the Coaching Studio

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart hosts Mary Anna Wright, PhD, MCC—a distinguished leadership coach, communications expert, and former ICF Ireland president. With an eclectic background spanning from marine biology to rave culture and public relations, Mary Anna brings a unique perspective to coaching, deeply informed by her studies in cultural and behavioral change. The conversation dives into her journey into coaching and her transition from academia and communications into a career dedicated to supporting others in realizing their potential.Mary Anna shares the importance of connection as the cornerstone of her coaching philosophy, describing it as a commitment to help clients connect deeply with themselves, their environment, and their personal ecosystems. She discusses the concept of “the seven-eyed model” from supervision, which encourages coaches to consider the larger systems impacting their clients. This systemic perspective, she notes, helps coaches and leaders navigate the unknown and often complex dynamics of their environments, promoting resilience and adaptability.A key theme in the conversation is the power of presence in coaching. Mary Anna reflects on the evolution of her approach, emphasizing how letting go of the need to “solve” for clients allows a true partnership to emerge. She highlights the journey to mastery as a continuous process of self-awareness, humility, and the practice of holding space for clients without the interference of ego. In addition, she shares insights into the growing influence of AI in coaching, recognizing the human connection as irreplaceable in creating meaningful transformation.This episode offers listeners a profound exploration of coaching’s potential to impact lives, both for clients and coaches alike, encouraging coaches to embrace the journey of learning, self-reflection, and connection. Tune in to hear how Mary Anna combines her love for coaching with respect for the vast complexity of human experience.Learn more about Mary Anna on her WebsiteAnd connect with her on LinkedInOr watch her on YouTube Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

On this episode of the Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart welcomes Navid Nazemian, PCC, an executive transition coach and the bestselling author of Mastering Executive Transitions: The Definitive Guide. With a rich background in human resources and extensive international experience, Navid brings a unique global perspective to leadership and coaching. He shares his passion for supporting leaders through pivotal career transitions, maintaining authenticity in times of change, and his journey from HR professional to becoming a coach.Navid delves into his early realization about the impact of coaching, recounting a transformative experience where coaching turned a struggling leader into a highly considered candidate for larger roles within a year. He explains how this revelation ignited his passion for coaching, leading him to eventually pursue a career helping others navigate their own professional transitions. We explore the Harvard Business Review article: Manage Your Energy Not Your Time by Tony Schwartz– This article is recommended for its insights into optimizing energy levels rather than time, an essential read for maintaining executive performance without burnout.Throughout the conversation, Navid and Lyssa explore the nuances of executive transitions, the challenges new roles present, and the importance of proper support systems during these phases. Navid emphasizes the use of structured frameworks and strategic planning in ensuring successful transitions, highlighting how tailored coaching interventions can facilitate significant growth and change in leaders.Navid explains his Double Diamond process:Listeners will gain valuable insights into the transformational power of coaching, both from the perspective of a coach and a leader, making this episode a must-listen for anyone involved in or interested in executive leadership and personal development.If you want to watch the Backwards Brain Bicycle Video, check it out here!Find Navid:LinkedInInstagram Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart welcomes Claire Pedrick, MCC, an accomplished coach, adventurer, and author of Simplifying Coaching (2020) and The Human Behind the Coach (2023). Claire brings a refreshingly down-to-earth approach to coaching, emphasizing simplicity while maintaining profound impact. Together, they explore how coaching can be powerfully simple, and how Claire's journey—like her 600-kilometer trek on the Camino de Santiago—informs her belief in walking alongside clients as they find their own path.The conversation dives deep into what it means to truly “be with” clients, shedding unnecessary complexity to focus on authentic listening and meaningful partnership. Claire challenges the notion that coaching must be complicated, showing how transformative shifts can arise from a space of simple, genuine presence. Her personal stories, including her long history in coaching dating back to the 1980s and reflections on the commercialization of the field, provide valuable insights for both new and seasoned coaches.Claire shared an idea,"thought partner" and "thinker" which blew my mind and has fundamentally shifted how I think about the concepts of "coach" and "client." This idea originated in the work of Nancy Kline, and her work in Time to Think.Listeners will leave with a fresh perspective on how to facilitate transformative coaching sessions by trusting in simplicity, focusing on what really matters, and allowing clients to lead their own breakthroughs.You can learn more about Claire on her WebsiteOr, connect with her on LinkedIn Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

Jonathan Reitz, an executive coach and author of Coaching Hacks, dives into his remarkable journey from television to coaching. He reveals how early broadcasting experiences shaped his unique coaching style, emphasizing the power of listening and asking impactful questions. Jonathan highlights three essential assessments for coaches and advocates for reflective practice to enhance development. He also explores the significance of authenticity and understanding client narratives, making coaching a deeply personal and transformative experience.

In this insightful episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart engages in a deep conversation with Tini Fadzillah, MCC. Together, they explore key themes around professional coaching, particularly focusing on the role of curiosity, presence, and the delicate balance between guiding clients and holding space for their growth.Tini Fadzillah shares her journey toward earning the MCC credential, emphasizing how mastery is not about having all the answers but about facilitating a client-led process. She highlights how crucial it is for coaches to remain curious and open, allowing clients to uncover their own insights rather than steering them towards predetermined outcomes. This approach mirrors Lyssa’s own coaching philosophy, centering on partnership and client agency.Throughout the interview, both coaches reflect on their personal growth and the evolving nature of coaching. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of learning to trust the process, resist the urge to fix, and instead, create environments that foster self-discovery.This episode is filled with valuable lessons for both new and experienced coaches, offering listeners practical insights into becoming more effective in their practice while staying rooted in authenticity and presence.This conversation is perfect for coaches looking to deepen their understanding of the MCC journey and expand their capacity to hold transformative space for clients.Find Tini Fadzillah MCC on LinkedIn Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart welcomes Carrie Sackett, PCC, also known as America's Loneliness Coach, for a deep dive into her unique approach to coaching. Carrie shares her inspiring journey from her first job as a retail sales clerk to founding the Center for Group and Couples Coaching. The discussion covers how Carrie's experience in social therapeutics has shaped her methods for building relational skills, combating loneliness, and fostering emotional resilience. Looking at the role of groups in solving things like the Loneliness Crisis. The solution to people's loneliness is unique to each person. We can't prescribe the solution, but rather, we have to support people to build their relational muscles for their own solution. Listeners will learn about Carrie's innovative use of theatre and improv in coaching, which helps clients build stronger connections and navigate uncertainty in an increasingly complex world. The episode also touches on the challenges women face in the corporate environment, the importance of self-trust, and how mentorship has influenced Carrie's personal and professional growth.Carrie offers insights into the power of social therapeutics in personal growth and the role of playfulness and co-creation in learning and development.This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for coaches, leaders, and anyone interested in enhancing their relational skills and personal growth.Find Carrie on LinkedInVisit her WebsiteCheck out her book, Social Therapeutics, on Amazon Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

Join host Lyssa deHart in this enlightening episode of The Coaching Studio as she welcomes the distinguished Dr. Richard Boyatzis. A luminary in the fields of emotional intelligence and leadership development, Dr. Boyatzis brings decades of research and expertise to the table, offering listeners a deep dive into the science and art of effective coaching.Throughout the conversation, Lyssa and Dr. Boyatzis explore the journey from rocket science to social psychology, diving deep into how emotional intelligence and competencies can transform leadership and coaching practices. Dr. Boyatzis shares insights from his research and discusses practical strategies for helping people change, drawn from his highly influential book and courses that have reached millions worldwide.Listen in as they explore the transformative power of resonant leadership, the nuances of fostering meaningful change, and the pivotal role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional growth. Their engaging conversation is peppered with actionable insights, real-world examples, and thought-provoking discussions that challenge conventional coaching paradigms.Whether you're a seasoned coach, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about personal development, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in to discover how to harness the power of connection, empathy, and self-awareness to elevate your coaching practice and impact.To read more about my guest. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode, host Lyssa deHart interviews guest David Franklin, MCC with the International Coaching Federation, executive leadership and personal coach with over 25 years of experience. David holds a master's degree in leadership and organizational development and is passionate about mentoring other coaches. He originally hails from New York but has lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than 26 years. Beyond coaching, David is a classical guitarist, heavy metal enthusiast, outdoor lover, avid traveler, and a self-proclaimed bagel and pizza snob. He is also married to a personal chef and is the father of an aspiring rock guitarist and songwriter.The conversation delves into David's journey to becoming a coach, starting with his non-traditional education and personal growth workshops in New York. He shares how these experiences led him to realize his desire to help others be their best selves and eventually transition into coaching. David also discusses the importance of coaches doing their own work to be fully present and effective with their clients.Lyssa and David explore the differences between coaching and therapy, with David emphasizing coaching as an opportunity for transformation and growth, rather than focusing on healing trauma. He also highlights the importance of self-reflection in coaching, both for the coach and the client, and the value of feedback in the coaching process.The conversation also delves into the art of delivering feedback in mentor coaching, the significance of behaviorally specific language, and the importance of being non-attached and non-judgmental as a coach. David shares his perspective on the role of a coach in increasing awareness and helping clients see their blind spots. I hope you enjoy the show!Meet David on LinkedInCheck out his WebsiteOr on Facebook Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In the latest episode of the Coaching Studio, Lyssa had the pleasure of chatting with Lucia Baldelli, an MCC and a seasoned agile coach who has navigated the journey from being a software delivery expert to a professional coach. Lucia brought to light her transformative shift from the pursuit of mastery to embracing artistry within the coaching realm. She spoke of transcending the need to get "it right," focusing instead on being present and creatively employing coaching competencies to truly connect with another human being.The conversation delved into the core theme of vulnerability in coaching. Lucia recounted her personal narrative of relocating her family to a new country, a leap that brought about a heightened sense of vulnerability and an openness to relinquish control—a trait she believes is vital in the world of coaching. This personal leap further reinforced her belief in valuing freedom over stability, an ethos that now informs her approach to coaching.The conversation also dipped into the role of assumptions in coaching, underscoring the significance of cultivating curiosity and minimizing biases to fully comprehend the unique context of each client. Both Lucia and Lyssa discussed the power of observable data, such as body language, in discerning a client's emotional state, illustrating how this data serves as a gateway to deeper understanding.Lucia Baldelli is an ICF MCC credentialled coach, co-author of The Human Behind the Coach.Lucia is a distinguished figure in the coaching world, ranking third globally in the Agile space. With over two decades of experience in Organizational Coaching, she has honed her skills in multicultural environments, becoming fluent in three languages.Lucia is the visionary founder of Coaching Outside the Box, a coaching school dedicated to unleashing human potential through innovative coaching techniques.You can visit her WebsiteAnd connect with her on LinkedIn Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

On this episode of the Coaching Studio, my guest is Dr. Frederick Sanders, MCC, the Freedom Architect. Join us as we explore Sanders' journey from a graphic designer to a coaching professional. Sanders shares his transition into coaching after feeling the need for a more impactful career, prompted by a conversation with a friend who was completing a coaching certification. Sanders then went on to complete his doctorate. His doctoral work focuses on performative masculinity among adolescent black American Christian males, exploring the cultic underpinnings and societal pressures of masculinity. The discussion also touches on the broader impacts of societal constructs on identity and behavior, highlighting the importance of self-exploration and the role of coaching in facilitating personal growth and authenticity. We discussed how not only men of color but all people can easily get put in a box of how they are "supposed to be," and together, we unpack the box. This conversation illuminates the power of coaching in fostering self-discovery and challenging societal constructs.Dr. Frederick C. Sanders, an international leadership coach, speaker, and author, has achieved significant acclaim in his field. With a history of professional coaching across organizations like Lyra Health and BetterUp, Sanders has demonstrated a profound impact on leadership development. His academic accomplishments include an M.A. and Ph.D. from the International University of Professional Studies, focusing on ontological and cognitive behavioral coaching. In 2023, he earned the prestigious MCC credential from the ICF and was named the 2023 Gold Winner for Best Executive Coach. Known as The Freedom Architect™, Sanders dedicates his practice to empowering high-impact men of color, aiming to foster integrity, agency, and freedom globally.His book, The Successful Coach Blueprint for Introverts, is available on Amazon.Check out his recommended reading, Conversations with GodConnect with Freddy on LinkedInand visit his Website here. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan