The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar

When your client jumps to conclusions, the Ladder of Inference can help. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Ladder to surface assumptions, expand thinking, and move toward more grounded decision-making.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Ladder of Inference Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library The First 10 Minutes 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 kinds of judgments or generalizations do you commonly hear in your coaching conversations?How might the Ladder of Inference help your clients think more clearly or equitably?What do you need to feel confident using this tool in your own practice?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 hear what it sounds like to coach with the Wheel of Privilege and Power? In this episode, Elena shares a live coaching demo and unpacks how to facilitate identity-based exploration with skill and care. Learn how to introduce this transformative tool and support your clients in building the self-awareness they need to lead for equity.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Wheel of Privilege and Power Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library and PLC  Attend: Coaching for Equity workshopThe First 10 Minutes (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: What did you notice about how Elena introduced the Wheel and framed the conversation?How do you feel about facilitating identity exploration with your clients?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

Tomorrow’s episode tackles a powerful topic: Using the Wheel of Privilege and Power in your coaching conversations—and today, Elena’s giving you a preview. Plus, for this week only, you can go beyond the podcast and into practice. Follow the link in the show notes for exclusive access to a guided skill session from our Learning Library. Elena will walk you through exactly how to build this skill, step by step—but only for a limited time.Ready to move from insight to action? Hit play, then head to the show notes.Keep learning: Claim your exclusive access: Wheel of Privilege and Power Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive 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 us

Tired of coaching clients stuck in blame, burnout, or helplessness? In this episode, Elena shares a live demonstration of how to coach someone off the Drama Triangle—and into a place of empowerment. Learn how to identify the roles of victim, villain, and hero, and how to gently invite your clients into transformation.Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Getting Off the Drama Triangle Skill Session in the Coach Learning LibraryThe First 10 MinutesReceive 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: Which role on the Drama Triangle do you most often hear in your clients—and how do you usually respond?What new language or strategies from the demonstration would you like to try?What do you need to reflect on in your own habits or beliefs to coach others off the triangle more skillfully?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

“This isn’t who I want to be.”If you’ve ever said those words—or quietly thought them at the end of a long day—this episode is your invitation to reconnect with your purpose. Elena shares how a clear personal vision can help you lead with integrity, coach with confidence, and stay rooted in your values—even in the midst of school chaos. If you’ve been drifting, it’s time to realign.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Crafting Your Personal Vision Skill SessionFree community webinars 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 do you want to be known for at the end of this school year? How will your daily choices reflect that?Which of your core values feels most urgent to live into right now—and where are you not honoring it yet?What symbol or metaphor best captures the kind of coach or leader you want to be this year? Why?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

If your calendar reflects everyone’s priorities except yours, this episode is for you. Elena shares why so many coaches feel overworked and under-impactful—and how to reclaim your time through an intentional weekly schedule. You’ll hear a story of transformation, learn what to prioritize, and get practical tools to help you stop reacting and start coaching with clarity and purpose.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Determining Your Weekly Schedule Skill SessionFree community webinars 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: If someone looked at your calendar this week, what would they learn about what matters to you?What coaching activities give you the highest return on investment—and how often do they appear in your schedule?What boundary, block of time, or conversation could you initiate this week to better align your time with your values?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

Your introduction as a coach sets the tone for every conversation that follows. But what if you’re not sure what to say—or how to say it in a way that builds trust? In this episode, Elena shares what most coaches get wrong when introducing themselves and how to craft an authentic, values-based message that lays the foundation for transformational relationships. Whether you’re brand new or looking for a fresh start, this is your invitation to lead with clarity and heart.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Introducing Yourself to Clients Skill SessionFree community webinars 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: How do you want your clients to feel after their first interaction with you—and what could you say or do to create that experience?What parts of your story or identity could help humanize you and build connection with those you coach?What assumptions might your clients be holding about what coaching is—and how can your introduction begin to reshape those narratives?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

What if your admin doesn’t understand what coaching is—or worse, expects you to “fix” teachers? In this episode, Elena shares how to proactively build a strong partnership with your site leader, even when expectations are unclear or misaligned. You’ll learn how to shift from confusion to clarity, reclaim your role, and set the stage for a thriving coaching year. If you're ready to stop tiptoeing around your admin and start leading with confidence, this episode is for you.Keep learning: Claim your free Skill Session: Crafting Your Personal Vision  (Expired August 2025)Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Partnering With Admin Skill Session  Free community webinars Watch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelReceive 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: What assumptions have you made about your admin’s understanding of coaching, and how might those assumptions be limiting your partnership?What specific outcome would you want your admin to name at the end of the year as evidence that coaching made a difference?What’s one step you could take this week to initiate—or deepen—a values-aligned conversation with your administrator?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 of Elena telling you exactly how to make your conversations more impactful with our Coach Learning Library and PLCWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube 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 miscommunication in one of your relationships. How might asking a clarifying question have changed the outcome? What specific question could you have asked to better understand what the other person was really saying?Consider your listening patterns: In which relationships or situations do you find yourself most likely to jump to conclusions without seeking clarification first? What might be driving this pattern—a desire to be helpful quickly, discomfort with uncertainty, or something else?Reflect on how it feels when someone truly seeks to understand you before responding. Can you recall a time when someone asked you a clarifying question that made you feel deeply heard? How might you create that same experience for the important people in your life?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 TranscriptTranscript [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 make your conversations more effective 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 a recent conversation that didn't go as well as you hoped. How might asking "How would you like me to listen?" have changed the outcome? What assumptions were you making about what the other person needed from you?Consider the different people in your life (partner, children, parents, friends, colleagues). How do their listening preferences seem to differ? Who consistently wants advice, who typically needs empathy, and who usually just wants a sounding board?Reflect on your own preferences: When you share something important, how do you typically want others to listen? Does this change depending on the topic or your emotional state? How often do you clearly communicate these preferences to 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.Transcript Youtube Transcript