257: Power Dynamics in Coaching Supervision: Naming, Navigating and Sharing It
Release Date: 08/25/2025
The AC Podcast
Welcome back to another episode of our Day in the Life podcast series, where we meet real coaches living real lives. In this inspiring conversation, host Maxine Bell sits down with Conny Weyrich, an arts-based and trauma-informed coach from Melbourne, Australia. Conny shares her remarkable mid-life journey from a corporate career in marketing and consultancy to art therapy, and ultimately into the world of coaching. Her story offers valuable insights for coaches and supervisors who are curious about weaving creativity, compassion, and trauma-awareness into their practice. In this...
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Can we truly make coaching spaces inclusive? This powerful closing episode of our Coaching Supervision Uncovered series invites you into a dynamic panel conversation on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in coaching supervision. Host Helen O’Grady is joined by master coaches Shruti Sonthalia, Dumi Magadlela and Claire Pedrick as they unpack how supervision can become a sacred space for reflection, authenticity, and growth. Together, they explore how supervisors can model courage, examine safety, shame and co-design spaces where vulnerability becomes a strength...
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How does power truly manifest in coaching supervision? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady sits down with executive coach and supervisor, Shruti Sonthalia to unpack the often overlooked but critical dimension of power in supervision. Together, they explore how power is an inherent element of all human relationships and why acknowledging its presence is essential for supervisors, coaches, and leaders. From "power over" and "power under" to cultivating shared power, this episode dives deep into the ways identity, privilege, and cultural context influence supervision relationships. ...
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What if coach supervision wasn’t just about reflecting—but about completely rethinking how you grow? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Crosse about how coach supervision can foster real coach development – a dynamic, critically reflexive practice that meets coaches exactly where they are. Drawing on her research, Elizabeth introduces a practical typology for growth through three distinct lenses: the craft of coaching, self-work (the internal work) and the art of coaching (the external learning that comes through coaching). Together, they explore the...
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In this episode, host, Helen O’Grady is joined by Michelle Lucas, an accredited Master Executive Coach and Supervisor, who explores the vital role of reflective practice in coaching supervision. She clarifies the definition of reflection and reflexivity in coaching; it’s iterative nature and application in various contexts. Michelle discusses the three methods of reflection: self-supervision, peer supervision and professional supervision and the challenges coaches face in engaging reflective practice. She explains how to recognise individual reflective practices and addresses the...
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In this insightful episode, host Helen O’Grady and guest Jo Birch, an award-winning supervisor and executive coach, explore the complexities of mental health in coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of clear contracts, boundaries, and competence when addressing mental health issues, the challenges of confidentiality, and the need for self-awareness and reflection on personal beliefs about mental health. The conversation highlights the value of supervision as a safe and reflective space, the misunderstandings around mental health, and the necessity for coaches and supervisors...
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In this fascinating episode, host Helen O’Grady is joined by executive coach and coach supervisor Neel Arya to talk about developmental artistry - a creative, embodied approach to coaching and supervision and its relevance in times of significant change. Neel explains how this philosophy, co-developed with Carissa Bub, encourages practitioners to embrace uncertainty, experimentation, and the exploration of liminal spaces – the ‘messy middle’ of growth - and their significance in the developmental process. Neel explains cultural dimensions and individual personality's influence on the...
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In this episode, host, Helen O’Grady interviews ADHD coach and trainer Katie Friedman about coaching supervision through a neurodivergent lens. Katie explains the concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of psychological safety and inclusivity in coaching. The conversation explores the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in identity integration, the need for humility and awareness of positionality, and the value of specialized training. Katie also discusses the evolving landscape of ADHD coaching and her belief...
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In this episode Claire Pedrick, master coach and co-author of ‘The Human Behind the Coach,’ joins host, Helen O’Grady to explore the vital role of humanness in coaching supervision. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and why the supervisee, rather than supervisor, decides if a space is safe or not. Claire shares personal insights on power dynamics, the value of self-reflection, and the ethics of supervisors bringing their humanity to their sessions. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of supervision, the need for continuous growth, and the courage...
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In this episode, we take a deep dive into coaching readiness and coachability, as host Helen O’Grady is joined by Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach and author of two key coaching books. When coaches come to supervision doubting themselves, because their client is not engaged, Clare encourages supervisors to go beyond asking what the contract says, asking a second question, ‘Was the client and their organization coaching ready?’ With this question in mind, Clare explores the difference between ‘coaching readiness’ and ‘coachability’. She emphasizes the crucial role of...
info_outlineHow does power truly manifest in coaching supervision? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady sits down with executive coach and supervisor, Shruti Sonthalia to unpack the often overlooked but critical dimension of power in supervision. Together, they explore how power is an inherent element of all human relationships and why acknowledging its presence is essential for supervisors, coaches, and leaders. From "power over" and "power under" to cultivating shared power, this episode dives deep into the ways identity, privilege, and cultural context influence supervision relationships.
Listeners will hear what red flags indicate power imbalance, and practical strategies that foster shared power in supervision. The conversation also sheds light on systemic dynamics, the challenges supervisors face in balancing relational warmth with ethical responsibility, and the transformative potential of curiosity and humility. If you’re a coach, coaching supervisor, or leader coach seeking to navigate complex dynamics with greater self-awareness and impact, this episode offers a rich and thought-provoking guide to embodying shared power.
Key Learning Points:
· Why power is an unavoidable and essential element of all coaching supervision relationships
· How supervisors can consciously foster shared power dynamic within the coaching supervision relationship
· The impact of broader systemic and identity issues on a shared power relationship
“When you are able to name what needs to be named and really listen to the unspoken, you are in service to both the coach and the larger systems they serve and the power dynamics that might exist in the systems.”
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