The Coaching Crowd® Podcast with Jo Wheatley & Zoe Hawkins

What happens when you slow down enough to truly see yourself as a coach?
This episode felt like one of those conversations where we didn't set out with a script, yet uncovered something far more meaningful along the way.
We opened up about how coaching supervision training changed us, not only as practitioners, but as people. What stood out immediately was how difficult it is to articulate the impact. The changes are subtle, yet undeniably profound.
As we reflected on our experiences, one theme kept surfacing: slowing down.
Not only slowing down how we speak, but how we think, how we show up, and how we hold space. Through supervision training, we both experienced a shift away from doing more, towards creating more space. And within that space, something powerful happens. Insight deepens. Awareness expands. Coaching becomes less about performance and more about presence.
We also explored the discomfort that comes with this level of growth.
There were moments of resistance, emotional reactions, and even questioning everything we thought we knew about coaching. At times, it felt like a stripping back of identity. Not only refining our coaching practice, but re-evaluating who we are within it.
And yet, this is where the real transformation happens.
Through deep reflection, supervision training helped us:
Develop a stronger internal compass
Challenge traditional coaching norms
Build confidence in our own voice as coaches
Embrace uncertainty rather than resist it
One of the most powerful shifts was around identity.
Moving from "how do I coach?" to "who am I as a coach?"
That shift changes everything.
We also spoke about how supervision introduces you to a completely different level of awareness. From ethical sensitivity and power dynamics, to the relational field between coach and client. You begin to notice what is happening beneath the surface. Not only what is said, but what is felt, what is unsaid, and what is emerging in the space between.
For us, coaching supervision training elevated our practice into something deeper. More intuitive. More reflective. More human.
It also normalised something many coaches quietly struggle with: imposter syndrome.
Rather than eliminating it, supervision helps you understand it, sit with it, and move through it. Over time, that discomfort becomes a signal for growth rather than something to avoid.
And perhaps one of the most unexpected outcomes was how much it expanded our curiosity. From somatic awareness to energetics, to exploring intuition within coaching, supervision training opened doors we hadn't even realised were there.
This episode is not only a reflection on our journey, but also an invitation.
If you are a coach who values depth, reflection, and growth, then coaching supervision training might not only change your practice, it might change you.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and why we're talking about supervision training
00:49 – Why coaching supervision changes you in subtle but powerful ways
01:46 – The importance of slowing down in coaching
03:22 – Resistance and questioning everything you've learned
04:22 – Emotional reactions and identity shifts
06:42 – Becoming a different version of yourself as a coach
08:00 – Learning alongside experienced coaches and building confidence
09:30 – Imposter syndrome and finding your own voice
11:48 – Developing your internal compass as a coach
14:06 – Ethical awareness and deeper coaching conversations
16:32 – Coaching at a more advanced and intuitive level
17:28 – Energetics, intuition, and expanding beyond traditional coaching
18:59 – Introducing our coaching supervision diploma
 
Key Lessons Learned:
Slowing down creates space for deeper insight and more meaningful coaching conversations
Coaching supervision training develops your identity, not only your skillset
Discomfort and emotional reactions are part of the growth process
Supervision strengthens your internal compass and confidence as a coach
Reflective practice enhances long-term sustainability in coaching
Exposure to other experienced coaches normalises imperfection
Ethical awareness and relational depth significantly improve coaching quality
Supervision expands your curiosity into areas such as intuition and energetics
 
Keywords:
Coaching supervision training, Coaching supervision benefits, How to become a better coach, Reflective coaching practice, Coaching identity development, Coaching supervision course, Professional coach development, Imposter syndrome in coaching, Advanced coaching skills, Coaching supervision diploma
 
Links & Resources:
Supervision Training: https://www.igcompany.com/supervisiontraining
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com 
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

Is staying neutral as a coach always the right thing to do, or can it quietly cause more harm than good?
In this episode, we found ourselves deep in reflection while developing our coaching supervision training, questioning something many coaches are taught early on: neutrality. It is often positioned as a gold standard in coaching, yet as we explored it more deeply, we realised the reality is far more nuanced.
We began by unpacking what neutrality actually means in coaching. For us, it has always been about creating a clean space where clients can explore their own thoughts, beliefs, and decisions without influence. We are trained to avoid imposing our views, resisting the urge to label ideas as good or bad. That foundation remains important. Yet as we talked, it became clear that neutrality is not always straightforward or even helpful.
Through our conversation, we explored the tension between being non-judgmental and being responsible. We reflected on moments in our own coaching where staying completely neutral could have led to avoidance. Avoidance of challenge. Avoidance of difficult conversations. Avoidance of responsibility.
One example we discussed was working with leaders whose behaviours may unintentionally create toxic dynamics. In those moments, remaining passive can allow harmful patterns to continue unchecked. Instead, we explored how curiosity, thoughtful questioning, and sometimes stepping slightly beyond neutrality can help clients see the true impact of their actions.
We also reflected on the role of rapport and contracting. The depth of challenge we bring as coaches often depends on the relationship we have built and the expectations we have set. Some clients want to be stretched. Others need space first. There is no one-size approach, and this is where coaching becomes more art than formula.
A key theme that emerged for us was the idea of responsible neutrality. Neutrality that is not detached from ethics or awareness. Neutrality that does not ignore systemic issues such as power, culture, or discrimination. Because choosing not to challenge can unintentionally reinforce harmful systems.
We also shared moments where stepping slightly outside neutrality created powerful breakthroughs. Whether it was expressing surprise, offering an observation, or gently pushing a client to stretch further, these small shifts can create significant impact when grounded in trust and intention.
Ultimately, this episode is not about rejecting neutrality. It is about evolving beyond a rigid interpretation of it. Coaching is not a rule book. It is a practice that requires awareness, reflection, and continuous learning.
We left this conversation recognising that great coaching sits in the tension between discipline and intuition, between structure and flexibility, and between neutrality and courageous challenge.
And perhaps the real question is not whether neutrality is toxic, but whether we are using it consciously.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and the question of neutrality
01:02 What neutrality means in coaching practice
02:35 When neutrality supports curiosity and openness
04:52 When neutrality becomes avoidance or passivity
07:23 Real coaching example of challenging leadership behaviour
09:07 The role of contracting and client expectations
11:02 Reflecting on your own coaching approach
13:52 Stretching clients beyond surface-level actions
15:25 Systemic impact and ethical responsibility in coaching
17:23 Real example of stepping outside neutrality
18:57 Introducing the concept of responsible neutrality
20:48 The complexity and contradictions of coaching
22:15 Learning when to be neutral and when not to
24:18 Final reflections and invitation to continue the conversation
 
Key Lessons Learned:
Neutrality in coaching is a foundational principle, but it is not always sufficient on its own
Passive neutrality can lead to avoidance of challenge and reduced coaching impact
Responsible coaching requires balancing support with meaningful challenge
Contracting and rapport play a critical role in determining how far to stretch a client
Coaches must remain aware of systemic issues and the impact of silence
Small, intentional shifts away from neutrality can create powerful breakthroughs
Coaching is both a discipline and an art, requiring judgment, reflection, and adaptability
Supervision and peer discussions are essential for navigating complex coaching decisions
 
Keywords:
Neutrality in coaching, Coaching ethics, Coaching supervision, Leadership coaching, Coaching skills, Non-judgmental coaching, Coaching challenges, Professional coaching development, Systemic coaching, Coaching conversations,
 
Links & Resources:
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com 
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What if the most powerful tool you bring to coaching isn't your questions, but your energy?
In this episode, we open up a conversation that sits at the intersection of awareness, presence, and depth in coaching practice. We explore something that is often felt but rarely named: the energetics of coaching.
As we recorded this conversation, we found ourselves reflecting on how often energy operates in the background of our work, shaping outcomes without us consciously engaging with it. Coaching is not only about techniques or frameworks. It is about the unseen exchange that happens between coach and client in every moment.
We explore what it means to accept that we each carry an energetic field, and how that field both influences and is influenced by the people we work with. From the moment we enter a coaching space, whether virtual or in person, there is a meeting of energy. That meeting can either be intentional and supportive, or unconscious and potentially disruptive.
During our discussion, we reflected on how awareness of energy is not always natural for everyone. Some people instinctively feel it, while others are less connected to it. Yet as coaches, developing this awareness becomes a critical part of our effectiveness and sustainability.
We explored how preparing for a coaching session goes beyond reviewing notes or setting an intention. It involves checking in with your own energy, understanding what you are carrying, and creating clarity around what belongs to you and what does not. This becomes essential when navigating moments such as frustration, where the key question is whether that experience is yours or something emerging from the client's world.
One of the most powerful insights in this conversation was how energy can be used as data within a coaching session. When we notice shifts in our own internal state, we can bring curiosity rather than judgement. This opens up a deeper level of coaching, where clients feel seen and understood in ways that go beyond words.
We also touched on practices such as somatic awareness and the exploration of energy within the body. Questions like where a feeling is experienced physically can unlock new insights and create space for meaningful breakthroughs. For some clients, this may extend into concepts such as chakras or energy centres, offering alternative ways to understand blocks and patterns.
As the conversation unfolded, we found ourselves reflecting on the importance of energetic boundaries. Without them, it becomes easy to absorb and carry what is not ours, leading to feelings of heaviness or depletion. This is where self-awareness and self-care intersect with coaching mastery. Supporting clients effectively requires us to also restore and manage our own energy.
We also explored the idea that coaching is both a science and an art. While there are models and methodologies that guide us, the energetics of coaching sit firmly within the art. It is the nuance, the presence, and the subtle shifts that create transformative experiences for clients.
This episode is an invitation to expand your perspective. Whether you already resonate with the concept of energy or are approaching it with curiosity, there is an opportunity here to deepen your practice and explore a new dimension of coaching.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the energetics of coaching
02:00 Understanding energy in coaching relationships
04:00 Accepting and working with your energetic field
06:30 Preparing your energy before coaching sessions
08:30 Distinguishing your energy from your client's
11:00 Using energy as an entry point in coaching conversations
13:00 Exploring chakras and alternative perspectives
15:30 Somatic coaching and energy in the body
17:00 Energy, self-care, and compassion fatigue
19:00 Energetic boundaries and releasing what is not yours
21:00 Coaching as both art and science
 
Key Lessons Learned:
Energy is always present in coaching, whether consciously recognised or not
Awareness of your own energy is foundational to effective coaching practice
Distinguishing between your energy and your client's is a critical coaching skill
Energy can be used as valuable data to deepen coaching conversations
Preparing and restoring your energy supports both performance and sustainability
Somatic awareness can unlock deeper insights for clients
Energetic boundaries protect against burnout and emotional overload
Coaching mastery involves both structured methods and intuitive awareness
 
Keywords:
Energetics of coaching, Coaching presence, Emotional intelligence in coaching, Somatic coaching, Coaching self-awareness, Coaching energy management, Coaching techniques for deeper conversations, Coach burnout and self-care, Coaching skills development, Energy in coaching relationships,
 
Links & Resources:
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com 
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

Re-accreditation Checklist:
At the start of this episode, we laid out everything you need to have in place for a smooth, stress-free re-accreditation process. Here's the full checklist to guide you:
Know your accreditation renewal period (e.g. 3 years for ICF, 5 years for EMCC)
Track your re-accreditation deadline well in advance
Complete the required number of CPD hours
Ensure your CPD meets the criteria of your accrediting body
Budget for re-accreditation costs and ongoing CPD investment
Keep your coaching log accurate and up to date
Record coaching hours clearly and ethically
Maintain structured notes for potential case studies
Understand requirements for supervision or mentor coaching
Ensure supervision or mentor coaching aligns with accreditation standards
Stay active in coaching practice to meet hour requirements
Prepare for potential audits or verification checks
Clarify requirements if progressing to the next accreditation level
Plan ahead for recordings or evidence submissions if required
Align your CPD with your professional development goals
Regularly review your progress rather than leaving it to the deadline
 
Have you ever felt that quiet pressure when an accreditation deadline starts creeping closer, knowing you might not have everything in place?
In this episode, we unpack what re-accreditation really involves and why it often catches coaches off guard. We move beyond the surface-level requirements and into the reality of maintaining professional coaching standards over time.
As we talk through this, we found ourselves reflecting on how easy it is to assume accreditation is a one-time milestone. In reality, it is an ongoing commitment to growth, ethics, and professional integrity. Re-accreditation is not simply about ticking boxes. It is about demonstrating that you are actively developing, learning, and showing up responsibly for your clients.
We explore the practical side of re-accreditation, including CPD requirements, coaching logs, supervision, and the financial investment involved. One of the biggest insights that stood out for me is how important it is to understand what actually counts as valid CPD, especially when different bodies like the International Coach Federation, European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and Association for Coaching all have different expectations.
There is also a deeper layer to this conversation. Re-accreditation invites reflection. It creates a moment to pause and ask: who have I become as a coach since I started? What have I learned? Where am I heading next?
We also talk about the reality that many coaches leave things too late. Trying to pull together dozens of CPD hours or reconstruct coaching logs at the last minute creates unnecessary stress. A more strategic, forward-thinking approach transforms re-accreditation into something far more valuable. It becomes a structured pathway for continuous professional development.
What we felt strongly during this conversation is that re-accreditation should not feel like a burden. When approached intentionally, it becomes a powerful tool for growth, clarity, and confidence in your coaching practice.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to re-accreditation
00:28 Why accreditation is not a one-time achievement
01:26 The reality of CPD requirements and time pressure
02:22 The responsibility of being an accredited coach
04:35 Understanding renewal periods across coaching bodies
06:21 CPD requirements and what counts
08:49 Budgeting and financial planning for re-accreditation
09:19 Coaching logs and why most coaches struggle with them
10:24 Reflection and growth through re-accreditation
11:22 Progressing to higher accreditation levels
13:00 Case studies and record keeping
16:18 Supervision and mentor coaching requirements
18:14 Ethical coaching beyond the accreditation process
19:31 Building a proactive re-accreditation plan
 
Key Lessons Learned
Re-accreditation is a continuous professional commitment, not a one-off milestone
Planning ahead removes stress and improves the quality of your development
Not all CPD is equal, understanding what counts is critical
Coaching logs are essential and should be maintained consistently
Supervision and mentor coaching are foundational to ethical practice
Re-accreditation is an opportunity for reflection, not only compliance
Aligning CPD with your long-term goals accelerates your growth as a coach
 
Keywords:
coaching re-accreditation, CPD for coaches, coach accreditation requirements, ICF re-accreditation, EMCC accreditation renewal, coaching supervision requirements, professional coaching development, coaching log requirements, mentor coaching, continuous professional development coaching,
 
Links & Resources:
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com 
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com

What if the way someone shows up today is shaped by something they don't even fully understand yet?
In this episode, we explored a topic that is gaining real traction in the coaching space and beyond: trauma-informed coaching.
We sat down to unpack what this actually means in practice, not from a theoretical standpoint, but from the lived reality of working with people. Because the truth is, whether you are a coach, leader, or simply someone supporting others, you are already in the presence of trauma more often than you realise.
We reflected on how trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by the impact it leaves behind. Two people can experience the same situation and carry entirely different imprints from it. That insight alone shifts how we approach conversations, relationships, and growth.
Throughout the conversation, we explored how trauma can show up in coaching. Sometimes it is obvious through emotional responses, avoidance, or disconnection. Other times it is subtle, sitting beneath behaviours like self-criticism or hesitation. What stood out most for us is that coaching often surfaces self-awareness, and with that, past experiences can naturally come into view.
We shared our own reflections on moments where unexpected responses emerged, reminding us that trauma is not always something we consciously recognise. It can live in the body, revealing itself in ways that catch us off guard.
A key theme in this episode is responsibility. As coaches, we are not there to process trauma. Our role is to create a space of safety, choice, and autonomy. That means recognising when a client is present and reflective, versus when they may be re-experiencing something overwhelming. In those moments, our focus shifts to regulation, grounding, and support.
We also challenged the idea that there is a clear-cut boundary in coaching between what is acceptable and what is not. The reality is more nuanced. It comes down to self-awareness, competence, and understanding where your role begins and ends.
This episode is not about turning coaches into therapists. It is about raising awareness, deepening compassion, and equipping you to hold space in a way that is ethical, grounded, and human.
Whether you are a coach, a leader, or someone navigating your own growth, this conversation invites you to consider how trauma awareness shapes the way you show up for yourself and others.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to trauma-informed coaching
00:29 Why trauma awareness is rising
01:25 What trauma-informed coaching really means
02:10 Understanding the prevalence of trauma
03:07 Big T vs little t trauma explained
04:25 How trauma develops and repeats
05:22 How trauma shows up in coaching conversations
06:40 Boundaries in coaching and trauma
08:01 When trauma appears in coaching sessions
08:59 The role of safety and compassion
10:23 Client awareness and unconscious trauma
11:40 Is trauma-informed coaching different?
13:05 Training, knowledge, and coach capability
14:31 Control, contracting, and client safety
15:56 Self-awareness and professional boundaries
17:17 Real-life example of a trauma response
18:30 Somatic awareness and working with the body
19:25 Co-regulation and present moment awareness
20:18 Holding space when unexpected memories arise
22:08 Supporting clients through choice and autonomy
23:31 Real-world coaching scenarios
25:09 Coaching vs therapy boundaries
26:05 Final reflections and next steps
 
Key Lessons Learned:
Trauma is not defined by the event, but by the impact it leaves on the individual
You are likely interacting with people carrying trauma every day, whether visible or not
Coaching can surface past experiences through increased self-awareness
The role of a coach is to create safety, not to process trauma
Recognising the difference between reflection and re-experiencing is critical
Regulation and grounding are essential tools in trauma-informed practice
There is no fixed boundary list, self-awareness and competence guide decisions
Somatic awareness helps identify responses that are not cognitive
Clients must always remain at choice in how they proceed
Trauma-informed coaching starts with understanding your own experiences and limits
Keywords:
trauma informed coaching, what is trauma informed coaching, trauma awareness in coaching, coaching and trauma, emotional safety in coaching, somatic coaching techniques, coaching boundaries and trauma, trauma response in coaching, coaching vs therapy, ethical coaching practice, nervous system in coaching, trauma informed leadership,
 
Links & Resources:
IG Company website: https://www.igcompany.com 
Coaching course quiz: https://www.mycoachingcourse.com