The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

What happens when coaches slow down, listen deeply, and answer the questions they are rarely asked out loud? This episode felt different from the outset. This week we sat down without scripts, without rehearsed answers, and without certainty about where the conversation would land. What we had instead was trust. Trust in the coaching process, trust in each other, and trust in the questions our listeners brought to us. We invited our listeners to share the coaching questions they find themselves holding, whether that is something they wrestle with in sessions, reflect on in supervision, or wonder about quietly in their own practice. What came back was a rich mix of practical dilemmas, reflective prompts, and deeply human concerns about confidence, emotional boundaries, challenge, and connection. As we read each question aloud, we answered in real time. That meant responding from lived experience rather than polished theory. At points we noticed ourselves pausing, reflecting, and even sitting with uncertainty. That felt important. Coaching does not always offer clean answers, and this episode honours that reality. We explored what it means to interrupt a client with care, how to think about failure when it does not feel like the real blocker, and what to do when a client triggers discomfort or resistance in us as coaches. We also talked honestly about homework in coaching, emotional load, negativity, and the blurred edges between coaching and everyday relationships with family. What stayed with us after recording, was a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the honesty of our listeners, for the depth of the coaching profession, and for the privilege of being trusted with these kinds of questions. This episode is less about expertise and more about presence, reflection, and shared learning.   Listener Questions and Reflections How do you catch a client who talks incessantly and keeps going over old ground without feeling disrespectful We reflected on the power of contracting at the start of sessions and being intentional with opening questions. Clear focus, permission to interrupt, and shared agreement on how to work together can transform this dynamic. we were particularly struck by the invitation to explore our own beliefs about interruption and respect, and how supervision can help unpack what feels uncomfortable for us as coaches. What would you do if you could not fail This question opened a deeper exploration of fear, risk, and attachment to outcomes. Neither of us felt that failure itself was the real barrier. Instead, we reflected on decision-making, tolerance for uncertainty, and how detachment from outcomes can create freedom and momentum. What do you do if you do not like a client Rather than seeing this as a problem, we framed it as data. Strong reactions are information. They invite curiosity, supervision, and self-reflection. Often, the clients who challenge us the most offer the richest learning and some of our most impactful coaching. Is homework essential for progress in coaching Our shared view was clear. Homework is not essential and should never be imposed. Progress comes from what the client chooses to take forward. Suggestions can be offered with care and consent, but the relationship must remain adult to adult, not expert to student. How can coaches hold space without taking on emotional load This question led us into beliefs about emotions, responsibility, and energy. We talked about preparation, grounding practices, and trusting that clients are capable of holding their own emotional experience. Sustainable coaching starts with how we relate to emotions, including our own. Is coaching friends and family ever a challenge We shared honest reflections about boundaries, self-awareness, and knowing when to step out of the coaching role. Coaching training changes how we see the world, but discernment matters. Not every moment calls for a coaching response. How do you coach someone who always returns to negativity We emphasised the importance of contracting for challenge and being honest about usefulness. Coaching is not about forcing change. Sometimes the most ethical choice is to question whether the coaching relationship remains the right support. Are there clients who stay with you the most Rather than naming one individual, we spoke about groups of clients who shape us at different stages of our development. What stayed with us was the sense of privilege in being invited into someone's inner world and witnessing their growth over time. What keeps you awake at night This question brought humour, honesty, and insight. From ideas and inspiration to family life and physical rhythms, it was a reminder that coaches are human first, reflective second, and professional always.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and episode context 01:00 Coaching a client who talks incessantly 06:45 What would you do if you could not fail 11:36 What if you do not like a client 14:20 Is homework essential in coaching 18:30 Holding space without taking on emotional load 22:36 Coaching in everyday family conversations 28:04 Coaching clients who focus on negativity 30:33 Clients who stay with you the most 33:46 What keeps you awake at night 37:25 Closing reflections and invitation to listeners   Keywords: coaching questions, coaching confidence, emotional coaching, holding space in coaching, coaching supervision, coach client relationship, coaching boundaries, coaching reflection, coaching challenges professional coaching practice,   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever paused to consider where you truly are in your growth as a coach and what your current stage of development reveals about the way you show up for your clients? In this episode, we walk through the evolving arc of our professional identity and the way our presence deepens as we move from doing coaching to being a coach. It is a journey rich with curiosity, discomfort, insight, and ultimately, transformation. During the conversation, we unpack the three broad stages of coach maturity. We explore the ways we develop from novice coach to intuitive practitioner and eventually to a place where we work with the wider system that sits around each client. As we revisit these stages, we were reminded of the moments in our own journeys when we grappled with self-doubt, longed for structure, and later found liberation in silence, emergence, and reflective practice. We discuss what this pathway can look like in real life. Early on, the focus often sits on learning models like GROW or CLEAR, trying to get coaching "right", and wondering whether you are offering enough value. As maturity builds, the focus shifts toward deep relational awareness. Questions such as how we are being together begin to matter more than the specific tools we use. There is more acknowledgment of intuition, pattern spotting, boundaries, ethics, and the energy in the space between coach and client. As the journey progresses, the coaching relationship becomes a gateway into something broader. We delve into the systemic nature of coaching and what happens when we are able to sit in not knowing without fear. This phase is rich, existential, and deeply grounding. It calls for humility, self-awareness, regulated presence, and the ability to hold space for emergence. We reflect on how this stage can be both liberating and challenging. At times we have found it confronting, and at others we have found it to be the most expansive area of professional growth. Throughout this episode, the recurring theme for me is that coaching maturity is not time served. It is about what we integrate, how we reflect, and the courage we bring to our own development. Every phase offers value. Every phase has its purpose. And every coach will move through the continuum in their own way. Our hope is that this conversation sparks meaningful self-reflection and gives you a clearer sense of where you are today and where your next stretch might be.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and introduction to coaching maturity 01:20 Why the competency frameworks can feel confusing 02:17 From doing coaching to being a coach 03:35 The ongoing evolution of a coach 05:01 Coach maturity as continual development rather than destination 06:29 Stage one indicators and early coaching experiences 08:25 Navigating self doubt and value questions 09:50 Transitioning into a more relational coaching style 11:20 Deep listening, intuition and pattern spotting 12:45 Creativity and presence in coaching 14:11 How the coaching space mirrors client experiences 16:08 Sitting with not knowing and supporting emergence 18:05 Humility and letting go of ego 19:34 How supervision supports growth 20:31 Using coaching maturity reflections as a development catalyst 21:30 Why different clients need different levels of maturity 22:55 Maturity is not time served 24:18 Understanding learning edges 25:44 Encouragement for self-reflection and next steps 26:08 Coaching training quiz and CPD options   Key Lessons Learned: Coaching maturity evolves from doing coaching to embodying the role of coach in a grounded, relational way Early stages often include self-doubt, reliance on tools, and a desire to get things right Growth involves increased trust in intuition, deeper presence, and comfortable use of silence Systemic awareness becomes central as maturity develops Reflective practice and supervision accelerate progression Not knowing can be a powerful portal for insight and emergence Maturity is not about years of experience but about integration and self-awareness   Keywords: coaching maturity, coach development, reflective practice, coaching presence, coaching intuition, systemic coaching, coaching evolution, coaching confidence, professional coaching skills, coaching competence   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever reached a point where burnout reshaped your sense of who you are and what you want next in life? In this episode, we explore the tender, transformative journey that so many people move through when they decide to train as a coach after experiencing burnout. This conversation matters because burnout rarely leaves life untouched. It rewires priorities, reframes identity, and forces us to acknowledge that our wellbeing is the most important asset we have. Throughout the discussion, we reflect on why individuals arrive at coach training following burnout and what they discover about themselves in the process. We talk about the shift from depletion to purpose, the desire to reconnect with meaning, and the way burnout creates fertile ground for growth once we begin to resource ourselves again. We acknowledge how disorientating burnout can be. It can feel frightening and destabilising, yet it can also illuminate our non-negotiables and reveal the parts of life that need to change. As we explore this, we share how coaching becomes a powerful pathway towards rebuilding confidence, rediscovering identity, and reconnecting with values. We dive into the emotional experience behind this choice. Many people arrive having encountered support through counselling, therapy, mentoring or coaching, realising that they want to help others in the same way they have been supported. Others arrive because their old world no longer fits who they have become. They do not return to their pre burnout life because it no longer feels like home. Coaching offers a forward focused space where they can shape what comes next. Throughout the episode, we reflect on the deep sense of safety and acceptance within the coaching community. We talk about how shame often accompanies burnout and how that shame is released when individuals step into an environment where life experience is valued rather than judged. We explore how coaching training becomes a healing process. Not always intentionally so, but in practice it reconnects people with the belief that they are enough. It helps them see themselves with compassion rather than criticism. It builds emotional honesty, self-awareness, and a renewed sense of possibility. We also reflect on how passion and purpose must be channelled with awareness. Burnout can occur in work that is deeply meaningful as well as work that is unfulfilling. Coaching training helps individuals see where their needs are not being met, where boundaries must shift, and how systemic pressures may be influencing their wellbeing. This episode is an invitation to anyone who has experienced burnout to consider how that experience might become a catalyst for growth. Coaching training can be the place where confidence is rebuilt, identity is reclaimed, and a new sense of purpose emerges.   Timestamps: 00.00 Welcome and introduction 00.28 Why burnout leads people towards coach training 00.56 How burnout reshapes identity 01.48 Rebuilding confidence and recognising personal needs 03.45 Entering the fertile ground of growth after burnout 04.14 When returning to old roles no longer feels aligned 05.11 Developing the belief that we are enough 06.13 Releasing shame and finding acceptance in coaching communities 07.32 Understanding mindset, values and beliefs during coach training 08.56 The courage required to share personal experiences 10.21 Recognising burnout risks and unmet needs 11.18 Monitoring wellbeing and understanding control 12.39 Increasing self awareness through coaching skills 14.36 The emotional honesty coaching encourages 15.05 Recognising burnout in clients and systemic pressures 17.00 Why people seek the source of coaching skills 17.58 Channelling ambition into something healthy 19.22 Feeling busy without becoming depleted 20.20 Creating a sustainable coaching life 20.49 Coaching as an oasis after burnout 21.18 How to explore coach training   Key Lessons Learned: Burnout often becomes a catalyst for reassessing identity, values and life direction. Coaching training provides a safe, accepting environment where individuals can release shame and rebuild confidence. The coaching journey is as healing as it is educational, helping people reconnect with the belief that they are enough. Passion driven individuals are at risk of burnout, and coaching skills help them understand and manage their needs. Coaching offers a future focused path that helps people move forward when returning to old roles no longer feels possible. Self awareness, emotional honesty and compassion are key outcomes of coach training after burnout. Life experience becomes a powerful asset within the coaching profession, not a limitation.   Keywords: training to be a coach, coaching after burnout, burnout recovery, coach training journey, emotional wellbeing, values led coaching, identity after burnout, confidence building, self-awareness coaching, healing through coaching   Links and Resources: www.igcompany.com/ilmcall www.mycoachingcourse.com 

Have you ever looked around at the growing number of coaches and wondered whether there is still space for you to build a thriving practice? In this episode we explore one of the most common concerns we hear from aspiring and experienced coaches: whether the coaching market is saturated. It is a question often rooted in fear and uncertainty, particularly for those stepping into the profession for the first time. As we reflect on this conversation, we notice how often this question reveals something deeper. It is rarely about the market itself. It is usually about whether there is space for me. Throughout the episode, we walk through the realities of an expanding coaching industry and what that means for those entering the field today. Demand for personal and professional development continues to rise and coaching has become a mainstream development tool across organisations, wellbeing programmes and leadership pipelines. Yet it is easy to feel overwhelmed when every social feed appears full of coaches promoting their services. Decision fatigue is real, and so is the sense of comparison. We share honest reflections on why differentiation matters more than ever. When we understand how we help people, what problems we solve and who we serve, the market suddenly feels much less crowded. We talk about the importance of niche clarity, emotional connection and business strategy, and how coaches can create meaningful impact by aligning their work with their values, expertise and purpose. We also explore fast-growing areas of coaching including neurodiversity coaching, team coaching and group coaching, as well as the shifting landscape created by AI. Some coaches incorporate technology into their practice while others intentionally lean into a deeply human approach. Both routes have value. Both reveal opportunities for growth. This episode is a reminder that saturation is a perspective, not a fixed truth. When you zoom out and consider the billions of people navigating work, life and change, the opportunities for coaching are vast. The real question becomes: how can I differentiate myself within a thriving, expanding market and create the conditions to succeed? If you are curious about training as a coach and want support in choosing the right route for you, I signpost you to the Coaching Crowd quiz, which brings clarity to that decision-making process and helps you understand where you fit best within the coaching world.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and framing the question 01:20 Why people worry about market saturation 03:00 The rise in coaching demand and industry growth 04:10 How niche clarity cuts through market noise 05:40 Perspective, fear and evidence-gathering 07:15 Zooming out to a global view of opportunity 08:50 Emerging coaching niches and industry trends 10:00 The role of AI and future-ready coaching models 11:20 Differentiation through values, credibility and brand 12:45 How coaching training shapes identity and purpose 14:10 Why coaching is now a mainstream development strategy 16:10 Personal and professional growth through coaching skills 18:20 Realism, resilience and navigating industry cycles 19:40 Why demand for ethical, skilled coaches continues to grow 20:55 Final reflections and invitation to take the Coaching Crowd quiz   Key Lessons Learned: Saturation is often a fear-based perspective rather than an industry reality. Differentiation is key. When you communicate your value clearly, the market feels significantly less competitive. Demand for coaching continues to grow across corporate, personal development and wellbeing sectors. Coaching niches are expanding rapidly, particularly in neurodiversity, team development and group coaching. Global demand far exceeds current coaching capacity, creating long-term opportunity. Technology and AI will shape future coaching models, but human connection remains irreplaceable. Clear positioning, professional training and accreditation create confidence for both coach and client. Coaches who understand their purpose and values attract clients who resonate with their approach. Coaching skills enhance leadership capability far beyond traditional coaching roles. Becoming a coach often leads individuals to invest more deeply in coaching themselves, further growing the market.   Keywords: coaching industry growth, coaching market saturation, becoming a coach, coaching niches, coaching demand, wellbeing and coaching, neurodiversity coaching, coaching qualifications, group coaching, leadership coaching skills,   Links and Resources: www.mycoachingcourse.com  

Have you ever wondered whether coaching is something you do or something you are? In this episode, we dive into a powerful identity-based question that often emerges when people consider a future in coaching: is coaching fundamentally a skillset, or is it an expression of who we are at our core? We explore how coaching can be seen as an external activity, a profession where we learn models, techniques and structures to support people with their goals. Coaching becomes the thing we do to make a living, with our craft built through continuous learning and development. At the same time, coaching can also be deeply rooted in how we naturally move through the world. When curiosity, deep listening and a desire to understand others feel instinctive, coaching may feel like an extension of our identity rather than a role to step into. We reflect on our own journey, where coaching felt like who we were before it became what we did. We share that, learning the skills came first, which then enabled us to identity as a coach to grow. We've seen so many coaches discover coaching in both directions, and neither path is more valid or successful than the other. We also discuss the reality that coaching evolves over time. As our coaching maturity develops, our presence deepens. The identity a coach holds today will not be the same identity they hold in ten years. Coaching can grow with us as our practice and confidence expand. And crucially, coaches are human beings first. There can be pressure when we over-identify with the coach role. We talk openly about releasing the expectation to embody our coach persona in every moment of life, especially when parenting, navigating stress, or juggling the many facets of running a business. This episode is an invitation to reflect, stretch your thinking, and recognise that both identity and action shape what it means to coach. You don't need a definitive answer. Sometimes the power lies in the exploration itself.   Timestamps: 00:00 – Why we're asking: is coaching who you are or what you do? 00:53 – Defining coaching as a skillset and profession 02:24 – Coaching as identity and a way of being 03:46 – How coaches find their path into coaching 05:12 – Innate qualities vs trained skills 07:03 – Coaching styles, diversity and inclusivity 09:16 – Presence and how it shapes our experience of coaching 10:11 – Over-identifying with the coach identity 12:26 – The energy and consciousness behind coaching 15:21 – Who gets to define what coaching is? 17:16 – Evolution of coaching practice and competencies 18:41 – Final reflections and invitation to explore coaching further   Key Lessons Learned: Coaching can be both a role we perform and a core part of who we are Skill development and personal identity evolve together in coaching practice No single pathway into coaching is more valid than another Over-identification with being a coach can limit our humanity Coaching continues to change and modernise as the profession matures Presence requires energy, awareness and skill, it is not a constant state The freedom to define your style is one of the greatest strengths of coaching   Keywords: coaching identity, coaching skills, what is coaching, coaching profession, coach development, becoming a coach, coaching mindset, deep listening, coaching journey, coaching presence,   Links & Resources: igcompany.com/ilmcall igcompany.com