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Talking about Coaching

Talking about Coaching

By: Yannick Jacob Siwash Zahmat & Nicki Drab
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About this listen

Does what it says on the tin: We talk about coaching. We, that is Yannick, Siwash and Nicki. We love coaching, collectively got a tonne of experience, knowledge and charm; and we all felt it was time to give something back to our wonderful coaching community. Whether you're a life coach, work with organisations or practice any other form of coaching, you can ask us anything and we'll discuss it for and with you so you can learn, grow and develop your practice and business skills!

© 2025 Talking about Coaching
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Episodes
  • Pre-designed coaching programmes - friend or foe? - Episode 94
    Dec 18 2025

    A few coaches recently have brought questions about set coaching programmes into the supervision room. Marketing-wise, set programmes are an excellent way to instill certainty and trust in your coaching, by selling the idea that a “proven method” or relied upon series of exercises, assessments, or lines of inquiry are going to create a particular outcome within a certain timeframe. Now every serious coach knows that in reality, those kind of journeys at best are opening doors into the conversations that really matter, and at worst are a complete distraction from having those conversations. And yes, sometimes, when we pick the right client for our programme, they absolutely deliver. But it means we’re keeping to a tight niche. There is some value in guided journeys, for sure, though also definitely a number of pitfalls. So today we are digging into some of the pros and cons of set coaching programmes.

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    • Send us your question: http://bit.ly/talkingaboutcoaching
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    17 mins
  • My [_____] died. When & how can I start coaching again? - Episode 93
    Dec 4 2025

    Yannick and Nicki have been facing some significant loss in their recent past and in this episode decided to discuss their journey of getting back into coaching clients. Grief and bereavement are experienced on a spectrum and everyone is ultimately navigating their own journey, but questions such as “When is it appropriate to see clients again?”, “Do I disclose what happened to my clients?”, “How do I stay focused on my client’s issues?”, or “To what extent do I need to have processed my own loss before I can work with clients efficiently?” are certainly questions that many coaches are asking themselves after facing significant challenges.

    Takeaways

    • Grief is a universal experience that can deeply impact personal and professional life.
    • Self-disclosure in coaching can create deeper connections and open meaningful conversations.
    • Personal experiences of loss can enrich coaching practices by adding depth and empathy.
    • Existential reflections on grief can lead to personal growth and resilience.
    • Opening conversations about grief can help normalize the experience and support others in their journeys.

    Chapters

    1. Introduction and Context (00:00 - 02:30)
    2. Personal Experiences with Grief (02:31 - 08:45)
    3. Grief and Coaching (08:46 - 18:20)
    4. Existential Reflections (18:21 - 28:10)
    5. Concluding Thoughts (28:11 - End)

    Keywords

    • Grief, Coaching, Self-disclosure, Existentialism, Personal growth, Emotional resilience, Human connection, Loss, Reflection, Authenticity

    ____
    If you'd like to stay up to date with new episodes, continue the conversation or generally support what we do:

    • Send us your question: http://bit.ly/talkingaboutcoaching
    • Sign up to our mailing list (no spam, no sales, just a quick shout about new episodes): https://rocketsupervision.com/talking-about-coaching/
    • Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG2c

    Support the show

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • How to deal with the “I don’t know” client? - Episode 92
    Jul 3 2025

    Most of us have been there, and if you haven’t you’ll meet them soon: The “I don’t know” client, who responds to every coaching question with “I don’t know”. Are they avoiding the question? Do they not want to be there? Do they not trust you? Are they scared of what they might find? Have they been sent to coaching against their will? Or do they simply not know anything? Whatever it may be, for coaches this situation can be mighty frustrating, so in this episode, Nicki and Yannick discuss how to navigate working with such clients.

    Keywords
    coaching, client engagement, resistance, curiosity, strategies, coaching techniques, personal development, client blocks, coaching dynamics, professional coaching

    Takeaways

    • The 'I don't know' response can indicate resistance or a lack of knowledge.
    • Curiosity is essential for coaches to engage clients effectively.
    • Exploring the emotional state of clients can reveal underlying blocks.
    • Coaches should avoid taking on the responsibility of knowing for their clients.
    • Asking clarifying questions can help clients uncover their thoughts.
    • Using humor or positive prompts can shift a client's emotional state.
    • The GROW model can be a useful framework for guiding clients.
    • Acknowledging the shared experience of 'not knowing' can help both coach and client.
    • Preparation with resources can empower coaches in challenging situations.
    • Focusing on inquiry rather than providing answers fosters client growth.

    Chapters
    00:00 Understanding the 'I Don't Know' Client
    03:00 Exploring Client Resistance and Blocks
    05:58 Strategies for Engaging Clients
    09:00 The Role of Curiosity in Coaching
    11:59 Navigating the Coach-Client Dynamic
    15:14 Preparing for the 'I Don't Know' Situation
    17:59 Shifting Focus from Knowledge to Inquiry

    Keywords
    coaching, client engagement, resistance, curiosity, strategies, coaching techniques, personal development, client blocks, coaching dynamics, professional coaching


    ____
    If you'd like to stay up to date with new episodes, continue the conversation or generally support what we do:

    • Send us your question: http://bit.ly/talkingaboutcoaching
    • Sign up to our mailing list (no spam, no sales, just a quick shout about new episodes): https://rocketsupervision.com/talking-about-coaching/
    • Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG2c

    Support the show

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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