The Coach Approach Ministries Podcast

Podcast Notes   Episode 475 Cracking the Code of Client Growth, with Adam Witmer Host: Brian Miller, PCC Guest: Adam Witmer Date: July 24, 2025 In this episode, Brian sits down with business strategist Adam Witmer to explore the foundations of creating a successful business strategy. From Adam’s early roots in music and discovering a passion for business to the development of his “Buyer’s Journey” framework (outlined in his upcoming book The Buyer-Centric Small Business), this conversation offers a thoughtful and highly practical breakdown of how small businesses can attract, convert, and retain customers. At the heart of the discussion is the FEEL Framework—Find it, Experience it, Engage it, Love it—which maps out the essential stages of turning a stranger into a raving fan. Key Highlights: Adam Witmer’s Origin Story: Transitioned from a music major to a business strategist by discovering his love for the operational and strategic side of music and band promotion. Importance of Strategy: Many entrepreneurs launch businesses on passion alone, but Adam emphasizes the need for a clear, structured business strategy. The FEEL Framework: A four-stage model—Find It, Experience It, Engage It, Love It—to guide prospects through a buyer journey. Hope Marketing vs. Intentional Marketing: Businesses often rely on hope ("Hope people find us"), but Adam outlines six practical entry points for customer discovery. Customer Conversion & Loyalty: Offering experiences and small engagement products helps build trust and leads to long-term loyalty and advocacy. Takeaways: Find It – Discovery Is Everything If people can't find you, they can't buy from you. Adam breaks down six categories of entry points—from online and referrals to events and PR—encouraging business owners to stop relying on "hope marketing." Experience It – Give Them a Taste Just like food samples at a mall food court, giving potential customers a way to experience your offering (e.g., sample coaching sessions) helps them build trust and see your value firsthand. Engage It – Start Small to Go Big Early engagement doesn’t need to be a big commitment. Entry-level products or services allow prospects to get comfortable before buying into larger offerings. Love It – Build Raving Fans Once trust is established, provide quality, perks, and consistent value to create loyal customers who not only return but also refer others. Strategy Over Serendipity Business success isn’t just about being good at what you do—it’s about designing the buyer journey intentionally so that prospects are guided every step of the way.   Find out more about Adam and what he has to offer, including your FREE resources - visit https://www.businessstrategyschool.com/coach Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes   Episode 474 Getting Real About What You Want Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: July 17, 2025 In this episode, Brian Miller and Chad Hall explore the deceptively simple yet profoundly important coaching question: What do you want? They unpack how naming desires—whether deep, superficial, or somewhere in between—can transform both coaching conversations and personal spiritual growth. Drawing parallels to biblical stories and real-life examples, they reflect on how acknowledging and expressing desires can lead to clarity, healthier goals, and deeper self-understanding. Key Highlights: The Question at the Core of Coaching Asking “What do you want?” often uncovers hidden motivations and unmet desires driving a client’s behavior. The Fear of Shallow Wants Many people worry that naming their wants will make them seem selfish or superficial, but it often leads to deeper, more meaningful goals. Desires as Hidden Forces Unacknowledged wants can quietly steer decisions; bringing them into the light allows more intentional action. Spiritual Dimensions of Wanting Expressing desires honestly before God can deepen faith and reveal truer longings over time. The Three Essential Questions From Scott Adams: What do you want? What will it cost? How willing are you to pay the cost? Takeaways: Naming what you want, even if it feels messy or embarrassing, is the first step toward clarity and growth. Coaching should be a safe space where clients can express raw, unprocessed desires without judgment. Sometimes getting what you want reveals that it’s not what you truly need—leading to healthier desires and better decisions. Coaches can model the unconditional acceptance shown in the story of the prodigal son, staying open and curious rather than offended by a client’s wants. Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 473 It’s Not Just Complicated It’s Complex w/ Dr. Kevin Krosley Host: Brian Miller, PCCGuest: Dr. Kevin Krosley, CCLC, PhD Date: July 10, 2025 Brian Miller from Coach Approach Ministries talks with Kevin Krosley of Catalyst Leadership about the Complexity-Capacity Gap—a framework for understanding why some leaders or organizations struggle to keep up with the demands of their environment. They explore what makes an organization complex versus complicated, how leaders’ individual and collective capacities can match (or fail to match) their challenges, and practical ways to assess and improve organizational effectiveness. Key Highlights Complex vs. Complicated Work Simple tasks are easy and repeatable. Complicated tasks are multi-step but solvable with expertise. Complex challenges have no clear path, with many interacting elements and uncertainty. Three Streams of Complexity Competitive Complexity: Added by strategic choices (e.g., new markets, products). Requisite Complexity: The minimum necessary to operate effectively. Confounding Complexity: Unnecessary complexity that clogs systems. Leaders Have Varying Capacity Each leader has a unique ability to handle complexity, influenced by both innate traits and development over time (based on Elliott Jaques’ research). Collective Leadership Capacity Even strong leaders can underperform if their team lacks trust, commitment, or accountability—drawing on Lencioni’s model of cohesive teams. Complexity Requires Appropriate Solutions Oversimplifying complex challenges often leads to ineffective solutions. The goal is to make things as simple as possible—but no simpler. Takeaways Assess Complexity Honestly: Ask whether a problem is truly complicated (solvable with expertise) or complex (requiring adaptive approaches). Identify and Remove Confounding Complexity: Audit unnecessary processes, traditions, or bureaucracy that add friction without value. Develop Leaders’ Capacity: Invest in coaching and experiences that expand individuals’ ability to handle greater complexity. Strengthen the Leadership Team: Focus on trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and results to amplify collective capacity. Align Strategy with Capacity: Before pursuing ambitious initiatives, evaluate whether the organization’s current capacity can realistically handle the added complexity. Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 472 Distinctions as the Key to Insight Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: July 3, 2025 In this episode, Brian Miller and Chad Hall dive deep into the concept of distinctions in coaching—the practice of helping clients untangle and clarify similar ideas that are often conflated. They discuss how distinctions can evoke awareness, expand thinking, and lead to more precise actions. With examples ranging from assertive vs. aggressive to interests vs. positions, they illustrate how a coach’s role goes beyond asking questions to offering lenses for clearer perspective. Key Highlights: Defining Distinctions: A distinction separates two similar but different concepts. Helping clients see these can unlock new insights. Examples in Practice: Common distinctions include want vs. need, assertive vs. aggressive, candid vs. kind, and toxic vs. imperfect. Role of the Coach: Coaches aren’t just question-askers—they are thinking partners who offer observations and distinctions that facilitate awareness. Distinctions Create Clarity: When clients conflate ideas (e.g., all managing is micromanaging), clarifying distinctions can change perceptions and actions. Language Matters: The words clients use—like calling someone “toxic”—can reflect deeper assumptions worth exploring. Takeaways: Distinctions Are Tools: Use them intentionally and contextually to help clients reframe issues and discover new possibilities. Beyond Questions: Coaching involves sharing observations, metaphors, and distinctions—not just asking questions. Clarity Enables Action: The clearer clients are about what they’re experiencing, the more effectively they can respond. Stay Curious, Not Prescriptive: Offer distinctions as lenses, not conclusions—clients still decide what’s true for them. Language Shapes Experience: Help clients label experiences accurately to avoid unhelpful assumptions. Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 471 Transforming Culture One Crew at a Time with Tara Carbo Host: Brian Miller, PCC Guests: Tara Carbo Date: June 12, 2025 In this episode, Brian sits down with Tara Carbo—a former blue-collar entrepreneur turned leadership coach—to explore how her unique background shapes her coaching philosophy. Tara shares how her deep roots in the flooring industry evolved into a coaching practice dedicated to serving blue-collar business owners. Together with her husband, she’s on a mission to bring leadership development, culture transformation, and personal growth to an underserved community. 5 Key Highlights Niche Expertise in Blue-Collar Coaching Tara and her husband focus exclusively on blue-collar business leaders (like contractors and service providers), a demographic they know intimately and view as overlooked in leadership development. Blending Spirituality & Practicality Coaching for Tara includes conversations around ego, self-awareness, and higher purpose—but always in language that resonates with where her clients are emotionally and professionally. From "Why Are You Here?" to "Thank God You're Here" Tara shares strategies for moving potential clients from skepticism to appreciation, often through speaking engagements and value-first relationship building. The Role of Culture & Leadership in Business Health Carbo Coaching emphasizes creating environments where people thrive—through leadership development, improved communication, and clear team dynamics. Effective Client Pipeline Strategy Tara offers a practical system for defining and nurturing leads, from casual connections to committed clients—favoring authentic relationships over traditional "speed-dating" networking. Top 5 Takeaways Meet Clients Where They Are Especially in the blue-collar world, it's vital to translate abstract concepts (like self-awareness or emotional intelligence) into tangible, relatable language. Thriving Culture Begins with People Business success starts with viewing employees as the most valuable asset and creating environments where they can flourish. Curiosity and Vulnerability Are Strategic Tools Tara embraces not knowing everything—asking questions and learning alongside clients to build trust and connection. Speaking > Selling Offering brief, valuable talks at association meetings or company board gatherings has become a core marketing and pipeline-building strategy. A “Pipeline” Is More Than a List A healthy sales pipeline consists of people who’ve expressed real interest and are actively working through how to move forward with coaching. Check Tara's business out at http://carbocoaching.com/!     Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 470 Conversations That Get Clients Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: June 19, 2025 In this episode, Chad and Brian dive deep into the realities of getting coaching clients, debunking the myth that "if you build it, they will come." They explore the importance of having intentional conversations as the primary engine for building a coaching practice. Through personal insights and practical frameworks like the "cold, warm, hot" conversation model, the episode emphasizes authenticity, competence, and consistency as key ingredients in client acquisition. Key Highlights: Clients Don’t Just Show Up: Unlike some professions like counseling, coaching requires active engagement and conversation to build visibility and trust. The Power of Being “Not Needy and Not Weird”: The most attractive coaches (and people) present themselves confidently and without desperation. The Cold-Warm-Hot Conversation Framework: Cold: Encouragement-based, genuine interest in others. Warm: Topic-based discussions showing competence. Hot: Proposal conversations aiming for a yes or no. Conversations Are the Funnel: Client relationships begin with small talk and evolve—coaching is fundamentally a relationship built through many meaningful interactions. Shift Your Mindset: Stop thinking like someone who wants to be hired and start operating like an equal engaging peers in thoughtful dialogue. Takeaways: Client acquisition is relational, not transactional. Coaches must consistently invest in genuine conversations to build trust over time. Being needy kills opportunities. Confidence and detachment from the outcome make you more attractive to potential clients. Encouragement is underrated. Starting relationships with encouragement creates warmth and opens doors for deeper discussions later. Warmth precedes depth. Coaches must first be skilled at shallow conversations before diving into deeper, transformational ones. Conversations are the marketing strategy. You don’t need to be “in sales” to get clients—you need to connect meaningfully, regularly.   Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 469 Telling Real Stories in a Broken World w/ David Alford and Joseph Stam Host: Brian Miller, PCC Guests: David Alford and Joseph Stam Date: June 12, 2025 In this episode, host Brian Miller speaks with filmmakers David Alford and Joseph Stam about their new film Searching for the Elephant. The conversation dives into the gritty, neo-western drama centered on a fractured relationship between a reclusive Vietnam veteran grandfather and his estranged, drug-addicted grandson. The filmmakers reflect on the story's themes, the challenges of portraying addiction authentically, and their departure from conventional Christian storytelling. They also highlight the collaborative nature of the production and share their passion for crafting emotionally honest, conflict-rich narratives that mirror the messiness of real life.  Key Highlights Story Premise & Tone: Searching for the Elephant is a character-driven neo-western that explores emotional isolation, generational trauma, and redemption. It pushes past sanitized storytelling, embracing grittier, more realistic portrayals of pain and healing. Authenticity in Addiction Portrayal: Joseph Stam, who plays the grandson Jason, immersed himself in research—watching documentaries, developing a backstory, and spending time with people in recovery—to ensure a truthful and respectful performance. Intentional Departure from Hallmark-style Christian Films: The filmmakers wanted to reflect the complexity of faith and life, avoiding the overly "tidy" resolution tropes common in Christian media, aiming instead for authenticity and emotional realism. Dynamic Character Arcs: Both the grandfather and grandson undergo parallel transformations, with layered, conflicted emotions that resonate with anyone who’s experienced strained family relationships. Collaborative Creative Process: The team emphasized a “best idea wins” environment on set, fostering creativity among cast and crew and contributing to the film’s grounded, emotionally rich atmosphere. Takeaways Conflict drives great storytelling: As the filmmakers note, real drama is born from unresolved tensions—and leaning into conflict rather than avoiding it leads to more compelling narratives. Faith-based films can be gritty and real: There's room in Christian cinema for raw, unpolished stories that still carry messages of hope and redemption without sugarcoating reality. Authenticity requires dedication: Bringing depth to characters—especially those struggling with addiction or trauma—demands time, empathy, and careful preparation. Humor has its place in drama: Subtle, character-grounded humor helped balance the film’s intensity, providing relief without undercutting emotional weight. Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 468 The Goal Isn't Unbreakable, It's Antifragile Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: June 5, 2025 In this thoughtful episode, Brian and Chad dive deep into the concept of antifragility, a term popularized by Jonathan Haidt (and originally coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb). They explore what it means to not only endure difficulty but to grow stronger because of it. The conversation covers the generational impacts of overprotection, the spectrum from fragility to antifragility, personal stories, and practical applications in parenting, coaching, and personal growth. Key Highlights The Spectrum of Strength: The episode outlines a framework moving from fragile → unbreakable → resilient → antifragile, each with distinct responses to adversity. Why Overprotection Fails: Brian and Chad reflect on how well-intentioned parenting often shields kids from stress, resulting in lower resilience and difficulty navigating adulthood. Antifragility in Action: Personal stories (e.g., Chad’s son’s sports injury) demonstrate how painful life events can become transformative experiences that build true strength. Faith and Growth: The discussion touches on spiritual perspectives, including how suffering can lead to sanctification and deeper character development. Everyday Antifragile Practices: Simple activities like cold plunges, fasting, and difficult conversations are explored as ways to intentionally build antifragility. Takeaways Stress Isn’t the Enemy: Adversity, when approached with the right mindset, is not something to be avoided—but something that can be harnessed for growth. Discernment Is Crucial: Not every challenge should be faced head-on. The key is knowing whether you're actually fragile in a situation or just uncomfortable. Love ≠ Comfort: Sometimes being loving means letting someone face discomfort to build resilience, not shielding them from it. Antifragile Posture = "Bring It On": This mindset shifts the goal from mere survival to transformation—coming out better than before. Coaching/Parenting Insight: Equip others to face challenges by modeling and encouraging antifragility, rather than rescuing them from every stressor.  Find the resource referenced at http://coachapproachministries.org/fragile  Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 467 Finding Balance Through the Enneagram, with Marilyn Vancil Host: Brian Miller, Executive Director of CAM Guests: Marilyn Vancil In this insightful conversation, Brian speaks with Marilyn Vancil, a leading Christian voice on the Enneagram and author of Self to Lose, Self to Find and Beyond the Enneagram. Marilyn shares how she first encountered the Enneagram and how it became a transformative tool for self-understanding and spiritual growth. Together, they explore the model’s ability to uncover deep internal patterns, guide personal development, and reveal the adapted self we often cling to for survival. The discussion also delves into how each Enneagram type can grow by identifying personal patterns, breaking unhealthy cycles, and embracing authentic, God-given identity. The episode culminates in practical advice for coaches and individuals using the Enneagram in spiritual formation and personal transformation. Key Highlights Marilyn Vancil’s Origin Story with the Enneagram: She was introduced to it via cassette tapes over 30 years ago and initially dismissed it, but quickly became captivated once she recognized herself in the type descriptions. Head, Heart, and Gut Centers: Brian and Marilyn discuss how understanding one’s dominant center—and the one most repressed—can clarify personal tendencies and avenues for growth. Enneagram as a Tool for Transformation: Marilyn emphasizes that the Enneagram is not about labeling but about identifying patterns formed as survival mechanisms, which can be released in favor of authentic growth. Growth Through Arrows and Wings: Movement along the Enneagram’s arrows (toward stress or security) and exploring wings helps individuals mature, especially when they begin accessing repressed emotional or instinctual parts of themselves. Practical Coaching Use: Marilyn outlines how she works with clients—starting with identifying type through self-reflection (not just assessments), then exploring internal narratives, strengths, and areas of stuckness. Takeaways The Enneagram is about patterns, not boxes: Your type reflects habitual survival strategies—not a fixed identity—which can be transformed through awareness and intention. True growth often involves reclaiming repressed parts: For many, this means learning to trust previously undervalued aspects like the gut or emotions. Coaching with the Enneagram should be relational and reflective: Tests can be helpful, but lasting insights come from dialogue, story, and pattern recognition. Growth involves risk and discomfort: Letting go of adapted identities can feel unsafe, but it opens the door to living as your true self. Wings and integration lines are growth maps: Exploring adjacent types (wings) or your integration direction (arrows) can unlock deeper understanding and resilience. For more on Marilyn, visit her website at https://marilynvancil.com/. Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!

Podcast Notes Episode 466 Exploring the Principles of Influence with Wes Bryant Host: Brian Miller, Executive Director of CAM Guests: Wes Bryant Brian and Wes meet again, this time exploring Dr. Robert Cialdini’s seven principles of ethical influence—Liking, Reciprocity, Social Proof, Unity, Authority, Consistency, and Scarcity. Drawing from years of research and practical coaching experience, they unpack how these principles show up naturally in everyday life and how they can be used truthfully, wisely, and generously. With personal stories, biblical connections, and actionable insights, the series emphasizes that influence isn’t about manipulation—it’s about building trust, offering value, and creating alignment between your message and your audience’s motivations. Key Highlights:          Liking & Unity: People say yes to those they like or feel connected to. Shared identity builds faster, deeper rapport than shared interests alone.          Reciprocity & Generosity: Give first—genuinely, without strings. True service often leads to unexpected opportunities and relationships.          Social Proof: Others’ voices carry weight. Testimonials, champions, and visible approval signal credibility and trustworthiness.          Authority & Consistency: People follow perceived experts and prefer to stay consistent with prior commitments. Use micro-agreements and visible endorsements wisely.          Scarcity Drives Action: Real limits (time, spots, access) motivate decisions. But urgency must be truthful—false pressure breaks trust. Takeaways:          Serve First, Then Ask – Generosity leads to reciprocity; people help those who help them.          Show You Belong – Build unity by naming your niche and connecting through shared identity.          Use Testimonials Thoughtfully – Let satisfied clients or respected voices advocate for you.          Ask Clearly, Set Real Limits – Micro-commitments boost follow-through; true scarcity drives decision-making. Check out Wes' website at https://www.commissionsales.coach/! Stay Connected: Website: coachapproachministries.org Email: info@coachapproachministries.org LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/coach-approach-ministries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coach.approach.ministries Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coachapproachministries7538 Follow us on social media for updates and resources!