Gina Lodge, Fellow member of the Association for Coaching, CEO and founder of World View Mentor jpins our host, Simone Sweeney for this week's episode. Gina brings her wealth of experience to explain the different coach training options and coaching models. She provides insight and knowledge to help new and aspiring coaches choose the best option for themselves. Discover the difference between mentoring and coaching and the importance of community to a new coach with this informative conversation. You will learn: Why we need coaching models, the more popular models, and how they contribute The benefits of training and accreditation, and their key element Imposter syndrome for newly trained coaches - how co-coaching and community can help “Coaching is definitely lifelong learning and I think that’s the really exciting thing.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/getting-started-coaches-podcast-series-essential-skills-qualities

Welcome to a brand-new podcast series, Getting Started as a Coach, hosted by Simone Sweeney. Speaking from her own experience as a new coach in the last 12 months, Simone has created a helpful and practical series for new or aspiring coaches to guide them through the essentials of becoming a professional coach. In our first episode, George Warren, coach, trainer and podcaster, joins Simone to define what the core of coaching is, the reasons for becoming a coach, and what qualities and skills are required. George debunks some common myths, encourages coaches to embrace their imperfections, and discusses how to use the nourishing space of supervision to become a better coach. Passionate about the humanity in coaching, George shares his vision for the future of coaching and his passion for its humanity. Essential listening for any new or aspiring coaches! You will learn:        The different career paths and financial considerations of becoming a coach.        The value of intuition, kindness, empathy, and improvisation in building strong coaching relationships.        How to find a balance between continuous learning and practical application “As a coach, you’re stepping into the client’s world as opposed to bringing the client into your world.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/getting-started-coaches-podcast-series-essential-skills-qualities

In the final episode of our Coaching Women podcast series, Dr. Julie Scanlon is joined by coach Trish Brady, who specializes in coaching women going through significant life and work transitions. Their conversation focuses on mature women over 40 and the specific challenges and life questions these women face.   Trish has been a coach for over 20 years and her passion for coaching mature women is clear as she shares her experience, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate the rewards of this type of coaching. They examine the societal roles and work-life balance demands placed on women, which can sometimes consume them, and how the coaching space allows them to examine what is happening on a deeper level to then create, sometimes seismic, changes in their lives.   Listen as they discuss ageism, sexism, and the importance of having presence as a coach, with the ability to sit with the complexity of issues presented. Learn about “unconditional positive regard” that allows assumptions to be challenged to support a deeper exploration with a client. An inspiring end to a thought-provoking series.   “It’s getting the sense of who they are as a human being, beyond the roles and tasks of everyday life that often consume them at that stage of life.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coaching-women-podcast-series-mature-life-transitions

In this podcast episode, host Dr Julie Scanlon is joined by Professor Christina Hughes, founder of Women-Space, to explore the challenges that relate to women who work in academia. From wondering what to wear at that ‘big’ meeting to anxiety about menopausal symptoms; from the work of family care to the authority gap, Christina and Julie discuss how women face the weight of the world even before they have left their homes.   They examine how career trajectories are different for many women and how the demands of academia and work can lead to self-sacrifice and loss of identity. Christina discusses the many benefits that coaching conversations have for women, from enabling them to simply be heard, to supporting women to flourish on their own terms. “Women generally have a ‘myself last syndrome’... if you're facing two greedy institutions, your work and family, where does your own health and wellbeing go?”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coaching-women-podcast-series-women-academia

In this podcast episode our host, Dr Julie Scanlon, is joined by Robert Laycock, co-founder of Yes We Can Community and North East Together, aimed at developing social change leadership. In this honest and poignant conversation, Robert “walks his talk” as he shares his own experiences and discusses the importance of diversity and representation in the not-for-profit and charity sectors, particularly in leadership roles.   Robert shares data on the lack of leadership diversity in charity boards and trustees and the impact this has on decision-making.  He discusses his experiences in matching coaches with clients, highlighting the importance of choice in the process. They also delve into the role of coaching and mentoring in addressing these challenges and promoting systemic change. Robert emphasizes the need for more inclusive coaching practices and the importance of self-awareness and education in navigating power dynamics. This episode includes a very real call to action for the coaching industry.   “We need more from the coaching industry to think about our diversity, and our comfort with not doing anything about it. We shouldn't be comfortable with that at all.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coaching-women-podcast-series-notforprofit-charity-sectors  

Coach and Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Ellie Highwood, shares her experiences of coaching women in male-dominated sectors, discussing discrimination, intersectionality, and the role of coaches. The podcast explores challenges faced by women, internal pressures, and strategies for coaching in these sectors, including the importance of systemic change. The episode also highlights effective coaching strategies, such as asking questions to tackle inequity and promote diversity and inclusion.

Our host, Dr Julie Scanlon, is joined by Ngozi Lyn Cole in this powerful, thought-provoking conversation discussing the importance of inclusion and diversity in coaching. Ngozi highlights the lack of representation and options for marginalized groups, emphasizing the need for coaches who can understand and relate to their clients' experiences: the value of truly seeing someone in a coaching relationship.   Julie and Ngozi both share poignant personal stories to emphasize the need for greater representation in the coaching world and discuss the power dynamics and inequities that exist in the coaching space. Ngozi shares useful tips, resources, and questions that coaches can use with clients, and the important role coaches have in promoting inclusion and creating positive change.   “Coaching, like many professions, is not representative of the wider society.”   To meet our host, listen to this live interview on LinkedIn here   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/coaching-women-podcast-series_diversity-inclusion 

In this episode, Geraldine Gallacher discusses coaching women for systemic change and achieving gender equality. She highlights the challenges women face in relation to motherhood, career progression, and leadership roles. Geraldine emphasizes the need for inclusivity and engaging men in the conversation. She believes true authenticity in coaching requires understanding the coach's perspective. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners not to lose hope in achieving a more inclusive society.

Welcome to a special episode of the AC podcast where we pay tribute to our colleague, mentor and friend, Darren Robson, who passed away earlier this year, aged 50. Darren was the Global Director of the Association for Coaching, founder of the MOE Foundation and a true visionary and leader. On a more personal level, to many individuals, he was an invisible hand supporting them to be the best version of themselves.   Darren was passionate about helping others find their voice and believed podcasts were a powerful medium for allowing this to happen – creating meaningful and thought-provoking content for the coaching community. This podcast has his drive, curiosity, passion, vision, and courage to have difficult conversations running through it. He knew how to connect people and brought us together as a team, a place where we know we can be ourselves and carry forward his belief in us and what we create.   It was an honour to create an episode where we share clips of Darren speaking in previous podcast episodes interspersed with our reactions and experience of knowing this incredible man. Even if you didn't know Darren, you will be inspired to see the impact one person can have on others and the legacy he left behind. Those who knew him will be touched to hear his voice again and reflect on the difference he made in your own life. We were lucky to know him, and the world was fortunate to have him. Enjoy your new adventures, Darren!   “If Darren was in the room, you knew everyone's voice mattered, and it was safe to speak your mind.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/special-episodes-darren-robson-memories  

In this final podcast episode of our Career Coaching series, our host, Mark Crossfield, is joined by Liane Hambly, consultant, author and trainer with over 30 years’ experience in career development. This thought-provoking conversation addresses the specific professional development and continuing education that career coaches need.   Learn the importance of carefully assessing which areas of professional development are most crucial for individual practice and the importance of continuous learning and reflection. Liane shares some useful models she uses and provides an invaluable list of resources (available in the AC website show notes). They also discuss the benefits of professional organizations, supervision, and peer support learning as well as the value of creating a personal professional development plan. A wonderful episode, full of practical insights for career coaches.   “Discomfort is part of learning: not pleasant, but definitely the most useful.”   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/discover-career-coaching-podcast-series-professional-development-continuing-education