The AC Podcast

Dr Tünde Erdös, ICF MCC and researcher, joins our host Sheela Hobden, in a passionate and inquiring conversation about research in coaching. Why research in coaching? How do we appreciate research more and in what ways can research help us grow? In this episode, they look beyond the obvious in and around coaching research, inspiring coaches to question what they know about its value for themselves and their clients. You will learn: · The power of participating in research for coaches and also clients · To separate the myth from the reality around coaching research · Why engaging with coaching research means experiencing expansion as a coach and for clients “Research – it can transform me as a person in the same way good coach education can.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_research-coaching_value-in-research

Maisie Barlow, host of this Coaching Our Future Generations podcast series, joins Maxine Bell for this final episode to bring together the key reflections of her guests, as well as her own thoughts on working with young people. In this thought-provoking conversation, Maisie reflects on what she learnt from her guests, the power of curiosity, and the need to allow young people more autonomy. Maisie shares her future vision for young people and invites other coaches to consider working in this incredibly rewarding area. It’s a wonderful conclusion to a powerful series. You will learn: · Key qualities required to create a safe and supportive environment for young people · The challenges of working with young people · Some of the key issues young people are living with in today’s world “Working with young people is confronting, it’s challenging but the reward goes beyond anything that is tangible.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations_curiosity-connection-youth

Katrina Shaw, founder of Grow with Grief, joins host Maisie Barlow to share her personal journey of grief and loss, and how this led to her current work, educating, supporting and normalising conversations about grief and loss. Katrina highlights that grief can stem from various losses and is a highly individual experience without a set timeline, and the need for creating a safe space for emotional expression. She explains that grief and loss will turn up for anyone working with people and stresses the value of learning about grief, being present and honest. Katrina discusses the misconceptions about the stages of grief and provides practical tips for coaches or anyone else working with people experiencing grief and loss. You will learn: · The differences in grieving between adults and children · The importance of using clear language with young people · The importance of self-awareness and boundaries “When it comes to grief and loss, adults don't know how to talk to young people about that topic, because our processing of grief and loss is very different to a child.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations_grief-loss-young-people

Paul Chambers, speaker, poet and co-founder of PoetsIN, a creative mental health charity, joins host Maisie Barlow to talk about how he uses creativity, writing and poetry in his work with young people and adults. Paul shares parts of his own story, including his mental health struggles and how a series of events all happening at once allowed him to turn his life around. Learn more about the work of his charity and how he switched from not liking children at all to becoming incredibly passionate about working with them. A wonderfully warm and inviting conversation. You will learn: · The value of creating a space for honest self-expression · Invaluable insights and tips for working with young people · The difference between working with children, compared with adults “We hold space for them, we give them a voice, we give them an ear and we give them support and we don’t judge.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations_allowing-true-expression

Haleem Clift, filmmaker, producer and speaker, joins our host Maisie Barlow, to discuss his work with young people. Haleem leads with vulnerability, sharing his lived experiences to engage and empower young people as well as provide a positive male role model for young men. In this thought-provoking conversation, Haleem explores the fine line between motivation, mentorship and coaching, and the importance of his own personal development. He talks about the societal and internal pressures faced by men, the need for male healing spaces in a female-dominated industry, and how having a good male role model can change the trajectory of a young man’s life. Diving into the current cancel culture, Haleem and Maisie explore the impact on young people and how vital it is to empower them to develop strong resilient roots within themselves. You will learn: · The power of lived experiences and stories in relating to and engaging young people · How to support young men in developing a healthy masculinity · The impact of the information age and cancel culture on young people “Let’s not shame men for being men, for having masculine qualities. It is not a bad thing – you just need to channel it in the right way.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations_positive-masculinity-empowerment

Steven Russell, founder of Elements Support, joins host Maisie Barlow, for our most in-depth, and arguably most inspiring episode to date. With candour and authenticity, Steven shares both his personal and professional encounters with the care system and education. He offers a message of hope to those within the care system, and invaluable advice for professionals, including coaches, on how to work with young people. Steven shares how the five elements of connection - Patience, Presence, Curiosity, Creativity, and Authenticity - are crucial in meeting the emotional needs of the children we support. He firmly believes that by practicing these elements, we can foster stronger connections. Steven is a natural storyteller and his ability to be real and honest is humbling. He exposes myths and changes perspectives on working with young people, explaining that no matter how much trauma someone has been through, they can thrive. You will learn: · The power of just one person in a child's life · The importance of connection before correction · The five elements of connection and how to apply them in your professional practice (or personal life!) “Good teachers turn up to teach. Great teachers turn up to learn.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations-podcast-series-connecting-young-people

Felicity Rose Sunderland Hall, a life coach and trainer, joins our host, Maisie Barlow, to share her transformative journey, from burnout in a corporate job, to embracing life coaching. Felicity discusses the profound personal growth she experienced through coaching, leading her to pursue it professionally in the south of France. Felicity advocates making coaching more accessible to young people, both financially and socially; breaking misconceptions and considering how it is marketed, especially on social media. Felicity shares her experience working in different countries and emphasizes the need for transparency and honesty from the start when working with young people. You will learn: · How culture and technology impact coaching · The value and potential long-term impact of coaching people at a young age · Key points for coaches to consider when coaching young people “I think there's a massive amount of work that needs to go in at the very initial stage of where you're explaining to a student or a young person the expectations of what they can be able to expect from coaching and the format that it's going to take.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations-podcast-series-impact-young-people

Ashley Howard, CEO and founder of Forever Young People, joins our host Maisie Barlow, to share his passion for youth work. Ashley recounts his challenging youth, including time in a family refuge, and how mentorship helped him find his passion for working with young people which led to the founding of Forever Young People in 2019, and its evolution and growth since. Ashley discusses the importance of emotional intelligence, personal growth, and community support. He shares his initiatives for alternative education, youth work, and community groups, including a mum-and-baby group. Discover the importance of authenticity and sensitivity and other practical tips for working with young people. This conversation highlights Ashley's dedication to empowering young people and his inspiring journey of personal and professional development. You will learn: · The challenges and rewards of mentoring and supporting young people · The significance of equipping young people with practical life skills · The importance of consistency and understanding the individual needs of young people "People need money to live, 100%, but people need support to live. You need those things put in place for you to feel and have that desire to kind of want to push yourself, want to live that life, chase your purpose." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations-podcast-series-support-young-people

Simone Ujah, youth worker, coach and podcaster, joins our host Maisie Barlow, for the first powerful episode of this series. Simone shares her coaching journey that helped her develop a core sense of self and allows her to work with young people with deep authenticity and honesty. Simone reflects on the challenges of addressing cultural differences and racism, drawing from personal stories, including her children's experiences with racial incidents at school and the gaslighting she subsequently received. Simone talks about the need for conversations and education around unconscious bias and equality, sharing how world events led her to start her Re-education podcast during lockdown. Simone discusses how culturally, respecting each person as an individual experience is key and we need to empower young people rather than support a victim mindset. You will learn: · The importance of authenticity and honesty when working with young people · The importance of putting young people at the centre of conversations and providing space for exploration and troubleshooting · The challenges of guiding (not preaching!) young people, with the need to respect their space and earn their respect “How and when do we tell our children that they're going to experience some form of racism, whether it's in the workplace, in school? How do I equip my children with the awareness that not all people are like this from any background? But some people have this perception that you are beneath them, and they will do whatever's in their power to continue to make you feel like you are beneath them… And that is not the truth. You’re not.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-future-generations-podcast-series-youth-culture-racism

Anthony Eldridge-Rogers, coach, supervisor, trainer and organizational consultant in human wellbeing and coaching, joins our host, Maxine Bell, for a deep dive into a coach’s practice of self-care. Anthony shares practical tips for integrating self-care into daily routines and the importance of community support. This episode emphasizes the need for coaches to prioritize their mental well-being and find internal worth, challenging societal norms and fostering a supportive community for sustainable self-care practices. Learn of the impact of societal pressures and the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection. A beautiful conversation that will stretch your perspectives on what self-care really is. You will learn: · An overview of the components of holistic self-care · How self-care is integral to mental health · How self-care is not something we only do alone "Self-care can actually take you forward into a deepening and an expansion of your experience of well-being and thriving, so it's not just a problem-solving tool; it's also a potential building tool." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-coaches-selfcare

Jo Birch, therapist and supervisor, and Professor Andrew Reeves, researcher, therapist and coach, join host Maxine Bell, to explore the sensitive topic of suicide and suicide ideation in relation to coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of coaches being prepared to support clients having suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the need for clear contracting, professional boundaries and direct communication. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of suicide, the complexity of addressing it, and the significance of transparency and understanding. Jo and Andrew encourage bravery and honesty in conversations about suicide and recommend seeking training and support to navigate these challenges effectively. A highly practical and helpful conversation. You will learn: · How coaches can work effectively with suicidal clients · How supervision can be helpful to support coaching with suicidal clients · The importance of self-awareness/reflexivity in supporting ourselves in our work "People who consider ending their life are ordinary people; they look like you and me and Andrew. You can't tell when you enter a coaching agreement with someone." For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-suicide-ideation EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: · WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention · Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support · Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123 · SHOUT Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline · UK Helplines · Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

Kate Brassington, trauma-informed coach, joins host Maxine Bell, to challenge the misconception that clients with trauma would not be present in a coaching session. Kate shares what coaches can do to become more trauma-aware and trauma-informed, to better serve clients and create a safe coaching environment. Learn the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD, the importance of staying present and curious in coaching, and the implications for ethical and safe practice. Kate tackles the fears and anxiety surrounding this topic and encourages coaches to seek supervision, and to continue educating themselves on trauma-informed practices. You will learn: · What trauma is and what trauma isn’t · The need for coaches to be trauma-informed and the value of mental health first aid training · Tips and ideas on how to look after yourself and your client “A trauma-informed world is good for everyone. It’s a kinder, better place for everyone.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-understanding-trauma EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: · WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention · Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support · Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123 · SHOUT Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline · UK Helplines · Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

Frances Masters, founder of Fusion Therapeutic Coaching, joins host Maxine Bell to discuss how coaches can work safely and effectively with clients who have stress, anxiety or depression. Frances defines the three conditions, their signs and symptoms, and their impact on health and well-being. Learn about the Safe Space Model and the 4D worry technique. Frances’ pragmatic approach will enable your coaching practice and empower your clients. You will learn: · The power of listening and a holistic coaching approach · Practical tips and tools for assessing and supporting clients' wellbeing · The significance of addressing innate human needs for emotional wellbeing “Just acknowledge that you're with a human being and a human being is going to have human needs. And if those needs are not met, they're going to be stressed or distressed in some way.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-stress-anxiety-depression EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: · WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention · Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support · Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123 · SHOUT Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline · UK Helplines · Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

David Britten, dual-trained therapist and coach, joins our host, Maxine Bell, for a deeper dive into what mental health and illness are, and what coaches and supervisors need to know and be able to do. David explains the difference between functional suffering, dysfunctional suffering and mental illness, and the importance of language and perspectives in shaping a holistic understanding of mental health. Emphasising the need for self-awareness and the role of supervision and supervisors, David also debunks the argument that therapy and coaching should be kept very separate. An insightful and necessary conversation that will benefit any coach or supervisor. You will learn: · The three functions of supervision for coaches supporting clients' mental health: normative, formative and restorative · What supervisors need to know to support coaches around mental health · The transformative potential of integrating coaching with therapeutic elements, especially for those grappling with mental health challenges “Supervisors need to have a theoretical understanding and an awareness of the fact that there are different ways of framing mental illness, psychological distress, different languages for it that have different connotations for, for how we practice and what we see.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-support-coaching-clients EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: · WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention · Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support · Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123 · SHOUT Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline · UK Helplines · Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

Anne Calleja, Carol Whitaker, and Dearbhalla Baveira join host, Maxine Bell, in the first episode of our Exploring Mental Health in Coaching series. Our three guests are all part of the AC Mental Health special interest group, focused on creating educational content and best practice resources for coaches and supervisors. In this episode, Anne, Carol, and Dearbhalla introduce what mental health means, what mental illness is, and the role of coaches or supervisors, along with some practical tips for yourself and your clients in supporting mental health wellbeing. They discuss the fears, challenges and issues faced by coaches and supervisors and encourage the coaching profession to be curious, brave and informed when dealing with mental health. You will learn: · How basic coaching skills can be used to recognise, identify and support clients having mental health issues · The importance of reflective practice and supervision in understanding your own competency, capability and capacity as a coach. · The ethical dilemmas a coach may face when dealing with mental health issues “It’s inevitable that mental health is going to come into the coaching and supervision space.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_mental-health-coaching-podcast-series-concerns-coaching-supervision EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS: · WhatsApp Global Resources for Suicide Prevention · Samaritans UK: Tel: 116 113 – Emergency helpline and suicide support · Samaritans Ireland Tel: 116 123 · SHOUT Text SHOUT TO 85258 - A UK-based emergency mental health text helpline · UK Helplines · Find a Helpline Worldwide – just type in your country and topic

Join our 2023 podcast hosts, Claudia Day, Mark Crossfield, Dr Julie Scanlon, Simone Sweeney, and Felicity Dwyer, as they reflect on their experiences hosting a podcast series for the Association for Coaching in this heart-warming conversation. They share their experiences meeting incredible guests to share coaching topics they both love, and the feedback from listeners. Be inspired by their passion and celebration of the world of coaching. You will learn: · The challenges and highlights of being a host · The personal and professional benefits that ripple out from being a host · What it’s like to work with the AC podcast team “The process of hosting the podcast, having these beautiful conversations with real experts in their field and the way the AC provide support and guidance, and yet I felt I had complete creative control of the series.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_special-episodes-reflections-2023-podcasts

Aubyn Howard, Krista Powell Edwards and Rachel Blackman return to join host, Felicity Dwyer, for a wonderful panel chat in the final episode of our Coaching the Whole Person series. Taking a deeper dive into what coaching the whole person means, they discuss the importance of presence over intervention, working with effluent and affluent parts of the nervous system, being aligned with your purpose, and understanding that the ecosystem of a human being sits within other systems. A warm and thoughtful conversation worth listening to. You will learn: · Who the whole person is and why it matters · Ethical and contracting issues · The importance of continuing development for coaches who want to work in depth with clients For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-the-whole-person-podcast-series-panel-chat “The being (human) is creative, resourceful and whole and the coach’s job is attunement with that creative, resourceful and whole being, in however they turn up.”

Beena Sharma, President of the Vertical Development Academy, joins our host Felicity Dwyer for an in-depth and fascinating discussion on Polarity Thinking in Vertical Development. Beena explains that polarity thinking exists unconsciously in all of us and is an incredible agent for change when it becomes explicit. She shares the wisdom contained in resistance, which is part of polarity thinking, defining it as a coaching tool that applies across all coaching frameworks. Beena describes how to integrate it with vertical development to help people develop greater maturity and ability to operate in a complex world. You will learn: · What polarity thinking and vertical development is · It’s impact on individuals, organizations and society as a whole · Six powerful examples of polarities within coaches themselves For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-the-whole-person-podcast-series-polarity-thinking-vertical-development “The dance between two poles that are both positive, both are needed and our capacity to masterfully dance and integrate them is what polarity thinking is about.”

Krista Powell Edwards, coach, facilitator and trainer, joins our host, Felicity Dwyer, to discuss a simple, but effective coaching model: logical levels. As an HR expert, Krista has many years of experience using this model with individuals and organizations, and she shares how logical levels can be used to resolve simple to complex issues with performance. She provides very clear and practical examples, the 4 P’s of time management, and discusses how this model can resolve issues of misalignment in organizations. You will learn: · What logical levels are and how to use them with clients · How logical levels can also be used in a coach's own personal development · How observing the intonations used in a client’s language can provide information on which level they are stuck in. For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-the-whole-person-podcast-series-logical-levels “The six levels working together help us understand performance and what makes us perform and what doesn’t make us perform.”

Jennifer Garvey-Berger, a leadership program designer and coach, joins our host, Felicity Dwyer to delve into the concept of adult development theory. They discuss how it aids in understanding the evolution of adults’ perspectives, and its role in leadership development. Jennifer explains why this theory is a game-changer in how we see ourselves, our clients, and the world – helping us to challenge our assumptions and take different perspectives. She highlights the need for coaches' own self-awareness and the necessity of intentional evolution to cope with the demands of modern life. A fascinating and invaluable conversation. You will learn: · What adult development theory is and why it is significant in coaching · The interconnectedness of body, emotions and cognition in personal development and leadership · The role of empathy “The world is so complex. It's pushing us so much harder than humans have been pushed before, that we need to grow to keep up with it.” For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_coaching-the-whole-person-podcast-series-adult-development-theory