Coaching Conversations with Jim Knight

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, Ignacio Lopez and Jim Knight explore how emotional intelligence shapes the way educators lead and coach in schools, particularly as they continue to navigate the ongoing challenges they've faced since the pandemic. Ignacio, who wrote The EQ Way, walks listeners through the five dimensions of emotional intelligence and offers concrete, practical approaches that leaders and coaches can use right away to deepen empathy, strengthen self-regulation, and help everyone in a school take genuine ownership of their growth. What emerges from the conversation is a clear picture of how emotionally intelligent leadership improves school climate and builds the kind of trust and collaboration that helps teachers feel supported and students thrive.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

What is the purpose of coaching?In this episode, Jim Knight reunites with Dr. Haesun Moon, Michael Bungay Stanier, and Dr. Christian van Nieuwerburgh to explore this fundamental question. Together, they examine coaching's role in fostering awareness, enabling real change, and building authentic human connection.The conversation addresses the power of curiosity over advice, the delicate balance between support and autonomy, and how cultural context shapes the coaching relationship. Our guests share practical insights on leading conversations that empower rather than prescribe and why resisting the urge to solve problems is one of the most important things a coach can do.At its core, coaching is a co-creative process rooted in respect, empowerment, and the client's own journey. This episode will challenge how you think about your role as a coach.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

This week, I'm welcoming Kim Scott, author of Radical Respect, back to Coaching Conversations. We discuss leadership, communication, and fostering respect at work. Kim explains her concept of "radical respect," emphasizing dignity for all, and offers practical strategies to address bias, prejudice, and bullying. Our conversation covers tools for safe feedback, handling power dynamics, and supporting vulnerable employees. Kim shares actionable tips like using signals to flag microaggressions and preparing for tough conversations to help leaders and teams build psychologically safe, respectful workplaces where everyone can thrive.ResourcesCHAT.RADICALCANDOR.AIhttps://chat.radicalcandor.com/chat/loginhttps://www.bostonreview.net/articles/the-claims-of-close-reading/Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Introduction to Leadership Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/introduction-to-leadership-coaching/Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

Sometimes the most profound lessons come from unexpected places. I recently trekked Nepal's Annapurna Circuit, and the experience left me with fresh perspective on gratitude, silence, and what really matters. In this episode, Jessica Wise and I share what we're grateful for, from working with incredible educators around the world to precious family moments. We explore why noticing the good matters so much in our work, the value of coaching relationships, and how to recognize and celebrate the impact we're making, even on the tough days.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institutes:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this episode of "Coaching Conversations," Amy Musante, ICG's Director of Consulting, reflects on her favorite podcast highlights from 2025. Amy and looks back at three episodes that really stayed with her. She talks about what she learned from Zaretta Hammond's insights on culturally responsive teaching, Maggie Jackson's ideas about uncertainty and adaptive expertise, and Susie Green's work on bringing positive psychology into coaching. Amy shares why partnership matters so much, what it means to really listen with intention, and how we can support well-being in our schools. Whether you're a coach or an educator, you'll find some practical ideas here that can help you grow and make a real difference with the teachers you work with.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institutes:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

What's the difference between directive and non-directive coaching? Should coaches set the agenda or let teachers lead?In this episode, Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener joins Jim Knight to explore the philosophy and practice of instructional coaching. They tackle the big questions: balancing directive and non-directive approaches, the role of curiosity and empathy in coaching relationships, and how to give feedback that truly lands.The conversation explores why emotions matter in coaching, how small talk builds rapport, and introduces the "crux" metaphor from rock climbing—a powerful way to help clients focus on their biggest challenges.Walk away with practical insights and reflective questions to deepen their coaching practice and better support client growth.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institutes:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this episode of Coaching Conversations, ICG Consultant Jessica Wise looks back at three standout episodes from 2025. Each one pushed her thinking about how we can better support educators and help schools flourish.Listeners will hear why connection sits at the heart of real change and why strong support systems matter so much for educator well-being. Jessica also highlights practical ideas for creating schools where mental health is a priority and where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged.Drawing on insights from our expert guests, Jessica encourages listeners to reflect on their own practice—nurturing relationships, taking mental health seriously, and building cultures where both educators and students can thrive.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about our Instructional Coaching Institutes:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/in-person-intensive-instructional-coaching-institute/Learn more about our 1:1 Impact Coaching:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/jim-knights-1-1-impact-coaching/

In this week's Coaching Q&A episode, Jessica Wise and I dig into one of the most important topics in education today: the role of school leaders, especially principals, as instructional coaches.We talk honestly about what great coaching really requires, the common challenges leaders face, and why authentic partnership matters so much more than compliance-driven conversations. We also explore what it looks like when leaders show up as true collaborators, using evidence-based practices and meaningful dialogue to support teachers' growth.During this episode I also walk through the Impact Cycle, my go-to framework for creating real, sustainable improvement, and share why quick fixes or surface-level coaching won't get us where we want to go.Throughout the conversation, Jessica and I share practical advice, encouragement, and real examples designed to help leaders foster genuine change, honor teacher autonomy, and build a culture of continuous learning that ultimately leads to better outcomes for students.Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Better Conversations:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/better-conversations/Learn more about Managing Challenging Conversations:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/workshop/managing-challenging-conversations/

In this episode, Jim Knight sits down with the brilliant Zaretta Hammond, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. They discuss how teachers can bridge the gap between knowing and doing; bringing the science of learning and culturally responsive practices together to truly empower students.Zaretta shares powerful insights on building students’ “learning power,” developing metacognitive skills, and shifting from compliance-based teaching to what she calls a pedagogy of possibility.It’s a rich, practical conversation about equity, deep learning, and helping every student become an independent, confident learner. Thank you for being a part of our community.Feedback: We love hearing from you! Leave us a rating or comment to let us know what you think.Stay Connected: Follow our podcast for more episodes packed with insights and inspiration.Learn more about Partnering with ICG Consultants:https://www.instructionalcoaching.com/instructional-coaching-program/