

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

Aug 28, 2023 • 17min
How to Introduce Coaching to New Clients: Episode 175
In this episode, the third in a series designed to support new coaches in the beginning of the school year, Elena demonstrates how she introduces coaching to new coachees and then pulls back the curtains on the moves she makes. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Coaching workshop (retired July 2024 and replaced by The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop)Become a Friend of the Podcast Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ With a Bright Morning membership, you could refine your favorite coaching moves with ongoing access to our live workshops. Learn more & sign up today.Support us

Aug 21, 2023 • 28min
The Six Elements of Transformational Coaching: Episode 174
Today’s episode is arguably the most important Bright Morning Podcast episode to date. Elena provides the foundational knowledge that you need if you aspire to be a Transformational Coach: the six elements that define her approach to coaching. Mentioned in this episode: Books by ElenaThe Art of Coaching (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)The Art of Coaching Workbook (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)The Art of Coaching TeamsOnward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in EducatorsThe Onward WorkbookCoaching for EquityThe PD Book The Art of Coaching Workshop (retired July 2024 and replaced by The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop)Elena’s weekly wisdom newsletter Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Aug 14, 2023 • 14min
The Six Most Important Things to Know If You're a New Coach: Episode 173
It’s back-to-school season so we’re kicking off a mini-series that will help new coaches have an excellent start to their coaching practice. In this episode, Elena shares the six most important things to know if you’re a new coach. Veteran coaches, you’ll also benefit from some timely reminders. And those of you who oversee coaches and coaching programs will want to listen in - some of the things new coaches need to know, need to come from you! Mentioned in this episode: Attend: The Art of Coaching Workshop (retired July 2024 and replaced by The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop)Read: The Art of Coaching Workbook (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)Subscribe: Elena’s Weekly Wisdom Newsletter Listen: Episode 134: Considerations for a Thriving Coaching ProgramVisit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Aug 7, 2023 • 17min
Proactively Mitigating and Responding to Harm in Group Spaces: Episode 172
How do you proactively mitigate harm being done in PD spaces, particularly harm experienced by people who identify with a marginalized identity? How do you respond when harm is done, including in breakout spaces where you might not be present? In today’s episode, Elena answers these two questions and provides you with the guidance you need to ensure you are designing and facilitating safe-ish spaces. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 141: Microaggressions 101Episode 142: Why We Need Affinity SpacesOpportunities for continued learning: Artful Design and Facilitation: Bright Morning workshopThe PD BookVisit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jul 31, 2023 • 16min
Facilitating PD: Post-Event Reflection: Episode 171
The reflection you do after facilitating PD has the ability to transform your approach. In this episode, Elena walks you through the four sets of questions that have proven invaluable to her own practice. Mentioned in this episode: Artful Design and Facilitation workshopThe PD BookBecome a Friend of the ShowVisit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jul 24, 2023 • 16min
Designing PD: Reflection Before the Event: Episode 170
In this first episode of a three-part series on designing and facilitating transformational PD, Elena “pulls back the curtain” and shares how she prepares to facilitate. Listen in for a detailed list of reflection questions that will help you feel confident and grounded as you walk into the next PD or team meeting you are facilitating. Mentioned in this episode: Artful Design and Facilitation workshopBecome a friend of the show Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jul 17, 2023 • 17min
Designing & Facilitating Team Meetings - Part 2: Episode 169
Have you ever led a team meeting that got derailed due to emotional flair-ups?Elena shares the specific prompts she uses in these daunting facilitation moments, and what’s led to the Bright Morning Team no longer facing this common team challenge. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Coaching Teams (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)The PD BookThe Art of Coaching Teams workshop Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jul 10, 2023 • 11min
Designing & Facilitating Team Meetings: Part 1: Episode 168
In the first of this two-part series, Elena pulls back the “Bright Morning curtain” to give you an insider’s look into how we use purpose to drive our team meetings. From 1:1 check-ins, to monthly presenter team meetings, you’ll get the inside scoop into what we do and why we do it. Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Coaching Teams workshopThe PD Book Coaching for Equity workshop Become a Friend of the PodcastVisit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jul 3, 2023 • 19min
Navigating Contagious Negativity: Episode 167
In this final episode of our Hot Topics of Coaching for Equity mini-series Elena shares seven things you can do when you are in a toxic culture, one where there is contagious negativity. Mentioned in this episode: Free Community WebinarsEpisode 68: Take a Confrontational Stance Episode 43: The Spheres of Influence Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us

Jun 26, 2023 • 15min
Can I Coach Here?: Episode 166
“What do you do if you’re coaching in a place where your values are misaligned?” In this episode of our Hot Topics in Coaching for Equity mini-series, Elena takes a coaching stance to help unpack this question and support you in thinking through potential options for taking action. Mentioned in this episode: Free Communinity Webinars The Art of Coaching Teams Coaching for Equity workshopVisit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, InstagramReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ Support us