The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

• Maternity Coaching

  Have you ever found yourself torn between who you were before becoming a parent and the new identity that emerges after welcoming a child? In this episode we explore the deeply personal and transformative journey of maternity coaching. Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life transitions anyone can go through. We reflect on our own experience of having children while holding onto a strong ambition for our careers and the inner conflict that came with trying to reconcile those two worlds. We talk about the identity shifts that many parents face, the emotional complexities that can arise during maternity leave, and the challenges of returning to work in environments that may have changed significantly in your absence. Throughout the conversation, we reflect on how valuable maternity coaching would have been for us at that time. Having a confidential space to explore emotions, rebuild confidence, and navigate new responsibilities can be life-changing. We also expand the conversation to include parental coaching more broadly, recognising that transitions affect all caregivers, whether through adoption, shared parenting, or new family dynamics. Coaching can support individuals in building resilience, having courageous conversations with line managers, and re-establishing confidence in their professional and personal identities. This discussion highlighted for me how powerful coaching can be in safeguarding against burnout, improving employee engagement, and strengthening relationships at work. It left me appreciating maternity coaching not only as a personal lifeline but also as an organisational strategy that demonstrates care for people beyond their job role. Timestamps: 00:51 – Why maternity coaching matters 01:21 – Identity conflict after becoming a parent 03:39 – What maternity coaching looks like in practice 05:06 – Emotional and cognitive changes during maternity leave 06:28 – Rebuilding confidence when returning to work 07:48 – Benefits for organisations and leaders 09:13 – Extending to parental coaching more broadly 11:56 – Productivity shifts after becoming a parent 13:21 – Exploring systemic challenges 15:39 – Why maternity coaching signals organisational care 16:35 – Do we need to label it “maternity coaching”? 18:02 – Emotions coaching and life transitions 21:46 – Invitation to learn more through our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training Key Lessons Learned Identity transformation is one of the most significant challenges during maternity leave. Maternity coaching offers a safe space to explore emotions without judgement. Coaching supports smoother transitions back to work, reducing overwhelm and burnout. Employers benefit through stronger engagement, productivity, and loyalty. Parental coaching is not limited to mothers, it extends to fathers, adoptive parents, and anyone navigating caregiving transitions. Coaching helps differentiate between personal beliefs and systemic realities in the workplace. Productivity often increases when parents return to work due to sharper focus and time management. Emotional coaching skills are essential for supporting clients during major life milestones. Keywords: maternity coaching, parental coaching, coaching for parents, identity shift after parenthood, return to work coaching, emotional coaching, workplace transitions, coaching for new parents, confidence after maternity leave, coaching in organisations,   Links & Resources: Emotions Coaching Practitioner Training: igcompany.co.uk/emotionscoaching

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• How to Self Coach

  Have you ever wondered how different life could feel if you were able to pause, step back, and coach yourself through challenges as they arise? In this episode we explore the practice of self-coaching, what it really means, how it works in everyday life, and why it is such a powerful tool for personal growth. As coaches, one of the greatest benefits of our training has been learning how to develop our own inner coach. This isn’t about striving for perfection or trying to be a “superhuman.” Instead, it’s about cultivating awareness, curiosity, and reflection in a way that allows us to step out of our experience long enough to gain a fresh perspective. We talk about the cues that signal when it’s time to coach ourselves, from moments of emotional intensity to times of great joy when we want to understand how to recreate that feeling. Jo shares how she has learned to notice when she is “in something” fully absorbed in an experience and how to hover above it, reflect, and gently question “what’s happening for me”? We explore a wide range of reflective questions that listeners can add to their own self-coaching toolkit, from belief-based and emotional check-in prompts, to deeper existential reflections. We highlight the importance of differentiating between genuine self-coaching and overthinking, and we talk about the need to balance reflection with action. Most of all, this conversation reminded us that self-coaching is about the relationship we choose to build with ourselves. Do we want to give energy to our inner critic, or nurture our inner coach? The quality of the questions we ask ourselves often determines whether we stay stuck or move forward. Whether you are a coach yourself or simply curious about bringing more reflective practice into your life, this episode offers both insight and practical tools to help you grow.   Timestamps 00:47 – Why self-coaching matters when resources are limited 01:16 – Reflection and noticing: stepping outside your experience 03:04 – Core coaching elements that underpin self-coaching 04:31 – The myth of needing to self-coach all the time 05:25 – Learning from moments of joy and success 06:21 – Coaching methodologies that support self-reflection 07:46 – Expanding your self-coaching toolkit with powerful questions 09:14 – Emotional check-ins and boundaries 13:50 – Testing possibilities and taking small, safe steps 16:04 – Self-coaching vs overthinking: how to spot the difference 17:25 – Radical personal ownership and accountability 19:20 – Success criteria for effective self-coaching 20:17 – Choosing between your inner critic and your inner coach 21:11 – Our invitation for you to reflect, review, and share   Key Lessons Learned Self-coaching is grounded in reflection, presence, and awareness, noticing when you need to step back and explore your experience differently. It is not about being “on” all the time; sometimes the most powerful growth happens when you simply sit in the messiness of life. The quality of the questions you ask yourself matters more than the complexity, simple, courageous questions often lead to the deepest insight. Emotional check-ins, belief exploration, and reflective questioning can help uncover hidden patterns and create space for new choices. Self-coaching requires balance between reflection and action; growth happens when insights are followed by meaningful steps forward. Developing an inner coach strengthens your relationship with yourself and can transform the way you navigate challenges.   Keywords: Self-coaching, Coaching tools, Reflective practice, Inner coach, Emotional awareness, Personal growth, Coaching questions, Overthinking vs reflection, Coaching mindset, Radical ownership   Links & Resources https://www.igcompany.co.uk

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• Co-coaching

  Have you ever wished you had a trusted partner by your side in your coaching work, someone who elevates your ideas, shares the load, and helps you grow in ways you could never achieve alone? In this episode of the podcast, we explore the concept of co-coaching. Co-coaching is about more than simply sharing a client group with another professional. It is about building a relationship of trust, alignment, and mutual respect that enhances both the client experience and your own development as a coach. We reflect on our own journey together; how we first met, the values that underpin our partnership, and the ways co-coaching has helped us take bolder steps, hold space for complex group dynamics, and recover quickly when our minds go blank. There is a special kind of magic that happens when you can bounce ideas off someone who gets you, challenges you, and sees possibilities you might miss on your own. We discuss the very real benefits of working alongside another coach, from sharing creative preparation and delivering richer sessions, to having another set of eyes and ears to spot what’s happening in the room. We share how co-coaching has supported us in debriefing after intense sessions, navigating moments of uncertainty, and modelling collaborative, respectful working relationships for our clients. There is also a strong business case for co-coaching. You gain access to each other’s networks, expand your reach, and benefit from shared opportunities. Beyond that, the joy of celebrating milestones together, and simply having fun, makes the work more fulfilling. Whether you are considering co-coaching for the first time or want to deepen an existing partnership, this episode offers insights into how to choose the right partner, maintain a healthy dynamic, and create experiences that benefit everyone involved.   Timestamps: 00:39 – What co-coaching is and why it matters 02:27 – How idea-sharing elevates creativity and confidence 04:19 – Handling unexpected moments with authenticity 05:42 – Modelling collaboration for clients 06:36 – Choosing the right co-coach and aligning values 07:58 – The importance of debriefing after sessions 10:15 – Unique feedback opportunities through co-coaching 11:39 – Building connections and networks without competition 12:34 – The business benefits of shared audiences 13:58 – Celebrating milestones together and sustaining joy 15:50 – The flexibility of working together and independently 16:20 – How to explore co-coaching further through our training   Key Lessons Learned: Co-coaching provides a unique platform for creativity, confidence, and mutual support. Alignment in values, goals, and ways of working is essential for a thriving partnership. Having another coach present allows you to see and respond to group dynamics more effectively. A healthy co-coaching relationship models collaboration and flexibility for clients. The debrief process after sessions is crucial for learning, closure, and moving forward. Co-coaching expands your professional network and brings business opportunities. Variety in working styles and personalities benefits clients and broadens learning. Joy, celebration, and camaraderie are powerful motivators for long-term collaboration. Co-coaching can offer emotional resilience by sharing both the highs and the challenges. Strong relationships often start in shared learning environments such as CPD programmes.   Keywords: co-coaching, coaching partnerships, group coaching, team coaching, coach collaboration, professional coaching, coaching networks, coaching business growth, collaborative coaching, coach development,   Links & Resources https://www.igcompany.co.uk/gtc https://www.igcompany.co.uk/group

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• How to use Metaphors in Coaching

  How can metaphor help your clients see themselves differently? Have you ever found yourself lost for words when trying to articulate how you feel? Or maybe you've worked with a coaching client who struggles to express their experience? In those moments, metaphors can open up powerful new pathways. In this episode, we explore the art and practice of using metaphor in coaching. It’s a topic we’ve touched on before, but today we wanted to really dive in. Metaphors are more than clever imagery, they’re a bridge to the unconscious, a creative tool for insight, and often, a much gentler route into emotional exploration. Jo has always loved metaphors. I’ll admit, I used to roll my eyes when she brought them up, early in my coaching journey, I didn’t see their value. But over time, I’ve grown to love them, not just as a coaching technique, but as a deeply human way of understanding and being understood. We talk about the science and soul of metaphor: how it can help clients shift stuck energy, bypass logic, and reflect on difficult or unknown emotions in a more depersonalised way. Whether a client says they feel like they’re “carrying a heavy backpack” or “climbing a mountain”, those metaphors reveal something essential. This episode is filled with real coaching examples and reflections. We discuss clean language, the visual nature of metaphor, and how sometimes our own intuitive imagery as coaches can become powerful tools for client insight. We also touch on: How to deepen and explore a client’s metaphor The importance of timing and sensitivity What to do when a client brings a metaphor back into future sessions And how metaphors can become anchors, guiding a client’s growth long after the session ends Metaphors are not about being clever, they’re about connecting. And as we reflect on our experiences and share some memorable client stories, we hope this conversation inspires you to listen more closely to the metaphors your clients offer, and perhaps even the ones that arise within you.   Timestamps: 00:28 – Why metaphors matter in coaching 01:23 – Zoe’s journey from scepticism to love for metaphor 02:22 – Moving beyond logic: using metaphor to unlock stuckness 03:18 – Working with client-generated metaphors 04:42 – How metaphors shift energy and enable playfulness 06:10 – Depersonalisation and the power of symbolic language 07:35 – Metaphor as language for growth between sessions 08:57 – The client who visualised their journey through art 09:26 – Visualisation and emotional metaphor in coaching 10:47 – Tips for noticing and using metaphor in session 12:38 – Creating movement and reconnecting with session goals 14:32 – Coach-generated metaphors and intuitive imagery 16:31 – When metaphors work best: even with 'non-visual' clients 17:26 – Anchoring emotion and experience with metaphor 18:54 – Why metaphor accelerates understanding and insight 20:49 – Using metaphor when clients want to remain private   Key Lessons Learned: Metaphors allow clients to express deep emotions without needing to verbalise them directly They can help bypass logical resistance and tap into the unconscious mind Clean language is a powerful tool for exploring client-originated metaphors Visual and symbolic metaphors can become long-term anchors for growth Coaches can offer their own intuitive metaphors to enrich the dialogue—but only when the client is ready   Keywords: metaphor in coaching, clean language coaching, using metaphors with clients, symbolic coaching techniques, coaching tools for emotions, how to use metaphor in therapy, coaching metaphors examples, unconscious mind in coaching, visual coaching techniques, coaching confidence with metaphor,   Links & Resources: Emotions Coaching: https://www.igcompany.co.uk/emotions-coaching

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• 5 Types of Reframing in Coaching Conversations

  Are you stuck seeing a situation in only one way? That question is at the heart of this week’s conversation, where we explore the powerful coaching skill of reframing, the gentle art of helping someone shift their perspective and unlock new possibilities. In this episode, we dive into the essence of reframing, what it is, why it matters, and how it can bring transformation in coaching conversations, leadership, and everyday life. We reflect on how reframing isn’t about ignoring facts or bypassing emotion, but about opening up the lens to see a challenge from a more empowering viewpoint. Zoe was reminded of the times when a simple reframe from Jo had disrupted her own thinking, like during a long car journey when she was convinced Jo couldn’t buy a house, and by the end, felt completely differently. Reframing can be that subtle nudge that opens up resourcefulness, choice, and ownership. We explore five types of reframing: Context Reframes; shifting the circumstances in which something is viewed Content Reframes; changing the meaning assigned to an experience Positive Intent Reframes; identifying the good intention behind behaviour Systemic Reframes; zooming out to consider relationships and environments Temporal Reframes; introducing time as a tool to gain distance and clarity What I loved most about this episode was reflecting on how everyday reframes, whether in coaching, parenting, or leadership, are already part of our lives. And when we bring awareness, sensitivity, and timing to them, they can become incredibly effective tools for transformation. Whether you’re a coach, manager, or simply someone curious about human behaviour, this episode will deepen your understanding of how reframing can cultivate emotional agility, confidence, and self-leadership.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to reframing and its purpose in coaching 01:25 – Getting stuck in thinking and how reframing unlocks options 04:12 – Real-life example of reframing during a conversation 06:32 – The emotional shift and reclaiming ownership through reframing 07:27 – What makes reframing different from asking questions 09:26 – Five types of reframes introduced 10:47 – When not to reframe: importance of timing and sensitivity 12:12 – Reframing self-judgement and guilt (e.g. being “too controlling”) 16:04 – The positive intent behind perfectionism 19:16 – Systemic reframes and reframing conflict within a team 22:08 – Time/temporal reframes and the value of future or past perspective 24:17 – Everyday leadership uses of reframing 25:15 – Deep presence and listening for meaning as a foundation for reframing   Key Lessons Learned: Reframing is about shifting meaning, not denying reality Timing is everything: don’t rush a reframe when emotions are raw Coaches should stay unattached to whether a reframe “lands” or not There are multiple types of reframes; context, content, positive intent, systemic, and time-based Leaders can use reframing to support change, conflict, and morale in teams Reframing helps people reconnect with strengths, possibilities, and self-compassion Everyday reframes already exist in our language, we can choose to use them more consciously “What if” questions are powerful reframe starters Listening for assumptions and belief patterns helps shape relevant reframes Coaching skills like reframing support flexibility, meaning-making, and resilience   Keywords: Reframing in coaching, Emotional coaching, Confidence building, Coaching skills for leaders, Systemic reframing, Coaching mindset, Cognitive flexibility, Positive intent, Coaching techniques, Meaning-making in coaching,   Links & Resources https://mycoachingcourse.com – Quiz: Which coaching course is right for me? ·        Coaching Summit 2025: https://igcompany.co.uk/summit25

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