coaching Crowd podcast episode and translated into a facilitated, interactive learning experience that bridges the gap between insight and action. Across the conversation, we talk openly about why this series matters to us. We share how the idea was born from listening closely to our community and noticing which podcast episodes consistently resonate, such as coaching confidence, fear, burnout, overwhelm and uncertainty. These are not abstract topics. They are live issues showing up in coaching rooms week after week. Each 'How To' session is a two and a half hour live workshop that includes a focused teaching summary, a practical coaching activity, live demonstrations, peer practice, feedback, and reflective discussion. We wanted to create CPD that feels immediately useful, supports skill integration, and builds real coaching confidence. This is learning you can take straight into your next client session. We also reflect on accessibility. This series is designed for qualified coaches, leaders, managers and those using coaching skills in their work. It is accredited, offering CCEs, while remaining financially accessible and flexible. Coaches can attend individual sessions or commit to the full year and have their 2026 CPD fully mapped out in advance. Throughout the episode, we talk about community, experimentation and our desire to create a shared learning space where coaches can connect, practise, ask real questions and grow together. This is about more than content. It is about confidence, capability and belonging within the coaching profession.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and why this episode matters 00:57 Why bite size CPD works for busy coaches 01:26 What is included in each How To session 01:55 Overview of the 10 coaching topics 02:24 Creating a full CPD plan for 2026 02:51 Accreditation, CCEs and pricing structure 03:46 Why these topics resonate with coaches 04:06 Who this CPD is designed for 05:04 How to access the programme and resources 06:02 Community, connection and future possibilities 07:43 Limited time offer and enrolment window 08:33 Who can attend and who it is suitable for 09:57 Live demos and experiential learning 12:21 Practice, feedback and reflective integration 13:43 Flexibility, value and long term impact 15:20 Closing reflections and invitation   Key Lessons Learned: CPD is most effective when it supports immediate application in real coaching conversations Bite size learning can deliver depth when it is well designed and facilitated Coaches value live demonstrations as a bridge between theory and practice Accessibility and affordability increase engagement and consistency with professional development Community and shared learning strengthen confidence, identity and capability as a coach   Links and Resources: https://www.igcompany.com/howto   Keywords: Coaching CPD 2026, accredited coaching CPD, bite size coaching training, coaching professional development, coaching skills development, coaching confidence training, coaching burnout CPD, live coaching workshops, coach accreditation CCEs, The Coaching Crowd podcast

What if the thought of training as a coach has been sitting with you for years for a reason you have not yet fully acknowledged? As the new year begins, we slow the conversation down and ask a bigger question than whether coach training is a good idea. We explore whether 2026 is the year you finally make a clear decision either to step forward or to consciously let the idea go. In this episode, we reflect on why coach training often stays on people's mental to do lists for far longer than expected. For many, it is not about gaining a qualification. It is about meaning, connection, identity, and the desire to do work that feels more aligned with personal values. We talk openly about the emotional and practical drivers behind the decision to train as a coach, including career pivots, leadership development, self-awareness, and the longing for deeper conversations at work and in life. We also address what can quietly hold people back. Waiting to feel ready. Decision paralysis when comparing training providers. The pressure to have a fully formed plan before taking the first step. We share why readiness is rarely something you feel before you act and how clarity often follows commitment rather than precedes it. Drawing on our own experiences, we reflect on how coach training develops far more than coaching skills. It builds emotional intelligence, confidence, boundaries, ethical practice, and the ability to work with human complexity in a grounded and responsible way. We discuss what coach training really involves and why discomfort and growth are part of the process rather than signs you are doing it wrong. We also offer a balanced perspective on when coach training may not be the right choice. If you are seeking a quick financial fix, external validation, or if working with emotion actively drains you, this may not be the right investment at this stage of your life. Equally, we share why coaching continues to grow in relevance as human centred skills become more valuable in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change. Throughout the conversation, we come back to a simple decision framework. Does it make sense in your head? Does it feel meaningful in your heart? Is there space in your calendar to make it work? When those three align, 2026 may well be the year you move forward. This episode is an invitation to stop circling the same question and to make a conscious choice that frees up energy, whether that choice is to train as a coach or to redirect your focus elsewhere with confidence.   Timestamps: 00:00 Why this question keeps returning year after year 01:21 Understanding the deeper needs behind coach training 03:09 Common reasons people feel drawn to coaching 04:03 What coach training actually involves 05:24 The myth of waiting until you feel ready 06:22 Choosing a training provider without paralysis 07:42 Questions to ask before committing to a programme 08:55 When coach training may not be the right choice 09:49 Sampling coaching before making a decision 12:37 Career strategy, confidence, and professional identity 14:26 How coach training can change your direction 15:49 Human skills in an AI driven world 18:32 A simple framework for making the decision 20:17 Taking action rather than waiting   Key Lessons Learned: Coach training is rarely about the certificate and more about meaning, identity, and growth Waiting to feel ready often delays clarity rather than creating it Decision making improves when you listen to both head and heart Coach training develops emotional intelligence, boundaries, and self-awareness You do not need a full plan for how coaching will fit into your future to begin Conscious decisions free up mental and emotional capacity Human centred skills are becoming more valuable, not less   Links and Resources: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com https://www.igcompany.com   Keywords: coach training, train as a coach, coaching career, coaching skills, becoming a coach, leadership coaching, personal development, emotional intelligence, career change coaching,

2026 CPD Accelerator: https://igcompany.com/CPD2026 What if the way you approach your CPD this year could fundamentally shape your confidence, energy, and impact as a coach? In this episode, we sat down to have an honest, grounded conversation about what continuous professional development really looks like for coaches in practice, not theory. As Master Accredited Coaches and founders of an accredited coach training provider, we reflected openly on our own CPD journeys, including the years of intense learning, the quieter phases focused on business growth, and the moments where CPD crept up on us through deadlines, reaccreditation reminders, or a deep need for stimulation and renewal. We explored why so many coaches fall into reactive CPD patterns, binge learning one year and neglecting it the next, and what happens when CPD becomes something you chase at the last minute rather than plan with intention. Throughout the conversation, we found ourseleves reflecting on how powerful it feels when CPD is aligned with who you are as a coach, the clients you serve, and the impact you want to have, rather than driven by fear, comparison, or industry pressure. We talked about compassion fatigue, confidence dips, and the quiet anxiety that can show up when CV requests or accreditation deadlines land unexpectedly. We also explored the joy of learning for learning's sake, the gift of community and connection that comes from cohort-based CPD, and the way one programme can open doors you did not even know existed. This episode is also about practicality. We discussed the importance of anchoring CPD into your diary, planning financially, and understanding your own learning preferences, whether that is bite-sized learning, intensive programmes, or facilitated cohorts. We share reflections on how CPD can reignite momentum for early-stage coaches, support experienced coaches returning after time away, and help those who trained years ago feel current, capable, and confident again in today's coaching landscape. As we step into 2026, this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and choose your CPD with clarity and intention. We also introduced the CPD Accelerator, a short, focused experience designed to help you map out your CPD for the year ahead in a way that feels supportive, energising, and achievable.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and why CPD matters at the start of a new year 00:57 Our personal experiences of binge learning and CPD cycles 01:50 Why coaches need CPD that reflects real client issues 03:36 Planning CPD with intention rather than urgency 04:35 Compassion fatigue and filling your own cup as a coach 06:18 Missing opportunities and the cost of not planning ahead 08:30 Choosing CPD from confidence rather than fear 09:49 The power of community and cohort-based learning 11:28 CPD for early-stage and returning coaches 14:37 When CPD is imperfect and still valuable 18:15 Introducing the CPD Accelerator for 2026   Key Lessons Learned: CPD has the power to shape not only your skills, but your confidence, energy, and identity as a coach. Planning CPD early creates focus, financial clarity, and space to choose learning that truly fits. The best CPD is aligned with your strengths, gaps, and the clients you want to serve. Community and connection are often as valuable as the content itself. CPD works best when entered from a place of intention rather than panic or comparison.   Links & Resources: CPD Accelerator: https://www.igcompany.com/CPD2026 How to Coach Series: https://www.igcompany.com/howto    Keywords: Coach CPD 2026, coaching continuous professional development, CPD planning for coaches, coach accreditation CPD, coaching confidence development, professional development for coaches, coaching CPD programmes, coach learning and development,

What does a year of growth really look like when you step away from the highlight reel and tell the truth? As we reach the end of 2025, we wanted to pause and pull back the curtain on what this year has genuinely been like for us behind the scenes. This episode is an honest, reflective conversation about the reality of running a values led coaching business through a year of challenge, change, and deep learning. We talk openly about the tension between what people often see from the outside and what it has actually felt like to be inside the business. This year has asked a lot of us. There have been moments of momentum and celebration alongside periods of complexity, uncertainty, and sustained effort that few people ever witness. We reflect on how a trip to Dubai at the start of the year became a catalyst for significant shifts in our thinking. Stepping into a different environment gave us the space to see long standing business bottlenecks with fresh eyes. What had felt heavy and immovable suddenly became solvable. That experience reshaped how we approached systems, automation, and the role technology plays in supporting rather than draining a coaching business. We share what it took to bring our Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching programme to life, both in its full facilitated form and later through the Essentials offering. These programmes hold enormous meaning for us, not only because of their impact on coaches and clients, but because of the care, collaboration, and emotional labour involved in creating them well. This year reminded us why programme creation is so demanding and why integrity in delivery matters deeply to us. Much of 2025 has been about strengthening the foundations of the business. We talk about the unglamorous but essential work of refining processes, documenting systems, onboarding team members, and rebuilding parts of the business from the ground up to support scale. This included changing payment systems, migrating our website from co.uk to com, securing trademarks, and rethinking how we structure qualifications and CPD. Alongside all of this, there has been personal growth. We reflect on stepping back into facilitation, reconnecting with learners, and the fulfilment that comes from being closer to the heart of the work. We also share how this year has prompted bigger questions about brand identity, marketing, and how we want to be known as a global coaching organisation. This episode is an invitation to reflect on your own year with honesty and compassion. Whether you are running a coaching business, leading in an organisation, or navigating change, we hope our reflections offer reassurance, perspective, and a reminder that progress is often quieter and messier than it appears.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and why we reflect at the end of each year 01:24 Why 2025 felt challenging as well as successful 01:54 The Dubai trip that changed how we saw our business 02:53 Gaining fresh perspective on systems and processes 05:17 Launching our Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching programme 06:42 Creating accessible pathways through Essentials 08:04 Rebuilding systems and standard operating procedures 09:52 Moving from co.uk to com and what it represented 11:48 Returning to facilitation and reconnecting with learners 14:32 Securing trademarks and protecting the brand 15:29 Refreshing our ILM Level 3 coaching qualification 16:55 Corporate partnerships and ripple effects of coaching 18:22 Scaling responsibly and supporting hundreds of learners 21:29 Looking ahead to 2026 with clarity and optimism   Key Lessons Learned: Stepping away from the day to day can unlock solutions that feel impossible when you stay too close Strong systems are not restrictive, they create freedom and sustainability Inclusive programme design requires time, care, and collaboration Scaling a coaching business often means rebuilding rather than adding on Reconnecting with clients and learners keeps the heart of the work alive Brand decisions are as emotional as they are strategic Continuous improvement is demanding but deeply worthwhile   Links and Resources: https://www.igcompany.com/ilmcall  https://www.mycoachingcourse.com    Keywords: coaching business growth, behind the scenes coaching, neurodivergent inclusive coaching, coaching qualifications UK, coaching CPD programmes, emotional coaching practice, coaching business systems, coach training programmes, coaching leadership development, The Coaching Crowd podcast,

What might become possible if you gave yourself space to pause, reflect, and listen this Christmas? This episode feels like a quiet exhale at the end of a full year. As we sat together, we wanted to offer something gentle, playful, and meaningful. Something that could be shared around a Christmas table, or held privately in moments of stillness during the festive period. We recorded this episode with the intention of creating connection. Connection with ourselves, with the people we love, and with the parts of us that have carried a lot this year. Rather than small talk, we wanted to invite deeper conversation and reflection. The kind that nourishes rather than drains. Throughout the episode, we read out eight Christmas inspired coaching questions. Each one is designed to open up reflection around rest, gratitude, celebration, self awareness, and letting go. As we shared the questions, we noticed how they landed in our own bodies. Some felt soothing. Others felt stretching. A few made us pause because we did not immediately know the answer, which often tells us there is something important waiting there. We also held in mind that Christmas can be complex. Not everyone experiences it as joyful or full of people. These questions are offered with compassion, whether you are surrounded by family, working through the festive period, or spending time quietly on your own. Coaching questions can be powerful companions, especially when the rest of the world slows down. This episode is shorter by design. It is not about teaching or fixing. It is about offering reflective prompts you can return to, share, or sit with over the holiday season and beyond.   Coaching Questions and Reflections 1. What part of you deserves to rest and be replenished this holiday season? This question invites permission. Permission to notice where you are tired and to honour that need for rest without guilt. It encourages listening to your body, emotions, or energy rather than pushing through. 2. If you could wrap up this year as a gift, what would be inside? A playful question that opens reflection on what the year has truly held for you. Lessons, moments, relationships, challenges, or growth may all feature, often alongside a sense of meaning that only becomes clear in hindsight. 3. Whose light has helped guide you this year, and how might you thank them? This question centres gratitude and relational awareness. It often leads to naming people who have made a difference, sometimes those sitting in the same room, and recognising that being seen and acknowledged can be a profound gift. 4. Imagine you are at Christmas next year. What are you celebrating, and why? An invitation to look forward with intention. This question shifts focus from only big achievements to the quieter milestones such as calmer relationships, self connection, or emotional resilience. 5. What truth about yourself have you quietly met this year, and how will you honour it going forwards? One of the deeper questions. It encourages honesty and self respect, particularly around insights you may have noticed but not yet fully acknowledged or acted upon. 6. If you could hear the quiet wisdom of your future self this Christmas, what would they thank you for doing now? This question draws on future focused reflection. It helps surface choices, boundaries, or actions that your future self may already be grateful for. 7. If you could gift somebody a belief or mindset shift this Christmas, what would that gift be? Rooted in compassion, this question explores how we see others, often revealing care, understanding, and a wish for people to be kinder to themselves. 8. If you could leave something under the tree or send something back this year, what would it be? A powerful letting go question. It invites reflection on beliefs, habits, or emotional weight that no longer needs to be carried into the year ahead.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and setting the intention for Christmas reflection 00:30 Why meaningful conversation matters at this time of year 01:00 Question one on rest and replenishment 01:19 Question two on wrapping up the year as a gift 01:52 Question three on gratitude and guiding lights 02:22 Question four on celebrating next Christmas 03:28 Question five on meeting personal truths 05:17 Question six on future self wisdom 05:57 Question seven on gifting a mindset 07:40 Question eight on letting go and leaving things behind 08:10 Closing reflections and festive gratitude   Links and Resources: https://www.igcompany.com/ilmcall  www.mycoachingcourse.com    Keywords: Christmas coaching questions, Reflective coaching, End of year reflection, Coaching for self-awareness, Emotional coaching, Personal growth reflection, Festive reflection questions, Coaching conversation starters, Mindful Christmas, Life coaching podcast,

What happens when coaches slow down, listen deeply, and answer the questions they are rarely asked out loud? This episode felt different from the outset. This week we sat down without scripts, without rehearsed answers, and without certainty about where the conversation would land. What we had instead was trust. Trust in the coaching process, trust in each other, and trust in the questions our listeners brought to us. We invited our listeners to share the coaching questions they find themselves holding, whether that is something they wrestle with in sessions, reflect on in supervision, or wonder about quietly in their own practice. What came back was a rich mix of practical dilemmas, reflective prompts, and deeply human concerns about confidence, emotional boundaries, challenge, and connection. As we read each question aloud, we answered in real time. That meant responding from lived experience rather than polished theory. At points we noticed ourselves pausing, reflecting, and even sitting with uncertainty. That felt important. Coaching does not always offer clean answers, and this episode honours that reality. We explored what it means to interrupt a client with care, how to think about failure when it does not feel like the real blocker, and what to do when a client triggers discomfort or resistance in us as coaches. We also talked honestly about homework in coaching, emotional load, negativity, and the blurred edges between coaching and everyday relationships with family. What stayed with us after recording, was a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the honesty of our listeners, for the depth of the coaching profession, and for the privilege of being trusted with these kinds of questions. This episode is less about expertise and more about presence, reflection, and shared learning.   Listener Questions and Reflections How do you catch a client who talks incessantly and keeps going over old ground without feeling disrespectful We reflected on the power of contracting at the start of sessions and being intentional with opening questions. Clear focus, permission to interrupt, and shared agreement on how to work together can transform this dynamic. we were particularly struck by the invitation to explore our own beliefs about interruption and respect, and how supervision can help unpack what feels uncomfortable for us as coaches. What would you do if you could not fail This question opened a deeper exploration of fear, risk, and attachment to outcomes. Neither of us felt that failure itself was the real barrier. Instead, we reflected on decision-making, tolerance for uncertainty, and how detachment from outcomes can create freedom and momentum. What do you do if you do not like a client Rather than seeing this as a problem, we framed it as data. Strong reactions are information. They invite curiosity, supervision, and self-reflection. Often, the clients who challenge us the most offer the richest learning and some of our most impactful coaching. Is homework essential for progress in coaching Our shared view was clear. Homework is not essential and should never be imposed. Progress comes from what the client chooses to take forward. Suggestions can be offered with care and consent, but the relationship must remain adult to adult, not expert to student. How can coaches hold space without taking on emotional load This question led us into beliefs about emotions, responsibility, and energy. We talked about preparation, grounding practices, and trusting that clients are capable of holding their own emotional experience. Sustainable coaching starts with how we relate to emotions, including our own. Is coaching friends and family ever a challenge We shared honest reflections about boundaries, self-awareness, and knowing when to step out of the coaching role. Coaching training changes how we see the world, but discernment matters. Not every moment calls for a coaching response. How do you coach someone who always returns to negativity We emphasised the importance of contracting for challenge and being honest about usefulness. Coaching is not about forcing change. Sometimes the most ethical choice is to question whether the coaching relationship remains the right support. Are there clients who stay with you the most Rather than naming one individual, we spoke about groups of clients who shape us at different stages of our development. What stayed with us was the sense of privilege in being invited into someone's inner world and witnessing their growth over time. What keeps you awake at night This question brought humour, honesty, and insight. From ideas and inspiration to family life and physical rhythms, it was a reminder that coaches are human first, reflective second, and professional always.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and episode context 01:00 Coaching a client who talks incessantly 06:45 What would you do if you could not fail 11:36 What if you do not like a client 14:20 Is homework essential in coaching 18:30 Holding space without taking on emotional load 22:36 Coaching in everyday family conversations 28:04 Coaching clients who focus on negativity 30:33 Clients who stay with you the most 33:46 What keeps you awake at night 37:25 Closing reflections and invitation to listeners   Keywords: coaching questions, coaching confidence, emotional coaching, holding space in coaching, coaching supervision, coach client relationship, coaching boundaries, coaching reflection, coaching challenges professional coaching practice,   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever paused to consider where you truly are in your growth as a coach and what your current stage of development reveals about the way you show up for your clients? In this episode, we walk through the evolving arc of our professional identity and the way our presence deepens as we move from doing coaching to being a coach. It is a journey rich with curiosity, discomfort, insight, and ultimately, transformation. During the conversation, we unpack the three broad stages of coach maturity. We explore the ways we develop from novice coach to intuitive practitioner and eventually to a place where we work with the wider system that sits around each client. As we revisit these stages, we were reminded of the moments in our own journeys when we grappled with self-doubt, longed for structure, and later found liberation in silence, emergence, and reflective practice. We discuss what this pathway can look like in real life. Early on, the focus often sits on learning models like GROW or CLEAR, trying to get coaching "right", and wondering whether you are offering enough value. As maturity builds, the focus shifts toward deep relational awareness. Questions such as how we are being together begin to matter more than the specific tools we use. There is more acknowledgment of intuition, pattern spotting, boundaries, ethics, and the energy in the space between coach and client. As the journey progresses, the coaching relationship becomes a gateway into something broader. We delve into the systemic nature of coaching and what happens when we are able to sit in not knowing without fear. This phase is rich, existential, and deeply grounding. It calls for humility, self-awareness, regulated presence, and the ability to hold space for emergence. We reflect on how this stage can be both liberating and challenging. At times we have found it confronting, and at others we have found it to be the most expansive area of professional growth. Throughout this episode, the recurring theme for me is that coaching maturity is not time served. It is about what we integrate, how we reflect, and the courage we bring to our own development. Every phase offers value. Every phase has its purpose. And every coach will move through the continuum in their own way. Our hope is that this conversation sparks meaningful self-reflection and gives you a clearer sense of where you are today and where your next stretch might be.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to coaching maturity 01:20 Why the competency frameworks can feel confusing 02:17 From doing coaching to being a coach 03:35 The ongoing evolution of a coach 05:01 Coach maturity as continual development rather than destination 06:29 Stage one indicators and early coaching experiences 08:25 Navigating self doubt and value questions 09:50 Transitioning into a more relational coaching style 11:20 Deep listening, intuition and pattern spotting 12:45 Creativity and presence in coaching 14:11 How the coaching space mirrors client experiences 16:08 Sitting with not knowing and supporting emergence 18:05 Humility and letting go of ego 19:34 How supervision supports growth 20:31 Using coaching maturity reflections as a development catalyst 21:30 Why different clients need different levels of maturity 22:55 Maturity is not time served 24:18 Understanding learning edges 25:44 Encouragement for self-reflection and next steps 26:08 Coaching training quiz and CPD options   Key Lessons Learned: Coaching maturity evolves from doing coaching to embodying the role of coach in a grounded, relational way Early stages often include self-doubt, reliance on tools, and a desire to get things right Growth involves increased trust in intuition, deeper presence, and comfortable use of silence Systemic awareness becomes central as maturity develops Reflective practice and supervision accelerate progression Not knowing can be a powerful portal for insight and emergence Maturity is not about years of experience but about integration and self-awareness   Keywords: coaching maturity, coach development, reflective practice, coaching presence, coaching intuition, systemic coaching, coaching evolution, coaching confidence, professional coaching skills, coaching competence   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever reached a point where burnout reshaped your sense of who you are and what you want next in life? In this episode, we explore the tender, transformative journey that so many people move through when they decide to train as a coach after experiencing burnout. This conversation matters because burnout rarely leaves life untouched. It rewires priorities, reframes identity, and forces us to acknowledge that our wellbeing is the most important asset we have. Throughout the discussion, we reflect on why individuals arrive at coach training following burnout and what they discover about themselves in the process. We talk about the shift from depletion to purpose, the desire to reconnect with meaning, and the way burnout creates fertile ground for growth once we begin to resource ourselves again. We acknowledge how disorientating burnout can be. It can feel frightening and destabilising, yet it can also illuminate our non-negotiables and reveal the parts of life that need to change. As we explore this, we share how coaching becomes a powerful pathway towards rebuilding confidence, rediscovering identity, and reconnecting with values. We dive into the emotional experience behind this choice. Many people arrive having encountered support through counselling, therapy, mentoring or coaching, realising that they want to help others in the same way they have been supported. Others arrive because their old world no longer fits who they have become. They do not return to their pre burnout life because it no longer feels like home. Coaching offers a forward focused space where they can shape what comes next. Throughout the episode, we reflect on the deep sense of safety and acceptance within the coaching community. We talk about how shame often accompanies burnout and how that shame is released when individuals step into an environment where life experience is valued rather than judged. We explore how coaching training becomes a healing process. Not always intentionally so, but in practice it reconnects people with the belief that they are enough. It helps them see themselves with compassion rather than criticism. It builds emotional honesty, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of possibility. We also reflect on how passion and purpose must be channelled with awareness. Burnout can occur in work that is deeply meaningful as well as work that is unfulfilling. Coaching training helps individuals see where their needs are not being met, where boundaries must shift, and how systemic pressures may be influencing their wellbeing. This episode is an invitation to anyone who has experienced burnout to consider how that experience might become a catalyst for growth. Coaching training can be the place where confidence is rebuilt, identity is reclaimed, and a new sense of purpose emerges.   Timestamps: 00.00 Welcome and introduction 00.28 Why burnout leads people towards coach training 00.56 How burnout reshapes identity 01.48 Rebuilding confidence and recognising personal needs 03.45 Entering the fertile ground of growth after burnout 04.14 When returning to old roles no longer feels aligned 05.11 Developing the belief that we are enough 06.13 Releasing shame and finding acceptance in coaching communities 07.32 Understanding mindset, values and beliefs during coach training 08.56 The courage required to share personal experiences 10.21 Recognising burnout risks and unmet needs 11.18 Monitoring wellbeing and understanding control 12.39 Increasing self awareness through coaching skills 14.36 The emotional honesty coaching encourages 15.05 Recognising burnout in clients and systemic pressures 17.00 Why people seek the source of coaching skills 17.58 Channelling ambition into something healthy 19.22 Feeling busy without becoming depleted 20.20 Creating a sustainable coaching life 20.49 Coaching as an oasis after burnout 21.18 How to explore coach training   Key Lessons Learned: Burnout often becomes a catalyst for reassessing identity, values and life direction. Coaching training provides a safe, accepting environment where individuals can release shame and rebuild confidence. The coaching journey is as healing as it is educational, helping people reconnect with the belief that they are enough. Passion driven individuals are at risk of burnout, and coaching skills help them understand and manage their needs. Coaching offers a future focused path that helps people move forward when returning to old roles no longer feels possible. Self awareness, emotional honesty and compassion are key outcomes of coach training after burnout. Life experience becomes a powerful asset within the coaching profession, not a limitation.   Keywords: training to be a coach, coaching after burnout, burnout recovery, coach training journey, emotional wellbeing, values led coaching, identity after burnout, confidence building, self-awareness coaching, healing through coaching   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever looked around at the growing number of coaches and wondered whether there is still space for you to build a thriving practice? In this episode we explore one of the most common concerns we hear from aspiring and experienced coaches: whether the coaching market is saturated. It is a question often rooted in fear and uncertainty, particularly for those stepping into the profession for the first time. As we reflect on this conversation, we notice how often this question reveals something deeper. It is rarely about the market itself. It is usually about whether there is space for me. Throughout the episode, we walk through the realities of an expanding coaching industry and what that means for those entering the field today. Demand for personal and professional development continues to rise and coaching has become a mainstream development tool across organisations, wellbeing programmes and leadership pipelines. Yet it is easy to feel overwhelmed when every social feed appears full of coaches promoting their services. Decision fatigue is real, and so is the sense of comparison. We share honest reflections on why differentiation matters more than ever. When we understand how we help people, what problems we solve and who we serve, the market suddenly feels much less crowded. We talk about the importance of niche clarity, emotional connection and business strategy, and how coaches can create meaningful impact by aligning their work with their values, expertise and purpose. We also explore fast-growing areas of coaching including neurodiversity coaching, team coaching and group coaching, as well as the shifting landscape created by AI. Some coaches incorporate technology into their practice while others intentionally lean into a deeply human approach. Both routes have value. Both reveal opportunities for growth. This episode is a reminder that saturation is a perspective, not a fixed truth. When you zoom out and consider the billions of people navigating work, life and change, the opportunities for coaching are vast. The real question becomes: how can I differentiate myself within a thriving, expanding market and create the conditions to succeed? If you are curious about training as a coach and want support in choosing the right route for you, I signpost you to the Coaching Crowd quiz, which brings clarity to that decision-making process and helps you understand where you fit best within the coaching world.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and framing the question 01:20 Why people worry about market saturation 03:00 The rise in coaching demand and industry growth 04:10 How niche clarity cuts through market noise 05:40 Perspective, fear and evidence-gathering 07:15 Zooming out to a global view of opportunity 08:50 Emerging coaching niches and industry trends 10:00 The role of AI and future-ready coaching models 11:20 Differentiation through values, credibility and brand 12:45 How coaching training shapes identity and purpose 14:10 Why coaching is now a mainstream development strategy 16:10 Personal and professional growth through coaching skills 18:20 Realism, resilience and navigating industry cycles 19:40 Why demand for ethical, skilled coaches continues to grow 20:55 Final reflections and invitation to take the Coaching Crowd quiz   Key Lessons Learned: Saturation is often a fear-based perspective rather than an industry reality. Differentiation is key. When you communicate your value clearly, the market feels significantly less competitive. Demand for coaching continues to grow across corporate, personal development and wellbeing sectors. Coaching niches are expanding rapidly, particularly in neurodiversity, team development and group coaching. Global demand far exceeds current coaching capacity, creating long-term opportunity. Technology and AI will shape future coaching models, but human connection remains irreplaceable. Clear positioning, professional training and accreditation create confidence for both coach and client. Coaches who understand their purpose and values attract clients who resonate with their approach. Coaching skills enhance leadership capability far beyond traditional coaching roles. Becoming a coach often leads individuals to invest more deeply in coaching themselves, further growing the market.   Keywords: coaching industry growth, coaching market saturation, becoming a coach, coaching niches, coaching demand, wellbeing and coaching, neurodiversity coaching, coaching qualifications, group coaching, leadership coaching skills,   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com  www.mycoachingcourse.com  

Have you ever wondered whether coaching is something you do or something you are? In this episode, we dive into a powerful identity-based question that often emerges when people consider a future in coaching: is coaching fundamentally a skillset, or is it an expression of who we are at our core? We explore how coaching can be seen as an external activity, a profession where we learn models, techniques and structures to support people with their goals. Coaching becomes the thing we do to make a living, with our craft built through continuous learning and development. At the same time, coaching can also be deeply rooted in how we naturally move through the world. When curiosity, deep listening and a desire to understand others feel instinctive, coaching may feel like an extension of our identity rather than a role to step into. We reflect on our own journey, where coaching felt like who we were before it became what we did. We share that, learning the skills came first, which then enabled us to identity as a coach to grow. We've seen so many coaches discover coaching in both directions, and neither path is more valid or successful than the other. We also discuss the reality that coaching evolves over time. As our coaching maturity develops, our presence deepens. The identity a coach holds today will not be the same identity they hold in ten years. Coaching can grow with us as our practice and confidence expand. And crucially, coaches are human beings first. There can be pressure when we over-identify with the coach role. We talk openly about releasing the expectation to embody our coach persona in every moment of life, especially when parenting, navigating stress, or juggling the many facets of running a business. This episode is an invitation to reflect, stretch your thinking, and recognise that both identity and action shape what it means to coach. You don't need a definitive answer. Sometimes the power lies in the exploration itself.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Why we're asking: is coaching who you are or what you do? 00:53 – Defining coaching as a skillset and profession 02:24 – Coaching as identity and a way of being 03:46 – How coaches find their path into coaching 05:12 – Innate qualities vs trained skills 07:03 – Coaching styles, diversity and inclusivity 09:16 – Presence and how it shapes our experience of coaching 10:11 – Over-identifying with the coach identity 12:26 – The energy and consciousness behind coaching 15:21 – Who gets to define what coaching is? 17:16 – Evolution of coaching practice and competencies 18:41 – Final reflections and invitation to explore coaching further   Key Lessons Learned: Coaching can be both a role we perform and a core part of who we are Skill development and personal identity evolve together in coaching practice No single pathway into coaching is more valid than another Over-identification with being a coach can limit our humanity Coaching continues to change and modernise as the profession matures Presence requires energy, awareness and skill, it is not a constant state The freedom to define your style is one of the greatest strengths of coaching   Keywords: coaching identity, coaching skills, what is coaching, coaching profession, coach development, becoming a coach, coaching mindset, deep listening, coaching journey, coaching presence,   Links & Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.igcompany.com   

Have you ever felt drawn to help others navigate the unique challenges and strengths that come with ADHD, yet wondered what it truly takes to call yourself an ADHD coach? In this episode, we explore one of the questions we're asked most often; How to become an ADHD coach. As more people receive ADHD diagnoses, many coaches are curious about how they can ethically and effectively support this community. Through our discussion, we share insights from our experience as accredited training providers and as coaches who work extensively in the neurodivergent space. We begin by unpacking the difference between being a coach who works with clients who have ADHD and being an ADHD specialist coach. That distinction matters, because it shapes how you present yourself in the market and the depth of knowledge you need to support clients responsibly. We discuss why true ADHD coaching requires more than a quick online certificate. Coaching neurodivergent clients demands strong foundational coaching skills and a deep understanding of neurodivergence, trauma, and inclusivity. Ethical practice starts with accreditation, understanding professional standards, codes of conduct, and trauma-informed approaches. We also reflect on the importance of seeing clients as whole people, not as a label or diagnosis. While ADHD may influence how someone experiences the world, it doesn't define them. In every coaching conversation, we meet individuals with careers, relationships, goals, and emotions that extend far beyond their diagnosis. A powerful part of our conversation focuses on lived experience. Many aspiring ADHD coaches are themselves neurodivergent, which brings empathy and connection, but it can also blur professional boundaries. We explore how to honour that lived experience without projecting it onto clients and how supervision and reflective practice protect both coach and client. As we close, we talk about the routes available for coaches who want to deepen their expertise, from our Level 7 Coaching Qualification to our Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching Essentials and full Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching Programme. Whether you're starting your coaching journey or looking to specialise, this episode offers a grounded view of what ethical, inclusive ADHD coaching looks like in practice.   Timestamps: 00:48 – The difference between an ADHD coach and a coach working with ADHD clients 02:35 – Understanding co-occurring conditions and the importance of inclusivity 04:29 – Why short ADHD coach training courses can be misleading 05:47 – Seeing the whole person, not just the diagnosis 09:55 – Accreditation, CPD and what ethical practice looks like 12:02 – The role of lived experience in building trust and navigating boundaries 14:20 – How neurodivergence changes the way we interpret client behaviour 15:34 – Recognising gaps in your knowledge and choosing the right training 16:59 – Celebrating the growing demand for inclusive coaching   Key Lessons Learned: Ethical ADHD coaching begins with strong, accredited foundational coaching skills. ADHD rarely exists in isolation; understanding co-occurring conditions is vital. Lived experience can build trust, but reflection and supervision protect the coaching relationship. Trauma-informed and inclusive practice are essential for supporting neurodivergent clients. True specialism requires depth, time, and commitment, not a quick online course. Clients want coaches who understand their individuality, not their label. Accreditation demonstrates professionalism and builds client confidence. Continuous professional development ensures you evolve with the growing field of neurodiversity. Inclusive language and awareness create safer, more empowering coaching spaces. The future of coaching lies in understanding and celebrating neurodiversity, not reducing it to a niche.   Keywords: ADHD coach, ADHD coaching training, neurodivergent inclusive coaching, ICF accredited coaching, ethical coaching, trauma-informed coaching, neurodiversity in coaching, ADHD coaching certification UK, inclusive coaching practice, professional coach accreditation,   Links & Resources: www.igcompany.com/ndessentials www.igcompany.com

Have you ever wondered how people manage to train as a coach while juggling a full-time job, family, and everything else life throws their way? In this episode, we explore one of the most common questions we hear: How can I train as a coach when I already work full time? We know from experience that most people who come to train with us are balancing busy lives, full-time jobs, caring responsibilities, and personal commitments. And yet, many find that their coaching qualification becomes the highlight of their week, a time to step into a space that's entirely for them. We talk about the practicalities, mindset, and support systems that make this possible. From flexible formats and payment options to honest conversations with employers, we share the approaches that have helped hundreds of learners succeed in training while working full time. We discuss the range of formats available, including evening, morning, weekend, and self-guided options, and how learners find creative ways to integrate their studies into their lives. Whether it's fitting in lessons during lunch breaks, listening to content while walking the dog, or negotiating time off work, there are countless routes to make it work. Beyond logistics, we explore the mindset that makes the biggest difference. Training to be a coach isn't only a professional investment, it's a personal one. The moment you shift from asking "Am I ready?" to "How can I make this work?", everything changes. We share personal stories from our own coaching journeys, from completing qualifications with young children to navigating demanding roles, and the lessons that shaped how we now support others through this process. We also talk about the value of employer sponsorship and how organisations increasingly recognise coaching as a way to develop culture, leadership and connection within teams. Many of our learners find that their organisations not only support them financially but also benefit from the ripple effects of their growth. By the end of this episode, you'll come away with practical tools, encouragement and the reassurance that training to be a coach while working full time isn't only possible, it could be one of the most transformative decisions you ever make.   Timestamps: 00:01 – Why most trainee coaches balance learning with full-time work 00:57 – How life commitments coexist with coaching study 02:21 – Flexible learning formats that fit around your schedule 03:51 – Managing missed sessions and staying on track 04:17 – Payment options and accessibility 05:17 – Choosing the format that fits your energy and lifestyle 06:34 – Employer support and building a business case for funding 09:24 – The mindset shift that helps you commit and thrive 10:52 – Making coaching a personal priority 12:20 – Understanding the true time commitment 13:15 – Practising through triads and structured peer learning 14:44 – Why investing in coaching changes everything 15:37 – Finding time by changing perspective and routine 16:30 – Adapting your learning style for flexibility 17:00 – How to make your environment support your goal 18:51 – Role modelling lifelong learning for others 19:17 – Turning intention into reality and taking the next step   Key Lessons Learned: It's entirely possible to train as a coach while working full time with the right mindset and structure. Flexibility in format and timing means coaching qualifications can fit around real life. Shifting your question from "Is it the right time?" to "How can I make it work?" changes everything. Employer sponsorship can create win–win outcome, for your growth and your organisation's culture. Treating your coaching training as an act of self-investment fuels motivation and resilience. Clear time planning and communication at home and work are essential for success. Every learner's journey is unique, there's no single "perfect" way to do it. Training as a coach while working builds powerful habits of reflection and self-leadership. The return on investment goes far beyond career progression, it transforms how you think, feel and connect. Starting now often becomes the most impactful decision for your future self.   Keywords: train as a coach while working full time, coaching qualification, coaching career development, flexible coaching training, online coaching courses UK, emotional coaching, mindset for success, accredited coaching programmes, coaching while employed, professional coach training,   Links & Resources: Take our Coaching Course Quiz – www.mycoachingcourse.com Explore Accredited Coaching Qualifications – www.igcompany.com Book a call – www.igcompany.com/ilmcall

Have you ever felt like your emotions are running the show, as though you're at the mercy of how you feel rather than in control of it? In this episode, we explore one of the most liberating principles in emotional coaching, the idea that: You can choose your emotions. It might sound idealistic at first, yet through our conversation we unpack what it truly means to take ownership of your emotional world and experience greater freedom within it. As we close our six-part Emotions Coaching series, we dive deep into how this principle nurtures confidence, emotional resilience, and wellbeing. We talk about the belief that while we can't always choose our circumstances or the people around us, we can always choose how we respond. This is what we call emotional freedom, being response-able rather than reactive. Throughout the episode, we reflect on how coaching invites people to explore how they want to feel, not only how they currently feel. It's a powerful shift that opens the door to new possibilities and helps align emotions with meaningful action. We discuss the importance of moving from default emotional scripts towards more conscious, choice-driven responses that honour who we are today and who we aspire to become. We also share how this principle comes alive in real coaching sessions: how a gentle "What if you could choose how you feel right now?" can help clients open up new emotional landscapes, and why validating current emotions before introducing this idea is crucial. From building self-leadership to navigating the tension between responsibility and blame, this episode encourages listeners to experiment with emotional choice in their daily lives. We even share a light-hearted story about how this plays out in our own relationships, proof that emotional awareness doesn't mean perfection, but presence, curiosity, and compassion. Choosing your emotions is about living life by design. When you step into the belief that emotional choice is possible, you begin shaping a life led by intention, not reaction.   Timestamps: 00:27 – Why emotional choice nurtures confidence and wellbeing 01:25 – Understanding emotional freedom and being "response-able" 02:18 – Coaching conversations that invite emotional choice 03:44 – Breaking free from default emotional scripts 05:10 – Aligning emotions and action in coaching 06:03 – The power of "What if you could choose how you feel right now?" 07:28 – Recognising emotional discounting in clients 09:45 – Emotional choice as part of everyday self-leadership 11:11 – Designing your emotional experience 13:02 – How to introduce emotional choice safely in coaching 15:12 – Projection, resistance, and emotional responsibility 17:51 – Balancing ownership with compassion 18:48 – Emotional choice as liberation and empowerment 19:17 – How to learn more through our accredited programmes   Key Lessons Learned: Emotional choice begins with awareness, recognising you can shift how you feel opens the door to freedom. Coaching creates a unique space where people can explore how they want to feel, not only how they currently feel. Emotional freedom means moving from reaction to response, from script to self-leadership. Taking ownership of your emotions enhances confidence and wellbeing, especially when life feels uncertain. Introducing emotional choice requires sensitivity, timing and compassion are key to helping clients embrace it. Living by emotional design means choosing alignment between feeling, thinking, and doing. Responsibility brings freedom; when we own our emotions, we access choice, growth, and empowerment.   Keywords: emotional freedom, emotions coaching, choosing emotions, emotional intelligence, self-leadership, coaching skills, personal growth, mindset coaching, emotional resilience, emotional awareness   Links: Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training (ICF accredited): www.igcompany.com/emotionscoaching  Coaching Qualifications and Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com