In this edition of The Coaching Edge Podcast, cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Irena O’Brien unpacks the latest research on how our brains create lasting behavior change. Drawing on Richard Boyatzis’ work, she explains why coaches (and leaders) should spend roughly two-thirds of every conversation in the default-mode network—the space of vision, imagination, and the Positive Emotional Attractor—before shifting to the task-focused central-executive network.

Listeners will learn practical ways to toggle between these networks, including heart-rate-variability breathing, self-compassion practices, and bringing personal values to the forefront. The result? More creativity, energy, and sustainable change—for clients and coaches alike.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/coaching-through-the-brain-how-positive-emotional-attractors-drive-real-change/

In this episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, hosts Erwin de Grave and Dr. Steve Jeffs sit down with Emma-Louise Elsey, founder of The Coaching Tools Company and creator of Fierce Kindness. Emma-Louise shares how her transition from corporate project manager—working for NatWest Bank and Ford Motor Company—led her to discover coaching as a career that truly values people over processes. Now with over 150 coaching tools and tens of thousands of newsletter subscribers, her mission is to help individuals tap into kindness as a powerful, courageous force.

The conversation dives into why self-kindness often feels elusive in our VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) world, and how cultural norms, guilt, and shame stand in the way. Emma-Louise reframes kindness as “Fierce”—not a passive niceness but a bold, strength-based practice that enables better boundary-setting, imposter‐syndrome management, and authentic self-care. She even outlines her PACT process—Pause, Ask, Choose, Time—so listeners can systematically tune into their needs and honor themselves.

Rounding out the discussion, the trio explores work-life boundaries in a remote-first era, the future of coaching amid AI pressures, and the ripple effect of kindness: starting with self and flowing out to teams, families, and communities. Emma-Louise’s insights offer both inspiration and practical tools for coaches and anyone seeking to thrive by being kinder to themselves first.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/fierce-kindness-emma-louise-elseys-guide-to-courageous-self-compassion/

In this episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, hosts Erwin de Grave and Steve Jeffs sit down with coaching veteran Wendy Buckingham, whose career spans more than 25 years. Wendy shares her journey from journalist and business owner to one of Australia’s first trained life coaches, offering a compelling look into the early days of the profession and how it has evolved.

Wendy speaks candidly about the dilution of coaching’s core essence, the risks of over-niching, and the overwhelming complexity that new coaches often face. She champions the fundamentals of life coaching—listening, questioning, and facilitating client growth—while expressing concerns over the commodification and saturation of the industry.

She also explains why phone coaching can be more intimate than face-to-face sessions, the importance of training and certification, and how her communication skills and writing background helped her educate and empower through her popular website, Life Coaching Professionally.

Listeners will appreciate Wendy’s clarity, humility, and commitment to preserving coaching integrity while supporting the next generation of coaches.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/the-quiet-power-of-simplicity-in-coaching-wendy-buckinghams-25-year-journey/

In this spirited episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, hosts Dr. Steve Jeffs, and Erwin de Grave sit down with master coach, author, social-preneur, and media trail-blazer Frankie Picasso. Branded the “Unstoppable Coach,” Frankie shares how she “rents her belief” to clients, holding their boldest visions until they can hold them themselves.

Key talking points include:

• Why cultivating belief is the true antidote to risk.
• Frankie’s five-step “Think – Feel – Be – Act – Do” formula for personal reinvention.
• The power of maintaining a dream while experimenting with multiple paths.
• Harnessing intuition and gut wisdom in decision-making.
• Lessons from raising entrepreneurial kids, leaving a marriage with three toddlers, and launching a global media company in her 60s.

Whether you’re coaching, leading, or chasing your own “impossible,” Frankie’s stories illustrate that flexibility, persistence, and vision trump fear every time.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/from-vision-to-action-how-frankie-picasso-champions-change-and-makes-the-impossible-possible/

In this compelling episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, Erwin de Grave and Dr. Steve Jeffs sit down with Master Certified Coach Karen Cappello to explore how coaches can turn their passion into sustainable, values-aligned businesses. Karen shares her inspiring journey from financial planning to coaching, catalyzed by a life-changing moment following 9/11.

Listeners will learn how Karen grew her coaching business rapidly, leveraging her corporate background to support other coaches in achieving financial and personal freedom. She emphasizes the importance of mindset shifts around charging for coaching, understanding ROI, and owning one’s uniqueness. Her signature blend of “where strategy meets energy” shines through as she outlines practical paths for coaches to transition from overwhelmed solopreneurs to empowered business owners.

The episode is packed with insights about group coaching, building authentic relationships, and even helping clients achieve million-dollar results—no matter their age. Karen’s mission is clear: to ensure no coach has to return to corporate life simply because they couldn't build a thriving practice.

Don't miss this episode if you're a coach seeking clarity, confidence, and clients!

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/how-karen-cappello-empowers-coaches-to-build-profitable-and-purposeful-businesses/

In this episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, hosts Erwin de Grave and Steve Jeffs are joined by Simon Delaney—actor-turned-coach and a key figure at RADA Business. Simon shares how his journey from theatre to coaching helped him uncover the transformative power of performance, presence, and, above all, breath.

He dives deep into the idea that everyone is, in some sense, already an actor—constantly performing in daily life—and how recognizing and refining that performance can lead to more impactful leadership and communication. With humor and humility, Simon explores the interplay between physicality and mindset, the inner saboteurs we all carry, and the importance of non-attachment in both coaching and leadership.

This conversation is packed with insights for coaches, leaders, and communicators who want to show up more authentically and effectively. From breathwork to presence, from vulnerability to preparation, Simon’s reflections are both grounding and inspiring.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/from-stage-to-strategy-simon-delaney-on-coaching-through-breath-presence-and-vulnerability/

In this episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Joy Bufalini, the creator of Simplify to Multiply®. With co-hosts Dr. Steve Jeffs and Erwin de Grave, Joy shares how her background as a math teacher, the challenges of raising a child with special needs, and her deep love for strategy and simplicity fueled her transformation into a top-tier business coach.

Joy explains the Simplify to Multiply philosophy—prioritizing clarity, focus, and intentionality over complex funnels and overloaded offerings. She provides invaluable insights on niching down, mastering one offer, and creating sustainable six-figure coaching businesses by doing less, not more.

She also addresses the critical mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurial success and highlights how internal limitations—not strategy—often hinder early-stage growth. With warmth, honesty, and real-life examples, Joy encourages coaches to trust themselves, be discerning with who they learn from, and embrace simplicity as a success strategy.

Whether you’re a new coach navigating overwhelm or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your business model, this episode offers clarity, confidence, and concrete steps to take your coaching to the next level.

Watch the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/how-joy-bufalini-built-a-scalable-coaching-business-by-simplifying-everything/

In this compelling episode of The Coaching Edge Podcast, Erwin de Grave and Dr. Steve Jeffs sit down with Melanie Benson, long-time coach, podcast host, and creator of the Authority Accelerator and Ripple Makers Mastermind. Known as an “Authority Amplifier,” Melanie shares how coaches and experts can break free from being the “best-kept secret” by mastering their messaging, owning their unique value, and building authentic visibility through platforms like podcasting.

She dives into her signature concept of the “Lighthouse Message”—a focused, powerful narrative that magnetizes ideal clients—and explores the four key differentiators that every coach should define to thrive in an oversaturated market. Melanie also opens up about the emotional and strategic journey of reinventing her identity, shifting from hustle-based success to connection-driven impact, and how embracing visibility helped her clients—and herself—transform.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just launching your practice, this episode is a masterclass in personal branding, overcoming money mindset blocks, and attracting the right clients by clarifying the outcomes you help create—not just the process you use.

View the full episode here: https://thecoachingedgepodcast.com/how-coaches-can-become-unignorable-melanie-benson-on-visibility-messaging-and-reinvention/