

The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar
Elena Aguilar
It’s possible for every coaching conversation to build connection and spark change, and Elena Aguilar will show you how. Elena Aguilar is one of education’s leading voices on coaching. Educators around the globe use her research-based coaching method to transform their organizations. Her company, Bright Morning, brings the ideas in her best-selling books to life by providing world-class professional development to mission-driven leaders. In The Bright Morning Podcast, Elena teaches you how to make every conversation count by demonstrating Transformational Coaching conversations. Every episode tackles a pressing coaching challenge. Resistance. Racism. Burnout. Overwhelm. Struggling new teachers. You’ll find it all here. If you’re ready to thrive in your work, listen in. New episodes drop every Monday. To learn more about Elena, go deeper into every episode, find the resources and tools she mentions, or join one of her workshops, check out https://brightmorningteam.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 7min
Restarting with Intention: Episode 274
If you’re coming back from winter break and want to start this next chapter with clarity and calm, this episode is for you. Elena shares a powerful ritual to help coaches and leaders return from winter break with clarity and intention. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Starting the Year Strong Skill SessionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What are you bringing with you into this new year—and what do you want to leave behind?Who do you want to be in this next chapter of your work?What’s one small action you can take this week to align with that intention?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

Dec 29, 2025 • 5min
How to Re-Enter with Intention After Break: Ep 273
Returning from break doesn’t have to mean jumping back into the chaos. In this special episode, Elena offers three reflection questions to help you re-enter your work with clarity, peace, and power.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLCFree 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: Who do I want to be as I re-enter my work?What do I want to prioritize this season?What can I let go of to move forward with more ease?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

Dec 22, 2025 • 5min
How to Sign Off for Winter Break with Intention: Ep 272
How do you leave the year behind and truly rest? In this special episode, Elena offers five powerful questions to help you reflect, release, and step into winter break with intention.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Elena’s reflection prompts:What am I proud of?What did I learn?What am I carrying that I want to set down?What do I want to remember?What do I need in order to rest?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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What am I proud of this season?What do I need to set down before stepping into rest?What would it look like to come back in January feeling renewed?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

Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
What If They Don’t Want to Come Back?: Ep 271
Dreading January? You’re not alone—and neither are your clients.In this episode, Elena shares how to help educators return from break with renewed clarity, compassion, and a plan they actually want to follow.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Preparing for January 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do your clients (or you) tend to bring into January?What’s one question you could ask to help someone reconnect with their purpose?How do you want to feel in the first week back—and what will help you get there?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

Dec 8, 2025 • 6min
How to End the Year on a High Note: Ep 270
December is a blur—but it doesn’t have to be a missed opportunity. In this episode, Elena shares how to help your clients reflect, celebrate, and close out the calendar year with clarity and pride.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Calendar Year 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: How do you usually close out the year with your clients—and what might be missing?What would it mean for you to end this year feeling proud and grounded?Who in your client roster most needs a moment of reflection and recognition right now?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

Dec 2, 2025 • 7min
Updating Admin About a Struggling Teacher: Episode 269
Worried about a struggling teacher—and not sure what to tell your admin? In this episode, Elena shares how to raise concerns with honesty, integrity, and care for everyone involved.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Updating an Admin on a Struggling Teacher 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What are your current beliefs about updating admin on a struggling client?What emotions come up for you in these situations—and what might those emotions be trying to tell you?What would it look like to navigate this kind of conversation with both courage and compassion?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

Nov 24, 2025 • 6min
How to Bring Your Coaching Skills to the Thanksgiving Table: Ep 268
What if your coaching skills could help you navigate Thanksgiving? In this special episode, Elena Aguilar shares how to bring curiosity, presence, and boundaries to your holiday gatherings—and build connection even across lines of difference.Notable moments: Keep learning: Free 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do you typically carry into holiday gatherings—and where do they come from?What coaching skills or stances could support you this week?What’s one small action you can take to feel more grounded during your Thanksgiving meal?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

Nov 17, 2025 • 7min
Should I Be Taking Notes?: Episode 267
Are you taking too many notes—or none at all?In this episode, Elena offers a practical and powerful approach to note-taking during coaching conversations. Learn how to take notes that build trust, strengthen your memory, and support your impact.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Note-Taking During Coaching Conversations 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s your current approach to note-taking—and how’s it working for you?What worries or assumptions do you hold about taking notes during a session?What small change could you make this week to align your note-taking with your values as a coach?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

Nov 10, 2025 • 8min
What Just Happened in that Conversation?: Episode 266
You coached. Now what? In this episode, Elena explains why the moments after a coaching conversation are where your growth lives. Learn how to build a reflection habit that helps you get better—fast.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC, and start your Reflecting on a Coaching Conversation 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s your current reflection routine—if you have one?What emotions do you experience after a challenging or powerful coaching session?What’s one reflection question you want to start asking yourself regularly?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

Nov 3, 2025 • 7min
Planning for a Coaching Conversation in 5 Minutes: Episode 265
Do I really need to plan for every coaching session? In this episode, Elena explains how even five minutes of intentional prep can transform your coaching. Learn what to focus on, how to plan efficiently, and why your presence begins before the conversation starts.Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Planning for a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionElena’s starting five:What’s my intention?What do I want them to feel?What strengths do I want to highlight?What stance do I want to take?What’s the most important thing to address today?Free 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:Rate and review usReflection questions: What do you currently do—if anything—to prepare for coaching sessions?How might your coaching conversations change if you spent five minutes planning?What planning question from the episode resonated with you most—and 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


