The first session of The Coaching PodClub was a small but meaningful start. We explored episodes from Coaching for Leaders and The Look & Sound of Leadership, diving into topics such as Building a Coaching Culture, Coaching Under Attack, and Coaching Your People. Our discussions centred on what makes these podcasts so valuable and how they shape our perspectives as learners and coaches.
A key takeaway from Dave Stachowiak’s conversation with 📚Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS) on Coaching Questions was John Whitmore’s idea that coaching is about helping people learn rather than simply teaching them—an insight that really resonated. As MBS explains:
“Helping people learn is a more subtle act, and it’s fundamentally about asking the good question, rather than giving them the advice.”
We also appreciated MBS’s invitation to be a ‘Lazy Coach’. He encourages leaders to do less, listen more, and resist the urge to jump in with advice. This sparked some laughter as we reflected on how coaching is an ongoing journey of reflective practice and learning—something this PodClub and other communities of practice support. When we’re in a coaching conversation, we should embrace this ‘lazy’ approach, holding space for others to think and discover their own insights.
We then explored the power of silence in coaching—how it creates space for deeper thinking and meaningful reflection. MBS also highlights that silence is often a sign of success in coaching. When we ask a question, a moment of silence can feel uncomfortable—we might worry that the question was unclear or that we’ve lost control of the conversation. However, silence actually signals deep thinking. Instead of rushing to fill the gap, we should recognise that the other person is processing their response. Observing their body language, such as glancing upwards as they search for an answer, can reinforce that meaningful reflection is taking place.
A simple yet powerful coaching tool that stood out was Michael Bungay Stanier’s question:
“And what else?”
Small reminders of techniques like this can make a huge difference in our coaching practice. The And What Else? question is a game-changer, prompting deeper exploration and helping people uncover their own solutions.
Other podcasts mentioned in our discussion included Everyday Positivity, Teaching in Higher Ed, and The Coaching Crowd. Each of these deserves a spot in the Coaching PodClub too.
The Abundance of Coaching Podcasts
One recurring theme in our conversation was just how many coaching-related podcasts exist. We were surprised by the sheer volume. And I enjoy so much curating and mapping out relevant content for others. Looking ahead, I’d love to create a resource to help people discover content aligned with their coaching and leadership interests.
A Quick Look at the Two Featured Podcasts
Coaching for Leaders (hosted by Dave Stachowiak since 2011) helps professionals develop their leadership skills through insightful conversations with top experts. Covering topics such as coaching, communication, career growth, and organisational culture, this podcast is packed with practical, actionable strategies.
Similarly, The Look & Sound of Leadership (hosted by Tom Henschel since 2008) focuses on executive presence, leadership communication, and coaching. Each short, bite-sized episode presents real-life coaching scenarios, offering practical insights into communication.
We didn’t discuss the other three podcasts in depth, so I’ll share my thoughts on them separately—they each offer something truly valuable.
Looking Ahead
As we look ahead, I think it would be valuable to explore reflective practice more deeply in a future session and examine what coaching podcasts have to say on the subject.
Join Us for the Next Session!
If you’re a coach or leader looking for a space to reflect, explore ideas, and discuss coaching-related podcasts, we’d love to have you at the next Coaching PodClub session. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just starting out, join us for the next session! It’s a great opportunity to deepen your learning, share insights, and connect with like-minded professionals.
How has listening to podcasts influenced your approach to coaching or leadership? Or are you just curious? Let’s continue the conversation—join us next time on 26th March 2025 from 7pm-8pm GMT!
Candida Javaid Coaching & Mentoring 