The AC Podcast

How does power truly manifest in coaching supervision? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady sits down with executive coach and supervisor, Shruti Sonthalia to unpack the often overlooked but critical dimension of power in supervision. Together, they explore how power is an inherent element of all human relationships and why acknowledging its presence is essential for supervisors, coaches, and leaders. From "power over" and "power under" to cultivating shared power, this episode dives deep into the ways identity, privilege, and cultural context influence supervision relationships.   Listeners will hear what red flags indicate power imbalance, and practical strategies that foster shared power in supervision. The conversation also sheds light on systemic dynamics, the challenges supervisors face in balancing relational warmth with ethical responsibility, and the transformative potential of curiosity and humility. If you’re a coach, coaching supervisor, or leader coach seeking to navigate complex dynamics with greater self-awareness and impact, this episode offers a rich and thought-provoking guide to embodying shared power.   Key Learning Points: ·       Why power is an unavoidable and essential element of all coaching supervision relationships ·       How supervisors can consciously foster shared power dynamic within the coaching supervision relationship ·       The impact of broader systemic and identity issues on a shared power relationship      “When you are able to name what needs to be named and really listen to the unspoken, you are in service to both the coach and the larger systems they serve and the power dynamics that might exist in the systems.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-power-privilege-identity  

What if coach supervision wasn’t just about reflecting—but about completely rethinking how you grow? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Crosse about how coach supervision can foster real coach development – a dynamic, critically reflexive practice that meets coaches exactly where they are. Drawing on her research, Elizabeth introduces a practical typology for growth through three distinct lenses: the craft of coaching, self-work (the internal work) and the art of coaching (the external learning that comes through coaching). Together, they explore the non-linear, cyclical nature of coach development, and how supervision encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and self-awareness for more effective, holistic coaching.   Elizabeth also shares insights from her Developmental Mindset Inventory— a tool designed to help coaches and supervisors assess and expand their developmental approach. She explains how supervision can meet coaches where they are, balancing professional capability with personal capacity, and turning learning into meaningful growth. This episode is both a framework for practice and an invitation to slow down, notice what resonates, and engage with your own evolving developmental path.   You will learn:   ·       Why supervision must support both professional capability (knowledge and skills) and personal capacity (navigating complexity). ·       That development is not about adding more apps — it’s about upgrading your system ·       How to be critically reflexive instead of just reflective    "For me, development is something like happiness; you cannot guarantee you'll be happy, but you can do things that are more likely to enhance your ability."   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coach-development

In this episode, host, Helen O’Grady is joined by Michelle Lucas, an accredited Master Executive Coach and Supervisor, who explores the vital role of reflective practice in coaching supervision. She clarifies the definition of reflection and reflexivity in coaching; it’s iterative nature and application in various contexts. Michelle discusses the three methods of reflection: self-supervision, peer supervision and professional supervision and the challenges coaches face in engaging reflective practice.   She explains how to recognise individual reflective practices and addresses the common barriers. Michelles stresses the value of experimentation with different reflective methods and examines the difference between supporting new and more experienced coaches, highlighting the need for intentional, regular practice. Listeners gain practical insights and resources to deepen their reflective habits and enhance their coaching effectiveness.    You will learn: ·       The importance of taking a diversity of approaches when reflecting ·       How supervisors can encourage coaches to broaden their reflective repertoire ·       How to tailor reflective activities that work for you - there are no "shoulds" here!   'For me, reflection is a really iterative process; it doesn't stop, it just evolves and often comes back several times before we feel resolved.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-reflective-practice-reflexivity

In this insightful episode, host Helen O’Grady and guest Jo Birch, an award-winning supervisor and executive coach, explore the complexities of mental health in coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of clear contracts, boundaries, and competence when addressing mental health issues, the challenges of confidentiality, and the need for self-awareness and reflection on personal beliefs about mental health. The conversation highlights the value of supervision as a safe and reflective space, the misunderstandings around mental health, and the necessity for coaches and supervisors to develop confidence and fluency in these sensitive conversations. Jo shares the challenges of maintaining confidentiality and navigating sensitive disclosures, as well as the interplay between coaching and therapy, and provides strategies for developing skills in noticing and responding to mental health concerns. This conversation offers easily applied actions you can take, as well as encouraging further enquiry, ongoing learning and open dialogue to better support clients and yourself. You will learn: ·       How to hold the contract for the work, while being human and compassionate ·       How to develop competence – skills and knowledge ·       How to grow in confidence You can find further resources on mental health here. ‘Fluency in being able to talk about mental health issues is it's a skill for life, not just in our professional work.’   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-mental-health-essential-skills  

Neel Arya, an executive coach and supervisor, discusses the transformative concept of developmental artistry, which he co-developed with Carissa Bub. They delve into embracing uncertainty and experimentation in coaching, advocating for a creative, embodied approach. Neel shares insights on the significance of cultural dimensions and personal growth, using artistic techniques to foster awareness. The importance of playfulness and presence shines through, encouraging coaches to explore beyond rigid structures. Listeners are invited to join his upcoming Dark Workshop series.

Katie Friedman, an ADHD coach and trainer, shares insights on coaching supervision through a neurodivergent lens. She discusses neurodiversity, highlighting misconceptions and the importance of inclusivity in coaching. Katie emphasizes the need for humility and awareness of individual differences, advocating for specialized training and psychological safety. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of ADHD coaching, encouraging a shift from medical models to community-driven support. This engaging dialogue underlines the significance of creating environments that respect and empower all neurodivergent individuals.

In this episode Claire Pedrick, master coach and co-author of ‘The Human Behind the Coach,’ joins host, Helen O’Grady to explore the vital role of humanness in coaching supervision. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and why the supervisee, rather than supervisor, decides if a space is safe or not. Claire shares personal insights on power dynamics, the value of self-reflection, and the ethics of supervisors bringing their humanity to their sessions. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of supervision, the need for continuous growth, and the courage required to foster genuine human connection within coaching relationships.   You will learn:   ·       What humanness in supervision means ·       The benefits of being human and vulnerable as a supervisor ·       The concept of self-supervision and the significance of reflection   “If you're asking me to disclose, explore, and dig, but you're acting like a robot because you know all your great questions and you're not being human, I can't show up either."   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-humaness-vulnerability-authenticity

In this episode, we take a deep dive into coaching readiness and coachability, as host Helen O’Grady is joined by Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach and author of two key coaching books. When coaches come to supervision doubting themselves, because their client is not engaged, Clare encourages supervisors to go beyond asking what the contract says, asking a second question, ‘Was the client and their organization coaching ready?’   With this question in mind, Clare explores the difference between ‘coaching readiness’ and ‘coachability’. She emphasizes the crucial role of organizational ‘coaching custodians’ in aligning coaching with strategic goals and the importance of specific compatibility calls that focus on four key questions to assess whether coach and client are a good match. Clare also discusses the misconception that coaching is universally beneficial for everyone. This episode offers clarity and practical tips for coaches and organizations, highlighting the need for supervision to unpack coaching readiness issues, ethical practice and a systemic approach to successful coaching outcomes.   You will learn:         ·       The definition and differentiation of "coachability" and "coaching readiness”. ·       Ethical considerations and complexities in coaching relationships ·       The value of supervision for coaches to reflect on their experiences with coaching readiness.    “Discussing coaching readiness is a key area for supervisors to explore with their supervisees.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coachability-readiness-custodian

Do you really understand the role of contracting in supervision? This week, join host Helen O’Grady as she speaks with coaching psychologist and supervisor, Anna Springett as they discuss the skill and practice of contracting in supervision. They discuss how it compares to contracting in coaching and the broad range of factors that practitioners need to consider. Anna explains the psychological aspects of containment in supervision and the significance of checking assumptions in supervision relationships. They explain what questions a coach can ask when looking for a supervisor and explore cultural differences in perceptions of time and group dynamics, emphasising the need for ongoing, adaptive contracting. Anna introduces her 8 Ps model and what emerging trends and challenges she sees for coaching supervision, including technology and global awareness. This conversation defines the vital role contracting has in supervision, with tips and insights to help both supervisors and coaches improve their contracting practices. You will learn:   ·       What contracting is and its pivotal role in supervision ·       The psychological concepts of containment ·       What questions a coach can ask to find the right supervisor   “I genuinely believe that contracting is a core practice; everything else plays out within the contract, the container that we create.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-contracting-containment

Join us for the first episode of a new podcast series: Coaching Supervision Uncovered – an 11-part series exploring the fascinating world of coaching supervision and how it shapes exceptional coaches. Each episode delves into a distinctive aspect of supervision with leading practitioners, uncovering the nuanced ways supervision enhances coaching practices, supports wellbeing and drives professional development.    Our host, Helen O’Grady, is joined by Marie Faire, a master executive coach and supervisor, to introduce the topic and talk about the essential role of coaching supervision. Marie explains what supervision is, emphasizing trust, self-reflection and continuous learning.   The conversation explores differences between supervising novice and experienced coaches, the benefits of individual and group supervision, and common misconceptions about supervision. Marie also discusses the importance of practical experience, the supervisor’s dual role as supporter and challenger, and the evolving future of supervision in coaching.   You will learn:   ·       The definition and essence of coaching supervision ·       The key benefits of regular supervision for coaching ·       How to find a good supervisor that is right for you   Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor, a coach curious about supervision, or simply interested in the dynamics of reflective practice, this series offers illuminating conversations      "I think coach supervision is just the best CPD that a coach can do because it's targeted. It's what you bring; it's your agenda. Whatever you bring, we explore it together. That's why I call myself a fellow traveller—because it's a mutual exploration."   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-introduction-benefits-reflective