The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeGet more of Elena telling you exactly how to transform your conversations with our Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about your comfort level with different emotions. Which emotions are easier for you to acknowledge in others, and which ones make you more uncomfortable? How might this discomfort influence your ability to create emotional safety in your relationships?Consider a recent conversation where someone expressed strong feelings. Before moving to advice or problem-solving, did you take time to acknowledge what they were feeling? If not, how might pausing to say something like "That sounds really frustrating" or "I can see why you'd feel hurt by that" have changed the dynamic?Reflect on your family patterns around emotional expression. How were emotions acknowledged (or not acknowledged) in your home growing up? How might this history influence your current approach to emotions in conversations? What small shift could you make to become more intentional about acknowledging others' feelings?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode TranscriptEpisode Transcript (YouTube)

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelGet more of Elena telling you exactly how to transform your relationships with our Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about your natural response when someone shares a challenge with you. How often do you immediately focus on fixing the problem rather than connecting with the person? What might this pattern reveal about your own beliefs about helping others?Consider a recent situation where someone in your life was struggling with something. If you had focused more on coaching them as a person rather than solving their problem, what different questions might you have asked? How might this have changed the quality of your connection?Reflect on times when others have jumped straight to fixing your problems versus times when they've truly seen and engaged with you as a whole person. How did these different approaches impact your sense of capability, confidence, and connection? What can this teach you about how you want to show up for others?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more micro-learning at your fingertips with our Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about your comfort level with silence in conversations. When was the last time you intentionally used wait time? How did it feel for you to sit in that silence, and what impact did you notice it had on the other person's response?Consider which relationships in your life might benefit most from more wait time. With whom do you tend to rush or fill silences too quickly? What fears or discomforts might be driving this pattern for you?Reflect on a time when someone gave you the gift of wait time—when they asked you a meaningful question and then truly waited for your answer. How did that make you feel? What quality of thinking or response were you able to achieve because they created that space?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more micro-learning at your fingertips with our Coach Learning Library and PLCCore Emotions (free tool)Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about a recent interaction where you weren't at your best. Where was your emotional state before that conversation began? If you had taken 60 seconds to notice, release, and set an intention, how might that conversation have unfolded differently?Consider which transitions in your day tend to be the most challenging—perhaps between work and home, or between different roles and responsibilities. How might you build in brief moments of preparation before these transitions to help you show up more intentionally?Reflect on your patterns: What emotions or states do you most commonly bring into important conversations without realizing it? What intentions would be most transformative for you to set regularly before engaging with the people you care about most?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

In this episode, Elena tackles a challenge you're likely facing right now: the frantic race to complete year-end responsibilities while a crucial growth opportunity passes you by. Through an authentic coaching conversation, she shows you how to create an intentional summer learning plan when you're the one who always develops others. Notable moments: 01:19 Context for coaching conversation03:59 Start of coaching conversation 07:06 Addressing Confidence and Cultural Competence11:23 Feedback and Communication Skills16:43 Creating a Summer Learning Plan21:04 Conclusion and ResourcesKeep learning: Start your Coach Learning Library and PLC subscription – the Creating Your Summer Learning Plan Skill Session will help you find so much more fulfillment in your job (and life!) Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: What aspects of your coaching or leadership practice felt most challenging this past year? How might intentional summer learning help you address these challenges and return to school with renewed confidence?Consider your professional growth over the past few years. Where have you made progress, and what areas still feel like opportunities for development? What would meaningful growth in these areas look like?What conditions help you learn most effectively? Do you thrive in collaborative settings, prefer self-directed study, or benefit from structured courses? How might you design a summer learning plan that honors your unique learning preferences while stretching you in new ways?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript 

Elena reveals how those moments when you suddenly lose composure—whether from a colleague's comment or an unexpected email—aren't signs of weakness but powerful opportunities. Discover how understanding your emotional activation points can actually be the unexpected key to greater job satisfaction and professional effectiveness.Notable moments: 00:31 Exploring Emotional Triggers at Work01:32 Understanding and Recognizing Triggers04:22 Steps to Manage and Explore Triggers09:29 Frameworks for Analyzing Triggers11:07 Practical Examples and Applications14:33 Conclusion and Further ResourcesKeep learning: Start your Coach Learning Library and PLC subscription – the Exploring Your Triggers Skill Session will help you find so much more fulfillment in your job (and life!) Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching (Chapter 8 explores triggers) Core Values (free tool)Core Human Needs (free tool) Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about the last time you were emotionally triggered at work. What physical sensations did you notice in your body, and what emotions arose? How might recognizing these signals earlier help you respond differently in future triggering situations?Consider your pattern of triggers over time. Do you notice any common themes or situations that consistently activate you? What might these patterns reveal about your core values or unmet needs in your professional life?How do you typically treat yourself when you've been triggered? Do you tend toward self-criticism or self-compassion? What simple phrase of self-compassion could you develop to offer yourself in moments when you're emotionally activated?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast

Tired of end-of-year celebrations that only recognize a select few? In this episode, Elena reveals how inclusive celebrations that honor everyone's growth—not just achievement—can transform school culture and build resilience. Through practical examples and actionable advice, she shows how meaningful recognition fills resilience tanks and strengthens communities, especially after challenging years in education.Notable moments: 00:28 The Importance of Celebrating Successes02:05 Why Celebrations Matter in Professional Communities03:52 Elements of Meaningful Celebrations05:47 A Real-Life Example of Effective Celebration08:09 Overcoming Challenges to Implement Celebrations10:19 Building Collective Resilience Through Celebrations12:07 Invitation to Learn More13:33 Wrapping Up and Final ThoughtsKeep learning: Start your Coach Learning Library and PLC subscription – the Celebrating Your Successes in Community Skill Session will help you find so much more fulfillment in your job (and life!) Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Think about your own experiences with end-of-year celebrations in educational settings. Which ones felt meaningful and why? Which ones left you feeling unseen or unacknowledged? What might these experiences reveal about what you and your colleagues need from celebrations?Consider the current celebration practices in your school or organization. To what extent do they acknowledge everyone's growth and contributions? Who tends to be recognized, and who might be feeling left out? What small shift could make these celebrations more inclusive?Reflect on a moment from this school year when you felt you were living your purpose as an educator or leader. Who knows about this moment? How might sharing this story—and hearing others' stories—contribute to your collective resilience as a community?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Want to  improve your self-awareness, strengthen your relationships, and refine your ability to make choices that align with your values?That’s what this episode will help you do. Elena shares five questions from her end-of-year reflection for coaches that will help you soak up all of the learning from this year and help you head into summer with clarity and self-appreciation.  Notable moments: 00:43 The Power of End-of-Year Reflection01:39 Key Reflection Questions03:54 Start Your Reflection! Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC to access the Your End of Year Reflection Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!)  Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Did you meet your goals for the year? If so, what do you think allowed you to do so? If not, what got in the way?What do you think you did that had the biggest positive impact on those you coached? Were there any specific activities that stand out as having been impactful?Have you had any big “a-ha” about yourself as a coach? Tell the story of one of those moments. Identify a time when you were demonstrating a core value, when you were really living into it. What happened? What did it feel like? What did that moment teach you about yourself? What have you learned about what you need in order to thrive as a professional? Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

Have you ever been frustrated in a conversation with a manager? If so, this episode is for you! Elena shares how you can use your coaching tools to “coach up,” resulting in more empowered and impactful conversations.  Notable moments: 00:41 Understanding the Concept of Coaching Up01:57 Benefits of Taking a Coaching Stance03:34 Personal Experiences with Coaching Up04:56 Challenges and Possibilities of Coaching Up06:04 Final Thoughts and EncouragementKeep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC to access the End of Year Conversations With Admin Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: Have you experienced a conversation where you think it would be helpful to “coach up?”If you have, place yourself back in that situation. What is one coaching tool or sentence stem that you can see retroactively you could have used to make that conversation feel more productive or hopeful for you? Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript

The peak-end rule tells us that how a person experiences an ending matters tremendously– that people judge an experience based on how they felt at its peak and its end, rather than the total sum or average of an entire experience. That means that your final conversation of the year is arguably one of the most critical for your coaching relationships. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to facilitate a conversation that celebrates growth and builds forward momentum. Notable moments: 00:24 Preparing for End-of-Year Conversations02:31 Role Play Demonstration Setup04:31 Jumping into the Conversation05:46 Reflecting on Growth and Achievements08:18 Sharing Success Stories11:45 Shifting Beliefs and Teaching Practices17:54 Addressing Challenges and Regrets19:56 Conclusion and ResourcesKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the End of Year Conversations with Clients (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) The First 10 Minutes (free tool) Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast  Rate and review usReflection questions: How is this conversation similar or different from the ones you have been a part of in the past? What is one question you want to try in your conversations? Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript