The Coach Approach Ministries Podcast

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!

Podcast Notes Episode 465 Creating Space for Awareness Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: May 15, 2025 In this episode of the Coach Approach Ministries podcast, Brian Miller and Chad Hall dive deep into the core coaching competency of evoking awareness. They explore how the International Coaching Federation reframed this concept to shift the focus away from simply asking questions and toward generating new insight and understanding for clients. The conversation includes practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real-world examples to help coaches foster meaningful breakthroughs. Key Highlights The Evolution of a Core Competency: The ICF shifted from emphasizing “powerful questioning” to “evoking awareness,” highlighting that questions are just one of many tools to spark insight. The Role of Deep Listening: Evoking awareness begins with truly listening — not just to words, but to tone, patterns, and what's left unsaid — with a deep sense of curiosity. Avoiding Entrenchment: Coaches should be careful not to challenge clients in ways that provoke defensiveness; gentle observations or reframing can lead to more open exploration. Multiple Paths to Awareness: Beyond questions, awareness can be evoked through metaphors, observations, reframing, or offering models and distinctions (like the “3 Ps” for leadership issues). Shifting the Coaching Mindset: Tools like the hourglass model are not instructions for the coach but frameworks to understand and support the client’s thought journey. Takeaways Awareness is the goal, not the question itself — be flexible in your approach. Curiosity is foundational: great coaches listen beyond the surface. Evoking awareness means meeting the client where they are, even if that’s uncertainty or resistance. Effective coaching requires patience — allow clients the space to discover rather than forcing insights.   Evoking Awareness eCourse Available for $79 at http://coachapproachministries.org/awareness    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 464 The Five Step Ethical Sales Framework for Coaches w/ Wes Bryant Host: Brian Miller, Executive Director of CAM Guests: Wes Bryant In this episode, Wes Bryant—an expert in ethical influence and persuasion—shares his journey from struggling coach to founder of The Commissioned Coach. He breaks down his five-step sales process for coaches who dislike selling, showing how to shift from a fear of being “salesy” to seeing sales as a service. Through mindset shifts, ethical communication, and relationship-focused methods, Wes empowers coaches to grow their practices with confidence and integrity. Key Highlights: Sales and coaching often conflict due to differing communication styles—one pushes, the other explores. Wes’s breakthrough came with a mindset shift: sales is a service, not a manipulation. His five-step process begins with abundance and progresses through reliability, influence, objection-handling, and more (covered in future episodes). Coaches often struggle not because of a lack of effort, but because they fear “being salesy” and avoid direct asks. Ethical persuasion focuses on helping people make the best decision for themselves—even if that decision isn’t you. Takeaways: Shift from a scarcity mindset (“I need clients”) to an abundance mindset (“How can I help?”). View yourself as a reliable guide, not a nuisance—you’re there to serve. Tailor communication to each person in your funnel based on their trust and readiness. Influence ethically by aligning motives with the client’s best interest. Prepare for objections ahead of time so pricing or hesitation doesn’t derail your confidence. 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!

Podcast Notes Episode 463 Your High Performance Patterns Are What Drive Your Best Work Hosts: Brian Miller, PCC and Chad Hall, MCC Date: May 1, 2025 In this episode of the Coach Approach Ministries Podcast, Brian Miller and Chad Hall revisit the concept of High Performance Patterns (HPP)—a foundational tool in CAM’s coaching philosophy. Originally developed by Dr. Jerry Fletcher, HPPs help individuals identify personal conditions that lead to better-than-expected results. Brian and Chad reflect on their own patterns, explore the importance of partnership, time-bound projects, and how performance is shaped by context. They also introduce CAM’s updated High Performance Patterns eCourse, now available at a discounted rate for May 2025.   Key Highlights: Origin of High Performance Patterns Dr. Jerry Fletcher’s research at Harvard shifted the focus from imitating top performers to identifying unique, individual patterns that consistently lead to high achievement. Defining High Performance High performance is defined by results that exceed your own expectations—not necessarily what others think or external benchmarks. Brian’s Key Pattern: Partnership Brian performs at a high level when working with an equal partner. He shares how recognizing this has transformed how he approaches opportunities and collaboration. Chad’s Key Pattern: Time-Bound Projects Chad thrives on projects with clear time limits. Long-term maintenance roles tend to drain his performance, while defined deadlines enhance focus and execution. Using and Refining Your Pattern Over Time High Performance Patterns aren’t static. Through reflection and story-based assessment, individuals can refine and apply their patterns more intentionally over time. Takeaways: Everyone has a unique pattern for peak performance.  Identifying yours can help you replicate success more intentionally. Look to your own stories HPP discovery is narrative-based—collect stories where you exceeded expectations to find common threads. Partnership may be critical—but only the right kind. Equal investment and mutual respect are essential for collaborative patterns to work. Not all work suits all patterns. Understand the kind of environments (e.g. time-bound, collaborative, solo) that enhance or diminish your performance. Your pattern evolves. The more you reflect and apply what you learn, the more precise and useful your HPP becomes.   High Performance Patterns eCourse Available for $79 (normally $129) during May 2025 at coachapproachministries.org/hpp    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 462 Coaching as Spiritual Practice Host: Brian Miller, Executive Director of CAM Guests: Eddie Hammett, MCC and Scott Wagoner, ACC In this episode, Brian speaks with coaches Eddie Hammett and Scott Wagner about their new book, Coaching as Spiritual Practice: Deepening Faith While Deepening Impact. The discussion explores how coaching serves not only as a professional tool but also as a deeply spiritual practice that fosters transformation through reflection, silence, and connection between head, heart, and spirit. Eddie introduces the FAITH framework as a guide to meaningful coaching conversations, while Scott emphasizes coaching’s potential to bring wholeness and clarity, especially in today’s fast-paced and spiritually questioning world. Both coaches share personal stories illustrating how coaching has helped them and their clients navigate profound life shifts, deepen faith, and uncover purpose. Key Highlights: Coaching as a Spiritual Practice Eddie and Scott reflect on how coaching—especially during the pandemic—revealed itself as a form of spiritual practice. It's not just about achieving goals, but fostering transformation. It invites clients to align their head, heart, and even gut, creating space for clarity, wholeness, and spiritual depth. The Power of Silence and Spaciousness Scott, drawing from his Quaker tradition, describes the powerful role of silence in coaching. Holding space—literally through quiet—allows deeper truths and insights to rise, enabling clients to access their inner wisdom and divine guidance. The FAITH Framework (developed by Eddie Hammett) A flexible coaching structure designed to guide reflective spiritual engagement: F – Forward: What's the forward movement from the current dilemma? A – Alignment: Where is there dissonance? Where do head, heart, and life experiences need alignment? I – Interest: What fuels passion or blocks engagement? T – Timing: What is right now asking of you? (Kairos vs. Chronos) H – Heart: What’s at the core of the issue? How is it impacting decision-making and clarity? Transformation through Coaching Both guests highlight coaching’s role in uncovering hidden beliefs, integrating life experiences, and catalyzing transformation—not just behaviorally but spiritually. Eddie shares a powerful parallel between his open-heart surgery and the clarity that spiritual coaching brings. Takeaways: Create intentional pauses during sessions—silence can be sacred. Approach each conversation as an opportunity to explore meaning, vocation, and inner alignment. Use the FAITH framework to guide clients through reflection and forward movement, not just surface action. More Resources: Title: Coaching as Spiritual Practice: Deepening Faith While Deepening Impact Authors: Eddie Hammett & Scott Wagner Where to Get It: Click on this link to purchase on Amazon! Also check out their website: Transforming Solutions: Leaning Into Life's Lessons   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!