The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

• 191 How to Coach Uncertainty

  What if embracing uncertainty was the key to unlocking your client’s greatest growth In today’s episode, we explore a topic that touches all of us, uncertainty. It’s a word we hear often in coaching sessions, whether it’s said outright or disguised in phrases like “I don’t know”, “I’m not sure”, or “I feel stuck.” We recorded this episode because uncertainty seems to be everywhere; globally, personally, professionally. As coaches, it’s our job to help clients sit with it, understand it, and grow through it. We began with the idea that uncertainty is not a single emotion but a cluster of emotions; fear, anxiety, sadness, even frustration. As coaches, we’ve learnt that uncertainty often shows up when clients face a decision they don’t feel equipped to make not because the options are unclear, but because the emotional load of making a choice is too heavy. Clients don’t just want a solution, they want clarity, safety, and a way to process the messiness of what’s going on. And we unpacked how coaching conversations can become a safe space where the client reconnects with what they do know; values, beliefs, and what they’re sure they don’t want so they can start building from there. Sometimes that clarity starts with the simplest of things: “I know I don’t want this job anymore.” That statement alone can become a foundation, a piece of scaffolding that helps the client begin to navigate what’s next. We also reflected on our own uncertainty as coaches, not knowing where a session will lead, how to hold silence, and how to support clients without providing answers. It’s in these moments that coaching maturity is revealed through our ability to sit with the unknown and stay grounded in presence. Ultimately, this episode is a deep dive into what it means to be human in uncertain times, and how coaches can support clients through those spaces; not by solving uncertainty, but by helping them develop the emotional capacity to be in it. If today’s conversation has sparked reflection about how you hold uncertainty for yourself or your clients, come and explore our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Programme. It’s where we go deeper into the emotional foundations of coaching and support you to grow your confidence in even the most uncertain coaching conversations www.igcompany.co.uk/emotionscoaching Key Lessons Learnt: Uncertainty is a layered emotional experience, often masking feelings like fear, sadness, frustration, or self-doubt. Coaching uncertainty means working with both emotion and decision-making; helping clients find clarity, even if just about what they don’t want. Creating scaffolding from what clients do know gives them something to stand on in the fog. Self-trust is central exploring the client’s relationship to trust, doubt, and belief unlocks agency. Uncertainty often reveals underlying identity shifts or life transitions, and coaching provides a powerful space for processing them. Coaches must also embrace uncertainty, sitting in silence, letting go of “having a plan,” and allowing the unknown to unfold naturally. Client language reveals discomfort with uncertainty, especially when they seek excessive reassurance or avoid decision-making. 5 Coaching Questions for Coaching Uncertainty: What does uncertainty feel like for you in this moment? What do you know for sure right now, no matter how small? Where in your life do you most crave certainty, and why? What strengths or past experiences remind you that you’ve handled uncertainty before? What would trusting yourself look like in this situation? Timestamps: 00:00 – 02:00 – Why we’re talking about uncertainty 02:01 – 05:30 – What is uncertainty and how do clients express it? 05:31 – 08:45 – Emotional foundations: Fear, sadness, anxiety, and powerlessness 08:46 – 12:20 – Exploring decision-making when everything feels unclear 12:21 – 15:35 – Creating “scaffolding” from what clients do know 15:36 – 19:00 – Holding uncertainty in the coaching relationship itself 19:01 – 22:40 – Signs of discomfort with uncertainty in everyday client language 22:41 – 26:00 – Self-trust, strengths and belief work to support navigation 26:01 – 29:45 – Identity, values and uncertainty through life transitions 29:46 – 33:00 – Capacity, wellbeing and when uncertainty signals burnout 33:01 – 36:10 – Coach maturity and your relationship with uncertainty 36:11 – End – Final reflections and next steps Keywords: Coaching through uncertainty, How to coach clients facing uncertainty, Coaching emotional decision-making, Helping clients trust themselves, Coaching tools for uncertain times, Self-trust in coaching, Coaching transitions and change, Working with client doubt, Coaching when outcomes are unclear, Coaching for clarity and confidence,   Links: Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a

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  23:11
• 190 Parenting and Coaching

  Have you ever wondered how coaching tools could completely transform the way you parent? This episode is an honest look at the realities of parenting, the guilt we carry, the mistakes we make, and the tools coaching gives us to navigate it all. We're not perfect parents, and we’re not trying to be. But through coaching, we’ve found more compassion for ourselves, more connection with our children, and more courage to parent in alignment with who we are. As coaches and as parents, we often find ourselves reflecting on how deeply intertwined those two identities have become. In this episode, we explore how coaching has shaped the way we parent, and how those tools have helped us not only survive the hard days, but show up more consciously, compassionately, and confidently for our children. We dive into how self-awareness, developed through coaching, allows us to notice our triggers, pause before reacting, and respond in ways that align with our values rather than our overwhelm. we shared stories of bedtime meltdowns and spaghetti bolognese disasters, and how coaching has taught me to stop, breathe, and ask myself: What’s really going on for me in this moment? We talked about how coaching allows us to support our children in developing emotional literacy, self-awareness, and resilience. Rather than jumping in to fix things when our children face challenges at school or with friends, we’re now more likely to ask thoughtful questions, ones that invite them to explore their feelings, make decisions, and develop their own solutions. We also explored the value of affirmations and belief work with our kids, how just shifting internal messaging from “I can’t do this” to “I can do this” has helped our children succeed in big and small ways, like learning to ride a bike or preparing for cross country races. If today’s episode resonated with you and you’re curious about how coaching could support your own parenting journey, take our free quiz to find out which coaching course is the right fit for you:www.mycoachingcourse.com   Timestamps 00:00 – 02:30 – Why we’re talking about parenting on the podcast for the first time 02:31 – 05:15 – Reacting vs. Responding: Managing triggers through coaching 05:16 – 08:40 – The power of being a role model and articulating emotions 08:41 – 11:10 – The role of questions vs. solutions in parenting 11:11 – 13:58 – Bike riding, belief-shifting, and building resilience 13:59 – 16:45 – Emotional literacy and supporting our children’s self-expression 16:46 – 20:30 – Why self-care isn’t selfish and overcoming parental guilt 20:31 – 24:10 – How values-based coaching influences family life 24:11 – 26:00 – Justice, identity, and raising value-led children 26:01 – 29:15 – Coaching helps parents go from confusion to clarity 29:16 – 32:20 – Embracing imperfection and the gift of coaching in parenting 32:21 – End – Final reflections and how to get started with your coaching journey   Key Lessons: Coaching develops emotional regulation: It gives parents the tools to pause, reflect, and respond rather than react from stress or exhaustion. Kids don’t need fixing, they need listening: Coaching encourages curiosity and open questions that help children work through problems and feelings. Beliefs shape behaviour: Teaching kids to reframe limiting beliefs into empowering ones builds confidence and resilience. Modelling matters: The way we treat ourselves teaches our children how to care for their own wellbeing. Values drive connection: Naming and living family values helps children understand their emotions and actions. Self-care is not selfish: Looking after ourselves enables us to show up as the kind of parent we want to be. Coaching tools benefit the whole family: From affirmations to emotional check-ins, these techniques promote stronger, healthier relationships.   Keywords: Coaching and parenting, How coaching helps parents, Coaching tools for mums and dads, Emotional regulation for parents, Belief work with children, Parent coaching techniques, Family values and emotional literacy, Coaching for self-care, How to parent without guilt, Mindful parenting through coaching,   Links: Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a

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  21:07
• 189 10 Essential Coaching Skills

  What does it take to truly transform conversations and empower clients as a coach? In this episode we unpack the essential coaching skills that every great coach should cultivate. These aren’t the conventional techniques you’ll find in a competency framework; they’re the often-overlooked yet powerful capabilities that create truly impactful and transformative coaching experiences. Join us as we share insights and personal reflections from our own coaching journeys, exploring both the obvious and under-the-radar skills that can elevate your coaching practice. As we kick off the conversation, we reflect on what makes the art of coaching so unique. One of the first skills we explore is attunement and loving presence—the ability to tune into a client’s energy, emotions, and worldview. This skill allows coaches to create a safe, intimate space where clients can open up, share their vulnerabilities, and feel fully seen. We recount how, over time, we’ve learned to attune to the “energy field” of our clients, connecting with their inner worlds in deeply meaningful ways. Next, we delve into pattern spotting, a skill that extends beyond just noticing what clients say in the moment. It’s about drawing connections across multiple conversations and identifying themes that clients themselves may not yet recognise. We share how this skill enhances self-awareness and helps clients unlock breakthroughs. Time management comes into focus as we discuss its role in maintaining session boundaries and ensuring clients derive maximum value. It’s a practical yet essential skill—one that’s vital for closing sessions effectively while allowing both coach and client to leave the coaching “bubble” ready to engage with the wider world. From there, we explore cultural awareness and the importance of understanding the systemic challenges and diverse lived experiences our clients may face. We reflect on our own growth and commitment to educating ourselves, creating inclusive spaces, and embracing the complexities of coaching within a multicultural landscape. We also dive into creativity and agility, sharing how “dancing in the moment” helps us respond to clients’ needs without rigidly adhering to structures or models. This is complemented by our exploration of keeping ego in check, reminding ourselves as coaches to stay client-centred and avoid the temptation to impose our own agendas. Towards the end of the episode, we discuss two transformative skills: lifelong learning and courage. We share how embracing a learner’s mindset keeps us open to growth, while courage allows us to navigate the often vulnerable space of coaching conversations with authenticity and boldness. Throughout the episode, we reflect on our personal experiences and offer practical insights that you can apply to your own coaching practice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, we hope this episode provides inspiration and guidance on your journey as a coach.   10 Essential Coaching Skills: Attunement & Loving Presence Pattern Spotting Time Management Boundary Setting Cultural Awareness Creativity & Agility Keeping Ego in Check Business Acumen Lifelong Learning Courage   Timestamps 00:00: Introduction 02:15: Skill 1 - Attunement 09:45: Skill 2 - Pattern Spotting 15:30: Skill 3 - Time Management 22:00: Skill 4 - Boundary Setting 27:40: Skill 5 - Cultural Awareness 33:10: Skill 6 - Creativity 38:25: Skill 7 - Keeping Ego in Check 45:00: Skill 8 - Business Acumen 50:20: Skill 9 - Lifelong Learning 56:40: Skill 10 - Courage   Keywords: Essential coaching skills, Coaching attunement, Pattern spotting in coaching, Coaching time management, Setting boundaries as a coach, Cultural awareness in coaching, Coaching creativity and agility, Keeping ego in check coaching, Business skills for coaches, Lifelong learning for coaches, Coaching courage, Breakthrough coaching conversations, Coaching competency frameworks, Coaching CPD programs, Becoming a great coach, Links: Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a  

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  26:46
• 188 How to use Interruptions in Coaching

  Is interrupting ever a good thing in coaching? Many of us have been taught that interrupting is rude, disrespectful, or unhelpful, but what if the right kind of interruption could be transformational for a client? In this episode, we explore the complex role of interruptions in coaching. We often get asked in coaching supervision whether interrupting a client is okay, or if it’s a sign of being too directive. The truth is, it depends. Interrupting can be incredibly useful when done with intention and in service of the client. It can be a tool to help clients shift patterns, refocus, and move towards their goals. We discuss different types of interruptions, from gentle redirections to stronger pattern-breaking interventions, and how to contract with clients upfront to make sure interruptions are welcomed, not resented. We also highlight the importance of rapport, as well as when to hold space in silence instead of stepping in. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel more confident about when and how to use interruptions in coaching, ensuring they enhance rather than disrupt the coaching process. Interrupting can be a valuable coaching skill when used intentionally and in service of the client. Whether it’s a gentle redirection or a bold wake-up call, the key is to use it with awareness, rapport, and purpose. If you want to refine your coaching skills and explore how different techniques, including interruptions, can enhance your practice, check out our Coaching Training Quiz at www.mycoachingcourse.com.   Key Lessons Learned Interruptions are not inherently bad; They can help clients stay on track and challenge unhelpful patterns. The key question is: Who is the interruption serving? If it’s for the client’s benefit, it can be a valuable tool. Interrupting can be part of a coaching contract; Discussing it upfront ensures clients are comfortable with the approach. Some clients want to be interrupted; They may even request it in pre-coaching questionnaires, especially if they know they tend to talk in circles. Strong rapport allows for more direct interruptions; Clients who trust you are more open to challenge. Silence is also a form of interruption; Holding space instead of jumping in can be just as powerful. Interruptions should be purposeful; Whether it’s to redirect, challenge, or highlight a pattern, it should always serve the coaching process.   Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Interruptions in Coaching Decide Whether an Interruption is Needed Is the client looping? Are they going off-track from their goal? Are they avoiding something important? Frame Interruptions as a Coaching Tool In the chemistry session, discuss whether they find interruptions helpful. Use pre-coaching questionnaires to gauge their communication style. Use Gentle Interruptions for Redirection If a client is spending too much time on updates instead of their goal, you might say: "I’m noticing that we’ve spent a lot of time on updates. You also mentioned you want to focus on [goal]. What would be most useful right now?" Use Stronger Interruptions to Break Patterns If a client is stuck in repetitive thinking, a direct approach can help: "I’m going to stop you there. We’ve had this same conversation in three sessions now. What’s keeping you stuck?" Ensure Rapport is Strong Before Using Direct Interruptions If a client trusts you, they’ll be more receptive to a bold challenge. Be aware of cultural and personal sensitivities; not all clients will react well to strong interventions. Balance Interruptions with Silence If a client is processing something deep, silence might be the best approach instead of interruption. Debrief After Using Interruptions At the end of the session, ask: "Was my approach today, including any interruptions, helpful for you?" Timestamps 00:13 – 00:46: Introduction; why interruptions are a powerful coaching tool 00:47 – 02:07: The common fear that interrupting is rude 02:34 – 03:55: The difference between supportive and disruptive interruptions 04:21 – 05:44: How interruptions can actually build rapport 06:13 – 07:39: Examples of when interruptions are necessary 08:09 – 09:34: Contracting with clients; why discussing interruptions upfront matters 10:03 – 11:46: Pattern-breaking interruptions; how to help clients get unstuck 12:16 – 13:59: Using silence as an alternative to interruption 14:39 – 15:59: How interruptions can validate client achievements 16:27 – 17:55: When interruptions backfire; how to recover if a client reacts negatively 18:50 – 19:49: Practical strategies for refining your use of interruptions 20:17 – 20:35: Final reflections and key takeaways   Keywords: How to use interruptions in coaching, Coaching techniques for managing client talk time, Coaching communication skills, When to interrupt a coaching client, How to redirect a client in coaching, Coaching techniques for breaking thought loops, The role of silence in coaching, Coaching contract and client expectations, Managing difficult coaching conversations, How to keep coaching sessions focused   Links: Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 5 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l5-diploma COACHING TRAINING LEVEL 7 https://www.igcompany.co.uk/l7-diploma Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a

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  18:26
• 187 How to Coach Beliefs

  What role do beliefs play in shaping our lives, and how can coaching help us uncover and transform them? In this episode we explore the profound impact of beliefs on our lives and how coaching can guide individuals in uncovering and reshaping them. Beliefs are powerful mental constructs, often mistaken for facts, that act as filters for our experiences. They shape the way we see the world, make decisions, and pursue goals. Through coaching, we help clients bring their unconscious beliefs into awareness, question them, and decide whether they serve their goals or hold them back. We delve into three key lenses for examining beliefs: ability, possibility, and worthiness. These frameworks allow us to identify empowering beliefs that propel individuals forward and limiting beliefs that act as barriers. By working with clients, we unearth hidden beliefs that may appear as unconscious truths but are, in fact, outdated stories from past experiences. A common breakthrough in coaching comes from addressing core beliefs like "I’m not good enough." These deep-rooted beliefs often underpin surface-level limitations and can be transformational when brought to light. Coaching enables clients to explore the origins and intentions of such beliefs, fostering a deeper understanding and a path to creating more empowering alternatives. We also discuss the importance of psychological safety in the coaching relationship. Providing a secure and trusting environment allows clients to explore their beliefs deeply, often resulting in liberating and joyful revelations. Balancing depth with curiosity and lightness, we guide clients through both the emotional and celebratory aspects of belief work. Through this episode, we highlight the interconnectedness of beliefs with values and strengths. Whether identifying empowering beliefs that support clients' goals or challenging limiting ones, belief work lies at the heart of transformational coaching. It’s a journey of discovery, growth, and unlocking potential. Key Lessons: Beliefs are dynamic: With conscious effort, they can change and evolve over time. Empowering vs Limiting beliefs: Recognising the difference between beliefs that propel us forward and those that hinder us is vital. Breaking down beliefs: Digging deeper into limiting beliefs often reveals a core belief that needs attention. The role of psychological safety: Building trust within the coaching relationship ensures clients feel secure in exploring and shifting beliefs. Celebrate empowering beliefs: Leveraging existing positive beliefs can be just as impactful as challenging limiting ones. Timestamps: 00:44: Introduction to the importance of beliefs in coaching. 01:13: Exploring beliefs as facts and how they can change. 02:11: Three lenses to view beliefs: ability, possibility, and worthiness. 06:19: Common limiting beliefs, like "I'm not good enough." 07:18: Shifting perspectives with empowering beliefs and evidence gathering. 08:43: Finding root beliefs for transformational coaching sessions. 10:37: Coaching with lightness amidst deep emotional exploration. 17:34: Advanced coaching techniques for belief work. Keywords: Coaching beliefs, Empowering and limiting beliefs, Challenging core beliefs, Transformational coaching, Building psychological safety in coaching, Links: Take the Coaching Course Quiz: www.mycoachingcourse.com Purchase our bestselling book ”Deciding to Coach”: https://amzn.to/3UvUe9r Join The Coaching Crowd Community on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCoachingCrowd/ In Good Company (UK) https://www.igcompany.co.uk/ Check out our YouTube Channel https://bit.ly/378rY9a  

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  18:55

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About The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins