The Coaching Studio with Lyssa deHart

Unmuted at Work: Accent Bias, Belonging, and What We Think We Hear In this episode of The Coaching Studio, I sit down with Heather Hansen to talk about something most of us don’t notice until it’s right in our face: how quickly we decide what someone “knows” or how competent they are, based on how they sound. Heather shares her path into linguistics, starting with being a talker as a kid, competitive speech and debate, then studying language and society, and eventually building Global Speech Academy in Singapore. You can hear the through-line: she’s been tracking the power dynamics of English as a bridge language for a long time, who gets listened to, who gets dismissed, and what it costs people to constantly translate themselves into “acceptable.” We dig into her book Unmuted and the framework behind it, because the ability to speak up is not just about confidence. Heather breaks it into three overlapping parts: conscious communication (reading the room, culture, timing), confident communication (skills and self-trust), and connected communication (belonging and psychological safety). When one piece is missing, people get too loud, go quiet, or start self-editing until they disappear. Then we go deeper into accent bias, and Heather doesn’t sugarcoat it. “Perfect English” isn’t how global business actually works, and a lot of what we treat as “professional” is just power and familiarity dressed up as standards. She shares the real tension she lives with in her work: helping individuals succeed inside a biased system while also trying to change how the system listens. We also talk about what this means for coaches and leaders. Heather points out that we’re listening to layers, pace, pitch, emphasis, tone, and then we assign meaning fast, often without realizing it. And in global workplaces, misunderstandings happen all the time because people assume understanding instead of checking for it. Her practical takeaway is simple and strong: don’t ask “Do you understand?” Ask people to reflect back what they’re taking away and what they’ll do next. Finally, we touch on what’s coming fast: real-time translation and “accent translation” tech. Heather’s take is nuanced, yes, it can reduce harm and open access, but it also raises real questions about identity, inequality, and the cultural misunderstandings that don’t disappear just because everyone sounds the same in an earbud. This was one of those conversations that changes how you listen the next time you’re in a meeting, on a Zoom call, or coaching someone who doesn’t sound like you. And it ends with a book recommendation I loved, and a big question about what we hope people remember about us when we’re gone. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Lizana Guillen Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Scaling the Human Center: Tim Harrison on AI and the Future of Coaching On this episode of the Coaching Studio, Tim Harrison, founder and CEO of the Coaching Innovation Lab, joins Lyssa deHart to explore what AI is changing in coaching, and what still requires a human being. Tim shares his path from Division I basketball into coaching and psychology, shaped by an early experience of being coached during a major identity shift. That origin story informs his focus on widening access to meaningful developmental support. A core thread is scale without losing the human center. Tim describes building EPOG Academy and running into the practical limits of time and cost, then discovering how quickly AI could expand access when used thoughtfully. He argues that for many people the real comparison is not “AI vs. a human coach,” it’s “some support vs. none,” and he’s candid about the disruption that creates for the profession. The conversation turns practical: how coaches can use AI without getting diluted. Tim shares what research suggests about AI’s “compression effect,” why authenticity matters (people want your voice, not generic polish), and why hybrid models are likely. He offers two frameworks coaches can apply immediately: his “Four A’s of Innovation” (automation, augmentation, amplification, adaptation) and a “Model T” mindset, rethinking the work rather than just bolting AI onto old workflows. The episode closes with Tim’s spoken word piece, “Final Slumber,” a reflection on mortality, meaning, and choosing a life that’s lived on purpose. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Lizana Guillen Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Jonathan Passmore for a grounded conversation about coaching as a profession, how it has evolved, and what it takes to do it well in the real world. We start with his path: the early roles, the consulting years, and the move into academia, all shaped by a consistent interest in what actually supports human change, not just what sounds good in theory. From there we look at the way coaching has shifted over the last two decades. It’s no longer an executive perk tucked inside leadership development. It’s increasingly used at scale inside organizations navigating strategy shifts, mergers, and technology change. Jonathan offers a clear view of what has improved, what has gotten diluted, and why the coaching relationship still matters when everything is moving fast. We also spend time on the craft: what coaches need to notice, what gets missed when coaching becomes overly procedural, and why presence includes more than good questions. We talk about the role of the body in sense-making, and the importance of humor, not as performance, but as relational timing that builds trust. AI comes in as one part of the bigger picture. We touch on what it can offer, where it falls short, and why ethics, governance, and discernment matter if coaching is going to expand responsibly. We close with a personal reflection: how this work has shaped Jonathan over time, and what he’s still practicing, especially the ongoing discipline of listening well. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Lizana Guillen Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

The Wonder of Words: Haesun Moon on Dialogue, Meaning, and the Power of “Languaging” Haesun shares how her lifelong fascination with language began in childhood, shaped by a mother who taught her the power of “languaging” and a father who instilled a love of linguistic beauty. She traces how this early awareness, coupled with learning multiple languages, shaped her ability to hear nuance, intention, and the life logic embedded in how people speak. The conversation moves into her groundbreaking work on the Dialogic Orientation Quadrant, born from microanalysis research and refined into an accessible framework for leaders, clinicians, and coaches. Haesun illustrates how conversations move between past and future, resources and struggles, and how what we listen for influences what grows in a dialogue. She offers vivid examples, from her misplaced phone and surprising sense of peace to a handbag in a Korean market that taught her about how we might want to listen like a salesperson, all the while, discussing how perspective can shift everything. Throughout the episode, Haesun and Lyssa explore curiosity, relational fluency, respectful engagement with metaphors, and the difference between acknowledging someone’s difficulty and diving unnecessarily into it. Their conversation reveals how subtle word choices, like asking “something else” instead of “anything else,” can dramatically increase clarity, reduce unmet needs, and make people feel truly valued. Rich with practical insights for anyone who wants to become more intentional in communication. We are reminded that dialogue is co-created, meaning emerges moment by moment, and even small linguistic shifts can open pathways to connection, trust, and genuine change. This is an episode for coaches, clinicians, leaders, and anyone fascinated by the lived poetry of conversation. Haesun doesn’t just teach about dialogue, she embodies it. Her insights linger long after the interview ends, reminding us that our words are tools for shaping meaning, connection, and possibility. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Lizana Guillen Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Beyond the Individual: Professor Peter Hawkins on Consciousness, Systems, and the Future of Coaching In this powerful conversation, Lyssa deHart sits down with Professor Peter Hawkins, one of the most influential thinkers in systemic coaching and organizational transformation. Together, they explore the deeper shifts required for leaders, teams and coaches to meet the complexity of our world, moving beyond individual performance toward collective purpose, ecological awareness and relational intelligence. Peter traces the arc of his remarkable journey, from literature and drama therapy to mental health, psychotherapy and global systems consulting, revealing how each chapter shaped his understanding of human consciousness. He shares the story of his granddaughter’s sudden paralysis, illustrating how his five-step practice of “grumble to gratitude” became not just theory but a profound lived discipline. The conversation expands into the urgency of unlearning individualistic paradigms, the role of beauty in transforming consciousness, the interdependence of all systems we inhabit and why coaching must evolve to serve life itself, not just the person in the room. This episode is a meditation on purpose, service and the great work of our time: shifting human consciousness so we can respond wisely to the interconnected crises we face. Peter’s humility, clarity and grounded wisdom offer a rare glimpse into what systemic leadership looks like when practiced from deep authenticity. Listeners will walk away with a richer sense of what it means to coach relationally, lead ecologically and live with radical responsibility for the future we are shaping. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Coaching the Person in a Changing World: Marcia Reynolds on Connection, Identity, and the Power of Reflective Inquiry In this full-circle conversation, Lyssa welcomes back Dr. Marcia Reynolds, Psy.D., MCC, the very first guest ever on The Coaching Studio and one of the most influential voices in modern coaching. Marcia has spent four decades exploring what actually transforms the human mind, and in this episode, she pulls back the curtain on the deeper mechanics of reflective inquiry, emotional co-regulation, and why authentic human connection remains irreplaceable even in an AI-saturated world. The conversation ranges from neuroscience to identity to the simple, courageous act of being fully present with another person. Marcia shares the evolving insights behind the upcoming second edition of Coach the Person, Not the Problem, including new work on identity-based coaching and the expanding research on how our emotional state shapes a client’s capacity for insight. She and Lyssa explore the stories people live inside, how coaches can learn to listen for context instead of details, and why a real coaching partnership helps us bypass the brain’s built-in resistance to self-examination. They also laugh about turning seventy by skydiving, reflect on the gift of being challenged with compassion, and talk candidly about the places where even seasoned coaches still hide parts of themselves. It’s a rich, warm, deeply human episode that will leave coaches more attuned to presence, more curious about identity, and more committed to creating the kind of space where people can finally hear themselves think. Check out her website And follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

From Survival to Thriving: Reclaiming Agency and Meaning with Jon Rosemberg, ACC In this episode of The Coaching Studio podcast, Lyssa deHart sits down with Jon Rosemberg, ACC, author of A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning. Jon’s journey from Caracas to corporate boardrooms to coaching offers a deeply human lens on what it means to move from survival mode into a truly thriving life. Together, they explore the neuroscience and psychology of agency, why our brains cling to old patterns, and how awareness, inquiry, and reframing—the AIR Method—help us reconnect to possibility. Jon shares his own transformation from chasing success to discovering meaning, illustrating how moments of connection, curiosity, and courage can rewire not only our thinking but our entire relationship to life. From the importance of psychological safety in organizations to the quiet power of social connection, this conversation reveals how thriving isn’t a destination but a daily practice. Jon and Lyssa unpack the messy beauty of evolution over revolution, the systems that keep us in survival mode, and the small acts of agency that start powerful ripples of change. If you’ve ever wondered how to find meaning in chaos or how to lead with both heart and clarity, this episode will remind you: thriving begins the moment you choose to see the full spectrum of possibility. You can connect with Jon on LinkedIn Check out his website Follow him on Facebook and Instagram Jon's Book: A Guide to Thriving: The Science Behind Breaking Old Patterns, Reclaiming Your Agency, and Finding Meaning - https://amzn.to/4onvu2b Jon Rosemberg empowers leaders and organizations to break free from survival mode and step boldly into thriving. He has spent over two decades coaching Fortune 500 executives and global teams through deep transformations, demonstrating that positive change begins by courageously reclaiming our agency. Drawing on his experiences of personal and professional reinvention, Jon combines real-world business insight with cutting-edge research to help others find meaning and thrive. Jon’s belief in human potential led him to found Anther, a firm dedicated to helping individuals and teams transform uncertainty into possibility. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Indigo, and served as Chief Operating Officer at scale-up GoBolt. He holds an MBA from Cornell University, a Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania, and advanced certifications in leadership, coaching, and complex negotiations. Growing up in Caracas, Venezuela, Jon experienced adversity and loss on a journey that took him from New York and Montreal to Toronto, where he now lives with his wife, Adriana, and their two sons. Today, as co-founder of Anther and CEO of Strongpoint Group, he continues to champion growth and well-being, serving as a judge for the Canadian Workplace Well-Being Awards and as an assistant instructor in Penn’s MAPP program. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Humans, What's Normal? And the Essence of Brilliance. On this episode of the Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart, MCC, sits down with Michael Stratford, MCC — the self-proclaimed Provocateur of Transformation — who, by the end of the conversation, reframes himself as something even more powerful: an Evocateur of Transformation. Michael’s story is raw, humorous, and deeply human. From 56 different careers and a near brush with suicide to becoming one of the pioneers of modern coaching, he shares how discovering his own uniqueness became the foundation for his life’s work. Together, Lyssa and Michael explore what it means to coach humans, not “clients,” to let go of labels like “normal,” and to see difference not as a flaw but as the essence of brilliance. Their conversation dives into the philosophy behind Michael’s immersive MillionQuest™ adventure. A gamified journey in self-mastery designed to help people positively impact one million sentient beings. They also unpack his book The Game of Coaching, exploring how play, curiosity, and presence can transform both coaches and the people they serve. Witty, wise, and provocative, Michael reminds us that coaching is not about fixing anyone, it’s about evoking the singular human being who’s been there all along. Check out his website. Follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Resilience, Beauty, and the Generous Exchange with Dr. Maria Sirois What if the hardest moments in life, loss, grief, upheaval, could become the fertile ground for resilience and even beauty? In this moving conversation, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Dr. Maria Sirois, psychologist, resilience expert, and author of The Generous Exchange: How Attention to Beauty, Goodness, and Excellence Restores Us and Our World. Together, they explore the science of post-traumatic growth, the truth about resilience as a practice, and the profound ways we can heal through connection, beauty, and compassion. Maria shares wisdom drawn from her decades of work in pediatric oncology and positive psychology, revealing the “moves” resilient people make, facing reality, choosing what sustains them, and “borrowing better brains” when life feels too heavy. She offers a fresh understanding of grief as integration rather than completion and introduces the Japanese art of Kintsugi as a metaphor for holding both brokenness and wholeness at once. From leadership to love, from burnout to beauty, this episode invites listeners to rediscover grounded optimism and the grace to grow through challenge. Check out her website. Follow her on LinkedIn and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart welcomes Jille Bartolome, MCC, a coach who has been shaping the profession since 1996. Known by colleagues and clients as “The Velvet Hammer,” Jille embodies a rare blend of compassion and candor, inviting people into courageous self-discovery while asking the questions that strike at the heart of what matters. In their conversation, Jille shares her personal journey into coaching, including the pivotal moment she discovered the field through a magazine article featuring Thomas Leonard. She reflects on how coaching first transformed her own sense of authenticity and continues to evolve as the profession matures. Together, Lyssa and Jille explore why true coaching begins with self-awareness, how unresolved personal work shows up in sessions, and why coaching the person rather than the problem is the cornerstone of sustainable growth. Jille also offers insights from decades as a mentor coach, faculty member, and ICF assessor. She highlights the growth edges many coaches face, particularly around creating clear agreements and facilitating lasting learning at the close of a session. Her stories underscore the importance of boundaries, transparency, and cultivating safe, empowering spaces for clients. Looking ahead, Jille emphasizes the role of human connection as coaching’s most irreplaceable asset in a world increasingly shaped by AI. At the heart of her work, she hopes people leave with a deep trust in themselves and the courage to make decisions rooted in their own wisdom. Check out her website. Follow her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Join Lyssa deHart in The Coaching Studio with Hayden Lee, MCC, as they explore how the Enneagram and neuroscience reveal the deeper patterns behind growth and leadership. Discover why self-awareness, vulnerability, and courage are the real foundations of transformation. From his early career in acting and education to his leadership as co-founder of the Master Mind Institute, Hayden shares how curiosity and courage drive both personal and professional transformation. Together, Lyssa and Hayden dive into topics such as passion as a cultivated practice, the balance between vulnerability and authenticity, and the power of aligning intent with impact. Listeners will gain fresh insight into why inner work matters just as much as outer success, how the brain’s wiring influences growth, and how leaders can build the self-awareness needed to create psychologically safe and thriving organizations. Check out his website. Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

On this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart talks with Elaine Taylor-Klaus, MCC, co-founder of ImpactParents, about embracing neurodiversity through the coaching lens. Elaine shares her journey from overwhelmed parent to pioneering coach, including the profound shift of her own late ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped her understanding of herself and her family. Together, they explore why coaching is such a powerful framework for supporting “neurospicy” kids and adults, and how curiosity, agency, and intentional motivation can transform the way we navigate challenges. Elaine introduces her playful term “neurospicy” as a way to lighten heavy conversations while affirming that nothing is broken — brains simply work differently. The conversation also touches on the role of nutrition and brain health, the PINCH framework for activating focus, and the importance of play, presence, and humor in managing our nervous systems. Listeners will walk away inspired by Elaine’s vision of a world where coaching skills are woven into everyday life, offering hope, resilience, and a deeper appreciation for the creativity that neurodiverse wiring brings. Check out her website. Follow her on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart sits down with Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener, a global authority on positive psychology coaching and co-author of Radical Listening and Positive Provocation. Known for his ability to ask provocative questions that shake us out of autopilot, Robert shares insights into how listening can be transformed into a practice of co-creating meaning. The conversation begins with Robert’s personal journey, how his global experiences shaped his perspective on culture, well-being, and human potential. He describes his curiosity for exploring the “edges” of coaching, where science meets creativity. Robert emphasizes that coaching, while young as a field, benefits when practitioners embrace evidence-based practices while still leaving room for surprise, experimentation, and creative interventions. A highlight of the discussion is Robert’s exploration of Radical Listening, which goes beyond the traditional “levels of listening” to include six key competencies: noticing, quieting, accepting, acknowledging, questioning, and interjecting. He illustrates how these practices can deepen connection, foster transformation, and counteract the distractions of our noisy, fast-paced world. Robert also discusses the ideas from Positive Provocation, where he challenges coaches to reframe standard tools like homework into “experiments,” to view negative self-talk as potentially useful information, and to become aware of their own assumptions and self-limiting beliefs. His invitation is for both coaches and therapists to balance rigor with creativity and to practice curiosity even in discomfort. Throughout the conversation, Robert references not only his own work but also other influential texts in psychology and coaching, including Daniel Goleman’s work on emotional intelligence, which has shaped the integration of emotion and self-awareness in modern coaching. The episode closes with a reflection on the future of coaching: a call for practitioners to embrace both science and art, and to dare to listen and provoke in ways that create genuine change. Check out his website Find him on LinkedIn and on Instagram Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

What does it take to lead when the stakes are sky-high and every move counts? Dr. Carol Kauffman, founder of Harvard’s Institute of Coaching and co-creator of the MOVE framework, knows better than most. In our conversation, Carol takes us from her unlikely beginnings—growing up surrounded by thirty toy poodles and being told she wasn’t “college material”—to becoming one of the most sought-after leadership coaches in the world. She opens up about the crucible moments that shaped her, the fine line between therapy and coaching, and why leaders need to leave their egos at the door if they want to thrive under pressure. We explore her simple yet powerful practices, such as asking, “Who do I want to be right now?” and her belief that sometimes an ounce of input can spark a pound of transformation. Along the way, Carol brings warmth, humor, and hard-earned wisdom to what it means to be fully present when people need you most. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, presence, and real-time leadership. Go get her book Real-Time Leadership To connect with Carol, find her on LinkedIn And, check out her website. Season 5 Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Let's Connect on LinkedIn Website Lyssa deHart Producer: Michele Logan Video Editor: Sebastian Crespo Social Media: Luciana Bottini Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Subscribe, Rate, & Follow on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Mastering the Moment: Emotional Intelligence Tools for Turbulent Times with Dr. Relly Nadler In this compelling episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Dr. Relly Nadler, Psy.D., MCC, to explore the art and science of moment mastery—how leaders and coaches can harness emotional intelligence (EI) to make smarter decisions, build trust, and stay present in today’s turbulent world. Dr. Nadler shares powerful insights from his decades-long journey, including defining moments from his early career in behavioral youth programs and lessons drawn from the football field. His reflections reveal how every interaction has the potential to elevate or deflate, and why managing emotions in those critical seconds can change everything. Listeners will discover practical tools like the Leadership Two-Step, the Emotional Audit, and the newly coined Empathy Audit, designed to be used in under 15 seconds to bring awareness, emotional clarity, and intention into real-time conversations. From meditation practices to laughter yoga and polyvagal techniques, this episode explores how to regulate ourselves so we can show up at our best—especially when the stakes are high. Dr. Nadler also shares a vivid acronym (V.I.V.I.D.) for understanding what people actually want from us in the moment—validation vs. direction—and how that distinction can transform relationships at work and at home. “If you stay on autopilot, you stay average. Mastering the moment is what makes leaders extraordinary.” — Dr. Relly Nadler Whether you're a coach, a leader, or simply someone who wants to respond rather than react, this episode is filled with actionable insights that will help you lead and live with greater awareness, balance, and brilliance. Check out his website Find him on LinkedIn Take a listen to his podcast Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

Resilience, Joy, and the Power of Choice: A Conversation with Valorie Burton, MCC In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, host Lyssa deHart sits down with internationally bestselling author and Master Certified Coach Valorie Burton, MCC to explore the transformative power of resilience, self-compassion, and intentional choice. With 14 books translated into 10 languages and a coaching legacy that spans the globe, Valorie brings both heart and science to this powerful episode of The Coaching Studio. Valorie shares her own path to discovering coaching, how a life-changing moment in a Seattle bookstore sparked her purpose, and the surprising way her journalism career led her to Thomas Leonard and the coaching world. She opens up about navigating personal challenges—including divorce and redefining her vision for life—by applying the very tools she now teaches. Listeners will learn how coaching became her lifeline and how her background in positive psychology and resilience research informs her coaching philosophy today. We dive into Valorie’s latest book, Rules of Resilience, including standout rules like “Close Your Energy Gap” and “Rally Your Resources.” She speaks candidly about the myth of perfection, the quiet epidemic of loneliness, and the power of choosing joy—even before circumstances align. With heartfelt stories about her family, her work, and her own inner journey, Valorie reminds us that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about showing up with self-compassion, clarity, and courage. Whether you're a coach, leader, or someone navigating change, this conversation is a powerful invitation to reflect, reframe, and reclaim your energy and purpose. Visit Valorie on her Website Find her on LinkedIn Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Paul Sanbar, MCC, a coach who doesn’t just think outside the box—he builds new ones, takes them apart, and reimagines what’s possible. Through LEGO® Serious Play® and hands-on thinking, Paul helps individuals and teams move beyond words, unlocking deeper insights through creativity and play. Paul’s journey to coaching is anything but ordinary. Originally drawn to architecture as a way to create structure in a chaotic world, he shifted paths multiple times—through business, poetry, psychotherapy, and coaching—a journey he humorously calls A Fortunate Series of Overcorrections. Each pivot helped him refine his coaching philosophy, where play and unlearning are as essential as structure and mastery. Lyssa and Paul dive into topics like: 🔹 The power of liminal spaces—why transformation happens in the “in-between” moments. 🔹 How LEGO Serious Play® brings coaching to life—helping clients see and restructure their ideas. 🔹 Why unlearning is key to coaching mastery—and how it shaped Paul’s journey to MCC. 🔹 The neuroscience of play—how creativity helps clients move past stuck points and into possibility. This conversation will challenge the way you think about coaching, learning, and growth. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or just someone fascinated by how we build and rebuild our lives, you’ll walk away with new perspectives and actionable insights. This episode is full of practical insights, personal stories, and new ways to think about coaching and growth. You can catch up with Paul on his website Or find him on LinkedIn. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart welcomes transformational coach and hypnotherapist Daniel Olexa, MCC, CIHt for an in-depth conversation about reconnecting with your intuition and reclaiming your authentic self. Daniel’s journey—from his early days as a diesel mechanic in the US Coast Guard Reserve to becoming a world-class coach—sets the stage for a powerful discussion on how life-changing leaps, both literal and metaphorical, can spark profound personal transformation. Key Topics Covered: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs:The Power of Hypnotherapy & Parts Work:Collaborative Leadership:Transformational Coaching vs. Transactional Problem Solving:Guest Insights & Resources: Practical ManifestingA Pessimist’s Guide to Manifesting,integrating your authentic selfTakeaways for Listeners: Embrace Vulnerability:Trust Your Inner Wisdom:Lead with Empathy:Join us for this transformative conversation and discover how to step into your power, reconnect with your inner strength, and create a life filled with purpose and passion. Check out Daniel's website. And, find him on LinkedIn to learn what he's up to. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart sits down with David Goldsmith, MCC, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the realities of executive coaching, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the profession. David shares how an unexpected moment with his father led him to discover the power of perspective, a skill that would later shape his work as a coach. He recounts his early experiences in coaching, long before it was formally recognized as a profession, and reflects on the misconceptions that still persist in the field today. Throughout the conversation, David challenges traditional coaching norms, emphasizing the importance of balancing structure with adaptability. He discusses how sports coaching provides a valuable model for leadership development, particularly in how great coaches tailor their approach to individual needs. He also highlights the importance of feedback in both coaching and organizational leadership, pointing out that many leaders struggle to create a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed rather than feared. One of the most compelling parts of the discussion focuses on the future of coaching in an AI-driven world. David predicts that artificial intelligence will soon handle low-level coaching engagements, making it crucial for coaches to develop skills that AI cannot replicate. He encourages coaches to speed up their ability to deliver insights, reduce time to transformation, and integrate AI tools into their work rather than resist them. His challenge to coaches is clear: refine your skills, embrace change, and focus on the unique human elements of coaching that technology cannot replace. David and Lyssa also explore the deeper work required for coaches to be truly effective. He stresses that coaches must do their own personal development in order to help clients navigate complex challenges. He shares his own experiences with receiving feedback, the importance of continuous learning, and the mindset shifts necessary to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world. This episode offers a candid and insightful look at the current state and future of coaching, making it essential listening for coaches, leaders, and anyone interested in personal and professional growth. Connect with David on his Website Find him on LinkedIn. And, check out his book recommendations: Dare to Lead and The First Rule of Mastery. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Elias Scultori, MCC, an experienced coach with a passion for leadership development and fostering transformation. Elias shares his inspiring journey from a church musician in Brazil to becoming an MCC coach, emphasizing how his lifelong values of connection, growth, and creating space shaped his coaching philosophy. Together, they explore the importance of presence, listening, and the courage to embrace the unknown in coaching. Elias discusses the core distinction between transactional and transformational coaching, highlighting the deeper impact that comes when coaches support clients in uncovering underlying patterns rather than merely addressing surface-level challenges. The conversation touches on key coaching competencies, particularly the role of presence, and how they become second nature when internalized properly. Lyssa and Elias also examine the importance of humility and courage in creating space for clients, encouraging coaches to stay committed to their own self-development through reflective practices, mentor coaching, and supervision. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the balance between structure and flow in coaching, the role of curiosity, and the ongoing nature of professional growth. Elias leaves us with a compelling reminder: coaching is a human-to-human experience, and its true power lies in creating a space for clients to be fully seen and heard. Join us for this enriching conversation that will inspire coaches at any stage of their journey. Connect with Elias on LinkedIn Check out his website to learn more about him. Or subscribe to his YouTube Channel and check out what Elias is up to. Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer Production Editing: Lyssa deHart Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan