The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar

If you’ve ever walked out of a PD session wondering what the point was, this episode is for you. In this kickoff to our PD podcast series, Elena Aguilar shares a powerful reframe—and a 5-question reflection to help you assess whether your sessions are creating real learning. Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopExpand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: When was the last time you felt truly inspired by professional development? What made it feel different?How have your past experiences shaped what you believe PD is supposed to look and feel like?What would be possible if we treated PD as a space for transformation—not compliance?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcrip

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a team member who’s clearly struggling and wondered, “What do I even say right now?”—this episode is for you. Elena explores how to coach team members through the inevitable low points of the school year. Keep learning: Attend Coaching for Retention and Resilience Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: When have you felt a dip in your own energy or hope this year—and how did you move through it?What helps you stay grounded and compassionate when others are discouraged or emotional?What is one thing you can say this week that might help someone feel seen?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

If you’ve ever been in a conversation where someone starts crying, shuts down, or lashes out—and you weren’t sure what to do—this episode is for you. Elena offers guidance on how to respond when a team member breaks down emotionally during a conversation. Whether you’re met with tears, silence, or anger, you’ll walk away with a grounded strategy for navigating intense moments with presence and care. Keep learning: Attend Coaching for Retention and Resilience Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions or reactions come up for you when someone becomes overwhelmed during a conversation?How might you prepare yourself—emotionally and somatically—for moments like these?What’s one line or phrase you can practice now to use in those moments of breakdown?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know what to say when someone gets emotional,” this episode is for you. Elena introduces the ACE Emotions framework, a three-part process that helps coaches and leaders skillfully navigate emotional intensity—both in themselves and others. Keep learning: Core Emotions toolAttend Coaching for Retention and Resilience Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: Which step in the ACE framework do you most need to practice right now?When has expanding the story helped you or someone else move through a difficult moment?How could compassion—toward yourself or others—change the way you coach?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

In this foundational episode, Elena Aguilar shares why understanding emotions is essential for Transformational Coaching. You’ll walk away with a reflective practice to deepen your emotional fluency. This episode sets the stage for a new way to show up—for yourself and your team. Keep learning: Attend Coaching for Retention and Resilience Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportRead Arise. Chapters 7 and 8 dive deep into coaching emotionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do you find hardest to witness or sit with in others?What did you learn about emotions in your own upbringing—and how might that shape how you coach?How could honoring emotions more intentionally transform your coaching conversations?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

If you’re looking for a way to start the year with depth and clarity in your coaching conversations, this episode is for you. Elena explores the power of coaching through core values—especially at the beginning of a new year. You’ll learn how to bring values into your coaching conversations to help others reconnect with who they are and how they want to lead. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: Which of your core values do you want to live into more fully this year?How could revisiting values support a client who’s struggling with self-doubt or disconnection?What’s one question you can ask this week to bring values into the coaching space?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

If you’re returning from break and feeling like your energy is low but the demands are already high, this episode is for you. Elena shares a practical tool to help you stay anchored when your energy is low and the demands are high. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What do you most need to remember about yourself in this season?What truths help you stay grounded when your energy is low?What would your leadership mantra be right now—and how could you keep it close?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

In this episode, Elena coaches Adam Morales, an assistant principal from Arizona. on working across lines of racial of racial differences.

If you’re coming back from winter break and want to start this next chapter with clarity and calm, this episode is for you. Elena shares a powerful ritual to help coaches and leaders return from winter break with clarity and intention. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Starting the Year Strong Skill SessionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What are you bringing with you into this new year—and what do you want to leave behind?Who do you want to be in this next chapter of your work?What’s one small action you can take this week to align with that intention?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Returning from break doesn’t have to mean jumping back into the chaos. In this special episode, Elena offers three reflection questions to help you re-enter your work with clarity, peace, and power. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLCFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: Who do I want to be as I re-enter my work?What do I want to prioritize this season?What can I let go of to move forward with more ease?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

How do you leave the year behind and truly rest? In this special episode, Elena offers five powerful questions to help you reflect, release, and step into winter break with intention. Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Elena’s reflection prompts:What am I proud of?What did I learn?What am I carrying that I want to set down?What do I want to remember?What do I need in order to rest?Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What am I proud of this season?What do I need to set down before stepping into rest?What would it look like to come back in January feeling renewed?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Dreading January? You’re not alone—and neither are your clients. In this episode, Elena shares how to help educators return from break with renewed clarity, compassion, and a plan they actually want to follow. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Preparing for January Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do your clients (or you) tend to bring into January?What’s one question you could ask to help someone reconnect with their purpose?How do you want to feel in the first week back—and what will help you get there?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

December is a blur—but it doesn’t have to be a missed opportunity. In this episode, Elena shares how to help your clients reflect, celebrate, and close out the calendar year with clarity and pride. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Calendar Year Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: How do you usually close out the year with your clients—and what might be missing?What would it mean for you to end this year feeling proud and grounded?Who in your client roster most needs a moment of reflection and recognition right now?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Worried about a struggling teacher—and not sure what to tell your admin? In this episode, Elena shares how to raise concerns with honesty, integrity, and care for everyone involved. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Updating an Admin on a Struggling Teacher Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What are your current beliefs about updating admin on a struggling client?What emotions come up for you in these situations—and what might those emotions be trying to tell you?What would it look like to navigate this kind of conversation with both courage and compassion?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

What if your coaching skills could help you navigate Thanksgiving? In this special episode, Elena Aguilar shares how to bring curiosity, presence, and boundaries to your holiday gatherings—and build connection even across lines of difference. Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Rate and review usReflection questions: What emotions do you typically carry into holiday gatherings—and where do they come from?What coaching skills or stances could support you this week?What’s one small action you can take to feel more grounded during your Thanksgiving meal?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Are you taking too many notes—or none at all? In this episode, Elena offers a practical and powerful approach to note-taking during coaching conversations. Learn how to take notes that build trust, strengthen your memory, and support your impact. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Note-Taking During Coaching Conversations Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s your current approach to note-taking—and how’s it working for you?What worries or assumptions do you hold about taking notes during a session?What small change could you make this week to align your note-taking with your values as a coach?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

You coached. Now what? In this episode, Elena explains why the moments after a coaching conversation are where your growth lives. Learn how to build a reflection habit that helps you get better—fast. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC, and start your Reflecting on a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s your current reflection routine—if you have one?What emotions do you experience after a challenging or powerful coaching session?What’s one reflection question you want to start asking yourself regularly?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Do I really need to plan for every coaching session? In this episode, Elena explains how even five minutes of intentional prep can transform your coaching. Learn what to focus on, how to plan efficiently, and why your presence begins before the conversation starts. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Planning for a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionElena’s starting five:What’s my intention?What do I want them to feel?What strengths do I want to highlight?What stance do I want to take?What’s the most important thing to address today?Free community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What do you currently do—if anything—to prepare for coaching sessions?How might your coaching conversations change if you spent five minutes planning?What planning question from the episode resonated with you most—and why?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Three months into coaching and wondering if you’re making any difference at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, Elena shares a reflective process and feedback strategies that will help you see—and strengthen—your coaching impact. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Evaluating Your Impact Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What would “having impact” look like for you this year?What are three moments from the past few months that brought you a sense of connection, growth, or pride?What fears come up when you think about asking your clients for feedback—and what support do you need to move through them? Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript

Your client keeps canceling. Or giving one-word answers. Or something just feels... off. In this episode, Elena shares what to do when you’re not connecting with a client—and how to shift from awkwardness to authentic trust. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your When You’re Not Connecting with a Client Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: When have you sensed disconnection with a client—and what did you do?What feelings come up for you when a client doesn’t seem engaged?What’s one phrase you could use to open a conversation about your coaching relationship?Podcast Transcript and Use: Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission. We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material. Episode Transcript