The AC Podcast

Welcome to the Association for Coaching (AC) Podcast Channel. Enjoy our educational, thought-provoking conversations as our diverse range of hosts speak with coaches, thought leaders, academics and industry innovators. Listen to our weekly episodes to gain actionable tools and proven techniques to elevate your personal and professional development, boost your coaching business and become a better coach for your clients. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this is your go-to resource for growth and success in the coaching industry. All our podcast and guest resources are available in our Digital Learning Hub, which includes an extensive library of webinars, interviews, and a portfolio of live events to help you develop and increase your coaching expertise. https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub

293: Coaching Psychology in Health and Wellbeing: An Educational Perspective with Lizana Oberholzer 05/04/2026

293: Coaching Psychology in Health and Wellbeing: An Educational Perspective with Lizana Oberholzer In episode 5 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, co-hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif, are joined by Lizana Oberholzer, a coaching psychologist with specialist expertise in education, to explore how coaching psychology can become a powerful part of an individual's wellbeing toolkit. Together, they unpack the distinctions between coaching for health and coaching for wellbeing, and how a psychologically informed coaching approach can help people navigate life's challenges - from managing chronic health conditions to coping with the pressures of a demanding professional role. Lizana brings a rich perspective on how coaching creates a structured, reflective space for individuals to find their own solutions and reconnect with what truly matters to them. A significant focus of the conversation is the transformative role coaching and coaching psychology plays within educational settings. Lizana challenges the common misconception that coaching is a remedial tool reserved for those who are struggling, making the case instead that it should be a proactive, developmental resource that allows educators to move beyond performance to allow creativity into their practice. The discussion highlights how coaching support educators in managing workload and emotional labour, building resilience, and preventing burnout, while also fostering the kind of self-awareness and autonomy that allows people to truly flourish in their roles. Lizana shares strategies for coaches to engage in wellbeing initiatives within education and explores the wider ripple effects of embedding a coaching culture within schools and organisations. When coaching principles are integrated into school communities, the benefits extend far beyond the individual: improving communication, strengthening relationships, and nurturing environments where everyone can thrive. Lizana shares her own personal wellbeing practices and offers practical guidance for coaches looking to make an impact in health and education contexts, reminding us that coaching, at its heart, is about enabling others to drive their own journey and is of itself a wellbeing tool. You will learn: · How coaching psychology can become part of everyone’s wellbeing toolkit, and offer a non-directive, client-centred approach that empowers individuals to find their own solutions and build lasting resilience · The profound difference coaching can make to educational settings, acting as a developmental intervention for educators, teachers and students to manage stress and develop self-awareness · The transformational ripple effects for everyone when coaching is embedded into educational establishments “Coaching and coaching psychology need to play a profound role in education, business, and health, because they can influence, impact, and enable people across a wide spectrum.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/41073070

292: Ethics in Health and Wellbeing Coaching: A Provocative Deep Dive with Professor Aaron Jarden and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener 04/27/2026

292: Ethics in Health and Wellbeing Coaching: A Provocative Deep Dive with Professor Aaron Jarden and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener In episode 4 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, hosts Ana Paula Nacif and Christian van Nieuwerburgh are joined by Professor Aaron Jarden and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener for a rich, provocative conversation on what it truly means to practice ethically as a health and wellbeing coach. Rather than treating ethics as a set of rules to follow, the guests invite coaches to think of ethics as a set of principles that infuse every part of their practice — a way of being rooted in the character of the coach and a genuine commitment to doing right by clients. They challenge coaches to move beyond compliance and toward a deeper question: what kind of practitioner do you want to be? A recurring theme is the tension between respecting client autonomy and the coach's responsibility to promote wellbeing. The panel explores the ethical considerations of sharing information, challenging unhelpful patterns, and holding a duty of care whilst staying in a coaching role. Importantly, the discussion pushes coaches to take their positive duty seriously, including having the courage to reflect on their inaction as well as take action. The conversation also touches on justice and fairness in how coaching services are structured and accessed, the critical role of transparent contracting that explicitly includes wellbeing as part of the discussion, and why a coach's own self-care may be a professional and ethical imperative. The episode closes with a call for ongoing reflective practice and intellectual humility. Ethical perfection, the guests remind us, is a myth: most situations coaches face are grey areas. Ethics in health and wellbeing coaching is about showing up every day with integrity, humility, and a commitment to both your clients’ and your own wellbeing. By moving beyond checklists and embracing a reflective, virtue-based approach, coaches can navigate the complex realities of practice with confidence and care. You will learn: · Ethics is a principled way of being, not a checklist: ethical coaching is about cultivating the character and values you bring to every client interaction. · Autonomy and beneficence must be held in balance. Honouring a client's right to choose while actively doing good is one of the most nuanced challenges in health and wellbeing coaching. · Coach self-care is an ethical responsibility. Your own physical and mental wellbeing it directly shapes your ability to show up with integrity for your clients. "A better approach would be thinking about the virtues I want to instil in my practice and the way of being I want to approach things with." Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40987355

291: Mental Health and Wellbeing: Scope, Ethics and Human Connection with Andrew Parsons 04/20/2026

291: Mental Health and Wellbeing: Scope, Ethics and Human Connection with Andrew Parsons In episode 3 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Ana Paula Nacif and Christian van Nieuwerburgh, and guest Andrew Parsons — a biomedical scientist turned Master Certified Coach — explore what it truly means to coach in the mental health and wellbeing space. Andrew brings a rare blend of clinical knowledge and coaching expertise to a nuanced conversation about supporting people living with long-term health conditions. A key starting point is understanding health and mental health not as a fixed state but as a dynamic continuum, shaped by life circumstances, relationships, and personal history: a reframe that sets the tone for everything that follows. A central theme is ethical practice: knowing where coaching ends and counselling begins, and why that distinction matters, particularly in clinical environments. Andrew explores coaching as a health promotion activity rather than a clinical intervention, the critical importance of trauma-informed practice, and why supervision is non-negotiable when working with vulnerable populations. Coaches in this space, he argues, are not therapists or clinicians, but they do offer something profound — a collaborative, reflective relationship that helps clients develop new perspectives and capabilities to navigate complex health journeys. What makes this conversation particularly distinctive is Andrew's exploration of nature and human connection as vital but often overlooked dimensions of wellbeing. In our modern lives, we have increasingly lost touch with the natural world and with each other, yet as social creatures, these connections are fundamental to how we thrive. Andrew argues that coaches working within a wellbeing orientation are well placed to help clients reconnect with both, and that this relational, holistic view of health is where coaching's unique value truly comes into its own. You will learn: · Heath and mental health exist on a continuum: it is dynamic, not fixed, and shaped by life circumstances, relationships and personal history · Ethical practice, scope of practice and supervision are non-negotiable, especially in clinical or health contexts · Why coaches need to have an holistic approach, consider the importance of connection for wellbeing and let go of needing specific outcomes “Knowing our capabilities and having the appropriate training to be working in this area is really, really important.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40886615

290: Health Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr Pádraic Dunne 04/13/2026

290: Health Coaching and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr Pádraic Dunne In episode 2 of our Coaching for Health and Wellbeing series, hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif are joined by Dr Pádraic Dunne to explore the integration of lifestyle medicine with coaching and positive psychology. Dr Dunne brings the pillars of lifestyle medicine — healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connectedness — to life with characteristic warmth and clarity, framing them not as clinical prescriptions but as common-sense foundations that generations before us simply lived by. Grounded in robust scientific evidence and focused squarely on preventing non-communicable disease, lifestyle medicine offers coaches a compelling and accessible framework for supporting client health and wellbeing. Central to the conversation is Pádraic’s concept of positive health — the point where positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and health psychology meet — with positive health coaching as the delivery system that brings all three together. He makes a powerful case that knowledge alone is not enough to change behaviour; what people need is a genuine, empowering human connection, and that is precisely what skilled coaching offers. The episode explores the co-design approach at the heart of effective health coaching, where coach and client show up as two experts — one in lifestyle medicine, one in themselves — working in true partnership to build meaningful, sustainable change. Pádraic and the hosts also reflect on the broader role coaches can play in health and wellbeing, including the potential for health coaches to act as a bridge between primary and tertiary care, and the growing reach of digital health coaching. A thread running throughout is the reminder that connection, meaning, and purpose are among the most powerful contributors to a long and healthy life — and that coaches, by the very nature of what they do, are already working at the heart of that. You will learn: · How lifestyle medicine provides coaches with a practical, evidence-based framework for health · What Positive Health coaching is and how it provides an empowering partnership for good client outcomes · The quality of the therapeutic alliance, the experience of being truly heard, and the pursuit of a meaningful life are among the most powerful factors in long-term health and flourishing “The two things that help people live the longest with the longest health span are connection to other humans and meaning and purpose.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40783595

289: What's the Difference Between Health Coaching and Wellbeing Coaching? with Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif 04/06/2026

289: What's the Difference Between Health Coaching and Wellbeing Coaching? with Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif In this opening episode of the new Coaching for Health and Wellbeing podcast series, hosts Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Ana Paula Nacif set the scene for what promises to be a rich and thought-provoking conversations. They introduce a central theme that runs throughout the series: coaching is not simply a tool for wellbeing — it is a wellbeing intervention in its own right. Drawing on their extensive experience, Christian and Ana explore how coaching empowers individuals to take greater agency over their health and lives, fostering self-responsibility and a deeper sense of flourishing. A key focus of this episode is the important distinction between health coaching — a specific niche typically situated within clinical or healthcare settings, concerned with managing conditions such as nutrition, chronic pain, or hypertension — and the broader umbrella of coaching for wellbeing, which encompasses emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of life. While the two overlap in meaningful ways (physical and emotional health are deeply intertwined), understanding where one ends and the other begins matters enormously both for coaches working in this space and the clients they help. The conversation draws on positive psychology, evidence-based practice, and the evolving role of coaches within healthcare and community settings. Ethics and scope of practice sit at the heart of this discussion. Christian and Ana Paula reflect on what it means to work in genuine partnership with clients, honouring their autonomy while remaining clear about professional boundaries. Whether you work in organisations, communities, schools, or clinical environments, this episode offers a grounding framework for anyone interested in the intersection of coaching and wellbeing. You will learn: · Why coaching is itself a wellbeing tool · Health coaching and coaching for wellbeing are related but distinct. · Why ethics and scope of practice are so important in coaching for health or wellbeing. “You can't talk about health without talking about wellbeing or talking about wellbeing without considering people's health. But in terms of coaching, there is there is a difference.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40709915

288: A Day in the Life of Selana Kong: The Art of Balancing Passions and Cultural Identity 03/30/2026

288: A Day in the Life of Selana Kong: The Art of Balancing Passions and Cultural Identity In this episode of A Day in the Life Of, host Maxine Bell sits down with Selana Kong — coach, mediator, and music educator — whose life has woven together the cultures of Hong Kong, Canada, and the UK into something truly unique. Selana shares her refreshing perspective on embracing multiple passions without losing yourself in the process, reminding us that progress, not perfection, is the real measure of a life well lived. Her guiding philosophy — "one step at a time, one foot in front of the other" — is a quiet but powerful antidote to the pressure we all feel to have everything figured out. From her work in elder mediation to her deep commitment to bridging generational divides in Chinese culture, Selana brings both personal and professional wisdom to the conversation. She reflects on Hong Kong's evolving identity through the lens of someone who has lived its changes firsthand and speaks movingly about how nature — particularly the landscapes along the border of Hong Kong and China — has been a constant source of grounding and solace throughout her journey. Her transition from music educator to coach and mediator is a story in itself: learning to step back, let go of the urge to lead, and instead create space for others to find their own way. Music remains at the heart of who Selana is — and in this episode she shares a moving story about a village in North Wales and an international choir festival — one that has been bringing voices from across the world together since 1946 under a simple but radical theme: peace and reconciliation. It became a pivotal moment in Selana’s life both professionally and personally, “That was my first experience, actually feeling that I am not Chinese. I'm not Welsh. I'm just me. I'm just who I am because I feel accepted.” It is, at its core, a story about what becomes possible when people choose connection over division Selana’s parting message is, "You are who you are, and you are exactly who you're meant to be. That is perfect." You will learn: · You don't have to choose just one path. Focus on forward momentum and let your unique combination of interests become your greatest asset. · Whether in her mediation work or within her own family, Selana highlights how vital it is to close the gap between generations — especially within cultures experiencing rapid change. Listening across difference is one of the most powerful things we can do. · Self-care means returning to what nourishes you. For Selana, that's music. Whatever your "first love" is, making intentional time for it isn't indulgent — it's essential to showing up fully in every other area of your life. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40629690

287: Small Steps, Big Impact: Why Building a Coaching Culture Is a Marathon with Dr Peter James 03/23/2026

287: Small Steps, Big Impact: Why Building a Coaching Culture Is a Marathon with Dr Peter James In the final episode of our inspiring series on Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice is joined by CEO of HCG Strategic Solutions, facilitator and executive and leadership coach, Dr. Peter James for a rich conversation on the behaviours, mindsets, and leadership qualities that turn coaching from a buzzword into a business-critical culture. Drawing on his extensive consultancy experience, Peter offers a nuanced definition of coaching culture as a living set of behaviours and mindsets woven into everyday leadership and communication. Central to his philosophy is self-awareness — the foundation upon which trust, accountability, and psychological safety are built, creating environments where people feel genuinely safe to grow. Peter makes a compelling business case for coaching cultures, from real life examples, as well as research showing significantly higher revenue growth, employee engagement, retention, and customer satisfaction in organisations that commit to the practice — with some studies reporting up to a 700% return on investment. He walks through the three pillars underpinning his work at HCG Strategic Solutions: executive and leadership coaching, structured leadership development, and transformational change initiatives. Together, these create the conditions for leaders to model coaching behaviours, work through resistance and scepticism, build emotional intelligence, and guide teams with greater confidence and adaptability. The conversation closes with an encouraging message for organisations at the start of their coaching journey: start small, be intentional, and trust the process. Whether navigating scepticism, building psychological safety, or distinguishing between internal and external coaching roles, Peter offers practical, grounded guidance for leaders ready to invest in their people and culture. You will learn · Why self-awareness in leaders is key to introducing coaching into teams and organizations. · Clear evidence that coaching cultures consistently outperform on revenue growth, employee engagement and customer satisfaction · Embedding a coaching culture a marathon, not a sprint – incremental, intentional steps ‘An organization that leans into a coaching culture, you’re not just benefitting or strengthening the individuals within the organization to include your leaders, but then you’re having better outcomes and some studies are suggesting almost a 700% return on investment.’ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40540735

286: The Long Game: Persistence, Resistance, and Cultural Fit in Coaching Cultures with Sandra Cullen 03/16/2026

286: The Long Game: Persistence, Resistance, and Cultural Fit in Coaching Cultures with Sandra Cullen In episode eight of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice, interviews Sandra Cullen, Vice President of Training and Customer Experience at Air Astana, about the airline’s inspiring 15-year journey in building a coaching culture. Sandra shares her extensive international experience in shifting organizational leadership from directive approaches to empowering employees through coaching. The conversation explores the strategic, patient work required to embed coaching at every level of an organization, offering practical insights for leaders and HR professionals seeking to foster a supportive, high-performance workplace. Sandra details the challenges of implementing cultural change, including overcoming resistance from both managers and employees. She discusses how coaching has been integrated into daily management practices and leadership development, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to local and organizational cultures. Sue reveals how Air Astana has sustained its coaching practices at all levels of leadership, as the organization has grown, including a focus on "coaching on the go"—informal coaching moments embedded in everyday work interactions rather than relying solely on formal programs. Throughout the conversation, Sandra highlights the measurable impact of coaching culture on employee engagement, performance, and retention. She emphasizes that building a coaching culture requires patience, persistence, and clear demonstration of value, while also exploring practical strategies for leaders to develop coaching competencies within their teams and scale these practices sustainably. You will learn: · Why cultural context is critical and successful coaching culture implementation must be adapted to local and organizational cultures. · Why ‘Coaching on the Go’ is as important as formal coaching programs embedding coaching into daily management interactions creates lasting behavioural change, - making coaching feel natural and accessible to all employees. · Patience and measurement drive long-term success – building a coaching culture is a long-term investment requiring consistency and persistence. 'I am convinced our engagement scores are the highest they’ve ever been because of the shift over the years in how departments work with their people through coaching.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40394635

285: From Judgment to Growth: Building Sustainable Coaching Culture in Education with Sue Smith 03/09/2026

285: From Judgment to Growth: Building Sustainable Coaching Culture in Education with Sue Smith In episode seven of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures podcast series, host Rosie Nice interviews Sue Smith, Learning and Development Manager at East Lancashire Learning Group, about the transformative power of embedding coaching culture within large education organisations. Sue shares her experience of moving away from traditional, judgmental observation-based performance management toward a more supportive, developmental coaching approach. Through practical strategies including learning walks, professional learning conversations, and action learning sets, East Lancashire Learning Group has successfully fostered an environment where staff feel valued, psychologically safe, and engaged in their own professional growth. Sue discusses how traditional observation and feedback methods, often perceived as judgmental and evaluative, can undermine staff morale and create a culture of fear rather than learning. By shifting to a coaching-led approach organisations can transform their performance management systems. Sue shares practical implementation strategies for embedding coaching into everyday practices, as well as the challenges faced. She emphasises the importance of ongoing learning and development support for staff in coaching practices, and the recognition that building a thriving coaching culture is a long-term journey requiring persistence, patience, and genuine organisational commitment. Sue demonstrates how moving from a performance management mindset focused on judgment and evaluation to one centred on empowerment, curiosity, and collaborative growth can unlock significant benefits for both individuals and the organisation. The episode provides valuable insights for leaders and coaches working in educational settings, human resources professionals implementing coaching programmes, and any professional keen to understand how psychological safety and reflective practice can drive organisational change and improved staff engagement. You will learn: · How moving from a judgemental observation model to a coaching approach learning and development model dramatically improves staff engagement and wellbeing · How to embed coaching into everyday conversations and practices as well as organizational strategy. · Why persistence and long-term planning is key to embedding a coaching culture “Sometimes it takes time to develop a culture, and we want to see results really quickly. but we just need to just continue delivering training continuing to model practice. and then eventually more and more people will embed that culture and culture across the organization.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40326960

284: A Research-Led Perspective on Coaching Culture with Professor Jonathan Passmore 03/02/2026

284: A Research-Led Perspective on Coaching Culture with Professor Jonathan Passmore In the 6th episode of the Building Successful Coaching Cultures series, host Rosie Nice, is joined by Professor Jonathan Passmore to explore what it really takes to embed a coaching culture within organisations. Drawing on decades of research and practice, Jonathan unpacks how a coaching culture goes beyond individual interventions, becoming a default way of thinking, leading, and interacting. He highlights the value of aligning leadership intent with everyday behaviours, and the importance of extending coaching principles across all levels of an organisation—not just within formal leadership roles. The conversation also tackles one of the field’s biggest challenges: measuring impact. Jonathan discusses the current gaps in empirical evidence and offers practical suggestions for capturing meaningful metrics, alongside case study insights that demonstrate the tangible benefits of coaching cultures. The discussion reflects on the evolution of coaching, from a niche leadership tool to a broader organisational capability, encompassing internal, external, and increasingly AI-enabled approaches. Looking ahead, Rosie and Jonathan explore the growing role of technology in democratizing access to coaching, while also addressing ethical considerations and the unique value of human connection. Jonathan shares his latest research into the differences between human and AI coaching, raising important questions about what makes coaching truly effective. The episode offers both strategic insight and practical guidance for organisations seeking to foster more collaborative, empowered, and high-performing cultures. You Will Learn: · A coaching culture is not just about coaching programmes—it’s about embedding coaching behaviours as a core organisational norm at every level. · Measuring impact remains complex, but combining qualitative insights, case studies, and targeted metrics can help demonstrate value. · AI is expanding access to coaching, but human coaches bring unique relational and embodied qualities that remain essential. “For me, coaching culture is not the poster on the wall or what the annual report or the chief executive says that it is. It's the actual behaviours that employees each and every day display…It embodies all of this with all of the stakeholders across the wider system in a way that is about growing development and a win-win based culture for us collectively as well as for customers.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40241225

283: How Putting People First Built a Coaching Culture and Business Success with Charlotte Hurst 02/23/2026

283: How Putting People First Built a Coaching Culture and Business Success with Charlotte Hurst In the fourth episode of our Building Successful Coaching Cultures series, host, Rosie Nice talks to Charlotte Hurst to reflect on her time leading Farsight Consulting and how a simple intention - to build a great place to work and deliver outstanding client outcomes - evolved into a deeply embedded coaching culture. Despite not starting with a grand design, the company expanded from a small tight-knit team into an organisation of more than 140 people, where coaching became the backbone of how quality, learning and growth were sustained. ‘We realized more and more over time that using coaching almost as the like the micro process would enable us to provide high performing people who could work with clients at scale and in a in a cost-effective way.’ Charlotte shares how giving everyone a coach who wasn’t their line manager created space for honest reflection, stronger ownership and real psychological safety. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, coaching became woven into recruitment, project delivery, feedback and career progression. Regular, structured conversations ensured that development kept pace with rapid scaling, while experienced coaches mentored new ones to create a powerful multiplier effect across the business. From navigating hyper-growth to adapting through the pandemic, Charlotte explains why a coaching culture is never the end goal in itself. It’s the mechanism that enables people to thrive, supports consistent performance and results, and helps an organisation stay resilient when circumstances change. Listeners will come away with practical ideas for embedding coaching into the everyday rhythm of work and for aligning it with values, learning and long-term strategy. You will learn · The significance of embedding coaching as a skill within the broader organizational framework. · The four principles Farsight Consulting maintained all through their growth · Recruitment strategies focused on potential and core capabilities rather than just experience. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40163100

282: Why Leaders Need a Coach’s Perspective with Jan Doyle 02/16/2026

282: Why Leaders Need a Coach’s Perspective with Jan Doyle How do you move from telling your team what to do to truly empowering them? In this episode host, Rosie Nice sits down with Jan Doyle, a specialist in leadership coaching and organizational development, to explore what it really takes to embed coaching into teams and organizations. Jan demystifies the idea of a coaching culture, drawing a clear distinction between professional, ‘pure’ coaching and the everyday coaching approaches leaders and managers can use to unlock performance. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful mindset shift: moving from telling people what to do to asking the kinds of questions that help them think, learn and take ownership. Jan highlights the conditions that allow coaching to thrive, particularly psychological safety, empathy and a genuine commitment to growth. She explains that when leaders take a coaching approach, feedback lands differently: people are not only more open to hearing it, but they also understand its purpose and see its value for their own development. Jan shares common challenges such as securing senior management buy-in and overcoming resistance to change and illustrates her points with real-world examples. She also highlights practical strategies and ongoing support that help coaching habits stick, reinforcing her key advice: ask, don’t tell. This approach empowers teams, drives growth, and demonstrates that coaching skills have value not just at work, but in personal and professional relationships more broadly. You will learn: · Why building a coaching culture starts with a shift from directive leadership to curiosity and questions. · How psychological safety, empathy and a coaching style help people recognise the value of feedback for their growth. · Simple, practical ways to embed coaching habits into everyday management and overcome resistance to change. “It's shifting from telling to asking and applying the principles of coaching without being a true coach: about using that coaching approach in the workplace.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40087390

281: From Blame Culture to Coaching Culture: Kuoni Tumlare’s Journey with Felix Gaehwiler 02/09/2026

281: From Blame Culture to Coaching Culture: Kuoni Tumlare’s Journey with Felix Gaehwiler In the third episode of Building Successful Coaching Cultures, host Rosie Nice, speaks with Felix Karl Gaehwiler, an adaptable and pragmatic leader driving Business Transformation for DMC Europe at Kuoni Tumlare. Felix shares a candid look at life inside a blame-driven sales culture—where responsibility was always pushed outward, energy was low, and while people were functioning, they weren’t thriving. The team was stuck, unhappy, and disconnected. Change began when a new Head of Sales, Tim, introduced a coaching-led approach. Rather than giving solutions, Tim first listened—to frustrations, complaints, and concerns—and then asked different questions that challenged individuals and teams to take ownership: “What ideas do you have to solve that?” Felix recalls how challenging this felt at first and how it took him on his own journey, confronting his resistance until he could see the approach working and eventually train as a coach himself. The conversation explores how coaching shifted accountability, relationships, and performance over time, while also highlighting the ongoing effort required to sustain a coaching mindset amid leadership changes, cross-cultural teams, and hybrid working. This episode is a grounded, human exploration of what coaching really looks like inside organisations—messy, challenging, and ultimately transformative. You will learn: · Blame cultures can appear functional while masking stagnation, disengagement, and low accountability. · Listening and curiosity are a key part of building a coaching culture · The powerful shifts that occur over time when a coaching culture is built into organizations ‘I think a coaching culture exists when people feel safe to develop new ideas, but even more, when they feel safe to give and accept feedback, irrespective of position or title.’ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: -blame-culture-coaching-organizations **Join us for the - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/40008005

280: Transforming Sales with Coaching: Insights from L'Oréal 02/02/2026

280: Transforming Sales with Coaching: Insights from L'Oréal The second episode of Building Successful Coaching Cultures explores what it really takes to embed a coaching culture inside a high-performance sales environment. Host Rosie Nice is joined by Jo Richards, Head of Education at L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty, who shares her first-hand experience of shifting sales leadership from a traditional, directive management style to a sustainable coaching-led approach. Together, they unpack the realities of introducing coaching within fast-paced, target-driven teams—without compromising commercial results. Jo discussed the cultural and practical challenges faced when embedding coaching at scale, from gaining senior stakeholder buy-in to supporting middle managers as they develop new coaching capabilities. She explains how a clear vision and the MAGIC coaching model helped them weave coaching conversations into everyday sales practice, performance management, and team leadership. The conversation highlights how engaging every level of the organisation is critical to building trust, accountability, and long-term career development. This episode is packed with practical insights for leaders, coaches, and organisations looking to build a strong coaching culture that drives both people development and business performance. Jo shares actionable advice on training managers, sustaining momentum through ongoing learning, and balancing coaching with ambitious sales targets—demonstrating how coaching can enhance team dynamics, strengthen relationships, and support consistent high performance over time. You will learn: · How to successfully transition from directive management to a coaching-based leadership approach in high-performance sales teams · The business and people benefit of introducing a coaching culture in the workplace · Practical ways to integrate coaching into everyday leadership and performance conversations “The goal is still the same. You need to hit your sales targets—nothing changes, just your approach.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: **Join us for the AC 2026 Global Conference: - a two-day virtual event for leaders and coaches who want to build thriving, high-performing organizations. /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39922190

279: Empowering Performance: Building a Coaching Culture from the Ground Up 01/26/2026

278: A Day in the Life of Amanda Pennington and Chris Bibbo: Inside Their Shared Life and Coaching Practice 01/19/2026

278: A Day in the Life of Amanda Pennington and Chris Bibbo: Inside Their Shared Life and Coaching Practice In this episode of our A Day in the Life series, host Maxine Bell interviews new coaches and life partners Amanda Pennington and Chris Bibbo. They share their journeys into coaching after long careers in the nonprofit sector and reflect on how coaching supported them through major life transitions, including a bold move from the USA to Portugal. The conversation offers an honest, inspiring look at how coaching helped them navigate uncertainty, personal change, and professional reinvention. Amanda and Chris also speak candidly about the realities of building a coaching practice, from attracting clients to hosting their first live offering, the Life Blueprint Workshop, where they found immense joy witnessing their clients’ breakthroughs. They explore the emotional heart of coaching, emphasizing self-awareness, courage and compassion to help clients find purpose and meaning in their lives. Their story highlights how coaching is not only a professional path but a powerful tool for resilience, growth, and meaningful connection — for both clients and coaches. Amanda and Chris’s warmth and passion for coaching will encourage new coaches, enthuse experienced coaches and ignite those of you looking for authentic, meaningful coaching. You will learn: · Coaching is an impactful, supportive tool for courage and resilience in life transitions. · Building a coaching business requires persistence, experimentation, and a willingness to learn through doing. · How coaching assists, us to listen to our courageous hearts, and not just our ‘monkey minds.’ 'Seeing a client’s life open up brings me so much life. It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of that.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39739950

277: Reflections on our 2025 Podcasts 01/12/2026

276: Why Love Matters in Coaching with Helena Clayton 01/05/2026

276: Why Love Matters in Coaching with Helena Clayton In this solo closing episode of the Love in Coaching series, Helena Clayton weaves together the key themes from previous conversations, reflecting on how coaching is evolving beyond performance-driven outcomes towards deeper, more human-centred practice. She explores the importance of coaches doing their own inner work — developing self-awareness and understanding how personal histories and relationships with love shape the way we coach. Helena considers the ethical and relational implications of bringing love into coaching, including flexible contracting, empathy, and the courage required to work more boldly in organisational contexts. She also reflects on gender dynamics, particularly the role of men supporting men in this work and invites coaches to consider whether explicitly naming love is necessary — or whether it can be embodied through practice. The episode widens the lens to include broader social, global, and spiritual perspectives, highlighting love’s connection to meaning and presence in coaching. The episode concludes with practical reflections on how love can be embodied through care, deep listening, and acceptance, alongside book, podcast, and workshop recommendations and an invitation for listener engagement — affirming love’s growing significance in coaching practice and the wider world. You will learn · How coaching has evolved from performance focused to deeper explorations of identity, meaning and human connection and why love is involved · Why coach’s self-awareness and inner work are essential to understanding how love shows up in practice · Bringing love into coaching requires ethical courage, relational sensitivity and awareness of wider social and spiritual contexts “I have a feeling that conversations about love are the most important ones to be having right now.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39565180

275: Tenderness, Mutuality, Bravery: Redefining Coaching Relationships with Ian Mitchell 12/29/2025

274: Love, Stillness, and Spirituality in Coaching with Aboodi Shabi 12/22/2025

274: Love, Stillness, and Spirituality in Coaching with Aboodi Shabi In episode four of our Love in Coaching series, host Helena Clayton speaks with veteran coach and educator Aboodi Shabi about love and spirituality in coaching. They explore how the profession has evolved from a performance-driven model to one that embraces the full depth of human experience. Aboodi shares why love—expressed as compassion, presence, and genuine care—is central to transformative coaching in the current world we live in, and how spirituality can provide grounding and insight for both coach and client. He also discusses the courage required to bring these themes into organizational contexts that often focus more on productivity than humanity. Aboodi emphasizes the importance of coaches doing their own inner work, humility and holding space for clients’ full selves. Helena and Aboodi examine the importance of vulnerability, creating space for silence and stillness, and embracing diversity and inclusion in practice. They also contrast human coaching with AI-driven models, highlighting that authentic presence and heartfelt connection remain irreplaceable. This episode offers inspiration and practical insight for coaches seeking to integrate love, spirituality, and deeper human awareness into their work. You will learn: · Why love is foundational to modern coaching · Why coaches’ own inner work is essential to enable them to hold an authentic, healthy presence and meaningful engagement with clients · How it is possible to bring love and spirituality into organizational contexts 'We all learn to harden our hearts to deal with the world, and it costs us connection and love.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39454310

273: Leading with Love: The Inner Work of Transformational Leadership with Amy Elizabeth Fox 12/15/2025

273: Leading with Love: The Inner Work of Transformational Leadership with Amy Elizabeth Fox In this episode, host Helena Clayton is joined by the founder of Mobius Executive Leadership, Amy Elizabeth Fox to explore the field of trauma-informed coaching, vertical development, and the urgency of doing deep inner healing work with senior leaders. As organizations face greater volatility and complexity, Amy reflects on the role of emotional and spiritual development both in the maturation path for coaches and practitioners as well as in the development journey for leaders. They delve into how understanding trauma, building emotional literacy, and developing presence can fundamentally shift the culture of leadership and organizations. With insights from decades of integrating psycho-spiritual development into executive work, Amy explains why examining and healing trauma is no longer optional for modern executives who want to create impact, and how coaches must do their own inner work to serve with integrity and impact. They explore the specific practices for expressing love in the workplace and how the qualities of tenderness, candour, and wholeheartedness can transform leaders and teams. Amy discusses the power of collective healing, the importance of practitioner communities, and the role of authentic story work in building trust and intimacy in organizations. From understanding trauma at an individual and systemic level to expressing love in practical, grounded ways, this episode is a guide to cultivating the transformational capabilities needed to lead in a complex world. You will learn · The importance of trauma literacy for coaches and facilitators · The need to undertake healing in group contexts not just private therapy · The relevance of vertical development in a less predictable volatile world 'I have a strong conviction that the level of emotional immaturity and regression from which most leaders are operating is a sort of invisible pandemic.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39366535

272: Love, Leadership and Men: Emotional Courage and Authenticity with Craig White 12/08/2025

272: Love, Leadership and Men: Emotional Courage and Authenticity with Craig White What if the real turning point for male leaders isn’t more strategy—but more love, presence, and emotional courage? In this powerful episode, leadership coach and host Helena Clayton talks with high-performance coach and men’s mentor Craig White, whose work guides successful men —especially those in their 40s and 50s—towards deeper emotional connection, self-acceptance, and authentic leadership. Craig explores why many men feel disconnected from themselves, and their emotional lives and relationships, and how balancing masculine and feminine energies can dramatically expand a man’s capacity to lead, relate, and thrive. Craig opens up about his own transformative journey and shares the somatic, holistic practices at the core of his coaching, helping men shift from “head to heart” and reclaim relational presence. The conversation dives into the role of love in men’s development, reframing love not as softness, but as a powerful polarity—presence, connection, trust, playfulness, celebration, and accountability and firmness. Helena and Craig explore the value of men-only spaces, the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, and the profound impact of embodied practice on emotional expression. This episode is an invitation for male leaders—and those who coach or support them—to consider how love, in its grounded and courageous form, can fuel personal transformation and more human, impactful leadership in organisations. You will learn: · Why male leaders are discovering that success isn’t enough · The importance of somatic coaching practices in helping men shift from head to heart. · How holistic inner work, balancing masculine and feminine energies, creates better leaders and healthy masculinity "If a man loves who he is, if he is kind to himself, if he accepts himself, then he will be like that in relationship to others." Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39250250

271: Why Naming Love in Coaching Can Transform Leadership with Clare Norman 12/01/2025

271: Why Naming Love in Coaching Can Transform Leadership with Clare Norman In this thought-provoking episode, host, Helena Clayton sits down with coach, supervisor and author Clare Norman to explore the transformative power of love in coaching, leadership, and organizational life. Drawing on their 15-year professional connection, they unpack how love—specifically agape, unconditional love—differs from empathy, compassion, and care, and why naming love explicitly can shift the depth and quality of coaching relationships. Claire shares real-life examples about how coaching and supervision becomes a deeply human-centred practice when viewed through the ‘lens of love.’ Together, they explore the practicalities of integrating love into coaching and the ethical boundaries needed when working with themes that can intersect with trauma, mental health, and personal history. The conversation highlights how love can become a bold revolutionary force in organizations and a catalyst for improved workplace culture and humancentric leadership —while also reinforcing professionalism, ethical rigour, and psychological safety. This episode offers both challenge and inspiration for coaches and supervisors seeking to work more bravely and compassionately. You will learn: · How to introduce love as a professional coaching lens · The importance of inner work for this work - in breaking down a coach’s barriers to being loving · The importance of ethics and contracting when bringing love into coaching and supervision 'I notice an extra notch in myself as I’m listening with love or through a stance of love; there’s just something additive in that listening.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39191850

270: Transforming Coaching Relationships Through Fierce Love and Courage with Marie Quigley 11/24/2025

270: Transforming Coaching Relationships Through Fierce Love and Courage with Marie Quigley In this episode, host Helena Clayton sits down with executive coach, supervisor and trainer Marie Quigley for a powerful conversation about bringing love—courageous presence, authenticity, and deep humanity—into coaching. Marie reflects on her own evolution from traditional, performance-driven coaching to a more holistic practice that balances high challenge with deep compassion. She shares how integrating love not only supports clients more fully but also expands a coach’s own capacity to hold complexity, uncertainty, and emotion. Helena and Marie explore the shifting landscape of coaching in a world shaped by global tension, organizational pressure, and rising client needs. They discuss why clear, intentional contracting—at both the beginning and end of a coaching relationship—is an act of love, creating psychological safety, transparency, and shared responsibility. Marie also offers a glimpse into her forthcoming book, Fierce Love, and invites coaches to experiment with bringing more love into the coaching space. This episode challenges coaches to show up more bravely, embrace relational depth, and use love as an active force for transformation. You will learn: · How actively bringing love into the coaching space along with challenge and provocation can create deeper transformation in clients · Why good contracting is a foundational act of love in the coaching relationship · Love is coaching is part of the evolving of coaching to more holistic, relational approaches ‘If we want to do brave things in our coaching practice and our clients want to do brave things, then we really have to contract for a different approach to how we have conversations with each other.’ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39107370

269: A Day in the Life of Lucy Whitehall: Psychology-Informed Leadership Coach 11/17/2025

269: A Day in the Life of Lucy Whitehall: Psychology-Informed Leadership Coach In this episode of ‘A Day in the Life Of’ podcast series, host Maxine Bell speaks with Lucy Whitehall, a psychologically informed leadership coach whose journey from corporate life to self-employment has shaped a deeply reflective and authentic practice. Lucy shares how she’s learned to love working life again by embracing balance, integrity, and compassion—while navigating the grey area between coaching and therapy. Propelled by her fascination in what makes humans tick, she is a coaching psychologist and positive psychologist whose practice focuses on the deep work – understanding client’s thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Driven by her own lived experiences with mental health and the current stresses of modern life, Lucy believes that all coaches should have a basic understanding of neuroscience. She is a self-confessed ‘geek’ for learning and passionate about CPD, which she believes helps her work with credibility, ethics and self-awareness, enabling her to be her best self as a coach for her clients. Lucy shares her experiences with toxic work environments, and why she believes coaching leaders is key to creating healthy, happy, supported workforces that also perform well. She shares the challenges and highlights of being a self-employed coach and running a business, emphasising the non-negotiables she has about her own self-care. Listeners will gain insights, tips and be inspired by the joy and sense of purpose Lucy has found in her career as a coach and creating spaces for genuine human connection can thrive. You will learn: · Understand the principles and practice of psychologically informed coaching · What coaches can support and develop good leadership · Why self-care is essential for good wellbeing and good coaching practice. 'I never believed I could go to work, look forward to it, and have to control my working because I love it so much.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/39023040

268: Why Creating Neurodiverse, Inclusive Workplaces is Good Business with Professor Ludmila Praslova 11/10/2025

268: Why Creating Neurodiverse, Inclusive Workplaces is Good Business with Professor Ludmila Praslova In this episode, Kate Jenkinson talks to Professor Ludmila Praslova, organizational psychologist and author of the acclaimed book The Canary Code. Ludmila shares insights from her research and lived experiences, unpacking the book’s central metaphor of the ‘canary in the coal mine’ — as a powerful lens for understanding workplace dynamics. She explains how neurodivergent individuals, often more attuned to dysfunction, can serve as early warning signals for toxic environments: arguing these sensitivities are not weaknesses but offer organizations a vital opportunity to detect and address systemic issues before they escalate. With refreshing frankness, Ludmila explores neurodiversity in organizational settings, from poor hiring and evaluation practices to the pitfalls of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts and the value of considering intersectionality. She discusses and demonstrates the importance of ‘inclusion from the margins,’ providing real examples of forward-thinking companies that have successfully implemented neuroinclusive practices. Ludmila shares the role of feedback mechanisms, flexibility, and fair evaluation, and champions job crafting, role modelling and inclusive leadership. Ludmila invites listeners to reimagine workplaces, where transparency, curiosity and fairness create environments where every mind and every business can thrive. You will learn: · Why sensitivity is not fragility but a signal that can aid organizations in creating high performing teams · Why traditional performance management, such as bell curves, do not work. · Why designing workplaces for those most marginalised results in healthier, more equitable and more effective systems for everyone ‘You don't just bring in more of the same by adding neurodivergent people to the team. You bring in different pieces that create a much richer overall talent set.’ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/38935955

267: The Business and Human Benefits of Neuroinclusion with Dominique Stern and Nathalie Meunier 11/03/2025

267: The Business and Human Benefits of Neuroinclusion with Dominique Stern and Nathalie Meunier In this insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson speaks with neurodiversity lead, Dominique Stern and scientist and coach, Nathalie Meunier about how the global healthcare company, Roche, is embedding neurodiversity inclusion into its culture through coaching, education, community, and courageous leadership. Together, they explore how understanding and embracing neurodivergent experiences can transform the employee experience. Dominique and Nathalie share real examples and practical strategies that highlight how psychological safety, active listening, and curiosity can unlock hidden potential and foster a sense of belonging and innovation across teams. This conversation goes beyond awareness, demonstrating how neuroinclusion is a strategic advantage that enhances collaboration, innovation, and business performance. As Dominque summarises, “Neuroinclusion is not charity. Neuro inclusion will directly unlock probably one of the biggest performances reserves you have in your organization.” Gain real-world insights into how Roche’s Neurodiversity Network has co-created a thriving, supportive environment where neurodivergent employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Whether you’re a coach, internal practitioner, HR leader, or senior executive, this episode offers actionable steps to champion neurodiversity and build an organization where every mind truly matters. You will learn: · How neurodivergent employees thrive in an environment of psychological safety, awareness and sense of belonging. · Practical strategies for leaders and coaches to cultivate a neuroinclusive culture — where cognitive diversity drives real business results. · How coaching skills can lead the way to healthier inclusive workplace ‘We create a place of belonging and acceptance for neurodivergent people, we are neurodiversity affirming, and we also raise awareness of neurodiversity at work and advocate for neuro inclusion in every aspect of the employee experience.’ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/38845365

266: Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Care and Purpose with Fiona Plows 10/27/2025

266: Inclusive Leadership: Leading with Care and Purpose with Fiona Plows In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson talks to Fiona Plows, VP of Enterprise Innovation, for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity and inclusive leadership. Fiona reflects on her career journey from a PhD in chemistry to leadership in tech and innovation and how she learned the importance of purpose-driven problem-solving over mere technology expertise. She explains how neurodivergent traits can fuel creativity and innovation, offering both personal reflections and organizational strategies for creating inclusive spaces where diverse minds thrive. With lots of real-life examples and practical tips Fiona discusses the essence of authentic, good leadership: advocating for a gardener style leadership rooted in genuine care, active listening, and nurturing potential rather than controlling it. She unpacks the real meaning of inclusion in everyday team dynamics, from designing better meetings to supporting neurodiverse talent through coaching, mentoring, and importantly, sponsorship. Listeners will gain actionable advice for fostering inclusion in daily team dynamics, navigating leadership challenges without overwhelm and burnout, and building networks that enable both professional and personal growth. An episode jammed-packed with nourishing insights and advice! You will learn: · How neurodiversity is a catalyst for innovation and creativity in the workplace · Why leadership rooted in care will help individuals, teams and organizations to thrive · Why purpose-driven careers are the key to success and a happy, fulfilled workforce “Neurodiversity can be a real superpower; if you think differently, you can imagine things that don’t exist yet.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/38755210

265: The Role of Workplace Needs Assessments for Neurodivergent Employees 10/20/2025

265: The Role of Workplace Needs Assessments for Neurodivergent Employees In this informative episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with neurodiversity coach and speaker, Cheryl Winter, to explore how the world of hidden disabilities has evolved since 2010 — and what this means for coaches, leaders, and organizations today. Cheryl reflects on her journey since 2011, sharing inspiring client stories and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees. From dyslexia to ADHD and autism, the conversation dives into workplace needs assessments, early strengths identification, and the differences between neurodivergent coaching and neurotypical coaching approaches. Together, they discuss the changing landscape of neurodiversity support in the workplace, the importance of using a strengths-based approaches and the implications of double empathy. Cheryl talks about some of the sensory challenges for neurodivergent individuals and highlights how empowering managers, training HR professionals, and fostering co-coaching relationships can create workplaces where neurodiversity can work to their talents with better outcomes for all. Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or part of an organization seeking to do better, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for the future of workplace inclusion. You will learn: · The benefit of workplace needs assessments and strength-based approaches · What managers and leaders can do to provide good support for their neurodivergent employees · Why co-coaching can be transformative for neurodivergent employees and employers “If organisations invested in getting their HR professionals or their occupational health teams trained in neurodiversity workplace needs assessments, I think individuals would be attended to quicker.” Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/38593670

264: Coaching Neurodivergent Professionals: Self-Advocacy and Authenticity with Mike Bedford 10/13/2025

264: Coaching Neurodivergent Professionals: Self-Advocacy and Authenticity with Mike Bedford In this warm and insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with friend and fellow coach Mike Bedford over a comforting cup of Yorkshire tea to explore coaching neurodivergent professionals. Together, they unpack the importance of unconditional positive regard, and the everyday challenges neurodivergent individuals navigate in the workplace—such as ambiguity, masking, and burnout. Mike encourages neurodivergent individuals to be brave and open from the start about who they are and what they need: sharing the transformative role of self-advocacy, support networks, and clear communication in thriving at work. The conversation also highlights the value of individualised approaches to well-being and professional development. Kate and Mike reflect on strategies for managing mental health, recharging, and maintaining balance, while examining how language, identity, and boundaries influence neuro-inclusive spaces. They discuss the role of technology in burnout, and how hidden agendas or vague communication can exacerbate stress for neurodivergent individuals. What emerges is a thoughtful reminder that authenticity, reflection, and respect are essential ingredients in coaching, workplace and leadership practices that truly embrace neurodiversity where neurodivergent professionals can be themselves and flourish at work. You will learn: · The complexities of unconditional positive regard at work · The power of self-advocacy · Tips and insights for supporting neurodivergent employees 'If you don’t know yourself, you’re never going to truly be able to get what you need to thrive.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: /episode/index/show/associationforcoaching/id/38531220

The AC Podcast

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