If you’ve ever taken the time to listen to Claire Pedrick MCC talk about coaching, you’ll likely understand why I’m so passionate about her work. Claire isn’t just a coach—she’s someone who has spent over 30 years mastering the art of coaching and has simplified the process in a way that makes it feel accessible, human, and real. She’s the founder of 3D Coaching and created the STOKeRS model to help make coaching less complicated. But trust me, the simplicity doesn’t take away from the depth—if anything, it makes her ideas even more powerful.
Claire’s coaching journey started in the late 1990s. She developed a unique coaching framework that focuses on creating a safe space for clients while maintaining clarity and structure. Her work is deeply rooted in the idea of partnership in coaching—she believes that even when there are power differences, coaching should be a collaboration, not a hierarchy.
But what really makes Claire’s work stand out to me is her genuine curiosity about how we show up in coaching, particularly how we manage power dynamics while still holding a strong presence. Her philosophy is all about connection and collaboration, and that’s something I think all coaches should take to heart. It shines through in all of her interviews (and, of course, her books).
What I love about Claire is that she doesn’t just make coaching look easy—she makes it feel easy. She’s a master at taking big, complex ideas and breaking them down into something you can immediately grasp and apply. Isn’t that what we should aim to achieve when we teach? To empower our learners. But beyond that, what really resonates with me is her approach to improv. Yes, improv.
I recently listened to Claire talk about her improv experience on an episode of The Cultural Communication Confidence Podcast (Episode 114 with Victoria Rennoldson ), and something she said really stuck with me:
“The main purpose is to make your partner look good.”
At first, this might sound like a simple concept, but in the context of coaching, it’s pure gold. The idea that our role as coaches is to support the client in such a way that they can step into their best selves—it’s so simple, yet so profound. It’s not about trying to shine or be the “expert” in the room, but about being present and creating a space where the client can thrive.
We often hear coaches referring to Carl Rogers’ idea that our clients (or ‘thinkers’, as Claire calls them) are creative, resourceful and whole. Sure. But somehow, I find Claire’s phrase—“The main purpose is to make your partner look good.”—so much more useful. Not in the sense that we put them on a pedestal, but because we can only access meaningful change when we come from a place of love and acceptance.
That’s the kind of energy I want to bring into my own practice, and it’s exactly why I love Claire’s work so much. She reminds us that coaching isn’t about us—it’s about the other person and the space of acceptance we create through our work.
If you want more of Claire’s insights, you’re in luck—she has her own podcast, The Coaching Inn, where she dives deeper into coaching conversations and shares her unique perspective on everything from presence to partnership. It’s a must-listen for any coach wanting to learn from someone with decades of experience having conversations with other deep thinkers.
But that’s not all—Claire has shared her thinking on numerous other podcasts too. If you’re a fan of Robbie Swale , Claire has been a guest on The Coach’s Journey. She’s also been interviewed by Yannick Jacob on Coaching Uncaged, the Animas Podcast, Joseph Grech (PCC, CPsychol, FCIPD) on Coaching in Focus, the podcast of Become Coaching & Training, and Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD PCC on The Unlock Moment. Oh, and there’s her appearance on Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC’s the Coaching Studio Podcast. Each interview offers something new, whether it’s a fresh coaching tip or a deeper dive into Claire’s approach.
If this resonates with you, I highly recommend diving into those podcast episodes. Claire shares so many more nuggets of wisdom, particularly on power dynamics and human-centred communication. These are the kinds of conversations that stay with you long after they’re over—not just the theory, but practical, lived experience that you can bring into your own coaching practice.
And if you haven’t heard of Claire before, this is the perfect place to start. She’s one of those people whose ideas and energy you just want to soak up. You’ll find yourself thinking about what she said days later, feeling inspired to bring more heart and presence into everything you do. Trust me, it’s worth your time.
I’m a coach with a deep love for podcasts and lifelong learning. I find joy in making connections that reveal how everything is truly interconnected. Coaching offers us a rich tapestry of insights, and I’m not only weaving these threads into my practice but also embracing my role as the weaver—making visible the connections that enrich us. A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful podcast hosts!
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 