Can you coach anyone on anything?

It’s a question that sounds simple but exposes some of the deepest tensions in the coaching profession.

In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John and Angie unpack what really sits behind this debate. Not just imposter syndrome, but credibility, boundaries, ethics, and the uncomfortable moments coaches don’t talk about openly.

They explore:

1. The difference between pure coaching and consulting or mentoring
2. Why having tools matters more than having the “right” background
3. What happens when sessions drift into territory coaches are not trained for
4. How credibility crises show up when clients are more senior, successful, or powerful
5. Why relatability, rapport and interest matter more than matching life experience
6. When it is right to say yes, and when it is essential to say no

Through real client examples, including NASA executives, world-famous speakers, and moments where sessions crossed into unsafe territory, this conversation brings clarity to a question many coaches silently wrestle with.

If you are a coach questioning your authority, your boundaries, or whether you are “qualified enough”, this episode offers a grounded, grown-up perspective on what coaching really requires and where its limits are.

00:00 – The question that stops coaches cold

An innocent client conversation triggers a deeper credibility dilemma.

02:00 – Can you coach anyone on anything?

Why the answer is both yes and no.

04:30 – Coaching vs consulting vs mentoring

Where many coaching relationships quietly shift.

06:45 – Imposter syndrome and credibility crises

Why senior or high-status clients trigger self-doubt.

08:00 – Tools over titles

Why coaching effectiveness is not about shared life experience.

10:30 – Hard boundaries and knowing your lane

Why saying no is sometimes the most ethical move.

13:00 – When sessions go somewhere unsafe

Abuse, trauma, and moments that change the coaching relationship.

17:30 – Relatability, rapport and interest

Why wanting to coach the topic actually matters.

20:30 – Generalist vs specialist coaching

How coaches naturally steer conversations.

23:00 – Training, certification and real standards

What credentials do and don’t guarantee.

26:00 – So… can anyone coach anyone on anything?

The nuanced conclusion most coaches need to hear.

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to

Summary:

The Role of Feedback in Coaching: Balancing Guidance and Independence. In this solo episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie dives into the complexities of providing feedback to clients. She discusses the importance of allowing clients to rely on their own observations rather than the coach's validation. Angie shares her strategies for addressing clients' habitual need for approval and explains how coaches can navigate this delicate aspect to encourage self-evaluation and independence in their clients. She also invites listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on managing feedback in coaching relationships.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Solo Session Announcement

00:59 The Challenge of Providing Feedback

03:27 The Importance of Client Self-Evaluation

04:47 Handling Habitual Validation Seekers

05:27 Personal Experience and Lessons Learned 07:43 Strategies for Redirecting Clients

11:02 Conclusion and Call for Feedback

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 81

SUMMARY

Many coaches do the work, show up consistently, and still wonder why their business feels stuck.

In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John and Angie unpack the often-overlooked principle that coaching businesses grow in direct proportion to what you intentionally plant, not what you hope will happen.

Using the simple metaphor of sowing and reaping, the conversation explores why visibility alone does not create momentum, why being busy is not the same as being strategic, and why many coaches accidentally dilute their brand by trying to do too much, too early.

You will hear a grounded discussion on:

1. Why clients cannot buy from you if they do not know what you stand for
2. The difference between foundational work and high-level activities like podcasts, books, and speaking
3. Why referrals dry up without a system that keeps you visible and memorable
4. How clarity of audience, message, and platform choice drives sustainable growth
5. The danger of chasing tactics without a clear strategy behind them

This episode is especially relevant if you feel like you are working hard but not gaining traction, or if your coaching business relies too heavily on referrals, hope, or inconsistent visibility.

Rather than offering hacks or quick wins, John and Angie focus on building a business that compounds over time, with clearer positioning, intentional action, and fewer wasted efforts.

If you want a coaching business that feeds you consistently, not sporadically, this episode will help you rethink what you are planting and why.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Concept of Branding in Coaching

04:19 Building a Strong Foundation for Growth

09:41 The Importance of Clarity and Specificity

14:45 Creating Memorable Connections

18:43 Choosing the Right Social Media Strategy

20:18 Contact the show

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 80

Building a Strong Coaching Brand

SUMMARY

If your coaching or speaking business feels stuck, there’s a good chance the problem is not your skill. It’s your brand clarity.

In this episode, John and Angie break down how coaches and speakers accidentally dilute their authority by trying to be “all things to all people”, taking random collaborations, chasing visibility without strategy, and constantly changing direction. The result: mixed messaging, weak positioning, and an audience that cannot tell what you stand for, or who you actually help.

You’ll hear why associations matter (who you work with becomes part of your reputation), why “being busy” is not a growth plan, and how to make smarter decisions about podcast guesting, content, and partnerships without drifting into brand confusion. They also unpack the difference between experimenting to find your voice versus restarting your momentum every time you panic.

If you want more traction, clearer positioning, and a brand that makes the right clients think “this is for me”, this episode will help you tighten the message and stop leaking credibility.

Chapters

00:00 Defining Your Coaching Brand

03:13 The Importance of Associations

06:18 Intentional Branding and Message Clarity

09:04 Strategic Collaboration and Momentum

12:13 The Role of Strategy in Branding

14:57 Building Audience Connection and Clarity

20:30 Identifying Pain Points and Audience Engagement

23:01 Finding Your Voice and Clarity in Messaging

24:20 Overcoming Desperation in Business Strategies

26:04 The Ineffectiveness of Cold Outreach

30:00 Building Trust and Brand Awareness

32:10 The Importance of Transparency in Selling

36:20 Collaborating with Competitors for Growth

38:55 Branding and Its Impact on Business Success

41:14 TCC outro.mp3

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 79

The Philosophy of Goal Setting

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Angie and John discuss the concept of goal-setting for the year ahead. They explore the effectiveness of New Year's resolutions, the importance of consistency, and the need for reflection before setting new goals. They emphasise the significance of breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and the necessity of doing what one loves to maintain motivation. The discussion also touches on the impact of distractions, financial awareness, and the importance of choosing a guiding word for the year ahead.

Takeaways

New Year's resolutions often fail due to unrealistic expectations.

Goal setting should not be confined to January 1st; planning can start earlier.

Consistency in habits is more important than the end result.

Small, incremental goals can lead to larger achievements.

Identifying what you love can enhance motivation for goal setting.

Reflection on past experiences is crucial for future goal-setting.

Choosing a word for the year can provide focus and direction.

Managing distractions is essential for maintaining productivity.

Financial awareness can help eliminate unnecessary expenses.

Conscious choices lead to meaningful changes in life.

CHAPTERS

00:00 New Year, New Goals: The Conversation Begins

03:02 The Philosophy of Goal Setting

05:59 The Importance of Consistency and Identity in Goals

08:58 Breaking Down Goals: The Power of Small Steps

11:58 Finding Joy in Goal Setting: Do What You Love

15:05 The Role of Reflection in Goal Setting

18:03 Choosing Your Word for the Year

20:56 Leaving Behind Distractions and Embracing Peace

23:53 The Impact of Awareness on Personal and Professional Goals

27:03 Final Thoughts: Change Begins with You

36:55 Contact The Show

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 78

The Highs & Lows of Being A Professional Coach & How to Handle Them

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Angie and John reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing the ups and downs of their coaching journeys. They emphasize the importance of flexibility, mentorship, and the understanding that success is often temporary. The duo shares insights on navigating the noise in the coaching industry and the necessity of continuous learning and growth. They conclude with a focus on the importance of presence and the mindset needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of coaching and personal development.

Takeaways

This year has seen a year of ups and downs.

There is a perception that we, as coaches, have it all figured out.

Flexibility is key in business.

Success is often temporary and should be redefined.

Having a mentor can significantly impact your journey.

You need to keep pivoting until you find what works.

Don't get lost in the noise of the industry.

Throwing spaghetti at the wall is part of the process.

The journey of learning never stops.

Your word for the year can guide your focus.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Reflecting on a Year of Ups and Downs

07:17 The Importance of Flexibility in Business

13:15 The Value of Guidance and Mentorship

20:17 Understanding Success as a Temporary State

26:14 Navigating the Noise in the Coaching Industry

33:21 Embracing Continuous Learning and Growth

Keywords

coaching, business growth, mentorship, flexibility, success, personal development, entrepreneurship, guidance, challenges, learning

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 77

The Hidden Truths of Coaching Success

SUMMARY

In this conversation, Angie and John discuss the challenges faced by coaches and speakers in achieving financial success. They explore the importance of marketing, the need for a business mindset, and the significance of building credibility through testimonials. The discussion emphasises that talent alone is not enough; visibility and consistent promotion are crucial for success in the coaching industry.

John's LinkedIn Article: Why Great Speakers Stay Broke (and Great Coaches)

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Many talented coaches struggle financially due to lack of marketing.
• The best coaches are not always the most successful.
• Marketing is essential for visibility in the coaching industry.
• Testimonials and referrals are key to building credibility.
• Coaches must treat their craft as a business.
• Being known is more important than being the best.
• Consistency in promotion is vital for success.
• Don't wait for someone to discover you; take initiative.
• You can start by offering free sessions for testimonials.
• Resentment towards successful peers is counterproductive.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Conversation

01:21 The Reality of Coaching and Speaking

04:43 The Importance of Marketing in Coaching

10:27 Building Credibility and Testimonials

15:53 Treating Coaching as a Business

19:16 Strategies for Getting Known

25:36 Consistency in Promotion

28:59 Did this resonate with you

29:07 Closing thoughts

29:20 Next time

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 76

AI in Coaching: A Tool or a Threat?

SUMMARY

In this episode, Angie and John dive into the ongoing debate about the role of AI in the coaching industry. They discuss their personal experiences and concerns about AI tools like ChatGPT potentially replacing human coaches. While they acknowledge the administrative and brainstorming benefits of AI, they emphasise that human coaching offers irreplaceable elements such as emotional intelligence, accountability, and personalised support. The conversation also touches upon the ethical limitations of AI and the need to use these tools to enhance rather than replace human capabilities. The hosts encourage listeners to share their own experiences with AI in their coaching practices.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction: AI in Coaching

00:28 The Human Element in Coaching

01:15 AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement

01:58 AI's Role in Administrative Tasks

02:29 The Limitations of AI in Coaching

03:08 Pop Culture References and AI

07:21 Ethical Considerations and AI

07:48 Practical Uses of AI in Coaching

15:24 The Future of AI in Coaching

22:35 Conclusion: Embracing AI Responsibly

Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on the exclusive Coaching Clinic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast

You can send us a video or voice message on LinkedIn:

John's LinkedIn Profile or go to PresentInfluence.com for coaching enquiries with John

Angie's LinkedIn Profile or visit AngieSpeaks.com

2023 Present Influence Productions Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills 75