
The Bright Morning Podcast with 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.
Latest episodes

May 5, 2025 • 6min
Navigating a Client’s Lack of Growth: Episode 239
Do you have a client who failed to make meaningful progress towards their goals this year? In this short episode, Elena guides you through how to navigate these painful situations and provides specific techniques and questions to facilitate productive and compassionate end-of-year reflections.Notable moments: 00:19 Navigating Client Progress Challenges01:25 Facilitating End-of-Year Reflections03:15 Probing for Insights and Recognizing Growth03:40 Sharing Observations with Clients04:47 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the Gathering Data and Reflecting on Your Client’s Growth 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: Do you have a client who has failed to make meaningful progress towards their goals? If so, what is your hypothesis for why that is?If you have a client who has failed to make meaningful growth toward their goals, in what areas have they grown? Be as specific as possible. 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

Apr 28, 2025 • 38min
Core Emotions Tool in Action: Episode 238
Coaching emotions is a foundational ability of a Transformational Coach…and one of the hardest things for many people to do. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Core Emotions tool in an especially challenging situation–when a client is struggling with external factors like the state of the broader world– but is resistant to talking about their experience. Notable moments: 00:23 The Importance of Coaching Emotions01:52 Role Play Demonstration Setup04:01 Starting the Role Play Conversation04:43 Exploring Emotions and Their Impact09:05 Reflecting on Emotional Awareness18:26 Shifting to the Agenda and Debrief18:38 How to Continue Learning Keep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the Core Emotions Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) Attend Elena’s Coaching for Resilience and Retention workshop to learn how to skillfully guide your clients through challenging moments Core Emotions (free tool) The First 10 Minutes (free tool) 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 usReflection questions: How comfortable and confident are you with coaching emotions? Elena shared that most of the time, people share that they don’t want to make someone else uncomfortable; what they’re really afraid of is their own discomfort. Does this apply to you? What is one thing you heard Elena do that you would like to try on in your next conversation? 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

Apr 21, 2025 • 15min
Transformational Coaching Dispositions: Episode 237
Cultivating our way of being—how we show up—is the most important work we can do. In this episode, Elena shares the five Transformational Coaching dispositions that will change your conversations—and your life. Notable moments: 01:18 The Power of Setting Intentions04:37 Transformational Coaching Dispositions11:19 Affirmations for the Five DispositionsKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the Transformational Coaching Dispositions Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching, Chapter 2 for more about the dispositions of a Transformational Coach Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop to cultivate your coaching abilities and way of being 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 usReflection questions: What dispositions come most naturally to you?What dispositions are more challenging for you?What is one step you want to take after listening to this episode? 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

Apr 14, 2025 • 13min
How to Return to Presence: Episode 236
Not being present is a recipe for unproductive conversations and relationships. Unfortunately, it’s a hard state for most people to be in–especially in a world where much is designed to distract us! In this episode, Elena offers practical strategies to help you return to presence when distracted so you can have the type of impact you hope for in your coaching conversations. Notable moments: 01:18 The Importance of Being Present02:31 Defining Presence07:35 Strategies for Cultivating Presence10:26 Resources and Final ThoughtsKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the Returning to Presence Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching, Chapter 4 for more concrete strategies for returning to presenceAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop to cultivate your coaching abilities and way of being 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 usReflection questions: What does it feel like for you when you are in a state of presence?What is a situation recently when you were pulled from presence? How did you know? 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

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
Expansive Listening in Action: Episode 235
Coaching the problem, not the person, is the number one trap that coaches fall into. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can use expansive listening to unlock possibilities and empower your client. Notable moments: 01:12 The Power of Expansive Listening 02:49 Role Play Demonstration: Default Listening11:10 Role Play Demonstration: Expansive Listening22:09 Conclusion and ResourcesKeep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC to access the Expansive Listening Skill Session (and 47 additional sessions + monthly live PLC!) Listening to Your Listening (free tool) Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop The First 10 Minutes 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 usReflection questions: Which of the two demonstrations felt most similar to your current approach? What underlying beliefs and ways of being contributed to the two different approaches? What is one move Elena made that you would like to try on in an upcoming conversation? 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

Mar 31, 2025 • 17min
First 5 Minutes: “Who is a fictional character…” [Replay]
How can we bring some creativity and levity to our coaching conversations? What about helping our clients access their needs? Or connecting them to their power? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. This episode is for you if: Your conversations are feeling a little flat Your coachee is more compliant than actively engaged You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations You like concrete coaching tools! Keep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC for on-demand micro-learning at your fingertips 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 usPodcast 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

Mar 24, 2025 • 12min
First 5 Minutes: “Tell me about a challenging moment…” [Replay]
How do you kindle a sense of power and agency in your coachee when they are feeling deflated or overwhelmed? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. This episode is for you if: Your coachees are feeling powerless or deflated You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations You like concrete coaching tools! Keep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC for on-demand micro-learning at your fingertips 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 usPodcast 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

Mar 17, 2025 • 14min
First 5 Minutes: “Tell me a story…” [Replay]
How can we instill our clients with confidence in their potential to learn and grow? A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. This episode is for you if: Your coachees are drained and/or overwhelmed and working from limited resilience reserves You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations You like concrete coaching tools! Keep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library and PLC for on-demand micro-learning at your fingertips 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 usPodcast 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

Mar 10, 2025 • 16min
First 5 Minutes: “Tell Me About a Place…” [Replay]
A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works, and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. This episode is for you if: Your coachees are drained and/or overwhelmed and working from limited resilience reserves You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations You like concrete coaching tools! Keep learning: Join the Coaching Learning Library & PLC for on-demand micro-learning at your fingertips 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 usPodcast 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

Mar 3, 2025 • 27min
Transformational Lesson Plan Feedback: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 234
What does it look like to incorporate Transformational Coaching into everyday instructional coaching practices? Get ready to see it in action. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to transform lesson plan feedback from transactional to transformational. Notable moments:01:27 Role Play Demonstration Setup03:35 Feedback on Lesson Plans07:15 Reflecting on Independent Work10:02 Planning and Tracking Student Progress16:37 Engaging Students in Their Learning20:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Keep learning: Join our Coaching Learning Library & PLC and learn everything you need to know about incorporating Transformational Coaching strategies into common instructional coaching supports like providing feedback on lesson plans or co-planning. You’ll also find a video recording of this coaching demonstration and a debrief where Elena shares the thinking behind her coaching moves. The First 10 Minutes (tool)Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching to build your coaching toolkit Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching Workshop to grow your coaching skills 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 usReflection questions: How was this conversation similar to or different from how you approach providing lesson plan feedback?What coaching moves did you hear Elena make that would build trust and agency with her coaching client?What is one thing you want to take from this conversation and try on in your coaching 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