The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

• Contradiction in Coaching

  Have you ever felt confused by seemingly conflicting messages in your coaching journey? Whether you’re training to become a coach, have been in practice for years, or are simply curious about coaching, you’ve probably come across contradictions that make you pause and wonder: Is this right? Or is it wrong? Or… could it be both? In this episode we dive into some of the most common contradictions that coaches face, especially during training and development. We reflect on the nuances we encounter as coach trainers and practitioners, unpicking the complexities of coaching goals, non-directiveness, sharing of self, professional boundaries, and the role of structure versus fluidity. This episode was such a joy to record because it gave us space to validate the “messy middle” where so many coaches find themselves. That tension between learning the rules and evolving beyond them. It reminded me of how deeply coaching is rooted in conscious choice, relationship, and reflection. From the irony of learning rigid frameworks only to outgrow them, to the beauty of coaching mastery as an art of flow and discernment, this episode is all about embracing paradox. If you're someone who finds themselves craving clarity while swimming in contradiction, you’ll likely feel seen here. We also talk about the journey of personal growth alongside professional development, how who we are as people directly influences who we become as coaches. There are no hard and fast rules, and that’s both liberating and confronting. We hope this conversation helps you feel a little more grounded in the uncertainty, and even a little more curious. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction: Why contradictions in coaching matter 01:00 – The goals paradox: clarity at the start… or at the end? 05:15 – Is coaching really non-directive? 08:35 – When and how to share your own experience as a coach 13:25 – What clients actually need and how this impacts your role 16:00 – Coaching bodies and different competency frameworks 17:40 – The craving for models: structure, freedom, and finding your style 22:00 – What coaching mastery really looks like 23:45 – Clients bring contradictions too 24:40 – Final reflections and invitation to explore coaching further   Key Lessons Learned: Goals aren’t always clear at the start and sometimes clarity is the goal. Non-directiveness is a principle, not a rule; conscious choice is the key. Self-disclosure can build connection when used with intention and care. Frameworks and models are useful, until they become restrictive. Mastery lies in flexibility, knowing when to hold structure and when to release it. Clients themselves live in contradiction, and your role is to help them make sense of that tension. Coaching isn’t just future-focused, it often invites reflection on the past. There are many paths to being a great coach and none of them are identical.   Keywords: coaching contradictions, non-directive coaching, coaching goals, coaching frameworks, coaching training UK, becoming a coach, coaching vs mentoring, emotional coaching, self-disclosure in coaching, coaching mastery,   Links & Resources: mycoachingcourse.com – Take the quiz and explore our coaching training programmes https://igcompany.co.uk/

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• Why is Everyone Training to be a Coach

  Have you ever found yourself wondering why so many people are suddenly becoming coaches? What’s drawing them in, and what are they finding once they’re there? In this episode we reflect on a question we’re often asked: “Why is everyone training to be a coach?” And the truth is, it’s a powerful question with many deeply personal and professional answers. This is a warm, grounded, and honest discussion between the two of us as co-hosts, coaching trainers, and long-time practitioners. We unpack the inner and outer reasons why coaching is booming, from the “life hack” of increased self-awareness to the ripple effect it has on careers, relationships, and wellbeing. We share our own stories and insights about: Why coaching is becoming more than just a career path, it's a form of self-expression, healing, and contribution How coaching training creates a sense of community and deep human connection The irreplaceable power of coaching in a world increasingly dominated by AI and automation How people are discovering peace, confidence, and clarity through coaching training The difference between facilitated and self-guided programmes and why that matters We also explore the soulful, spiritual side of coaching, what it means to be attuned to yourself and others, how it lights people up from the inside, and why so many of our trainees say they’ve “found what they’ve been looking for.” Whether you’re considering becoming a coach yourself or you’re just curious about what’s fuelling this global movement, we hope this conversation offers insight, clarity, and maybe even a spark of inspiration.   Timestamps: 00:47 – The ‘life hack’ of coach training and why people tell everyone about it. 02:14 – How coaching strengthens career prospects and relationships at work. 03:37 – Surprising personal benefits, even in dating and family life. 05:22 – Coaching as a decision-making and confidence-building tool. 06:49 – Why coaching is an essential skill in an AI-driven world. 09:34 – When coach training becomes a route to healing and self-discovery 12:15 – “AI for the soul” and other powerful reflections on the heart of coaching. Key Lessons Learned Coaching training is a powerful gateway to personal transformation, not just professional development Deep self-awareness, boundary-setting, and emotional clarity are common outcomes of coach training Coaching prepares leaders for a future shaped by AI by amplifying essential human skills The sense of community and shared purpose in a coaching cohort is deeply nourishing People are drawn to coaching because it helps them find meaning, peace, and a way to contribute to others   Keywords: train to be a coach, coaching training programmes, become a coach UK, why become a coach, coaching and self-awareness, coaching for leaders, AI and coaching, coaching for wellbeing, personal growth through coaching, human connection in coaching   Links & Resources: Take the Quiz to Discover Your Coaching Pathway The Coaching Crowd Website

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• Emotions Coaching Demo

  Ever wondered what it really looks like to hold safe, structured, and powerful space for emotions in a coaching session? In this episode we did something we’ve not done in a long time on the podcast, we brought you inside a real-life coaching demonstration, using one of the techniques from our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Programme. The session is a genuine conversation between us, non-scripted, not rehearsed. Just Jo as the coachee, working through a very real, emotionally loaded decision: whether or not to say yes to buying a new home. We use the EMOTION coaching model, a semi-structured framework that walks through: E — Engaging the emotional coaching contract M — Making contact (somatic/emotional awareness) O — Exploring the opportunity T — Connecting with thoughts I — Exploring intuition O — Outcomes N — What’s needed now This demo is about more than just the house. It’s a window into how emotion-based coaching can support real-life decision-making, personal growth, and clarity, without pressure or prescription. If you found this demo insightful, whether as a coach or as someone exploring their own emotions check out our Emotions Coaching Practitioner Programme. You’ll learn how to safely support clients through deep, meaningful conversations, using structure without script. https://igcompany.co.uk/emotionsdemo We’d love to hear what insights this brought up for you. Let us know!   Key Lessons Learned: Emotions are never “too much”, they’re powerful sources of insight when held safely. Coaching doesn’t need to fix, it needs to create space. Body wisdom holds emotional truth, pay attention to sensations. A structured model can support emotional freedom, not restrict it. You don’t need a solution, just clarity and the ability to feel. Trust your intuition, it’s more grounded than we realise. Coaching demos are powerful tools for learning, both as a coach and a coachee.   Keywords: emotions coaching demo, how to coach emotions, coaching demonstrations, EMOTION coaching model, emotions coaching practitioner training, live coaching example, decision-making in coaching, emotional regulation in coaching, somatic coaching techniques, emotion-focused coaching skills,   Links: Watch another emotions coaching demo: https://igcompany.co.uk/emotionsdemo  

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• How to Grow your Confidence as a Coach

  Are you a coach who secretly wonders if you’re “doing it right”? You’re not alone, and this episode is for you. In this episode we unpack a topic that nearly every coach wrestles with at some point: CONFIDENCE. Whether you're just starting out or years into your practice, it's normal to question yourself, "Am I doing this right?" "Could I be better?" We see it time and again in our training rooms and our own journeys, that shaky moment when you step into the coaching seat and doubt creeps in. In this episode we cover: Confidence is fluid: It changes over time and across clients; uncertainty may stem from the coaching dynamic, not just your ability. Lean on trusted peers: Having another coach to talk to is invaluable, especially when supervision isn't immediately available. Acknowledge competence gaps: Confidence and competence go hand in hand; recognise where you need to grow your skills and take action. Choose aligned training programmes: Confidence flourishes in learning environments that align with your values, energy, and coaching style. Know and own your coaching style: Understanding your natural style helps reduce comparison and builds authentic confidence. Stretch yourself with CPD and variety: Try different coaching formats, durations, and approaches to expand your ability and confidence. Seek intentional feedback: Ask for meaningful, specific feedback to grow in areas where you feel uncertain. This episode is full of lived experience, reassurance, and practical steps. Confidence doesn’t arrive all at once, it’s grown, session by session, conversation by conversation. If you're feeling unsure or stuck in self-doubt, you're not alone. Confidence is something we build through the work, not before it. Whether you need CPD, supervision, peer support, or just a community of coaches who get it, we’re here for you. Explore more at https://igcompany.co.uk And if this episode helped, drop us a message. We love hearing from you.   Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction: Why confidence matters for coaches 02:10 — Feeling confident with some clients but not others 06:15 — The power of coaching peers and quick support 09:20 — Contracts, competence, and admin: the hidden confidence killers 13:35 — The importance of choosing coach training aligned with your values 20:50 — Stop comparing: Know and own your coaching style 24:10 — CPD, supervision, play, and expanding your skills 30:35 — Intentional feedback and how to ask for it   Keywords: how to grow confidence as a coach, coaching confidence tips, building coaching skills, coaching supervision for new coaches, choosing the right coach training, peer support for coaches, reflective practice coaching. coaching style self-awareness, CPD for coaches, coaching feedback techniques   Links: All coaching programmes mentioned (Emotions Coaching, Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching, CPD, Foundations to Masters):https://igcompany.co.uk

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• 5 Best Things about Coaching

  Have you ever wondered what truly makes coaching one of the most rewarding careers you could pursue? In this episode we take a heartfelt wander through what we believe are the very best things about being a coach. Spoiler alert: we didn’t stop at five! This conversation is all about celebrating coaching, not just as a profession, but as a way of living that aligns with our values, passions, and purpose. The 5 things we believe makes coaching the best profession: Combining passion and talent Meeting incredible people and joining a supportive coaching community Flexibility and autonomy in designing your own hours and environment Authenticity; being your own kind of coach The human connection and deep fulfilment coaching brings This episode is a celebration of everything coaching can be. And if you’re new to coaching or wondering if it’s “your thing,” we hope this opens a door for you. If you’re new to coaching or rediscovering your purpose as a coach, this episode is for you. If it sparked something in you, let us know! We love hearing how the podcast lands, what it catalyses, and what you'd love us to talk about next. Explore our coach training programmes at https://igcompany.co.uk or simply get in touch and say hello.   Timestamps: 00:00 — Why celebrate coaching? 01:10 — #1: Combining passion and talent 03:15 — #2: Meeting amazing people around the world 06:40 — #3: Flexibility, autonomy, and designing your own life 10:20 — #4: Being your authentic coaching self 13:30 — #5: A humbling, deeply human profession 17:50 — Parallel process, systemic thinking, and intergenerational insight 21:15 — Broader impact: on family, life, and values 24:30 — Working outdoors and location freedom 27:40 — Coaching as personal choice and alignment 30:00 — Final thoughts: Coaching gives us joy, meaning, and community   Key Lessons Learned Coaching is not just a job, it’s a calling. You can align your work life with your values through coaching. Coaching offers flexibility, autonomy, and location independence. The coaching community is warm, supportive, and collaborative. You get to be yourself, and support others in being themselves. Coaching teaches you about the world, humanity, and your place in it. The ripple effect of coaching touches your clients, family, and future.   Keywords: Best things about coaching, Why become a coach, Benefits of coaching as a career, Coaching flexibility, Coaching community, Coaching lifestyle, Coaching impact on family, Coaching self-employment, Working as a coach, Life as a professional coach,   Links: All coaching programmes mentioned (Emotions Coaching, Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching, CPD, Foundations to Masters):https://igcompany.co.uk

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