
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

Oct 14, 2024 • 33min
Navigating Client Cancelations: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 221
What do you do when a client continues to cancel their meetings with you? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. Elena demonstrates practical strategies through three role-playing scenarios with Cary, a former teacher. This episode is a must-listen for coaches seeking to enhance their confidence and effectiveness in building productive client relationships.Notable moments: 02:20 Scenario 1: New Teacher Struggles11:19 Scenario 2: Fourth-Year Teacher Overwhelm21:51 Scenario 3: Resistance to Coaching28:16 Final Thoughts and DebriefOpportunities for continued learning: Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: October Skill Session When You’re Not Clicking With a Client Attend a The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with Elena Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Become a Bright Morning Member Become a Friend of the Podcast Reflection questions: Which coaching moves did you hear Elena make in each of these three situations? What questions or ideas are you taking away from this episode? Which of the three scenarios would be the most challenging for you to coach? Why is that? What is one step you could take this week to prepare yourself to navigate this more confidently? Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn. Follow Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn.Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptBE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Oct 7, 2024 • 23min
Using the Gaps Framework: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 220
Elena coaches a teacher experiencing frustration after a failed family night in her classroom. She introduces the Gaps Framework to support the teacher in identifying what gaps might have contributed to the disappointing experience, considering both the families and the teacher’s potential needs. The Gaps Framework is designed to expand perspective and identify potential pathways forward, empowering teachers to tackle their areas for growth. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastThe Gaps Framework (free tool)Opportunities for continued learning:Become a Bright Morning Member Read Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingLearning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: October Skill Session Introducing The Gaps Framework in ConversationAttend a The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with ElenaReflection questions: If you have used the Gaps Framework with coaching clients before, how was your introduction and use similar and different from Elena’s?If you haven’t used the Gaps Framework with coaching clients before, what would you need to feel confident doing so?Elena had her client start by diagnosing the gaps families might be experiencing. Why do you think she took this approach?Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn. Follow Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn.Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptBE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Oct 1, 2024 • 25min
How to Open and Close a Coaching Conversation: Episode 219
Running short on time in your coaching conversations? This episode is for you. Elena, playing the role of a school-based coach, demonstrates how to deftly navigate through the three phases of a coaching conversation—beginning, middle, and end—using skills from her “Arc of a Coaching Conversation” Skill Session. Set your timer and listen in to learn how to open and close your meetings in just five minutes. Notable Moments:00:00 Introduction to the Bright Morning Podcast00:56 Demonstration Setup: Coaching Conversation Phases02:30 Role-Playing the Opening of the Coaching Conversation09:46 Debriefing the Role-Play15:52 Role-Playing the Closing of the Coaching Conversation23:20 Final Thoughts and ResourcesOpportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning MemberRead Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingLearning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: September Skill Session “The Arc of a Coaching Conversation”Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: Coaching Demonstration Vault.Watch coaching demonstrations, including a full video of the conversation heard in this episode, as well as an alternative version where Elena navigates a client who is emotionally activated and doesn’t want to transition to the next phase of the coaching conversationAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with ElenaBecome a Friend of the PodcastReflection questions:What moves did Elena make to build trust and connection between her and her client?What moves did you hear Elena make that built teacher agency?How did this demonstration compare to how you open and close your conversations?Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn and Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptBE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Sep 23, 2024 • 23min
Navigating First Observation Nerves: Episode 218
If you’re leading classroom observations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Elena, playing the role of school-based coach, demonstrates how to navigate a client resistant to a classroom observation early in the year.This coaching demonstration is an extension of our “Preparing for Your First Observation” Skill Session in the Learning Library. Learn more below.Notable moments:00:29 Setting Up the Coaching Demonstration02:38 Starting the Coaching Conversation03:13 Addressing Nervousness and Concerns05:02 Exploring the Benefits of Observation16:10 Debriefing the Coaching Session20:38 Resources for CoachesOpportunities for continued learning:The First 10 Minutes of Your Coaching Conversation (free tool)Read Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingLearning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: September Skill Session “Preparing for Your First Observation”Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: Coaching Demonstration Vault.Watch coaching demonstrations, including a full video of the conversation heard in this episodeAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with ElenaBecome a Bright Morning MemberBecome a Friend of the Podcast Reflection questions: What coaching moves did you hear Elena make in this conversation?What is one coaching move you would like to try in your next coaching conversation?Elena explicitly states that she is nudging her client to proceed with the observation. What was your reaction to this level of transparency? Is this something you do/would do in your coaching conversations?Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn and Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptBE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Sep 16, 2024 • 19min
The Getting-to-Know-You Conversation: Episode 217
Elena demonstrates how to facilitate an impactful getting-to-know-you portion of a coaching conversation. Playing the role of a school-based coach working with a new coaching client, she models how to integrate a client’s core values into the discussion, learn more about their past experience, and set the tone for openness and connection. And she does it all in less than 15 minutes. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: September Skill Session “Getting to Know Your Clients” Attend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with Elena Reflection questions: What moves did you hear Elena make that would contribute to building trust in this relationship? What questions did Elena ask that you would like to use in your getting-to-know-you conversations? What was new or different from what you might have done in conversations similar to this? Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!As a Bright Morning Member, you get a front-row seat to see the process of Transformational Coaching unfold during live coaching demonstrations by our presenters and the training and practice time you need to transform your skills and impact. Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Sep 9, 2024 • 41min
Aligning Expectations Between Coach and Admin: Episode 216
In this episode, Elena (playing the role of school-based coach) and Mike (playing the role of her admin) explore the introduction of a new coaching model within a school district. They discuss the definition and goals of coaching, teacher development strategies, and the implementation of PD cycles. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning coaching with broader school priorities. Key topics include the balance between maintaining confidentiality in coaching relationships, ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation, and fostering a supportive environment for both novice and veteran teachers. The discussion also touches on the need for clear measures of success for the coach and the importance of aligning coaching strategies with desired student outcomes to create positive, intentional, and strategic impacts in the school community. At the end of the conversation, Elena and Mike “pull back the curtain” and share their reflections. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning member Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: “Partnering with Admin” Skill Session. In ~35 minutes, Elena teaches you what you need to know and provides the resources you need to operate with shared expectations from day one. Reflection questions: What ideas did this conversation spark about what you need to discuss with your admin? What parts of this conversation reinforced your understanding of what is required for a strong coach/admin relationship? Were there parts of this conversation that raised questions for you that signal you need to learn more? What next step(s) might you take? Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Sep 2, 2024 • 27min
Designing Impactful Coaching Goals: Episode 215
The number one way to make every conversation count is to have a clearly defined coaching goal that matters for students that you and your client are aligned on. In this episode, Elena, playing the role of school-based coach, demonstrates how to lead a conversation with a client where you move from a school-wide directive to a specific goal that motivates an individual client.This coaching demonstration is an extension of our Determining Your Coaching Focus/Goals skill session in the Learning Library. Learn more below.Opportunities for continued learning: The First 10 Minutes of Your Coaching Conversation (free tool) Become a Bright Morning Member Read Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: September Skill Session “Determining Your Coaching Focus/Goals” Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC: Coaching Demonstration VaultWatch coaching demonstrations, including a full video of the conversation heard in this episodeAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop with Elena Become a Friend of the Podcast Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn. follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedIn. and receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Become a Bright Morning Member!Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Aug 26, 2024 • 6min
Crafting Your Personal Vision for the School Year: Episode 214
The beginning of the school year is the ideal time to ground yourself in who you want and need to be in your role this year. Elena provides two exercises to help coaches and school leaders start the year with the clarity they need to thrive. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member “Crafting Your Personal Vision” Skill Session (Learning Library)Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Reflection questions: What kind of specific outcomes, results, or data would indicate that you were an effective coach/leader/fill-in-the-blank this year?Who do the people you support need you to be this year? What analogy aligns most with who you want and need to be this year?Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.If you would like to support the show and enable us to invest additional resources into providing more polished transcripts, you can do so by becoming a Friend of the Show. Episode TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Aug 19, 2024 • 7min
Six Things Coaches Need to Know Before School Starts: Episode 213
Unclear expectations are a recipe for resentment. Elena shares how coaches and admin can align from day zero and the six things to cover in a beginning-of-the-year meeting. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Reflection questions: Who do you want to be in your beginning-of-the-year coach/admin conversation? What do you need to know by the end of your beginning-of-the-year coach/admin conversation? What feels hard about having this conversation? What feels easy? Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedInReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!As a Bright Morning Member, you get a front-row seat to see the process of Transformational Coaching unfold during live coaching demonstrations by our presenters and the training and practice time you need to transform your skills and impact. Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

Aug 12, 2024 • 7min
Determining Your Schedule for the School Year: Episode 212
Trying to do all the things is a recipe for burnout. Elena shares considerations for how to create a weekly schedule that sets you up to thrive as a Transformational Coach. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Reflection questions: Do you have a weekly schedule? If not, what is holding you back? If so, does it prioritize the most high-leverage activities?What questions would you need to get answered to have a weekly schedule you feel confident in? Who has those answers?Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedIn Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!As a Bright Morning Member, you get a front-row seat to see the process of Transformational Coaching unfold during live coaching demonstrations by our presenters and the training and practice time you need to transform your skills and impact.Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.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 TranscriptLISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!