the_coach_guild

Avoiding Player Energy in Coaching Spaces

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:04:28 GMT

The Coaching Industry Has a Habit of Rewarding the Wrong Things.

By Lisa M. Hayes for The Coaching Guild

One of the more dangerous mistakes people make in coaching spaces is confusing confidence with character.

The most confident-looking man in the room is not automatically the safest one. The center-of-attention coach is not automatically the most skilled one. The life of the party is not automatically the person with the deepest ethical grounding, the strongest discernment, or the greatest capacity for real transformation.

Sometimes he is simply the best marketer in the room.

Sometimes he has player skills.

Sometimes he knows how to command attention, mirror desire, perform certainty, and make people feel briefly chosen.

Sometimes he has learned how to turn social dominance into credibility, charm into trust, and visibility into authority. That may work beautifully in sales. It does not necessarily translate into ethical coaching.

This matters because coaching is an intimacy-based profession. People do not come to coaching as abstract concepts. They come as human beings with longing, fear, grief, vulnerability, ambition, confusion, hope, and history. They come carrying places in themselves that are tender, unformed, or newly breaking open. In that kind of space, charisma is not enough. Magnetism is not enough. Being impressive is not enough.

A coach should be held to a different standard.

Confidence Is Not the Same as Ethical Depth

There is a particular kind of masculine-coded performance that gets overvalued in coaching spaces. It reads as leadership because it is loud, socially fluid, self-assured, flirtatious, and highly practiced. It knows how to take up air in a room. It knows how to create gravity. It knows how to make itself central.

People often mistake that for substance.

They assume that because someone is poised, articulate, desired, or unusually comfortable in public attention, he must also be trustworthy. They assume that because he can move a room emotionally, he must be capable of holding power ethically. They assume that because he seems certain, he must be skilled.

That assumption is expensive.

A person can be socially dominant and ethically flimsy. A person can be magnetic and manipulative. A person can be very good at creating emotional intensity without being good at transformation. A person can know exactly how to make others feel seen while still relating to them primarily as supply, audience, conquest, or brand extension.

That is not coaching.

Player Energy Often Looks Impressive at First

Player energy can look polished. It can look confident. It can look like ease, charm, boldness, attention, compliments, instant closeness, strategic vulnerability, seductive insight, and a strong read on what people want to hear.

It often creates an immediate sense of pull.

That is part of the problem.

People feel chemistry and call it safety. They feel intensity and call it truth. They feel admiration and call it trust. They feel social fluency and call it leadership.

Coaching requires a different kind of power .

Coaching requires the ability to stay clean in the presence of vulnerability. It requires the ability to hold attention without feeding on it. It requires the ability to support someone’s process without subtly making it about your own ego, desirability, image, or emotional appetite. It requires a person who can distinguish influence from integrity.

The fact that someone is compelling does not tell you whether they can do that.

Ethical Coaching Does Not Need to Seduce the Room

A skilled coach does not need to be the most captivating person in every room. A skilled coach does not need to win the group dynamic. A skilled coach does not need to be the center of gravity in order to be effective.

In fact, one of the clearest markers of maturity in a coach is that they do not need constant relational inflation to function.

They can tolerate not being adored.

They can tolerate not being the star.

They can tolerate a client’s growth without needing to own it.

They can tolerate power without becoming intoxicated by it.

This is one of the places where player energy and coaching ethics part ways. Player energy wants to win the social field. Ethical coaching wants to serve the work. Player energy is often organized around attention, access, desirability, and control. Ethical coaching is organized around clarity, responsibility, boundaries, and actual transformation.

Those are not the same operating system.

The Coaching Industry Has Rewarded the Wrong Things

The coaching industry has often been far too easily impressed.

It has rewarded polish over depth, performance over discernment, visibility over rigor, and personal magnetism over ethical seriousness. It has confused audience-building with wisdom. It has confused confidence with capacity. It has confused being unforgettable with being trustworthy.

That has consequences.

It creates spaces where vulnerable people are taught to ignore their own discomfort because someone is charismatic. It creates training cultures where students assume they need to become more seductive, more socially dominant, more personally branded, and more performatively certain in order to be seen as legitimate. It creates an atmosphere in which actual coaching skill can be overshadowed by optics.

This is especially dangerous for women, younger coaches, newer coaches, and people who have been socially conditioned to mistake male certainty for competence.

Not every charismatic man is a problem. Not every extroverted coach is unsafe. Not every confident leader is performing player energy. That is not the claim.

The claim is simpler and sharper: if you do not know how to distinguish charisma from ethics, you are vulnerable to being sold performance as substance.

What to Look For Instead

If you are evaluating a coach, teacher, mentor, or training space, do not ask only whether someone is impressive.

Ask whether their power feels clean.

Ask whether they create clarity or dependency.

Ask whether they can hold boundaries without becoming cold, and closeness without becoming invasive.

Ask whether they leave room for other people’s reality, or whether everything bends subtly back toward their persona.

Ask whether they can support transformation without theatricality.

Ask whether they become more trustworthy the closer you look.

Ask whether their work rests on actual skill, or whether it rests on social control, desire, marketing, and the ability to dominate attention.

Ask whether they can coach.

That last question matters more than people think.

There are individuals in this field who know how to build fascination long before they know how to work responsibly with human beings. They know how to trigger hope, admiration, projection, belonging, and hunger. They know how to look like the answer. They know how to make people feel chosen. Those are not small abilities. They are simply not the same thing as transformational skill.

The Difference Matters

A coach is not there to win the room.

A coach is there to hold the work.

A coach is not there to convert vulnerability into personal power.

A coach is there to treat vulnerability with care.

A coach is not there to create a subtle erotic, emotional, or psychological dependency that keeps people orbiting.

A coach is there to support truth, agency, discernment, and movement.

When those lines blur, people get harmed. They get confused. They get drawn into dynamics that look powerful on the outside and feel destabilizing underneath. They doubt themselves because the person in front of them seems so certain, so desired, so socially validated. They override their own instincts because everything about the surface presentation says this person must know what they are doing.

Surface presentation is not enough.

In coaching spaces, it is your responsibility to look deeper.

Where The Coaching Guild Stands

At The Coaching Guild , we believe ethical depth matters more than performance. We believe real coaching skill matters more than charisma. We believe strong training should prepare coaches to work with rigor, discernment, boundaries, and real transformational capacity, not simply teach them how to look confident, marketable, or compelling.

The field does not need more people who know how to dominate attention.

It needs more people who know how to hold power responsibly.

That is a very different standard.

And it is one worth protecting.

How to Choose a Coach Training Program

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:52:24 GMT

Choosing a coach training program is not only about finding something that sounds inspiring.

By: Lisa M. Hayes for The Coach Guild

If you are trying to choose a coach training program, you have probably already noticed the problem.

Almost every program says it is transformational. Almost every program says it is rigorous. Almost every program says it will help you become the coach you are meant to be. Many of them use the same promises, the same polished language, and the same broad claims about excellence.

That makes it harder than it should be to tell what actually matters.

Choosing a coach training program is not only about finding something that sounds inspiring. It is about finding a program that can prepare you to work skillfully, ethically, and credibly with real human beings in real situations. Current industry guidance and provider comparisons consistently point to factors like curriculum depth, practice opportunities, mentor feedback, faculty quality, and ethical standards as major decision points, even when they frame them in different ways.

Start With the Kind of Coaching Work You Actually Want to Do

Before you compare programs, get clear about the kind of work you want to do.

Do you want corporate-paid work?
Do you want private practice?
Do you want to integrate coaching into leadership, education, facilitation, healthcare, ministry, or another existing field?
Do you want to work directly with individual human beings, or do you want to move through institutions that use formal credentialing as a screening tool?

This matters because not every coach training program is preparing students for the same professional environment. Some are built with formal credential pathways in mind. Others are better suited to coaches who want direct client work, interdisciplinary practice, or a more relational and human-centered lane. ICF’s own published pathways make clear that some routes are specifically structured around credential eligibility, training levels, coaching hours, mentor coaching, and assessment.

The first question is not just whether a program looks impressive. The first question is whether it matches the work you want to do.

Look for a Program That Teaches Coaching, Not Just Confidence

This is one of the biggest distinctions in the field.

Some programs are very good at helping people feel excited about coaching. Some are very good at helping people feel affirmed in their calling. Some are very good at helping people build a coach identity.

That is not the same thing as teaching coaching.

A strong coach training program should help you develop real skill. It should sharpen your listening, your discernment, your ability to ask better questions, your understanding of scope and ethics, and your capacity to work with complexity. Industry guidance on choosing a coaching program consistently points readers toward curriculum quality, practical learning, and the depth of what is actually taught, not just the emotional tone of the experience.

Excitement has value.

It cannot substitute for skill.

Make Sure There Is Real Practice Built In

You do not become a coach by consuming information. You become a coach by coaching.

That means a serious program should include meaningful opportunities to practice, receive feedback, refine your judgment, and grow over time. Current credentialing and training guidance repeatedly emphasizes that coaching education alone is not enough. Logged practice, mentoring, feedback, and observed performance are part of how coaching skill is actually built.

When you are evaluating a program, ask questions like these:

How much live practice is included?
What kind of feedback do students receive?
Are there observed coaching sessions?
Is mentor coaching or direct critique part of the structure?
Do students graduate having actually coached, or mostly having discussed coaching?

A good coach training program should not leave you with only a certificate and enthusiasm. It should leave you with lived practice.

Pay Attention to Faculty Quality

Who teaches the program matters - a lot.

A strong coach training program should be led by faculty with real depth, strong standards, and the ability to offer meaningful critique. Current advice on choosing programs repeatedly includes trainer qualifications, instructor depth, and mentorship as central factors, which is a sign that this is not a minor issue. It shapes the quality of the whole learning experience.

You want teachers who can do more than inspire you. You want teachers who can sharpen you.

That means looking for faculty who can hold live complexity, teach real skills, and help students distinguish between sounding like a coach and actually becoming one.

Do Not Treat Accreditation as the Whole Story

Accreditation can matter. It can be strategically useful, especially for students who want corporate-paid work or professional environments where formal credentialing is part of the hiring or contracting process. Current ICF-aligned guidance makes clear that structured credential pathways are important in those contexts.

But accreditation is not the same thing as excellence.

A program can be accredited and still be shallow. A program can be non-accredited and still be rigorous, ethical, demanding, and deeply effective.

This is where many future coaches get distracted. They ask whether a program is accredited before they ask whether it is actually good.

That is backward.

A better question is this: does the program have real standards, strong faculty, meaningful practice, ethical clarity, and the depth to prepare people for the actual work of coaching?

Look for an Ethical Spine

A coach training program should not treat ethics like an afterthought.

Coaching involves trust, power, boundaries, discernment, confidentiality, and real human vulnerability. Serious training should teach students how to understand scope, how to recognize what is and is not coaching, and how to work responsibly. Current guidance for choosing coaching programs regularly includes ethics, standards, and professional responsibility as part of what future coaches should examine.

A good program should prepare you not only to help people move, but to do that work without overreach, projection, confusion, or inflated authority.

That is part of what makes training serious.

Evaluate the Curriculum for Depth, Not Just Topics

A long list of modules does not automatically equal a strong curriculum.

Some programs look impressive because they mention many topics. That does not tell you whether those topics are taught well, whether students practice them, or whether the program actually builds judgment and competence over time.

When you look at the curriculum, ask:

Does this program teach coaching in depth, or does it skim a lot of ideas?
Does it develop discernment, or only frameworks?
Does it include ethics, scope, practice, and feedback?
Does it prepare students for real client work, not just theory?

Current coaching program comparison articles regularly point to curriculum breadth and depth, specialization options, practice structure, and instructor involvement as key evaluation criteria.

A worthwhile curriculum should not just expose you to coaching language. It should change your capacity.

Consider Cost, Time, and Format Honestly

A program also has to be workable in your real life.

Current guidance on choosing a coaching program consistently includes cost, format, time commitment, and flexibility as important considerations.

That does not mean the cheapest program is the best choice. It means you should be honest about what you can sustain well enough to actually learn.

Ask yourself:

Can I realistically complete this program?
Does the format support real learning for me?
Is there enough time and structure to build skill?
Does the cost match the actual value being offered?
Will this program set me up for the kind of work I want to do?

The right program is not only the one with the strongest marketing. It is the one with the strongest fit.

Watch for Red Flags

A few warning signs are worth taking seriously.

Be cautious if a program relies heavily on branding but is vague about practice.
Be cautious if the faculty are hard to evaluate.
Be cautious if the ethics component is thin.
Be cautious if the promise is fast identity transformation rather than skill development.
Be cautious if accreditation is presented as proof of excellence rather than one possible feature.

Current coaching certification advice aimed at avoiding poor-fit programs highlights similar red flags, including superficial claims, weak transparency, and overreliance on marketing language.

If the page sounds strong but the structure sounds thin, pay attention.

The Better Standard

The best coach training program is not necessarily the one with the loudest promises.

It is the one that prepares you to coach.

That means real practice, strong ethics, meaningful feedback, faculty with depth, a curriculum that develops judgment, and a structure that fits the work you actually want to do.

That is the standard.

Where The Coaching Guild Stands

At The Coaching Guild, we believe serious coach training should prepare people for real-world coaching, not just aspirational branding. We believe coaches need rigor, ethics, strong faculty, meaningful feedback, and actual skill development. We also believe serious coach training should be more financially possible, which is why The Coaching Guild offers equity-based tuition and self-designed payment plans.

We believe future coaches should ask harder questions than whether a program sounds good.

They should ask whether it forms good coaches.

And honestly, that is the question that matters most.

How to Become a Coach | Training, Skills, and Experience

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:00:35 GMT

A certificate might get you in, but it's not the whole answer in a complex industry

By: Lisa M. Hayes for The Coaching Guild

If you are wondering how to become a coach, you are not alone. It is one of the most searched questions in the industry, and it is also one of the most poorly answered.

Most articles give you some version of the same formula: pick a niche, get certified, build a brand, start posting online. That advice is not completely wrong, but it skips the most important part. It treats coaching like a marketing identity before it treats coaching like a skill.

That is backward.

If you want to become a coach, the real question is not only how to enter the industry. The real question is how to become someone who can actually do the work well.

Can anyone become a coach?

In a legal sense, coaching is still a relatively open field. ICF’s own materials position credentialing as a professional pathway and quality marker, not as a universal legal requirement to begin calling yourself a coach.

That openness is part of why the field is both exciting and confusing. It means people from many different backgrounds can enter coaching. It also means future coaches need to be much more thoughtful about the training they choose, because there is no universal gate protecting quality for them.

So yes, many people can become coaches.

The better question is whether they are becoming good ones.

What do you actually need to become a coach?

You do not need a perfect online identity.

You do not need a guru persona.

You do not need to sound polished before you know what you are doing.

What you do need is serious training, real practice, ethical clarity, and enough feedback to build skill rather than confidence alone.

That is where many people get misled. Some programs are excellent at helping students feel excited about coaching. Some are excellent at helping them look coach-like online. That is not the same thing as teaching coaching.

A real coach training program should help you listen better, think more clearly, notice patterns, ask stronger questions, understand scope and ethics, and work skillfully with real human beings in real situations.

Do you need certification to become a coach?

Plain answer: No.

If your goal is corporate-paid coaching, institutional contracts, or professional environments that use formal credentials as a screening tool, certification may matter strategically. ICF’s credentialing system is built around coach education, mentor coaching, logged experience, and assessment, and accredited training can streamline parts of that route.

If your goal is to work directly with human beings in private practice or relational, transformational, or community-based work, certification may matter much less in the day-to-day reality of getting hired. Many private clients are far more interested in whether you are skilled, trustworthy, ethical, and helpful than in whether you hold a particular acronym.

This is why “Do I need certification?” is often the wrong first question.

A better question is, “What kind of coaching work do I want to do, and what kind of training will prepare me for that work?”

What kind of training should a future coach look for?

A strong coach training program should include at least four things.

First, it should include meaningful practice. You do not become a coach by consuming content. You become a coach by coaching, receiving feedback, and building judgment over time.

Second, it should have a real ethical spine. Coaching involves power, trust, vulnerability, and discernment. A serious program should teach ethics as part of the foundation, not as a disclaimer at the end.

Third, it should be taught by faculty with actual depth. Trainer quality shapes everything. Even competitor and industry advice pieces often point readers toward faculty quality, mentoring, and direct practical experience when choosing a program.

Fourth, it should prepare you for the kind of work you actually want to do. Some people want corporate coaching. Some want private practice. Some are already helping professionals, educators, facilitators, ministers, or practitioners in adjacent fields and want to expand their skills. Good training should be honest about the work it prepares people to do.

How long does it take to become a coach?

That depends on what you mean by “become.”

You can begin training relatively quickly. You can start studying coaching, practicing core skills, and learning professional ethics without waiting years.

Becoming competent is different.

Building real coaching skill takes time, repetition, observation, and feedback. It takes enough live practice for your judgment to mature. It takes enough structure to know when you are helping and when you are merely performing help.

What makes someone a good coach?

A good coach is not just someone who is inspiring.

A good coach is not just someone who is charismatic.

A good coach is not just someone with a beautiful message.

A good coach can listen well. They can hold complexity.

A great coach can think clearly inside a live conversation. They know the difference between coaching, therapy, advice, consulting, and spiritual authority. They have enough self-awareness not to make the client’s process about their own performance. They can help people move toward more honest, self-led, meaningful choices.

In other words, a good coach is trained.

Not only branded. Not only certified. Trained.

What future coaches often get wrong

Many future coaches focus too quickly on niche, branding, and monetization.

Those things matter eventually. They are not the foundation.

The foundation is skill.

The foundation is ethics.

The foundation is practice.

The foundation is becoming someone who can actually coach a real human being without collapsing into performance, projection, fixing, or borrowed scripts.

A weak foundation creates fragile coaches. It creates people who know how to market themselves before they know how to work. The field already has enough of that.

Where The Coaching Guild stands

We also believe the path into coaching should be honest.

For some students, formal credentialing may become part of that path. For others, it may not. Either way, the real goal is the same: to become a coach who can do the work well.

The better question

If you want to become a coach, do not ask only how fast you can get in.

Ask what kind of coach you are becoming.

Ask what standards you are being trained to meet.

Ask whether your program is teaching you coaching or merely teaching you how to market the idea of yourself as a coach.

That difference matters.

A lot.

What Makes a Coach Training Program Good? | The Coaching Guild

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:17:26 GMT

It is more than slick marketing and flashy branding

By: Lisa M. Hayes for The Coaching Guild

If you are trying to choose a coach training program, you have probably already noticed the problem.

Every program says it is transformational. Every program says it is rigorous. Every program says it will help you become the coach you are meant to be. Many of them use the same language, the same promises, and the same polished certainty.

That makes it surprisingly hard to tell what actually matters.

A good coach training program is not just one that sounds inspiring. It is not just one that has strong branding. It is not just one that hands you a certificate at the end. A good coach training program prepares you to work skillfully, ethically, and credibly with real human beings in real situations.

That is the standard.

A Good Coach Training Program Teaches Coaching, Not Just Confidence

Some programs are very good at helping people feel excited about becoming a coach. That is not the same thing as teaching coaching. Excitement has value, but it cannot substitute for skill.

A strong program teaches you how to listen, how to ask better questions, how to notice patterns, how to stay grounded in complexity, how to work ethically, and how to support movement without collapsing into advice, performance, or borrowed scripts.

You should leave a serious training program more capable, not just more enthusiastic.

A Good Coach Training Program Includes Real Practice

You do not become a coach by consuming content.

You become a coach by practicing. You coach. You get feedback. You refine your judgment. You learn what happens when the conversation becomes complicated, emotional, unclear, or resistant. You develop range. You build stamina. You learn how to stay with a real human being rather than a theoretical one.

That is also reflected in how major professional bodies think about development. ICF’s credentialing structure includes education, mentor coaching, logged coaching experience, and performance evaluation rather than education alone. Whatever you think about ICF, that basic premise is sound: real skill requires practice, feedback, and assessment.

If a coach training program does not give you meaningful opportunities to practice, it is not enough.

A Good Coach Training Program Has a Serious Ethical Spine

Coaching places you in close relationship with people’s lives, choices, fears, patterns, and vulnerability. That means ethics are not optional. They are not decorative. They are foundational.

A good coach training program should help you understand boundaries, scope, power dynamics, confidentiality, discernment, and the difference between coaching, consulting, therapy, and spiritual authority. It should prepare you to recognize what is yours, what is not yours, and when a client needs something beyond your scope.

Ethics should be positioned head and shoulders above marketing or anything else in terms of program importance. Ethics should not be an afterthought. They should be part of the structure of the training itself.

A Good Coach Training Program Develops Judgment, Not Just Technique

It is possible to teach techniques without teaching judgment. It is possible to give people frameworks, models, and beautiful language without teaching them how to think. It is possible to produce coaches who sound polished but cannot actually hold complexity.

A good coach training program develops discernment.

It teaches you when to slow down, when to challenge, when to hold silence, when to question your own assumptions, and when not to mistake charisma for competence. It helps you become more precise, more thoughtful, and more responsible in how you work.

That kind of development takes real faculty, real standards, and real feedback.

A Good Coach Training Program Is Clear About the Kind of Work It Prepares You For

Not every coach is trying to do the same thing.

Some people want corporate coaching. Some want private practice. Some want to integrate coaching into leadership, education, healthcare, facilitation, ministry, or community-based work. Some are already seasoned practitioners and want to deepen or expand their functional coaching skills.

A worthwhile program should be honest about what it prepares people to do.

This matters because the field contains multiple pathways. ICF, for example, offers credential routes that are particularly relevant for coaches who want formal professional recognition in certain environments. Its education pathways are structured around Level 1 and Level 2 programs and formal application requirements. That may matter a great deal if your goal is corporate or institutional work.

But the presence of those pathways does not answer the deeper question of whether a program is actually good. A good program is one that prepares you well for the work you want to do.

A Good Coach Training Program Does Not Hide Behind Accreditation

Accreditation can mean something. It can signal that a program has aligned itself with a recognized external framework. For some students, especially those who want corporate-paid work or institutional credibility, that may be strategically useful. ICF’s own materials make clear that accredited education can streamline parts of the credentialing process.

But accreditation is not the same thing as excellence.

A program can be accredited and still be shallow. A program can be non-accredited and still be rigorous, ethical, demanding, and deeply effective. Accreditation may tell you something about administrative alignment. It does not automatically tell you whether the faculty are strong, whether the training holds complexity, whether students get real feedback, or whether graduates can actually coach.

Pretending ICF is the only authority on quality is irresponsible and misleading.

This is where too many future coaches get distracted. They ask whether a program is accredited before they ask whether it is good.

That is backward.

A Good Coach Training Program Has Faculty With Depth

Who is teaching matters.

A good coach training program should be taught by people who understand coaching in practice, not just in theory. They should be able to hold live complexity, offer meaningful critique, and teach in ways that sharpen students rather than flatter them. They should have enough depth to help students build real skill instead of merely recycling industry clichés.

This is one reason so many “how to choose a coach training” articles point readers toward trainer quality, mentoring, and direct contact with faculty. Even those basic recommendation lists are pointing at a real issue: faculty quality affects the integrity of the whole program.

A serious program should not make you guess who is holding the standard.

A Good Coach Training Program Gives You More Than a New Identity

Some programs sell coaching as a fast personal reinvention. They market a new identity before they build a real foundation.

That is not enough.

A good coach training program should help you become more skillful, more ethical, more grounded, and more useful to the people you serve. It should prepare you to coach, not just to call yourself a coach.

Identity can follow. Skill has to come first.

How to Tell If a Coach Training Program Is Actually Good

If you are evaluating options, ask questions like these:

How much real coaching practice is included?
What kind of feedback do students receive?
How is ethics taught and enforced?
Who teaches the program, and what is their actual depth?
Does the training prepare students for the kind of coaching work they want to do?
Are students being taught coaching, or are they being taught branding with a coaching aesthetic?
What standards would still be visible if the sales language disappeared?

Those questions will tell you more than a polished homepage ever will.

Where The Coaching Guild Stands

At The Coaching Guild, we believe a good coach training program should prepare people for real-world coaching, not just aspirational branding. We believe coaches need rigor, ethics, strong faculty, meaningful feedback, and actual skill development. We also believe serious coach training should be more financially possible, which is why The Coaching Guild offers equity-based tuition and self-designed payment plans.

We are less interested in helping people look like coaches than in helping them become truly skilled ones.

The Better Standard

The real question is not whether a program sounds good.

The real question is whether it forms good coaches.

A good coach training program teaches coaching. It includes real practice. It has ethical depth. It develops judgment. It is honest about the work it prepares people to do. It is led by faculty with actual range. It builds skill you can stand on.

That is the standard future coaches should be using.

And honestly, the field would be better if more people used it.

What to Look for in an Ethical Coach Training Program

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:29:33 GMT

It is about more than meets the eye.

By: Lisa Hayes for The Coaching Guild

If you are trying to choose a coach training program right now, you are probably seeing the same words over and over again.

Transformation. Alignment. Impact. Freedom. Purpose. Success.

While some of those words may point to something real, they do not actually tell you very much about whether a program is capable of training coaches well.

That is the problem.

If you are going to invest serious time, serious money, and serious trust into learning this work, then “inspirational” is not enough. “Beautifully branded” is not enough. “I loved the founder’s energy” is not enough.

You need to know whether the training is ethical.

I do not mean ethical as a decorative value word used to make the sales page sound more responsible. I mean ethical in the deeper sense. Ethical in the structure. Ethical in the pedagogy. Ethical in the expectations. Ethical in how the program understands power, skill, client care, inclusion, and the responsibility of preparing people to work with actual human lives.

That is a much higher standard than most people are encouraged to use when shopping for coach training.

But I think it is the right one.

Coaching is intimate work. It deals in identity, decision-making, power, pain, hope, change, ambition, uncertainty, and human complexity. When people step into this field without enough training, without enough humility, without enough ethical grounding, and without enough respect for the limits of their own scope, clients are the ones who absorb the consequences.

So if you are looking for an ethical coach training program, here is what I would pay attention to.

The first thing I would look for is whether the program can clearly explain what coaching is and what coaching is not.

That sounds simple, but it is not a small question.

A lot of programs stay strategically vague here. They blur the lines between coaching, consulting, mentoring, teaching, healing, leadership, advising, and therapy-adjacent support. That vagueness can feel expansive, but it can also be a way of avoiding precision. And precision matters.

A serious program should be able to explain its understanding of coaching in plain language. It should be able to talk about scope. It should be able to talk about boundaries. It should be able to help students understand where coaching is powerful, where it is limited, and what ethical responsibility looks like in real practice.

If a training cannot define the work clearly, it is very difficult for that training to teach the work responsibly.

The second thing I would look for is whether the curriculum is built around actual skill, not just confidence or identity.

You are not paying for a new personality.

You are not paying to feel chosen.

You are not paying to be told you are already magical and therefore ready.

You are paying to learn a discipline.

That means an ethical coach training program should teach people how to listen well. How to ask questions that are useful, not performative. How to build and hold agreements. How to think with nuance. How to recognize ethical tension. How to avoid overreach. How to work with complexity without rushing to dominate it with a framework.

A strong program should make it easy to understand what students will actually learn. It should not rely only on emotional language, founder mythology, or broad promises of transformation. It should be legible as an education.

That matters because the coaching industry has become very good at selling identity. It is not always as good at teaching craft.

The third thing I would look for is practice.

Real practice.

Not just content consumption. Not just private reflection. Not just discussion. Practice.

An ethical training should prepare people to coach real human beings, which means students need opportunities to actually coach, to be observed, to receive feedback, and to improve over time. That process is part of what keeps coaching from becoming a performance art built around borrowed language.

You do not become a more trustworthy coach by reading more slides about coaching. You become a more trustworthy coach by practicing the work, refining the work, and learning where your habits, blind spots, and assumptions show up in the room.

A program that takes coaching seriously should take feedback seriously too.

That brings me to the fourth thing I would look for: educational structure.

This one matters more than people think.

Many coach training programs are built almost entirely around one person’s charisma. One person’s worldview. One person’s magnetism. One person’s authority. That can feel exciting at first, but it does not always create a strong educational environment.

A more ethical program usually has more visible structure than that. It has a coherent curriculum. It has clear expectations. It has thought behind the sequence of learning. It has some level of educational design beyond personal brand force. Ideally, it also has multiple perspectives in the teaching itself.

That matters because no one person should be the entire intellectual ecosystem of a serious training.

When a program is built around one founder alone, students often absorb not just the material, but the founder’s biases, blind spots, and limitations without enough counterbalance. Multi-instructor and multi-disciplinary training is not automatically superior in every case, but it often creates more depth, more range, and more protection against personality cult dynamics masquerading as education.

The fifth thing I would look for is whether the program treats ethics as central, not supplemental.

Ethics should not be a bonus module tucked near the end.

They should not be a checklist.
They should not be a page of values language that never meaningfully shapes the training.

Ethics should run through the whole educational experience.

That includes how the program talks about clients. How it teaches power. How it handles confidentiality, boundaries, consent, scope, and accountability. How it teaches students to think about culture and difference. How it frames transformation. How it handles certainty. How it prevents overpromising. How it responds to the reality that coaching can be deeply useful and also misused.

Ethical coach training should make students more careful, not more grandiose.

It should make them more skillful, yes, but also more honest about what this work is and is not.

The sixth thing I would look for is whether diversity and inclusion are built into the institution, not pasted onto the branding.

This matters deeply because inclusion is not a side issue. It is part of whether a program understands the world well enough to prepare people to coach within it.

If a training says it values inclusion , I want to know where that value lives. Does it shape leadership? Does it shape curriculum? Does it shape examples, case studies, and assumptions about who coaching is for? Does it shape access? Does it shape how people are welcomed, seen, and supported?

An ethical coach training program should not treat inclusion like decorative morality. It should treat it like part of the standard.

The future of coaching should not be built through sameness, narrowness, or shallow representation.

The seventh thing I would look for is whether the offer is clear, honest, and financially legible.

Ethics show up here too.

A program should be able to tell you what it is, who it is for, what happens inside, what students are expected to do, what kind of outcomes it is designed to support, and what the financial structure looks like.

Clarity builds trust.

Fog erodes it.

I am always wary of offers that are emotionally persuasive but structurally vague. If a program can make you feel a lot but cannot tell you plainly how it works, that is information.

And access matters. Not because serious education has to pretend to be cheap, but because institutions make moral choices through their financial structures too. How a program thinks about pricing, flexibility, and who gets to enter the room tells you something about what it believes education is for.

Finally, I would look for whether the program seems designed to make people better at coaching, not just better at looking like coaches.

This, to me, is the question underneath all the others.

Is this training trying to prepare people for real-world coaching practice?

Or is it mostly helping them build an identity around being the kind of person who does this work?

Those are not the same thing.

An ethical coach training program should make you more grounded, more skillful, more discerning, more trustworthy, and more capable of sitting with real complexity. It should teach you to listen better, think better, and hold your role more responsibly. It should give you more respect for the work, not just more language for selling yourself.

That is what I would look for.

Not hype.
Not charisma.
Not proximity to a compelling founder.
Not an especially polished brand.
Not the fantasy of overnight transformation.

I would look for rigor.
I would look for ethics.
I would look for structure.
I would look for inclusion.
I would look for practice.
I would look for real skill development.
I would look for signs that the program understands the seriousness of preparing people to work with human lives.

Because coaching can be beautiful work.

Useful work.
Life-changing work.

But only when it is treated with the respect it deserves.

If you are the kind of person who wants to do this work well, not just enter the industry quickly, that is the standard worth using.

Do You Need ICF Certification to Be a Coach?

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:20:34 GMT

If you're going to get your money from a corporation vs. an individual, the answer is maybe.

By: Lisa M Hayes for The Coaching Guild

One of the most common questions future coaches ask is whether they need ICF certification to become a coach. The honest answer is no. Coaching is not a field where a universal legal gate prevents someone from practicing, and ICF’s own credentialing materials are designed as a professional standard, not as proof that coaching is legally restricted to credentialed practitioners.

That matters, because the internet often turns this question into a kind of panic spiral. People start to believe they cannot coach unless they have the right acronym, the right badge, or the right institutional approval. That is simply not true.

The more useful answer is this: ICF certification mostly comes into play if you intend to pursue corporate-paid work, institutional contracts, or professional environments that use formal credentials as a screening mechanism. In those spaces, a credential may help you get through the door. It can function as shorthand for employers, procurement systems, or organizations that want an externally recognizable standard. ICF’s structure itself reflects that logic, with formal education, mentoring, logged hours, and performance evaluation designed to signal professional readiness.

If you work directly with human beings, however, the equation is often very different.

Private clients rarely ask whether a coach has an ICF credential. They want to know whether you are skilled, whether you are ethical, whether you can hold complexity, whether you listen well, and whether you can help them create real change. They want to know whether your work helps.

In nearly 30 years of coaching, I have never once been asked whether I have an ICF certification, because my work is with human beings, not corporations.

That does not mean standards do not matter. It means the standards that matter most are not always the ones people market the hardest.

A serious future coach should absolutely care about training. A serious future coach should absolutely care about ethics. A serious future coach should absolutely care about skill. Those things matter enormously. They just do not reduce neatly to a single credentialing conversation.

What ICF Certification Is Actually For

ICF credentialing has a purpose. It is useful for coaches who want to move through formal systems that recognize or prefer that framework. It can also be meaningful for coaches who personally want that structure, that pathway, or that external benchmark.

ICF’s credentialing process is built around defined thresholds of coach-specific education, coaching experience, mentor coaching, and assessment. That makes sense if your goal is to enter spaces that care about those markers. It also makes sense if you are the kind of person who wants a formalized route and a globally recognized professional association.

None of that means it is the only path to becoming a skilled coach. None of it means it is the primary thing private clients care about. None of it means it should be treated like the singular measure of whether someone is prepared to do meaningful coaching work.

The Real Question Is What Kind of Coach You Want to Be

This is where the conversation gets more interesting.

If you want to build a practice serving actual human beings in private work, community-based work, relational work, identity work, transformational work, or other direct client settings, the question is not primarily whether you have ICF certification.

The question is whether you can coach.

Can you listen beyond performance?

Can you recognize what is actually happening in the room?

Can you hold complexity without collapsing into advice, fixing, or projection?

Can you work ethically?

Can you help someone move toward a more honest, more self-led, more meaningful life?

Those are the questions that matter in real coaching relationships.

People looking for a coach are usually not shopping like HR departments. They are not doing vendor compliance. They are trying to figure out whether they trust you, whether your work is credible, and whether you can actually help them. That is a different kind of threshold.

Weak Training Is a Bigger Problem

Many future coaches spend too much time worrying about whether they need a certification and not nearly enough time worrying about whether their training is shallow.

That is the real danger.

There are plenty of people in this field who know how to market themselves and very little about how to coach. There are plenty of people who can speak the language of transformation without having the depth, ethics, or discernment to do the work well. There are plenty of programs that are better at producing excitement than competence.

A credential cannot fix weak training.

A badge cannot substitute for judgment.

A marketing identity cannot replace practice.

If you are serious about becoming a coach, you need education that develops your actual capacity. You need training that includes structure, feedback, ethical rigor, real practice, and enough complexity to prepare you for human beings as they actually are, not as they appear in a sales page fantasy.

What to Look For Instead of Getting Stuck in Confusion

If you are trying to choose a coach training program, start here;

Look for a program with a real ethical spine. Coaching places you in relationship with people’s lives, vulnerabilities, and decision-making. Ethics are not decorative. They are foundational.

Look for substantial practice. You do not become a coach by consuming content. You become a coach by practicing, receiving feedback, refining your judgment, and learning how to work in real conditions.

Look for depth in the faculty and curriculum. A serious program should be able to hold complexity. It should help you become more skillful, not just more coach-coded.

Look for a training environment that respects the reality of how different coaches will work.

Some people want corporate contracts. Some want private practice. Some are already seasoned practitioners in adjacent fields and want to deepen or expand their functional coaching skills. A worthwhile program should prepare people for real-world coaching, not force everyone into a single template.

So, Do You Need ICF Certification?

If you want corporate-paid work, it may be strategically useful.

If you want institutional legitimacy in spaces that rely on formal credentials, it may matter.

If you want to work directly with human beings, it will probably never come up at all.

That is the truth people deserve to hear, because it's clear and true.

The coaching industry would be healthier if more people asked better questions. Not just, “Do I need an ICF piece of paper on the wall?” but “What kind of work do I want to do?” “Who do I want to serve?” “What standards actually matter in that work?” and “What training will help me become genuinely good at coaching?”

Those are the questions that build real coaches.

Where The Coaching Guild Stands

At The Coaching Guild, we believe serious coach training should prepare people for real-world coaching , not just aspirational branding. We believe coaches need rigor, ethics , strong faculty, meaningful feedback, and actual skill development. We also believe serious coach training should be more financially possible, which is why The Coaching Guild offers equity-based tuition and self-designed payment plans.

There are standardized requirements for training programs within the ICF system that we believe would compromise the standard of our training. There are also places where we have legitimate ethical conflicts with decisions ICF has made. Collectively, we believe our ethical framework matters more than an ICF rubber stamp of approval, particularly since our coaches are typically less likely to pursue corporate contracts. That said, our program was built to exceed ICF’s requirements for training hours and rigor.

For some students, credentialing may become part of their path. For others, it may not. Either way, the goal is the same: to become a coach who can do the work well.

An ICF credential may open a few select doors.

Skill is what allows you to do the work once you walk through them.

Charisma is Not Credentials

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:44:46 GMT

And pretending it is, is not helping our credibility problem

The coaching industry has spent a lot of time teaching people how to look credible.

I am more interested in whether they are actually competent.

Those are not the same thing.

Charisma is not a credential. Confidence is not competence. A polished brand is not proof of skill. Being good at speaking with certainty is not the same thing as being able to sit with a real human being, listen well, think clearly, stay in scope, work ethically, and help someone move their life forward without turning the whole process into projection, performance, or ego.

The standard should be higher than it often is.

The industry rewards a lot of things that are easy to confuse with mastery. Presence. magnetism. language. visibility. confidence. certainty. personal branding. the ability to say bold things on the internet with a very straight face. None of those qualities are inherently bad. Some of them can even be useful. But they are not the same thing as being a skilled coach,

A skilled coach is not just impressive.

A skilled coach is trustworthy.

A skilled coach knows how to listen without immediately rushing to dominate the conversation with their own framework. A skilled coach knows how to ask questions that open something real instead of performing depth. A skilled coach knows how to stay inside ethical scope. A skilled coach can tolerate complexity. A skilled coach can resist the seductive little urge to become the hero, the oracle, the expert on someone else’s life.

That work takes more than charisma.

It takes discipline.
It takes humility.
It takes training.
It takes practice.
It takes feedback.
It takes actual skill development over time.

I think this matters because the coaching industry has gotten very good at rewarding appearance.

There are too many spaces where people are being taught how to sound like coaches before they are taught how to coach. Too many spaces where confidence is mistaken for readiness. Too many spaces where a strong point of view, a beautiful sales page, and a little borrowed authority are allowed to stand in for educational rigor.

That does not serve the field.
It does not serve future coaches.
And it definitely does not serve clients.

Clients do not need more people who can perform certainty at them.

They need coaches who can hold a real conversation.
Coaches who can track what is happening.
Coaches who can think.
Coaches who can make ethical decisions.
Coaches who can stay grounded when someone else is overwhelmed, grieving, untangling, changing, or trying to build a life that actually fits.

That is a very different standard than being impressive online.

It is quieter.
It is deeper.
It is far less glamorous.
And it matters much more.

That is part of why I built The Coaching Guild the way I did.

The Coaching Guild is a rigorous, ethical, multi-instructor coach training institution for thoughtful people who want to become truly skilled coaches, with diversity and inclusion at the heart of both our student cohorts and leadership.

Every part of that matters to me.

Rigorous, because this work deserves rigor.

Ethical, because coaching without ethics is not bold or edgy. It is dangerous.

Multi-instructor, because I do not believe serious training should be built around one personality, one worldview, or one person’s mythology.

For thoughtful people, because I am not interested in producing a pipeline of louder coaches. I am interested in helping people become better ones.

And diversity and inclusion matter because the future of coaching should not be built through exclusion, sameness, or shallow representation. If we want a better field, we have to build it more intentionally than that.

I also believe serious coach training should be more financially possible, which is why The Coaching Guild offers equity-based tuition and self-designed payment plans.

Because access matters too.

Not as an afterthought. Not as a footnote. As part of the institutional standard.

I think there are many people looking for coach training right now who are tired of hype. Tired of inflated promises. Tired of founder worship. Tired of the feeling that they are being sold a fantasy of identity instead of invited into a real discipline.

They do not want to be dazzled.
They want to trust what they are saying yes to.

I think they should, because this field does not need more people who know how to look like coaches online.

It needs more people who know how to coach.

That is the standard.

Not charisma.
Not polish.
Not proximity to someone famous in the industry.
Not how confidently you say the thing.
Not how compelling your brand feels.
Not whether you can make people emotionally high for twenty minutes on social media.

Competence.

Skill.
Ethics.
Trustworthiness.

The ability to do this work well when a real person is sitting in front of you.

That is the standard I care about.

That is the standard The Coaching Guild is built around.
And honestly, I think the field would be healthier if more of us insisted on it.

If you are looking for a more credible path into coaching, that is what I am building.

If that speaks to you, come talk to me.

Already a Coach? How Seasoned Coaches Deepen Their Skills and Expand Their Functional Practice

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:09:29 GMT

Maybe you don't need another marketing course.

If you are already coaching, there may come a point when more visibility is not the answer.

More content is not the answer. More confidence is not the answer. More clever branding is not the answer.

Sometimes the next move is deeper skill.

There are coaches with clients, conversations, and enough real experience to know they are not beginners, but who also know something is still unfinished. They can feel the edges of their training.

They can feel the places where they want more depth, more discernment, more ethical grounding, more confidence in complexity, and more range in the room.

That does not mean they are failing.

It means they are ready for a different kind of development.

What it means to deepen your coaching skills

Deepening your coaching skills is not the same thing as collecting more information.

It means becoming more capable in the actual practice of coaching. It means you can listen more precisely, respond more skillfully, hold stronger boundaries, recognize what is and is not yours to do, and stay grounded when a client brings you something real.

It also means your work becomes less performative.

You are less dependent on scripts, formulas, or the need to look polished. You are more able to meet a human being as they are, think clearly in motion, and coach with both structure and flexibility.

This is the difference between knowing coaching language and actually being able to coach well.

What functional practice skills really are

Functional practice skills are the skills that make you more effective in the room, not just more marketable online.

They include things like ethical decision-making, stronger boundaries, better discernment, deeper relational awareness, greater cultural responsiveness, and the ability to respond more skillfully to trauma, emotion, and human complexity.

They also include knowing when to stay with the coaching process and when something is outside your scope.

These are not glamorous skills, but they are the ones that make the difference between a coach who sounds good and a coach who can actually do the work.

Signs you may be ready for deeper coach training

You may be ready to deepen your skills if you are already coaching and:

you can feel the limits of your current training
you want stronger ethical grounding, not just stronger marketing
you want to work with more complexity and feel more prepared to do it well
you are tired of surface-level coaching spaces that confuse confidence with competence
you want to expand your range, your discernment, and your real-world readiness
you know you have grown, but you also know your practice needs more depth

This is especially true for seasoned coaches who have built something workable, but know they do not want to plateau there.

There is a real difference between being able to coach and being able to coach with depth.

Why seasoned coaches often need more than a beginner certification

Many coach training spaces are built for the earliest stage of entry. They focus on getting people started, getting them certified quickly, or giving them enough confidence to begin.

There is nothing wrong with beginning.

But seasoned coaches often need something different.

They need space to refine their skill, challenge their habits, strengthen their ethics, and expand what they can responsibly hold. They need better questions, better instruction, better feedback, and more serious developmental work.

They do not need to start over.

They need to go deeper.

What to look for if you want to deepen your coaching practice

If you are looking for coach training that can actually deepen your work, look for a program that takes skill seriously.

Look for training that is rigorous enough to stretch you and structured enough to support you. Look for faculty who bring more than one lens to the work. Look for an approach that treats ethics as foundational, not decorative. Look for a program that prepares you for real-world coaching practice rather than idealized scenarios or empty confidence.

Most of all, look for a training environment that helps you become more capable, not just more certain.

The right next step is not always more content, more certification language, or more proximity to someone charismatic.

Sometimes the right next step is better training.

Deepening your coaching skills is not a step backward

There is a strange pressure in the coaching industry to act as though once you are working, you should already know enough.

That pressure is foolish.

Serious practitioners deepen their skill. They revisit foundations. They refine their ethics. They expand their capacity. They seek better training because the work matters, and because the people they serve matter.

Returning to training is not evidence that you are behind.

It may be evidence that you take the work seriously.

For coaches who want a more credible path forward

The Coaching Guild is built for people who want a more serious, ethical, and credible path into coaching. That includes not only emerging coaches, but seasoned coaches who want to deepen their skills or expand their functional practice skills.

This is university-level, multi-instructor coach training designed to build real skill, strong ethics, and real-world readiness. It is a place for people who want more than inspiration, more than performance, and more than surface-level certainty.

It is a place for people who want to do this work well.

If you are already coaching and you can feel that your next step is not more noise but more depth, that instinct is worth trusting.

Sometimes the next level of your work is not a bigger audience.

Sometimes it is becoming a better coach.

Do Want Coach Training or a Popularity Pagent?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:05:35 GMT

Yes, you are special, but...

There is a difference between a coach training that flatters your identity and a coach training that deepens your skill.

One makes you feel chosen. The other makes you better.

And I think that difference matters a lot right now, because the coaching industry has become incredibly good at selling the feeling of importance. It knows how to sell belonging. It knows how to sell proximity. It knows how to sell charisma. It knows how to sell the fantasy that if you get close enough to the right person, room, or brand, your future will unlock.

What it is not always good at is training people well.

That is not a small problem.

Coaching is not a vibe. It is not a personality. It is not a well-lit Instagram presence with good language around transformation. Coaching is a real practice. It asks for discernment, restraint, ethics, listening, pattern recognition, emotional steadiness, and the ability to stay present with another human being without turning their life into a stage for your certainty.

That takes training.

Real training.

Not just inspiration. Not just confidence. Not just a new identity. Skill.

I think the industry has blurred those things in ways that are not good for coaches, not good for clients, and not good for the future of the field.

There are too many programs built around founder magnetism and not enough built around educational integrity. Too many built to make people feel elevated and not enough built to make them more grounded. Too many built around performance, branding, and belonging, and not enough built around actual coaching capacity.

I am not interested in helping people look like coaches online.

I am interested in helping people become coaches people can trust.

That is a very different standard.

That is a very different standard.

It means I care whether someone knows how to listen without rushing to fix. I care whether they understand ethical scope. I care whether they can hold complexity without collapsing into oversimplified advice or spiritualized nonsense. I care whether they know how to work with real human beings rather than idealized client avatars invented for marketing.

I care whether they are being trained to think.

I care whether they are being trained to practice.

I care whether they are being trained to do this work in a way that is responsible, skillful, and real.

That is part of why I built The Coaching Guild the way I did.

That language matters to me because every part of it is intentional.

Rigorous, because this work deserves rigor.

Ethical, because coaching without ethics is dangerous.

Multi-instructor, because I do not believe serious education should be built around one guru, one personality, or one narrow worldview.

For thoughtful people, because I am not interested in training the loudest people in the room. I am interested in training people who care about doing this work well.

Diversity and inclusion are not side notes to make the copy sound nice. They are part of the institutional standard. They shape who is welcomed, who is represented, who is centered, and what kind of field we are helping build.

I also believe serious coach training should be more financially possible, which is why The Coaching Guild offers equity-based tuition and self-designed payment plans.

Access should not be treated as an afterthought. If we say we want a better field, then we have to build better structures. Not just better slogans.

I think many people who are looking for coach training are not actually looking for hype. They are looking for relief. Relief from noise. Relief from sameness. Relief from programs that all sound spiritually inflated, emotionally manipulative, or weirdly disconnected from the actual craft of coaching.

They want a path that feels credible.

They want to trust what they are saying yes to.

They want to know that if they invest their time, their energy, and their money, they are stepping into something real.

That is what I want too.

I want coach training that can stand up under scrutiny. I want programs that can clearly explain what they teach, how they teach it, why it matters, and what kind of coach it forms. I want educational spaces that do not confuse charisma with mastery. I want institutions that understand that power should be handled carefully. I want more coaches entering the field with actual skill, not just stronger branding.

The truth is, the coaching industry does not need more people who know how to coach online.

It needs more people who know how to coach.

And I do not think that is cynical. I think it is loving.

I think it is loving to the field.
I think it is loving to clients.
I think it is loving to future coaches themselves.

People deserve training that respects the work.

So when I talk about standards, this is what I mean.

Not elitism.
Not gatekeeping for sport.
Not coldness.
Not perfectionism.

Standards.

Standards that protect the integrity of the work.
Standards that make the field more trustworthy.
Standards that ask coaching to be more than branding.
Standards that call people upward because the work itself is worth taking seriously.

If you are looking for a more credible path into coaching, one built around real skill rather than hype, that is what The Coaching Guild is here for.

How to Choose a Coach Training Program: What Serious Future Coaches Should Look For

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:46:32 GMT

If you are going to invest real money, real time, and real trust in becoming a coach, you deserve more than a beautiful brand.

If you are trying to choose a coach training program right now, you are not confused because you are inexperienced. You are confused because this industry often makes it unnecessarily hard to tell the difference between real education and polished marketing.

Nearly every program says it will help you transform lives. Nearly every program says it is different. Nearly every program says it will help you step into your purpose, build a business, and create impact. Very few make it easy to understand what good coach training actually includes.

That matters more than people think.

Because if you are going to invest real money, real time, and real trust in becoming a coach, you deserve more than a beautiful brand. You deserve to know whether a program is actually equipped to teach coaching well.

And that question is more concrete than the industry sometimes wants to admit.

Serious coach training is not just inspiration. It is not charisma. It is not proximity to a magnetic founder. It is not learning how to sound like a coach online. Serious coach training is built around skill, ethics, structure, supervised practice, and the ability to demonstrate what you can actually do.

That is the standard.

The short answer

If you want the simplest version first, here it is:

A good coach training program should help you become a more skillful, ethical, credible coach in real practice, not just a more marketable person on the internet.

If a program is easier to understand as a brand than as an education, pay attention.

What serious coach training should include

There are many styles of coaching and many ways people enter this field, but strong training usually shares a few core characteristics.

It should be clear about what coaching is and is not. It should teach actual coaching skills, not just confidence and visibility. It should include real practice, real feedback, and real ethical formation. It should have enough structure that the program does not depend entirely on the force of one founder’s personality. And it should prepare you for coaching real human beings, not just selling the idea of coaching.

Professional standards in the field reflect this. The International Coaching Federation’s framework emphasizes core competencies, ethics, mentor coaching, observation, and performance evaluation as central parts of serious coach education. Its current competencies are organized around foundation, co-creating the relationship, communicating effectively, and cultivating learning and growth. Its accreditation standards for Level 1 programs also require coach-specific learning hours, observed sessions with written feedback, mentor coaching over time, and a final performance evaluation.

That does not mean every good program must look identical. It does mean that if a program has no clear skill framework, no meaningful feedback loop, and no coherent ethical grounding, you should be asking harder questions.

1. Ask what the program believes coaching actually is

This is where I would begin.

A surprising number of coach training programs are vague about the distinction between coaching, consulting, mentoring, advising, influencing, facilitation, healing work, and therapy-adjacent support. That vagueness may feel expansive, but it is not always responsible.

A serious program should be able to tell you, in plain language, what coaching is, what coaching is not, what boundaries matter, and what ethical scope the program expects future coaches to understand. ICF’s standards and ethics materials are useful here because they treat coaching as a defined professional practice with competencies, agreements, confidentiality, ethical obligations, and ongoing professional development.

If a program cannot clearly define the work, it is very difficult for that program to teach the work well.

2. Look for a curriculum built around skill, not just identity

You are not buying a new personality. You are learning a craft.

That distinction matters because the coaching industry can sometimes sell identity before it teaches ability. It is very good at helping people imagine themselves as coaches. It is not always as good at helping people become skilled ones.

A strong curriculum should make it easy to understand what you will actually learn. Not just the vibe of the container. Not just the founder’s story. Not just what may become possible for you. What you will actually study and practice.

That usually includes listening, asking better questions, building agreements, understanding scope, tracking patterns, supporting reflection, recognizing ethical complexity, and learning how to facilitate growth without overreaching. Those expectations align with the competency-based view of coaching reflected in ICF’s framework.

If the educational substance is hard to find but the transformation language is everywhere, notice that.

3. Find out whether there is real practice, observation, and feedback

This is one of the clearest dividing lines in coach education.

People do not become stronger coaches by consuming content alone. They become stronger coaches by coaching, being observed, receiving specific feedback, refining what they are doing, and coaching again.

That is why serious accreditation standards include observed sessions, written feedback, mentor coaching, and performance evaluation. Those are not random administrative details. They reflect something true about the work: coaching skill is developmental, relational, and measurable in practice.

So ask direct questions.

Will I coach in real time?
Will anyone qualified observe me?
Will I receive useful feedback on actual sessions?
Will I be evaluated on skill, not just attendance?
Will the program help me improve, or simply help me complete?

If those answers are vague, that is information.

4. Look for structure, not just founder gravity

Many programs are built almost entirely around one person’s magnetism. One person’s philosophy. One person’s authority. One person’s ability to hold the room.

That can feel compelling at first. It can also create fragility.

A stronger educational experience usually has visible structure. Clear curriculum. Clear learning goals. Defined teaching roles. Consistent standards. A coherent educational process that does not depend entirely on one central personality.

That kind of structure matters because it creates continuity, depth, and accountability. ICF’s accreditation standards reflect that too, requiring educational oversight and a director of education role rather than treating training as a loose personal offering.

If you want serious coach training, look for signs that you are considering an institution, not just a brand.

5. Pay attention to how the program handles ethics, inclusion, and power

Ethics are not decorative. Inclusion is not decorative. Power is not decorative.

They are part of the work.

ICF’s current Code of Ethics explicitly treats ethics as foundational to the profession and includes commitments related to integrity, confidentiality, cultural awareness, equality, systemic oppression, and ongoing ethical development. ICF also requires ethics education in accredited programs.

In practical terms, that means a serious program should be able to answer questions like these:

How are ethics taught in lived practice, not just in theory?
How does the program address power, bias, and difference?
Who is represented in leadership?
Who is centered in examples, case studies, and discussion?

Does inclusion show up in the program’s structure, or only in its branding?

If a program speaks the language of transformation but has not done the work of ethical and inclusive design, that gap matters.

6. Understand credentialing, but do not confuse it with quality

Credentials matter. They are not the whole story.

For many future coaches, it is sensible to care whether a program aligns with a recognized credentialing pathway. That can shape your options later and help you make sense of the field. At the same time, a program being able to point toward a credential is not the same thing as that program being excellent.

Those are two different questions.

One is: Does this training support the professional path I may want?
The other is: Is this actually a strong educational experience?

You want both.

A smart buyer does not stop at labels. A smart buyer looks underneath them.

7. Ask whether the program prepares you for real-world coaching practice

Can this training help you sit with a real client and do useful work?

Not a fantasy client. Not an easy testimonial case. Not a polished roleplay that only proves you can repeat the language of the program.

A real client.

Someone complicated. Someone uncertain. Someone in motion. Someone whose life does not fit neatly inside a framework.

Strong coach training should help you become more grounded, more skillful, more discerning, and more trustworthy in the room. It should make you less likely to overreach. Less likely to confuse your certainty with someone else’s best path. Less likely to mistake performance for practice.

That is one reason rigorous feedback and ethical grounding matter so much. They prepare you not just to coach, but to coach responsibly.

Red flags to watch for

There is no perfect program. But there are patterns worth noticing.

Be careful with programs that are crystal clear about the fantasy and foggy about the curriculum.

Be careful with programs that sell closeness to the founder as if that is an educational method.

Be careful with programs that talk endlessly about success but very little about ethics, boundaries, observation, or skill.

Be careful with programs that sound inclusive but cannot show you where inclusion lives in leadership, pedagogy, and access.

Be careful with programs that make you feel dazzled but not informed.

You are allowed to want more than inspiration. In fact, if you are serious about doing this work well, you should.

What thoughtful future coaches should look for

If you are trying to choose well, here is the standard I would use.

Look for a coach training program that is rigorous enough to teach real skill, ethical enough to take power seriously, structured enough to be credible, and clear enough to help you understand exactly what you are choosing.

Look for a program that values practice over performance.

Look for a program that can explain itself without smoke.

Look for a program that treats coaching as a profession, not just a personal brand identity.

Look for a program that understands that credibility is built, not declared.

Final thought

The coaching industry does not need more people who know how to look like coaches online.

It needs more people who know how to coach.

That is a different standard. A better one.

If you are the kind of person who wants to do this work with real skill, real ethics, and real seriousness, it is worth choosing a training that respects that from the beginning.

Good coach training should not only make you feel possible.

It should make you better.

Life Coaching For Introverts Without Overwhelming Yourself

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 06:14:19 GMT

Early April often brings small signs of renewal, longer days, softer light, and a shift in energy. It’s a natural time to think about starting something new. But for many introverts, too much change all at once isn’t always helpful. The pull of spring can feel exciting, but it can also bring pressure to move faster than feels right.

That’s why life coaching for introverts depends so much on how it's approached. The work itself doesn't have to be noisy or fast-moving to be meaningful. When it's steady, personal, and respectful of our natural pace, coaching can actually feel like a quiet kind of support. We don’t have to shift who we are to fit into it.

This season might be a good time to begin something, especially if it feels centered and calm. There are ways to step into coaching without being drained or overwhelmed. The path can be thoughtful, small, and still lead to deep connection and growth.

Understanding Introversion and Coaching

Introversion doesn’t mean being shy or standoffish. It means we often thrive in quiet, we like to reflect before jumping in, and we tend to prefer deeper conversations over surface-level talk. Being introverted gives us a way of paying attention that is observant and grounded.

These same qualities are often a strength in coaching. We’re not trying to be the loudest voice in the room. Our job is to stay with someone, listen closely, and notice what might be hard for them to say. Presence matters more than performance.

Instead of feeling like we need to be “on” all the time, coaching lets us slow down. It’s about building trust and staying tuned in. For introverts, that’s often a natural fit.

Setting Your Own Pace Through the Process

When something is unfamiliar, rushing into it rarely helps. Many introverts need time to settle. That’s not hesitation, it’s how we take in new spaces or ideas. Coaching doesn’t have to begin with a big, bold leap.

Watching recorded coaching sessions can take off the pressure of “doing” right away.
Joining smaller peer practice groups lets us ease in with familiar faces.
Learning in quiet bursts over days or weeks can build more trust than trying to power through.

At The Coaching Guild, our university-level training is structured for both quiet self-paced modules and live virtual classes, providing a safe pace for introverted students to absorb new skills and try out coaching in supportive, low-stimulation settings.

There isn't one correct pace for growth. In fact, moving slowly often leads to more solid learning. We let things soak in. We make time to reflect. Each step counts, no matter how small.

Creating a Comfortable Learning Space

When we’re learning how to coach, the environment matters. So does how we set ourselves up to learn well. For introverts, a helpful space feels calm, open, and respectful of personal rhythm.

Small choices can change how comfortable we feel while learning:

Choose practice partners who feel kind and steady, not high-pressure.
Make space between sessions to re-ground, quiet walks or gentle breaks help us reset.
Use quiet moments after class to take notes or just breathe. Processing takes time, and that’s okay.

We often learn best when there’s space for everything to land. Extra noise or competition rarely helps. Instead, it’s the quiet spaces that help the work settle in and start to take shape.

Playing to Your Strengths as a Coach

Introverts can be especially good at noticing what others miss. We might pick up on tone shifts, pauses, or changes in body language. These small cues can say a lot. As coaches, noticing them helps us ask the kind of questions that open new insight.

Many of us also feel more comfortable holding space for others to speak. We’re not rushing to add our thoughts or make suggestions. That creates room for the client’s story to unfold at its own pace.

Deep listening can help others feel heard in a lasting way.
Being calm and steady helps clients settle, especially when they’re working through big emotions.
Pauses and quiet moments during sessions aren’t awkward, they’re often where honest insights rise up.

The Coaching Guild’s curriculum guides students to leverage reflective listening, patience, and presence as their natural strengths, supporting deep connection with clients who value sincerity and stillness in coaching.

We don’t have to change who we are to be useful. In fact, the qualities we already have might be exactly what some clients need.

When Gentle Growth Feels Right

There’s something steady about growth that honors our natural rhythm. Life coaching for introverts doesn’t mean holding back from meaningful work. It just means letting clarity grow one step at a time, without rushing the process.

Some of us find that soft starts help us build confidence. Others lean into stillness and self-awareness before working more directly with clients. Both paths are valid, and both lead somewhere solid.

Coaching doesn’t need loud energy to make an impact. A thoughtful voice, a calm presence, and a genuine desire to connect can be more than enough. When we’re steady with ourselves, we’re better at being steady for others too. That kind of support speaks clearly, even when it’s quiet.

So if spring brings the hint of new direction, there’s no need to jump. A soft beginning still counts. And for many introverts, it’s exactly the right kind of start.

Discovering the steady strengths you already possess can open new possibilities for growth. We believe quiet focus, thoughtful reflection, and grounded connection are the right elements of meaningful coaching. Our approach to life coaching for introverts is built to support your personal development at a comfortable and steady pace. The Coaching Guild is here to walk beside you, meeting you exactly where you are. Reach out when you’re ready to take your next thoughtful step.

The Standard is Community the Connects

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:28:22 GMT

Real Community it Often Hard to Sell Because It's Messy and Hard to Define.

The coaching industry loves to sell community.

It sells community as a premium feature.
A beautiful bonus.
A high-value add-on.
A reason to join.
A reason to stay.
A reason to keep paying.

And yet a lot of what gets marketed as community is not community at all.

It is proximity.
It is audience clustering.
It is access to a leader.
It is brand loyalty.
It is people paying to be gathered in the same space and being told that the feeling of closeness is the same thing as the practice of community.

It is not.

A paid room is not automatically a community.
A group program is not automatically a community.
A mastermind is not automatically a community.
A Slack channel full of ambitious people is not automatically a community.

Real human community is not just about being assembled.

Real community has to contend with reality.

It has to contend with power.
It has to contend with difference.
It has to contend with conflict.
It has to contend with harm.
It has to contend with unequal starting points.
It has to contend with who has access, who is legible, who is welcomed, who is protected, who is believed, who is exhausted, who is carrying more, and who is expected to adapt.

This is where coaching culture often reveals how shallow its understanding of community actually is.

Because most coaching models do not want to contend with any of that.

They want community without politics.
Community without material conditions.
Community without power analysis.
Community without racism, classism, ableism, or any serious attention to structural difference.
Community without any acknowledgment that no two people start in the same place, have the same resources, carry the same burdens, or face the same consequences for risk.

Coaching culture starts from a much cleaner and far more profitable premise:

Anything is possible for anyone who thinks right, heals right, believes right, aligns right, or works hard enough.

That premise is incredibly convenient.

It lets leaders avoid grappling with reality.
It lets programs avoid dealing with complexity.
It lets communities stay aspirational instead of accountable.
It lets structural problems get repackaged as personal limitations.
It lets people who are already more resourced imagine their outcomes are proof of superior mindset instead of a mix of work, privilege, access, timing, and support.

And it lets the industry keep selling “community” without ever having to understand what human community actually requires.

Because real community does not erase difference in the name of positivity.
Real community does not flatten everyone into the same starting line.
Real community does not pretend oppression disappears when someone is sufficiently visionary.
Real community does not respond to material constraints with mindset slogans.

Real community requires more than vibes.
It requires honesty.
It requires context.
It requires accountability.
It requires the willingness to understand that people are not walking into the room from the same place, with the same margin, the same safety, the same health, the same race, the same class position, the same access, the same protections, or the same consequences.

If a model cannot hold that, it may be profitable, it may be pretty, it may even feel good for a while, but it is not a serious understanding of community.

It is a sales environment with softer language.

I am not saying paid spaces cannot be meaningful. They can.

I am saying the industry uses the word community too casually, too sentimentally, and too profitably while refusing to engage the realities that actual community demands.

The standard is not selling sweet, high-dollar community as a money-maker.

The standard is understanding what human community is.

The standard is building spaces that can actually contend with reality instead of bypassing it.

The standard is knowing that belonging is not the same thing as branding, access is not the same thing as care, and gathering people is not the same thing as community.

Using Life Coaching Certification Programs To Clarify Your Niche

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:21:23 GMT

When someone starts coach training, it's pretty common to feel pulled in lots of directions. Maybe we're excited by all the possibilities, but at the same time not quite sure which kind of coaching feels right. That early uncertainty is natural. We often talk to new coaches who feel overwhelmed trying to pick a focus too soon.

That’s part of what makes life coaching certification programs so helpful. These programs offer just the right mix of exposure and structure, giving us the chance to get curious, practice, and slowly notice where we feel most connected. Sometimes we don’t know our coaching niche until we’re right in the middle of learning. And that’s okay.

What a Niche Actually Means for a Coach

A niche just means the specific area of coaching we choose to focus on. For some, it might be career change or leadership. For others, it could be parenting, health habits, or personal mindset shifts. It’s the group or topic we care most about and want to support through coaching.

Having a niche doesn’t box us in. Instead, it usually helps us feel more grounded. Instead of feeling like we have to speak to everyone, we start talking more clearly to the kind of people we feel we can really support.

But we don’t have to start with a niche right away. It’s completely normal to step into training just with curiosity. Things start to take shape as we try different scenarios and notice what feels like a fit.

How Certification Programs Make Room for Exploration

One of the best features of well-structured training is that it opens up space to try lots of things. Through practice sessions and live feedback, we get to coach people from different walks of life, each with their own story or challenge.

Sessions often include classmates who bring various goals and perspectives
We get to coach and be coached, seeing both sides of the experience
Feedback highlights what resonates most with us and where we naturally bring clarity or ease

At The Coaching Guild, our certification programs combine supervised practice, specialty explorations, and personalized mentorship to help you discover where your coaching strengths and interests align.

These early experiences aren’t just practice. They quietly show us where we light up and where we feel a bit stuck. Having that variety during training gives us the freedom to explore before we commit to a direction.

Listening to Yourself While You Learn

As the training moves along, one of the most useful things we can do is keep paying attention to ourselves. What kinds of clients feel easy to connect with? Which conversations leave us energized, and which ones feel tough to stay present in?

Some coaches notice they’re drawn to quiet, deep one-on-one work. Others find they thrive in settings that are busier or more structured. Here are a few signals worth tracking during practice:

Feeling more excited before certain types of sessions
Losing track of time during particular topics or conversations
Noticing when we get distracted or tired

Learning to coach is partly about learning new tools. But it’s also about noticing who we are in the room. That self-awareness matters when we’re trying to figure out what kind of work fits. This reflective process helps us recognize the situations where we naturally engage and those where we might need more support, setting the stage for meaningful growth.

Let the Season Help You Start Fresh

Late March often brings an early lift of spring. Even if the weather is still shifting, we can usually feel a quiet push toward something new. It’s a season that helps us feel more open to changes without needing everything figured out.

This is a good time to let go of old ideas that might not fit anymore. Maybe we came into coach training thinking we’d focus on one specific area, but something else has started calling our attention. Spring is a supportive time to pause, listen, and test out those new ideas without rushing the decision.

Take walks or quiet breaks and notice where your attention drifts
Let go of pressure to have a final answer
Use the energy of the season to gently restart your thinking

We don’t have to overhaul everything. Even small insights can help us take the next step with more confidence. Letting the environment around us highlight these gradual shifts makes it easier to adapt and continue learning.

From Unclear to Focused: What Growth Might Look Like

At the beginning, our ideas might feel pretty fuzzy. One day we’re sure we’ll coach professionals, the next we’re intrigued by personal growth work. This early stage isn’t a sign of confusion. It’s a sign that we're paying attention.

That scattered feeling usually gives way to something steadier. Not all at once, but across time. For some of us, it clicks during certification. For others, it comes shortly after, in the first few client experiences or conversations outside of training.

The more practice we get in a calm, supportive space, the more our coaching voice starts to show up. And that voice helps point us toward who we really want to work with. Bit by bit, things begin to feel clearer and more purposeful, even if the journey takes unexpected turns.

Where Focus Starts to Take Shape

Clarity often builds over weeks or months, not days. Life coaching certification programs give us room to grow without demanding fast answers. They help us stay present with the questions, try new approaches, and notice which paths feel most true to us.

Choosing a niche doesn’t mean locking ourselves into one area forever. It just means noticing where we feel strong right now and using that as a way to move forward. Focus grows with each session, each check-in, and each quiet moment of reflection.

By showing up and practicing with intention, we're already taking the first steps toward finding our place in coaching. We may not have all the answers at the start, but that doesn’t mean we’re lost. It just means we’re still learning, and that learning is what leads us home to the kind of work we’re meant to do.

Sometimes focus comes as the result of many small discoveries during different training exercises. With every client we serve and every topic we try, we build a mosaic of experiences that shapes our unique direction. Day by day, we gain new clarity about our true interests.

Our life coaching certification programs at The Coaching Guild ensure you receive hands-on guidance, access to peer communities, and specialized learning modules so you can clarify your niche while building practical experience in diverse client scenarios.

Exploring the path of coaching can take time, and gaining real experience is often where clarity begins. Our life coaching certification programs are structured to help you discover what truly fits as you build confidence in your journey. At The Coaching Guild, we make space for steady growth through practice, reflection, and ongoing guidance. Ready to discuss your next steps? Reach out to us today.

Stop Throwing Information at People Who Are Saturated and Calling It Help

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:44:57 GMT

You Cannot Automate Being Human

We keep throwing marketing disguised as information at people and calling it help.

More tips.

More tools.

More frameworks.

More downloads.

Life Coaching Certification Explained Simply For New Coaches

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:22:59 GMT

Starting something new usually comes with a few questions. When it comes to life coaching certification, we’ve found that many people are curious about what it involves, how it works, and if it’s worth the effort. Some wonder if they need a background in psychology, while others just want to know what steps come first. The idea of becoming a coach sounds exciting, but figuring out how to get there can feel confusing.

We want to make that simpler. Life coaching certification isn’t about memorizing ideas or passing a single test. It’s about slowly building a different way of thinking, listening, and helping. Certification helps give structure when someone decides to take coaching more seriously, especially if they want to offer it in a way that feels steady and thoughtful. Below, we’ve laid everything out as clearly as we can to help you decide if this could be a good path for you.

What Life Coaching Certification Actually Means

You don’t need a special license to call yourself a coach, but certification gives your work more shape and direction. It shows you’ve spent time learning real tools, listening deeply, and practicing with other people who take coaching seriously, too.

Here’s what certification usually means in simple terms:

It confirms you’ve gone through a structured learning process
You’ve worked with mentors and gotten feedback on real practice sessions
You’ve learned how to guide others without giving advice or fixing their problems

It’s not just reading a few books. Yes, there’s study involved, but coaching only clicks when you practice it out loud with real people. Programs that offer true certification are usually tied to a larger organization that holds a clear set of principles. This helps add trust and confidence, especially when you begin to look for clients or build your practice.

At The Coaching Guild, our life coaching certification is anchored in a university-level curriculum that includes both live, interactive virtual classes and tailored feedback from experienced instructors.

What Most Programs Include

No two training programs are exactly the same, but the better ones tend to follow a tested rhythm. They might use different language, but the core ingredients are usually pretty steady.

Most programs include:

Live virtual classes where learners can talk, ask questions, and try out ideas
Structured practice sessions, often with partners from the same training group
Feedback and mentoring from someone further along the coaching path
Opportunities to reflect on your own growth and style as a coach

These pieces work together. The classes help you understand coaching from different angles, not just your own. Practice sessions are where things really start to settle. At first it might feel awkward to coach someone, but over time, your skills start to take shape. Feedback fills in what you can’t see on your own. And reflection time helps you figure out what kind of coach you want to be.

Our program includes practice with real clients and small group conversations, so each student can build confidence and find their natural style.

What You Really Learn During Certification

More than anything, the process teaches you how to listen with intention. In coaching, silence can mean someone is thinking something new. A question, asked the right way, can help someone name what they really want. You start to understand these kinds of moments when you’ve had time to practice them in a safe space.

While going through life coaching certification, these are common areas of growth:

Learning to slow down and trust the coaching process without rushing to give answers
Knowing how to ask clear questions that help people think more deeply
Setting goals without pressure, so people feel ownership over their next steps

By focusing on these skills day by day, you start to build a real way of working instead of just going through the motions. Most learners grow not just in how they coach others, but in how they listen to friends, family, and even themselves.

How Long It Takes and What It Feels Like

Many people worry about time. Will I have enough of it? Can I fit this into a busy life? Those are real questions, and while the schedules vary, most programs take a few months or more. It’s not something you knock out on a weekend. But that’s part of what makes it meaningful. Learning how to coach well takes time because you can’t rush the kind of slow growth that sticks.

Most people feel a mix of things as they go:

Nervous before practice sessions
Stuck when trying something new for the first time
Excited after a session where something just clicks
Unsure if they’re doing it "right," especially early on
Encouraged when peers and mentors reflect what’s improving

The truth is, feeling unsure is part of learning. That shaky feeling starts to fade once you’ve practiced enough times to notice something different in how you show up. And for many, that’s the moment when things start to shift.

How Spring Makes Now a Good Time to Start

Something about this time of year makes us want to clean up, start fresh, or focus on something that matters. There’s more light in the day, the cold starts to fade, and it gets easier to imagine new things growing, including our own skills.

If you’ve been thinking about trying something with a little more purpose behind it, spring is a great time to go deeper. The new season lines up well with starting training, especially since coaching programs tend to move on a week-by-week rhythm. By beginning now, you can build steady momentum at your own pace, using the focus that comes with this kind of seasonal change.

What Moves With You After Certification

Once the classes end and the formal training wraps up, most people are surprised by how much they keep using what they’ve learned.

Here’s what tends to stick:

A stronger ability to listen without jumping in
A fresh way of asking questions that help others think clearly
More patience in conversations, because you’ve practiced holding space

These habits don’t fade the moment a training ends. They usually stay with you, shaping how you talk, how you think, and how you show up, both in and outside of coaching. That’s part of the reason life coaching certification continues to matter long after that final class. What you build can carry into all areas of your life, one small skill at a time.

Ready to build a strong coaching foundation with the support and guidance you deserve? At The Coaching Guild, our training is crafted for real people balancing real-life demands, emphasizing hands-on practice, meaningful feedback, and consistent progress. Discover how our approach to life coaching certification can help you become the coach you want to be. When you’re ready to explore what's possible, connect with us, we’re here to help.

The Standard is Staying the Course

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:02:31 GMT

A new guru every month might not be the flex you think it is.

A lot of people are not struggling because they lack intelligence, ambition, talent, or even support.

They are struggling because they keep getting pulled off course.

Every time a new high-priced room appears, every time a visible guru launches another container, every time a polished sales page promises the next level, they abandon the plan again.

They pivot again.
They spend again.
They reorganize their hopes again.
They interrupt their own momentum again.

And because the industry loves to glamorize constant reinvention, a lot of people mistake this pattern for growth.

It is not always growth.

At some point, it is drift.

At some point, it is instability with aspirational branding.

At some point, it is an inability to stay with the work long enough for the work to become anything.

Because real progress usually does not come from endlessly buying new proximity.

It comes from making a sound plan and sticking to it long enough for it to work.

It comes from repetition.
It comes from refinement.
It comes from staying with the basics.
It comes from making a decision and not treating every new sales pitch like a spiritual summons.

Not every expensive room is your next move.
Not every mastermind is a strategy.
Not every visible leader is someone you need to rearrange your finances, attention, or direction to follow.

A lot of people are being trained to live in a near-constant state of disruption, always ready to jump tracks for the next promise of access, status, or acceleration.

That is not discernment.

That is a consumption pattern.

And it keeps people from doing the one thing that actually creates results: staying with a real plan long enough for their effort to compound.

Support should serve the plan.

The plan should not be sacrificed to the seduction of new proximity.

Because every unnecessary pivot costs something.

It costs money.
It costs time.
It costs self-trust.
It costs continuity.
It costs the deep learning that only happens when you stop restarting and stay in the work.

The standard is not buying proximity.
The standard is not drifting from one high-priced guru space to another.
The standard is not endlessly mistaking access for progress.

The standard is making a real plan, choosing support with discernment, and staying with the work long enough to build something that does not collapse the second a new shiny room appears.

Triggering RejectionWounds Is Not Marketing

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:27:21 GMT

It's manipulation.

By: Lisa M. Hayes

A lot of predatory marketing in the coaching industry is not just selling information.

It is not just selling strategy.
It is not just selling access.
It is not even just selling transformation.

A lot of it is selling belonging.

More specifically, it is selling belonging to people with old rejection wounds. People who still carry the ache of not being chosen, not being let in, not being seen as special enough, desirable enough, advanced enough, important enough.

And that is exactly why so much “cool kids table” marketing works.

Because now people are adults. Now they have money. Now they can buy access to rooms, circles, identities, and proximity that seem to promise the acceptance they did not get before.

So the fantasy becomes: maybe this time I can earn my way in.
Maybe this time I can pay to be included.
Maybe this time I can buy proximity to power, beauty, status, or approval and finally feel chosen.

That is a very human wound.

That is a very human wound.

It does not make people foolish. It does not make them weak. It makes them human.

We all want belonging. We all want to be seen. We all want to feel that there is a place where we are welcome, where we matter, where we are not too much or not enough.

The problem is not that people need belonging.

The problem is that this industry has learned how to monetize that need.

It knows how to stir the ache.
It knows how to trigger the insecurity.
It knows how to frame exclusion as evidence that you need the room even more.
It knows how to package status as healing.
It knows how to package access as transformation.
It knows how to whisper to the wound and make the purchase feel like redemption.

That is why so much of this marketing feels so intense.

Because it is not speaking to discernment first. It is speaking to injury.

It is speaking to the part of someone that remembers not being picked. Not being invited. Not being inside. Not being the one people wanted close.

And then it offers a solution: buy now, join now, enter now, upgrade now, get in the room now.

Not because the room is necessarily wise.
Not because the support is necessarily excellent.
Not because the container is necessarily ethical.
But because the marketing has successfully fused acceptance with access.

That is not empowerment.

That is manipulation.

It is deeply unethical to intentionally build sales and marketing around rejection wounds and the human need to belong. It is deeply unethical to make people feel that proximity is proof of worth, that access is proof of value, or that getting into the right room will finally resolve an older social pain.

Belonging should not be used as bait.

And I think a lot of people know this in their bodies even when they cannot name it clearly.

They know what it feels like to be activated by a pitch that promises closeness, prestige, intimacy, insider status, or elevated identity.

They know what it feels like to want the room for reasons that go deeper than business strategy.

They know what it feels like to hope that maybe this purchase will make them feel legitimate, included, chosen, or finally safe from the old ache of exclusion.

Again, that does not make them ridiculous. It makes them vulnerable in a very human way.

But leadership should not prey on vulnerability.

Marketing should not pick at wounds on purpose and then call the outcome alignment.

Support should not require people to purchase a sense of worth.

The standard is not exploiting rejection wounds for revenue.

The standard is ethical marketing. Honest pricing. Clean sales. Strong rooms that do not depend on old social pain to fill them.

The standard is building spaces where people are supported without having their need for belonging weaponized against them.

The standard is not the cool kids table.

The standard is creating rooms so solid, so honest, and so ethical that people do not have to betray themselves just to get in.

Which Life Coach Trainings Help Build Long-Term Client Trust

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:34:26 GMT

Trust doesn’t just show up in coaching. It’s built little by little, through the way we interact, listen, follow through, and stay present. For most coaches, strong client trust isn’t something that happens by chance. It grows through experience and through the type of training that helps us focus on the parts of coaching that truly matter.

Some life coach trainings give space for those deeper skills to form. These are the programs that highlight thoughtful listening, reflection, and presence, skills that influence the way our clients feel when they sit across from us. When we’re intentional about the kind of training we choose, we’re not just investing in tools or frameworks. We’re choosing how we want to show up, session after session, for the people who count on us.

The Value of Relationship-Centered Coaching

At the heart of long-term coaching work is the ability to build real relationships. That doesn’t just mean being friendly or helpful. It means knowing how to stay grounded as someone shares their story, how to notice what's beneath the surface, and how to support without taking over.

Good training makes space for emotional awareness and healthy structure. It helps us learn when to lean in and when to step back.
When programs focus on presence, with exercises that help us stay focused and listen well, we’re more likely to learn how to meet clients where they are.
Listening past the words means hearing tone, noticing silence, tracking patterns, and paying attention even when a client isn’t sure what they need.

At The Coaching Guild, our curriculum is built around practicing real coaching conversations, developing emotional intelligence, and helping students adapt their style to diverse client needs through live virtual classes.

Training that gives attention to these deeper layers helps coaches stop trying to fix and start learning how to truly connect. That’s where real trust begins.

How Practice-Based Learning Builds Confidence

Most people can tell when someone is nervous or unsure of what they’re doing. Coaching is no different. Clients feel more comfortable when we bring a calm, steady energy to the room. But that steadiness doesn’t just happen. It usually comes from repeat practice, trying, missing, adjusting, then trying again.

Programs that include hands-on practice give us that space to test new skills and get more comfortable in the work. These might include:

Regular role-play or practice coaching with classmates
Time to reflect after each session on how something felt
Feedback from instructors or peers to help shape next steps

The Coaching Guild offers supervised practice sessions, direct instructor feedback, and opportunities to coach real clients as part of our certification programs, making sure graduates are experienced and confident by the time they meet new clients.

When we’ve had the chance to practice coaching before we work with clients, we bring more ease into the room. That energy helps clients settle in too. They’re more likely to open up, take risks, and stay committed when they feel that the coach is steady and present from the start. Well-structured life coach trainings increase that comfort by letting us build confidence with support instead of pressure.

The Role of Mentorship and Reflection in Earning Trust

Understanding how we coach goes hand in hand with understanding ourselves. That kind of awareness doesn’t show up all at once. It often takes time, guidance, and honest reflection. When training programs build in mentorship or peer work, we have more chances to look at how we show up, and why.

Mentorship encourages open feedback and helps us see behaviors we might miss on our own
Peer groups offer a place to practice self-awareness, bounce ideas, and notice common patterns
Guided reflection allows space to notice habits, improve pacing, and respond more thoughtfully

These kinds of habits don’t just help us during training. They stick with us. Over time, we may find ourselves slowing down more often, paying closer attention, or asking different kinds of questions. All of that shifts how we relate to clients. The more we bring clear self-reflection into the room, the more clients sense they’re being met by someone who is doing their own work too.

Choosing Trainings That Match Your Coaching Style

There’s no single way to earn someone’s trust. Every coach has a slightly different style. The trick is figuring out what feels natural and aligning your training choice with that. Some coaches lean into structure. Others lead with presence. Both can work, if the training helps support that voice rather than dampen it.

Look for programs that make space for your natural communication style
Pay attention to whether the structure supports or contradicts how you learn best
If the training offers areas of focus or specialties, choose ones that feel in step with how you want to relate to others

Trust grows when we’re consistent. And it’s easier to be consistent when we don’t feel like we’re pretending or trying to coach in someone else’s voice. The right fit matters, not just for learning smart systems, but for helping us stay authentic while we build deeper client relationships.

Moving Forward with Trust in Mind

Every client wants to feel respected and seen. It’s why the kind of presence we bring matters so much. Our training either gives us the tools to build that kind of space, or it leaves us guessing. Choosing a program that centers connection, curiosity, and thoughtful pacing helps shape how we show up in every interaction.

There isn’t one perfect path into coaching work, but if we’re focused on steady growth and long-term trust, we can pick trainings that support that. What we practice during those first months often becomes the way we coach long after. When we stay thoughtful about the learning process, we’re more likely to become someone others want to trust, again and again.

At The Coaching Guild, we invite you to take a closer look at what matters most in your coaching work and find training that truly fits your way of relating to clients. Your unique approach will shape your long-term impact, so reviewing life coach trainings is a great first step toward aligning your learning with your goals and values. Ready to connect or have questions? Reach out to us today to start the conversation.

Weird in the Wrong Ways

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:47:26 GMT

Working alone has it's pitfalls

Working alone can make you smart, capable, and wildly self-reliant. It can also make you weird in the wrong ways.

Not creative weird. Not visionary weird. I mean the kind of weird that happens when you are carrying the full weight of your work in private, making every decision alone, second-guessing yourself in a vacuum, and trying to build something substantial without real conversation, real reflection, or real support.

A lot of brilliant people do not need more information. They need a room.

They need people who understand the work, can see what they cannot see, can sharpen their thinking, and can remind them they are not crazy when the business gets quiet, the industry gets noisy, or the next move feels bigger than the last one.

That is part of what makes isolation so expensive. It drains momentum. It distorts perspective. It makes strong people carry too much alone for too long.

Disruption School is built for that.

It is not guru camp. It is not performative proximity. It is not one more place to be talked at by people who are mostly selling lifestyle theater.

It is a smart, honest, high-level support space for people building real work in the real world. The kind of room that is often priced in the thousands elsewhere is inside this container in a way that is intentionally accessible.

Because good support should not be reserved for people who are already overfunded.

If you have been doing too much of this alone, this is your reminder that proximity matters, perspective matters, and being well-supported is not a luxury. It changes the work.

How Life Coach Training Programs Structure Curriculum For Growth

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:32:38 GMT

A lot of people are curious about what really goes on during life coach training programs. With so many options out there, it’s common to wonder how the work is structured and whether it truly helps someone grow into a strong, thoughtful coach. Most good programs have a clear flow that helps learners build skills while also growing on a more personal level.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It’s usually built in layers, starting with the basics, moving into practice, getting feedback, and finally stepping into coaching work with real clients. That structure helps hold us up while we try new things and find our voice. Understanding how these pieces fit together can make it easier to decide if this is the right next step.

Building a Strong Foundation in Coaching Basics

Most programs begin by teaching the fundamentals. These are the building blocks that help someone feel steady, even when new to coaching.

One of the first things covered is how to really listen without interrupting or steering

Learners study ethics, boundaries, and the importance of creating a safe space

Core frameworks show how a coaching session can flow without needing to fix the person in front of you

Laying this kind of groundwork early helps learners feel more confident. You get a feel for the basic structure of a session and start to understand how to hold space for someone else’s thoughts or struggles. With strong fundamentals, things don’t feel quite so shaky when the work becomes more challenging later on.

At The Coaching Guild, we start with these same foundations in our university-level coaching curriculum, introducing ethical practices, session models, and the basics of building trust in every class.

Integrating Practice into Learning

Learning becomes real when we get the chance to try things out. It’s one thing to read about a coaching tool. It’s another thing to use it while someone else talks about their actual life.

Practice might happen in sessions with classmates, small breakout groups, or even recorded roleplays
There could be weekly assignments that ask learners to test a new skill and reflect on how it landed
Some programs include lab-style practice, where coaching happens with live feedback from peers or an instructor

Those moments of hands-on practice are where a lot of the real growth shows up. The more learners try, pause, adjust, and try again, the closer they get to understanding how to coach with care and strength.

By participating in different scenarios where learning is applied, students naturally become more confident and adaptable. Repeating this kind of applied learning in different formats helps learners build muscle memory and start to trust their instincts a little more.

Our students experience supervised practicum sessions and peer observation, which gives every participant regular chances to coach and be coached, plus feedback from experienced instructors.

Growing Confidence Through Feedback and Mentorship

Life coach training programs tend to build in feedback and support early and often. And that feedback isn’t just about getting it “right.” It’s more about helping someone see where they shine and where they might stretch a little further.

Programs often create small groups or peer pods to offer feedback in a steady, respectful way

Instructors may offer real-time reflections or notes after watching a session

Some learners are matched with mentors who support growth over time, track progress, and help troubleshoot stuck spots

Support like this helps learners keep going during the times when they doubt themselves or hit a wall. It gives them a safe place to try, mess up, recover, and try again. That kind of back-and-forth grows confidence in ways that reading alone could never do. Feedback routines also contribute to building bonds among learners, which leads to more honest conversations and ideas for future sessions.

Preparing for Real Coaching Work

As learners move further into the training, practice often looks more like the sessions they’ll lead once they’re certified. There’s a shift away from theory and into the real work of helping someone work through their thoughts, set clear goals, or move through stuck points.

Learners may be coached on how to help someone name a clear goal and stay focused on it
Training also helps new coaches learn how to create session plans or structures they can rely on
Programs often include tips on forming a coaching style, one that matches both the coach’s strengths and what clients may need

By this stage, many learners begin to picture how they’d work with someone from the beginning to the end of a coaching relationship. They aren't just using someone else’s tools, they’re choosing which ones work best for their voice, their rhythm, and the people they want to support. These experiences are essential in helping learners not only develop technical skills but also embrace flexibility in their approach.

Learning That Stays with You

The best life coach training programs don’t just give you a skillset. They change how you listen, how you speak, and how you hold space even in parts of life outside coaching.

When reflective work is part of the process, learners often leave training with a better sense of themselves
Practicing empathy and curiosity regularly shapes how people show up in conversations
Building a habit of slowing down and being present turns out to help far beyond coaching work

A well-designed program makes sure the lessons don’t fade the moment graduation happens. Whether someone goes on to coach full-time or not, these are mental habits that stick, and carry meaning long after the program is done.

Every time you pause and reflect, you remind yourself of the core lessons learned during training. These habits naturally influence other parts of life, strengthening communication across personal and professional relationships.

Finding Your Coaching Specialty

Every part of coach training matters, but not all students take the same path. Curious about where your strengths or interests could lead you? Seeing how different specialties connect with your goals can help you find greater meaning in your path.

As you explore these possibilities, think about the types of clients you might enjoy helping and the settings you find motivating. Whether you’re interested in supporting individuals, groups, or guiding people through unique life stages, understanding your fit is key.

At The Coaching Guild, we’re dedicated to helping you create a focused, sustainable coaching practice, never rushed or one-size-fits-all. Ready to explore which life coach training programs align with what you want to achieve? Contact us to start the conversation.

The Standard in Marketing is Safety

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:13:58 GMT

You can be visible without being vulnerable.

The Standard of Safety: you do not have to give up your privacy or your safety for visibility.

Somewhere along the way, people started acting like “being seen” requires being exposed. Like credibility requires access. Like the price of having an audience is letting strangers into your life, your location, your relationships, your body, your nervous system.

No.

You can be visible and still have boundaries.
You can be known and still be protected.
You can share your work without handing over your life.

Visibility is a skill. It is not self-endangerment.

The standard is safety.

Leadership without Repair is Actually Just Branding

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:30:48 GMT

Repair is not weakness.

Real leaders repair.

Not perfectly. Not theatrically. Not with a long speech about how hard leadership is. But directly.

If harm happens in your business, your client work, your marketing, your relationships, or your community, the answer is not to spin it. It is not to disappear. It is not to punish people for noticing. And it is definitely not to blame the people who were affected for having a reaction.

The answer is repair.

That does not mean you can undo every impact. It does not mean every situation ends neatly. It does not mean everyone will stay. But it does mean something very simple and very rare:

You tell the truth.

You take responsibility for your part.

You make the correction you can make.

And you let your leadership be measured by what you do next.

A lot of people want the aesthetics of authority without the burden of accountability.

They want to be seen as leaders. They want trust, access, deference, influence, and credibility. But the minute something lands wrong, causes harm, breaks trust, or exposes a blind spot, they reach for the usual moves:

deflection

silence

rebranding

minimizing

counterattack

or the old favorite, acting like the real problem is that someone noticed

That is not leadership.

That is brand management in a panic.

Real leadership is not proven by whether you avoid mistakes. It is proven by whether you can stay present when repair is required.

Can you face what happened without immediately trying to protect your image?

Can you hear impact without collapsing into performance?

Can you own your part without turning accountability into self-flagellation?

Can you make a change that costs you something, instead of offering language that costs you nothing?

That is the work.

Repair is not weakness.

Repair is not humiliation.

Repair is not losing authority.

In fact, repair is one of the few things that makes authority trustworthy.

Because anyone can look powerful when things are smooth. Anyone can sound wise when no one is challenging them. Anyone can appear “in integrity” when nothing is being asked of them.

But when there is friction, rupture, disappointment, or harm, that is where the standard shows.

The standard is repair.

Life Coach Certification Online Vs In-Person Training Options

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:20:18 GMT

Choosing the right format for coach training can feel like a lot to sort through at the start. Whether you're beginning on a new path or returning to coaching after some time away, deciding between life coach certification online or in-person isn’t always simple. Schedules, learning preferences, and energy levels all come into play.

Some learners enjoy staying home with headphones, reading or watching lessons at their own pace. Others want real-time conversation in a room filled with people. Both formats offer structure, growth, and support, just in different ways. We'll walk through the key differences so you can pick what fits best with your life right now.

How Online Life Coach Certification Typically Works

Training online makes it easier to study from anywhere, which is part of the reason life coach certification online continues to grow in popularity. If your days are already full of work, family, or other obligations, online training might offer the flexibility you need.

Lessons might be recorded, live, or a mix of both formats
You can usually review materials on your own schedule, especially if you like taking things slowly
Most programs bring learners together for group calls or ask them to connect in discussion forums or chat threads
Mentors or instructors often show up live to answer questions or demonstrate coaching concepts

The Coaching Guild’s life coach certification online program features interactive, university-level virtual classes, real-time instructor support, and a flexible schedule designed for adult learners working full-time or balancing other commitments.

Online training often appeals to people who need wiggle room in their schedules. It’s also helpful for those who value solo study time or live in places where local programs aren’t easy to reach. With a quiet space and a steady internet connection, you can learn from just about anywhere.

What In-Person Training Looks Like

In-person certification often runs on a fixed schedule. These courses typically meet at set times during the week, whether that's in a classroom, office space, or retreat setting. Sessions are built around face-to-face time with real people, which changes how learning feels.

You’ll join a group and meet regularly in real time
Practice usually happens live, with partners or small breakout groups
Instructors give directions, offer feedback, and lead hands-on exercises
Sharing hours with the same classmates helps build connection and confidence over time

There’s a physical energy in group learning that can be motivating. Being in the room helps some people focus better and lets them pick up on things like body language or tone that sharpen coaching skills. If you need face-to-face accountability or feed off a room’s energy, in-person can offer that in a way screens sometimes can’t.

Comparing Flexibility, Cost, and Community

Both online and in-person training come with benefits and trade-offs. What matters more is knowing which pieces you need most from your learning environment.

Online courses usually offer more flexible ways to fit the work into daily life
In-person training might ask you to set aside specific days or arrange travel
Costs can vary based on location, format, or how long the training lasts
You might connect to community differently, through a private chat group or through a shared table and coffee breaks

If you have a full-time job or kids at home, that flexibility might be worth more than a weekly meetup. But if you feel energized by group activity or like stepping into a space just for learning, then planning for in-person could make it feel more real.

Learning Style and Personal Fit

Learning is personal. The format that works for someone else may not feel right to you, and that’s okay. Thinking about how you naturally process new ideas can help guide your decision.

Do you tend to enjoy time alone with books, videos, or quiet thinking? Online might give you room to stay grounded and centered
Do you like hands-on work and live conversation? In-person settings give more chances to move, respond in real time, and talk it out
Are your best learning moments private or shared? Does your energy drop in group settings or get lifted by them?

Online training can be a better match for people who like to go at their own pace or need flexibility. In-person can feel steadier if you prefer showing up at a regular time and place with a group around you.

Neither approach is better. It’s more about picking the one that gives you what you need to stay consistent and enjoy the process.

Blended Models and Changing Expectations

There’s a third option that brings aspects of both formats together. Some programs now offer blended models that mix self-paced learning with real-time activities. These options recognize that not everyone fits cleanly into one category.

You might watch recorded classes at home during the week
Then join a weekend intensive in person every month or so
Sometimes, cohorts use group video calls to keep energy up even between live meetings

A blended model might work for people who want the structure of real-time feedback but still need time and space to go at their own pace. These setups can offer freedom without too much distance, and connection without full-time travel.

If you need to see a face now and then to stay motivated, but you also like studying late at night, this balance could be helpful.

Choosing What Fits You Best

Late February is a smart time to think clearly and start something new. The holidays are over, spring hasn’t fully begun, and things are often a little quieter. That slower rhythm can help make learning stick.

It’s easy to get caught up in what others are doing. But how you best take in information, how your week is shaped, and what kind of support helps you follow through, those are better things to pay attention to. Wanting time alone with a notebook is fine. Needing a classroom and a trusted group is fine too.

There’s no single right way to train. As long as it fits into your life in a steady, doable way, you're setting yourself up to grow in the long run.

At The Coaching Guild, our students benefit from an active learning community, live mentorship, and opportunities for practice with real feedback during online training. This flexible environment ensures you stay motivated, connected, and fully supported wherever you learn best.

Finding the right work environment can make a big difference in your productivity and well-being. Some people thrive with structure and a dedicated space, while others prefer more flexibility in their setup. To see what approach matches your needs, explore what our life coach certification online program offers. At The Coaching Guild, we’re here to support you in shaping a routine and setting that truly fits your everyday life, reach out when you’re ready to learn more.

Confusion is Not Premium

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:51:57 GMT

Clarity is the highest demonstration of skill. Vague is gaslighting.

Confusion is not premium. If people can’t tell what you do, they can’t buy it. Clear is skilled.

I know a lot of people in the coaching space have been taught the opposite. They’ve been told that if their work sounds more mysterious, more layered, more abstract, it will feel more elevated. They’ve been taught that vagueness creates intrigue, that complexity signals depth, and that if people “don’t get it,” that somehow means the work is advanced.

It doesn’t.

Most of the time, confusion does not create desire. It creates hesitation.

If people cannot tell what you do, who it is for, or what is actually being offered, they do not feel impressed. They feel uncertain. They scroll past. They assume it is not for them. Or they decide it is probably not worth the effort of figuring out.

And honestly, they should not have to work that hard just to understand your offer.

Clarity is not the enemy of depth. Clarity is what makes depth accessible.

If you are good at what you do, you should be able to explain it plainly. Not because your work is simple, but because your thinking is developed enough to communicate it well.

Clear language is not “basic.” Clear language is skilled.

This matters for more than sales.

Clarity builds trust.

Clarity creates consent.

Clarity helps people make decisions with their eyes open.

When your messaging is vague, people cannot tell what they are agreeing to. They cannot assess whether it fits their needs. They cannot compare it to other options. They cannot refer it to someone else. And they certainly cannot buy with confidence.

A lot of coaches are accidentally hiding behind language that sounds beautiful but says very little.

That is not sophistication. That is avoidance with better branding.

If your work matters, let people find it.

Say what you do.

Say who it is for.

Say what changes.

Say how people can work with you.

Say what it costs.

You do not need to become louder, slicker, or more performative. You do not need to use guru tactics or pretend certainty you do not have. But you do need to be understandable.

The standard is clarity.

And if you are a coach who wants help making your marketing more clear, more ethical, and more effective without turning yourself into someone you hate online, that is exactly what I help people do inside Disruption School.

More mastermind than guru camp. More truth and tools than hype and performance.

You don’t have to exploit pain to build demand.

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 21:59:54 GMT

Truama should not be a marketing tool

The Standard of Non-Extraction: trauma is not a marketing funnel.

I am so tired of watching people be taught to turn human pain into a conversion strategy.

Here’s what I mean by “pain point marketing” at its worst: you scan for the tender place, press on it, escalate the fear, then position your offer as the relief. You call it “messaging.” You call it “speaking to their pain.” But a lot of it is just engineered dysregulation.

If your marketing requires someone to feel worse about themselves in order to buy, that is not empowerment. That is extraction.

And yes, I know there’s a difference between naming a real problem and manufacturing one. Ethical marketing can be direct about the consequences of staying stuck. It can name patterns clearly. It can even be sharp. But it does not treat trauma like a lever. It does not use shame as a sales assistant. It does not imply that a person is broken and you are the remedy.

The Standard I’m holding is simple:

People deserve consent in marketing, too.

Consent means clarity. It means you can understand what’s being offered without being pushed into panic. It means you can say no without being told you’re “committed to your limitations.” It means your nervous system is not a target.

If you’re a coach, a healer, a practitioner, a leader of any kind, here’s the replacement:

Tell the truth about what you do.

Make a clear promise you can stand behind.
Invite people who are ready.
Let the rest be no.

You don’t have to exploit pain to build demand. You don’t have to borrow guru tactics to be effective. You can build a real business with standards.

What You Can Expect From Life Coach Certification Courses

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 01:11:45 GMT

Life coach certification courses can help you learn how to support others as they face change, figure out life decisions, or work through personal challenges. These programs give you structure while also helping you build real skills. Since every training is slightly different, it’s helpful to know what most of them include before jumping in.

No matter your background, choosing to become a coach is a big step. And knowing what to expect during that process makes a difference. We’re walking through how these courses are often set up, how the learning works, and how you can fit it into your life without feeling overwhelmed.

What the Training Timeline Really Looks Like

Most certification courses don’t happen overnight. They’re laid out in phases that slowly build your knowledge and your confidence. While each program has its own schedule, here’s how the flow usually works over time:

Start with guided learning through video classes, written material, and exercises
Join live sessions, group conversations, and open Q&As with instructors
Practice your skills with others, either classmates or volunteer clients

This steady layout gives you space to learn new tools, try them out, then come back with questions. You’ll typically move from ideas to action, which means you're never stuck wondering what to do next.

We’ve seen that many people fit learning into their evenings, mornings, or quiet weekends. And since lots of courses are online and flexible, you can take your time when life gets busy. That’s helpful if you’re juggling work or family responsibilities while training.

At The Coaching Guild, our life coach certification courses are designed for flexibility, offering both live interactive and self-paced modules that enable students to fit their training into their own schedules.

What You’ll Learn (And How You’ll Learn It)

Most life coach certification courses teach more than one skill area. You’re learning how to have coaching conversations, how to hold space for others, stay ethical, and guide in a clear and honest way. Typical topics include:

Listening without problem-solving
Helping others set and work toward goals
Asking thoughtful questions instead of giving advice
Understanding boundaries and ethics in coaching

These courses tend to use a mix of teaching methods. Some lessons come as recorded videos or readings. Others include live group calls or hands-on exercises. You might be asked to reflect in writing, join small discussions, or practice new frameworks with another student.

You’ll learn at your own pace, but the structure keeps you moving forward. And because the lessons often overlap with real life, many learners notice they’re already using these tools at home or work while they train.

Our program emphasizes supervised practice and real-time peer feedback, so you can confidently translate learning into hands-on experience as you go.

Getting Comfortable With Real Coaching

One of the most helpful parts of training is actually getting to coach someone. Most certification programs build in regular practice sessions so you get used to leading real conversations.

You might coach your classmates or even practice with volunteer clients who are open to free sessions. This step helps take the nerves out of coaching, because you're learning to trust yourself through action. And you’re not doing it alone.

Feedback is usually given after sessions so you know which parts went well and where to adjust
The format gives you space to try out tools you’ve just learned in class
You’ll get more confident as you coach week by week

Nobody begins perfect. But practicing often, with clear support, helps remove the mystery from the process. Before long, you’ll begin to see your own approach take shape.

The Role of Instructors and Mentors

Even though courses can be virtual, the people teaching them make a big difference. Real-time support from instructors helps when you’re sorting through big questions or unsure how to apply what you’ve read. Many programs include:

Live sessions where instructors teach lessons and provide space for discussion
Office hours or feedback circles if you want extra support
Mentors who share their own coaching experience

You’ll hear real stories that help connect the lessons to actual coaching work. And you’ll have space to ask, “What should I do when a client says this?” or “How do I handle this kind of challenge?” That backing keeps you grounded when the learning feels new or unfamiliar.

Fitting Certification Into Daily Life (Especially In Late Winter)

Late February is actually a good time to start something new. The holidays are behind you. Spring hasn’t fully arrived. Things tend to feel a little quieter. That makes it easier to start steady routines, like regular weekly learning.

Here’s what we’ve found works for many people during this time of year:

Set aside time two or three times a week for study or practice. Short sessions are better than one long one.
Choose one small goal each week, like finishing a lesson or leading one practice conversation.
Reflect once per week on how the learning is connecting to real life. It helps keep motivation steady.

When schedules are slower, it gives you more room to do focused work without rushing. Late winter has a natural rhythm for that. Before spring starts pulling energy outward again, this is a time to go inward and build something meaningful.

Seeing the Path Before You Start

Life coach certification courses aren’t just about checking boxes. They give you structure, repetition, and real-life practice. The whole experience helps you learn how to show up with more presence and clarity.

When you begin with an idea of what the training looks like, it’s easier to move through it with purpose. You can worry less about the unknowns and focus more on growing the real skills. Whether you’re planning to coach part time or eventually make it your main work, training sets a steady foundation. The support, practice, and feedback all help you grow into a coach your future clients can count on.

Exploring different types of support is a natural step as you shape your goals. At The Coaching Guild, we’ve seen learners thrive when their training aligns with their future direction. Whether you plan to work with executives, creatives, or caregivers, our life coach certification courses can help you go deeper into the kind of coaching that matters most to you. Let’s talk about what you’re building and how we can support your next steps.

Informed Consent Requires Informing

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 02:40:37 GMT

Values Statement for Your Practice Samples Below

Informed consent is the standard. If you’re a coach or therapist, your values shape your work. Clients deserve to know what you stand for before they trust you with their body, their story, their safety.

Sample values statements (pick yours and say it plainly):

Example 1: values anchored in protection
• “My practice is explicitly anti racist, anti patriarchal, and LGBTQ+ affirming.”
• “I do not collaborate with or support institutions that target immigrants or criminalize survival.”
• “I center informed consent, power awareness, and harm reduction.”

Example 2: values anchored in law and order
• “My practice is politically conservative and I support strong border enforcement.”
• “I believe personal responsibility is the foundation of change.”
• “I am faith-led, and my work reflects traditional values.”

Different values, different clients. That’s the point. Let people choose with their eyes open. That’s the standard.

Foundational Coaching Skills Most First-Year Coaches Overlook

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:30:17 GMT

When we first start coaching, it’s easy to focus on tools, frameworks, and step-by-step methods. But over time, we start to realize the foundational coaching skills that really hold things together have less to do with technique and more to do with how we show up for people. These skills aren’t flashy. They don’t always feel urgent. That’s probably why they’re often missed by newer coaches.

With late winter bringing more quiet energy into our conversations, now is a good time to look at the basics we might have skipped. These weeks invite reflection. As sessions slow down, habits become easier to notice. Paying attention to these overlooked skills helps us become steadier, clearer coaches, especially when things feel murky.

Tuning In vs. Fixing

Clients don’t always want answers. They want to be heard. One of the easiest traps for new coaches is jumping into fix-it mode too early. We listen just long enough to get the gist, then rush into solutions. But deep listening takes more time, and it means getting curious about what’s beneath the surface.

Active listening isn’t the same as waiting to speak. It’s following someone’s meaning like a thread, without pulling it tight.
Advice can shut down exploration. Silence, on the other hand, often does more. It gives space for a person to figure out what they actually think or want to say next.
Slowing down leads to better questions. When we stop trying to "help" in the traditional sense, we often help more.

Simple as it sounds, this shift from fixing to listening is one of the most powerful foundational coaching skills we can bring into our sessions.

Managing Your Own Energy

Early on, we tend to give a lot, sometimes without realizing how much it costs us. That constant giving can blur the line between care and burnout. Managing our energy helps us show up fully for our clients without draining ourselves in the process.

Notice if you feel unusually tired after sessions or dread starting your day, even with people you enjoy working with.
Set boundaries around prep and follow-up. It’s tempting to re-listen to sessions or send long notes, but that time adds up.
Leave space between appointments. Ten-minute buffers aren’t enough to reset. Longer breaks help clear emotional residue before someone new arrives.

Protecting our own space doesn’t signal disconnection; it sets the stage for better presence during each session.

Keeping Coaching Goals Client-Centered

When someone walks in a little lost, we want to bring direction. The urge to shape a plan or give their goals a push is natural. The problem is, our sense of what’s helpful might not match theirs.

Stay curious instead of steering. Ask how their goal makes sense to them now, not how you think it should evolve.
Resist the urge to connect progress with action. Some clients need space to sit with uncertainty before moving forward.
Use open-ended questions that reopen paths instead of narrowing them. Let them surprise themselves.

The best goals are the ones clients feel connected to, not the ones we help define for them.

Staying Present in Slower Seasons

This time of year, things can feel a bit in between. Clients aren’t always racing toward goals or launching into big change. Some feel stuck. Others are quiet. This isn’t a coaching slump, it’s a shift in tone.

Winter’s slower pace often brings space for reflection. That’s not wasted time. It’s where deeper insights sneak in.
Hone soft presence while things are quieter. Focus on tone, response, and comfort with pause.
Don’t rush. When energy is low, keeping focus on deep listening instead of action can be more supportive.

Quiet sessions still matter. The work just looks more internal, on both sides of the conversation. Take this slower season to sharpen the smaller moves that keep connection steady.

Reflecting on Your Own Coaching Patterns

The longer we coach, the more routine it becomes. That’s not always a bad thing, but it’s worth stepping back to check in with how we’re actually showing up.

Pay attention to your body during sessions. Where do you feel relaxed, and when do you tense up? That can help pinpoint what’s working and what feels forced.
Voice note or journal about the parts of sessions that stuck with you. Look for patterns. Which topics light you up? Where do you rush?
Rotate in reflective practices with like-minded peers. Practicing soft skills like presence and flow gets easier with feedback from people on the same path.

These check-ins keep coaching fresh. They let us notice when we're coaching from habit instead of choice.

Building a Practice with Strong Foundations

While technique matters, we believe that strong coaching starts with mindset, presence, and feedback. Our university-level programs at The Coaching Guild offer live, interactive practice sessions and reflective group feedback, so you gain practical experience with foundational coaching skills in a collaborative setting.

Each session is an invitation to notice something new, not to prove we know everything. Foundational skills like listening, energy pacing, and curiosity quietly hold the whole structure up as we grow.

Let’s not skip them. Let’s give them time to grow with us. Those quieter skills are often what make coaching feel real, for us and for the people sitting across from us.

At The Coaching Guild, we help you focus on what matters most as you deepen your coaching practice. True confidence comes not just from tools, but from bringing the right mindset and presence to every session. Discover how our approach is grounded in strong, clear foundational coaching skills that support your long-term growth, and reach out to explore your next steps with us.

Informed Consent Requires Understanding

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:51:48 GMT

And informed consent is not negotiable

Clarity is not a threat to your authority. It is evidence of it.

One of the fastest ways to spot a shaky offer in the coaching industry is this: a client asks a normal, reasonable question and the coach responds with mystique. “Trust the process.” “Your mind is resisting.” “That’s your scarcity.” Translation: don’t ask for details.

That’s not leadership. That’s performance.

The standard is clear: if you’re taking people’s money, you should be able to explain what you do, how it works, what it’s for, and what it’s not for. You should be able to answer questions about timeline, structure, support, boundaries, and expected outcomes without acting like curiosity is disrespect. Client questions are not an inconvenience. They are part of informed consent.

And yes, sometimes a question can be rooted in anxiety. That’s still not a reason to punish it. It’s a reason to meet it with clarity. Precision calms the nervous system. Vagueness activates it.

If your work is solid, questions make it stronger. If your work depends on mystique, questions expose the cracks.

The Standard: the coaching industry, audited.

If you want coaching and training built on clean claims, consent, and real craft, that’s the work we do inside The Coaching Guild.

If You’re MAGA, Stop Calling Yourself a Safe Coach for Everyone

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:28:40 GMT

Maybe not anyone.

I don't think this is a hot take. I think it's practical.

If you are a coach or a therapist and you are MAGA, support ICE, , and / or voted for the Trump regime, I need you to stop hiding behind “neutral” branding and “safe space” language.

Not because you owe strangers your politics.

Because your clients deserve INFORMED CONSENT .

You cannot share “safe space” with a human whose life is being ripped apart by policy, whose family is living in fear, whose nervous system is living on red alert, and then turn around and support the machinery that is doing the ripping. You cannot offer “healing” with one hand while voting for harm with the other and call that ethical.

That is not neutrality. That is duplicity.

And before anybody starts with “but I can separate my personal beliefs from my professional work,” let’s be real. People are not stupid. The body knows. The room knows. Power leaks.

If you support systems that target immigrants, women, queer people, trans people, disabled people, poor people, people of color, and anyone who is not protected by proximity to whiteness and wealth, you are not a safe practitioner for the people being targeted. Full stop.

You might be kind. You might be charming. You might be qualified. You might even believe you are helping.

But if your politics require other people’s suffering, your care is not trustworthy to the people living under that boot.

So here is my request, and it is simple.

Raise your hand.

Let your marketing match your ballot. Use a MAGA hat as your profile picture. A big red, white, and blue social media banner might help. Family photos at the local KKK picnic would be appreciated.

Be honest about what you support so you can attract your people and stop fishing in the waters of the people you are actively endangering. Stop selling to the masses like you care about “the huddled masses” when you support the systems that are crushing them.

And if you feel offended by the idea that your clients might want to know who you are, ask yourself why you need secrecy to do your work.

If you truly believe your stance is righteous, you should not need camouflage.

Because here is what women are learning, painfully, in real time.

De-centering men is not only personal. It is political.

Exhaustion from a churning news cycle that feels like a threat is not only personal. It’s political.

Living in a state of intentional invisibility in all areas of your life, because you are afraid of being kidnapped in front of your kids, is not just personal. It’s political.

And so is care. Care is political.

Care without integrity is just branding.

And the era of beige “I help everyone” marketing is over.

If you are safe for the harmed, act like it.

If you are not, stop pretending you are.

Let people choose with their eyes open.

Coaching is not Neutral

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:22:24 GMT

A closing note on neutrality, tone policing, and urgency

This week’s series was never about being “right” on the internet.

It was about telling the truth about what gets rewarded in coaching culture, and what that reward system can quietly do to human beings.

Because coaching is not neutral.
Even when it tries to be.

When coaching refuses to name power, it protects the status quo.
When coaching prioritizes palatability, it trains compliance instead of truth.
When coaching worships urgency, it treats the body like a machine and calls burnout a mindset problem.

This is how white supremacy culture moves through “helping” spaces. Not only through obvious harm, but through norms that look professional, responsible, and mature.

The thread we walked

1) Neutrality protects the status quo

Neutral coaching often sounds like objectivity, mindset, personal responsibility, “just focus on what you can control.”

Those can be useful tools. But when they erase context, they become blame in better lighting.

If we coach as if every playing field is level, the client becomes the problem by default.

2) Tone policing protects comfort

Tone policing is when the content of what is being said gets ignored in favor of critiquing delivery.

Calm down.
Say it nicer.
Be more constructive.
High vibe only.

Sometimes communication skills matter. Sometimes safety matters. But tone policing is not about skill. It is about control.

It asks people to make their truth digestible instead of honest.

3) Urgency worships speed and calls collapse a character flaw

Urgency culture treats speed like virtue.

Busy becomes proof.
Exhaustion becomes devotion.
The panic pace becomes normal.

And the body pays the bill.

This is not simply “a productivity issue.” It is a value system that rewards performance over presence and punishes the human pace of being alive.

A different vow

My vow is simple:

Truth over performance.
Safety over comfort.
Integrity over panic.

That does not mean we ignore personal agency. It means we stop using agency as a weapon.
It means we tell the truth about what is real, and then we build from there without self-abandonment.

Reflection questions to close the series

For clients

Where have I been told to “be positive” or “stay neutral” when what I needed was truth?
What feeling do I keep trying to tidy up so I can be taken seriously?
Where am I living at the panic pace, and what is it costing my body?
What part of my reality have I been blaming myself for instead of naming what is actually happening?
If I stopped performing “healed,” what would I say plainly, in one sentence?

For coaches

Where do I default to neutrality or “objectivity” in ways that erase power, access, risk, or context?
When a client is angry, intense, or emotional, do I get curious, or do I try to smooth it out?
Where might I be confusing accountability with punishment, or regulation with compliance?
How does urgency show up in my coaching, my marketing, or my training culture, and what does it reward?
What would change in my work if I chose truth over performance, safety over comfort, and integrity over panic?

If you want to go deeper with this work as a coach, that’s what we train inside The Coaching Guild: skill, ethics, power literacy, and nervous system respect, without bypassing reality.

And if you’re a client, let these questions be a tuning fork. Good support helps you tell the truth and stay connected to yourself. It does not require you to get smaller to be worthy of care.

When “Professionalism” Becomes a Muzzle

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:53:54 GMT

You Don’t Have to Be Calm to Be Credible

Tone policing is when people ignore what you are saying and judge how you are saying it.

Not that.
Not like that.
Not so sharp.
Not so loud.
Not so emotional.
Not so much.

In coaching spaces, tone policing rarely announces itself as control. It often arrives dressed up as “maturity,” “professionalism,” or “being coachable.”

But the function is the same.
Make your truth easier for other people to digest.

And that is not the same thing as making your truth more true.

What tone policing sounds like

You have heard it. You may have said it. You may have internalized it.

Calm down.
Say it nicer.
Be more constructive.
You will be heard if you are less intense.
Take the emotion out of it.
That delivery makes people shut down.
If you want change, do it politely.

Sometimes there is a legitimate conversation to have about strategy, safety, or impact. Yes.
But tone policing is not about strategy.

Tone policing is about comfort.

It protects the nervous systems of people who do not want to feel what your truth evokes.

How tone policing hides inside coaching culture

Coaching culture can spiritualize tone policing. That is part of what makes it slippery.

It can sound like:

High vibe only.
Choose gratitude.
Reframe your anger.
Let us find your part in it.
What story are you telling yourself?
Your emotions are blocking your manifestation.

Sometimes reframing is useful. Sometimes it is medicine.
But when it is used to bypass power, harm, or reality, it becomes a muzzle.

It trains people to perform “healed” instead of telling the truth.

It can also train coaches to prioritize a clean session over a true session.
A calm client over an honest client.
A palatable client over a liberated client.

Regulation is not compliance

This is one of the biggest confusions I see.

Emotional regulation is a capacity.
Compliance is a performance.

A regulated person can still be furious.
A regulated person can still say no.
A regulated person can still name harm clearly.

A compliant person looks calm, but often because she has shut down.

If a coaching container only feels “safe” when the client is pleasant, that is not safety.
That is control.

Anger is not a coaching problem

Anger is data.

Grief is data.
Disgust is data.
Intensity is often clarity.

Your body does not create emotion to ruin your life.
She creates emotion to protect it.

When we treat anger as something to fix, we miss the message.
We miss the boundary trying to form.
We miss the value being violated.
We miss the truth that has been edited for far too long.

Tone policing in coaching often shows up as:
Let us make your truth more acceptable.

Liberation-focused coaching asks:
Let us make your truth more honest.

Why this is connected to white supremacy culture

White supremacy culture rewards comfort, especially the comfort of people with power.
It values “professionalism” as a mask.
It punishes emotional truth when that truth challenges the status quo.

Tone policing is one of the ways that punishment happens quietly.

If you can be trained to speak softly enough, carefully enough, sweetly enough, you might never say the thing that needs to be said.

And if you do say it, the system has an easy defense:
We are not ignoring your point. We are just reacting to your tone.

That is how harm gets protected without ever being named.

What to do instead: a cleaner, truer approach

This is not permission to be reckless.
It is permission to be real.

Try this:

Say the truth in one sentence.
No apology essay. No over explaining. No performance. One sentence.
Name the boundary.
What is the line? What is not acceptable? What needs to change?
Ask for what you want.
Not what you can justify. What you want.
Choose strategy without abandoning truth.
You can care about impact and still refuse to make yourself small.
Let your body be part of the conversation.
If your chest is tight, if your stomach drops, if your jaw clenches, she is telling you something. Listen.

Reflection Questions: Clients

Use these as journal prompts, or speak them out loud.

Where do I edit my truth to stay safe or liked?
Who benefits when I get smaller?
What emotion am I most afraid to be seen having?
What boundary is trying to form underneath my anger?
What would it sound like to say it plainly in one sentence?
What is the cost of being “easy to be around”?
Where have I been taught that politeness equals goodness?
What truth do I keep translating into something more acceptable?
What happens in my body right before I self edit?
If I trusted myself, what would I say today?

Reflection Questions: Coaches

These are for integrity, not shame.

Do I treat intensity as a problem to manage or a truth to honor?
When I ask for “professionalism,” whose comfort am I protecting?
Do I confuse regulation with compliance?
Am I requesting softness when what is needed is clarity?
Do I default to reframing when I should be witnessing?
When a client is angry, do I get curious or corrective?
Do I interpret directness as disrespect? Why?
Can I hold strong emotion without making it about me?
Where have I been trained to equate calm with safety?
What would it look like to coach for truth, not for neatness?

Neutrality in Coaching is Privilege Not Power

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:36:08 GMT

Neutrality is not the flex you think it is.

There is a myth in the coaching world that keeps getting rewarded.

If you stay “neutral,” you stay professional.
If you stay “objective,” you stay safe.
If you keep it “positive,” you stay marketable.

But neutrality is not neutral.

Neutrality is a posture.
A performance.
A choice.

And when we refuse to name power, we tend to protect the people who already have it.

The status quo loves a coach who will not name the room

White supremacy culture does not always arrive as a hood or a slur.
More often, she arrives polished.

She arrives as “best practices.”
She arrives as “personal responsibility.”
She arrives as “this is not political.”
She arrives as “I don’t see color.”
She arrives as “keep it professional.”
She arrives as “that is just your mindset.”

She arrives as a demand for comfort.

And one of her favorite hiding places is coaching that insists it is neutral.

Because if coaching is neutral, then we never have to talk about access.
Or disability.
Or race.
Or gender.
Or trauma.
Or class.
Or risk.
Or safety.
Or the ways a nervous system learns to survive what she has lived through.

Neutrality makes all of that disappear.

And when the world disappears, the client becomes the problem.

What “neutral” coaching often sounds like

Sometimes it is overt.
Sometimes it is subtle.

But you can recognize it by its impact.

Neutral coaching says:
If you wanted it badly enough, you would do it.

Neutral coaching says:
Your thoughts create your reality.

Neutral coaching says:
You are choosing your suffering.

Neutral coaching says:
Your feelings are just stories.

Neutral coaching says:
Stop making excuses.

And listen, sometimes the client does need agency.
Sometimes she needs to remember her power.
Sometimes she needs a loving mirror and a clean challenge.

But there is a difference between empowerment and blame.

Empowerment says:
Let us tell the truth about what is happening, and then choose what is possible.

Blame says:
If you cannot do it, it is because you are flawed.

Blame is a spiritualized version of “bootstrap” ideology.
It is white supremacy culture with better lighting.

Neutrality is a luxury

Neutrality is easiest when your life is not routinely politicized.
When your body is not treated as a problem to be managed.
When your safety is not conditional.
When access is not a daily negotiation.
When your nervous system is not carrying the cost of survival.

A coach who insists on neutrality may not mean harm.
But impact is not intent.

If I coach as if every playing field is level, I will inevitably punish the people who are navigating uneven ground.

And I will call that punishment “accountability.”

That is the quiet violence of neutrality.

The hidden cost: clients learn to gaslight themselves

Here is one of the most damaging outcomes of neutral coaching.

A client comes in with a real constraint.
A racist workplace.
A chronic illness.
A nervous system shaped by trauma.
A lack of childcare.
A community that is not safe.
A legal system that is not fair.
A body that is exhausted because she has been carrying too much for too long.

Neutral coaching teaches her to translate reality into personal failure.

She stops trusting her own knowing.
She stops naming what hurts.
She stops honoring what is true.

She learns to perform wellness instead of building it.

She learns to override her body, and then wonders why she is burnt out, disconnected, numb, or rageful.

This is how white supremacy culture reproduces itself.
Not only through laws and institutions, but through internalized narratives that keep people small.

What liberation-focused coaching does differently

Liberation-focused coaching is not about making everything external.
It is not about helplessness.
It is not about outsourcing your life to the state of the world.

It is about telling the truth.

It is coaching that says:
Let us name what is real, including power.

It asks questions like:
What is true about your resources right now?
What is true about your risk?
What is true about your support system?
What is true about your body and her capacity?
What is the cost of “pushing through”?
What would it look like to build this without self abandonment?

Liberation-focused coaching does not pretend the client is a machine.
She treats her as a living being.

She respects the body’s wisdom.
She respects context.
She respects systemic forces, and still invites agency inside reality.

Not fantasy.

Reality.

A simple self-check for coaches

If you want to know whether your coaching is accidentally colluding with white supremacy culture, try these questions.

Whose comfort am I protecting?
When I avoid naming power, who benefits?
Am I confusing accountability with punishment?
Am I using “challenge” to override someone’s lived constraints?
Am I making the system disappear?
Am I coaching as if context is irrelevant?
Am I treating the body like she is in the way?
Or am I treating her as an oracle of what is sustainable and true?
Am I asking for performance instead of transformation?
Is the goal to look “better,” or to be free?

If any of these land with a sting, good.
That sting is information.
Not shame.

Shame keeps the system intact.
Truth breaks it open.

A simple self check for clients

If you have been coached in ways that made you feel secretly broken, consider this.

Good coaching should not require you to deny your reality.
Good coaching should not make you feel smaller.
Good coaching should not punish you for being human.

Ask:
Do I feel more connected to my own truth after sessions?
Do I feel more resourced, even when things are hard?
Do I feel permission to name what is real?
Do I feel like my body is welcome here?

If the answer is no, you are not “resistant.”

You might be wisely refusing a framework that cannot hold you.

Coaching is not neutral. So choose what you are loyal to.

Every coach is loyal to something.

Some are loyal to comfort.
Some are loyal to capitalism.
Some are loyal to being liked.
Some are loyal to appearing “above it all.”

And some are loyal to truth.
To liberation.
To the body.
To integrity.

Coaching is not neutral.

So choose what you are loyal to.

Coaching is Not Neutral

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 22:48:34 GMT

But it sure benefits from you thinking it is.

Coaching Is Not Neutral

Coaching often presents itself as neutral. Universal. Available to anyone who is willing to do the work.

But neutrality is a myth, especially in fields shaped inside unequal systems.

Modern coaching models were largely developed within white, Western, individualistic frameworks that assume certain conditions as baseline: relative safety, access to resources, emotional regulation under pressure, and the freedom to prioritize personal growth. These assumptions are rarely named, yet they quietly shape what is considered healthy, skilled, or “ready.”

When coaching treats those norms as universal, it does not simply miss people who live outside them. It reinforces existing power dynamics by rewarding those who already fit the mold and pathologizing those who do not.

One of the clearest places this shows up is in how emotional regulation is treated.

In many coaching spaces, regulation is framed not as a skill that develops in context, but as a prerequisite for being taken seriously. Anger, grief, overwhelm, or nonlinear expression are often treated as problems to solve before meaningful work can begin. The message, however subtle, is that certain emotional states disqualify a person from being heard.

This is not emotionally intelligent. It is morally coded.

Emotional expression does not signal incapacity. It signals information. In many cases, it signals threat, injustice, or accumulated harm. When coaching prioritizes comfort, smoothness, or palatability over truth, it asks people to manage themselves in order to be acceptable rather than supported.

A simple but significant shift coaches can make is this: stop treating emotional regulation as a moral requirement.

Regulation is not a measure of worth, readiness, or integrity. It is a state that fluctuates based on context, safety, and support. When coaches allow emotion to be present without rushing to correct it, power redistributes. The room becomes more honest. The work becomes more ethical.

This is not about abandoning skill or structure. It is about recognizing that coaching is not happening in a vacuum. Power, race, class, trauma, and access are already in the room whether they are named or not. Ignoring them does not create neutrality. It creates silence.

I am spending time this week naming how coaching intersects with white supremacy culture and what it would take to practice this work with greater integrity. Not to indict individuals, but to tell the truth about systems and the responsibilities that come with working inside them.

If you are a coach, practitioner, or educator who wants to think more carefully about how power, identity, and emotional capacity shape this work, you are welcome to stay with the conversation.

The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

If you are interested in coach training done very differently, hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

#coaching #lifecoaching #coachtraining #lifecoachtraining #coachingandethics #thecoachingguild

Consistency in your marketing not repetition. It is relational trust over time.

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:41:12 GMT

It is really difficult to be rigid and authentic at the same time.

A lot of people think consistency means repetition. The same posts. The same cadence. The same version of yourself, no matter what is happening in your life or body.

That version of consistency burns people out because it treats humans like content machines.

Real consistency is about reliability, not rigidity. It is about letting people know what kind of presence you offer and then showing up in that way over time. It is emotional consistency. It is ethical consistency. It is the ability to be trusted rather than the ability to be everywhere.

Ethical marketing does not ask you to override yourself. It asks you to be clear. It asks you to know what you can sustain and to design your visibility around that reality. When you build consistency from honesty, your audience does not feel manipulated. They feel oriented.

This is why so many people feel exhausted by marketing advice. They are trying to follow someone else’s definition of consistency instead of building one that fits their actual life. They are chasing frequency instead of relationship. They are optimizing for algorithms instead of trust.

You can be consistent without being constant. You can be visible without being performative. You can grow without forcing yourself into shapes that are not yours.

This is the work.

This is what we teach inside Disruption School. Marketing that is grounded, ethical, and effective because it is built on truth rather than pressure. If you want support learning how to build consistency that actually sustains you, reach out and I will send you the details.

Disruption School is for coaches and creators who want marketing that is truthful, sustainable, and grounded in real life. It is a space to learn how to build visibility, consistency, and trust without manipulation or self-betrayal. If you want details or want to explore whether it is the right fit for you, reach out and I will send you the information.

Click here to check out Disruption School.

Life Skills Development Through Professional Coaching

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 08:51:34 GMT

Life doesn't come with an instruction manual. Most of the things we need to learn, like how to manage time, communicate better, or set boundaries, don’t get taught in school. These are life skills, and they play a big part in how we handle daily challenges, both personal and professional. Without steady support or a clear path, it can be tough to get better at these things on your own. That’s where guidance from someone trained to help can make a real difference.

Professional coaching offers a focused approach to sharpen these tools. A coach can help you move past roadblocks, develop useful habits, and build on what you already know. With the help of a coach who focuses on life skills, you can set clear goals, gain a better understanding of your patterns, and start showing up in everyday life with more confidence and clarity. This kind of steady support can be a turning point for anyone looking to grow in a meaningful and consistent way.

Understanding Life Skills

Life skills are the tools we use to live, work, and interact with the world around us. While they may differ based on age or life stage, there are a few core skills that many people find useful regardless of where they are in life.

Some common life skills include:

- Communication and listening

- Time management and organization

- Problem-solving and decision-making

- Emotional regulation

- Goal setting and follow-through

These skills don’t usually appear overnight. Most people pick them up over time, usually through trial and error. But working with someone who sees how these skills link together can really speed up the process. A coach can help pinpoint where things aren’t going smoothly and offer new ways to face those challenges.

Take time management as one example. Many people struggle to keep tasks organized or find themselves running late without knowing why. A coach can help break down your day, track where your time goes, and suggest simple changes. Once you start noticing a difference in how you spend your time, that change often spreads. You might sleep better, feel less stress, and improve your relationships along the way.

Improving life skills doesn’t mean reworking your entire life. It often just means learning smarter ways to move through the day. As you practice the new skills, they turn into habits. And over time, those small habits add up to real, lasting growth.

The Role Of Professional Coaching

Life coaches who focus on skill development have one goal in mind: helping you grow in the areas that really matter. They’re trained to notice patterns, ask good questions, and guide without judgment. Instead of handing you the answers, they help you uncover your own, step by step.

Here’s how coaching tends to work when the focus is on life skills:

- You set a goal. Maybe that’s improving your conversations at work, adding structure to your routine, or reducing stress.

- The coach helps you set small steps that feel realistic and doable.

- Between sessions, you try new strategies and reflect on what worked or didn’t.

- Along the way, you start noticing how your mindset or old habits have been shaping your decisions.

Each coaching session adds a layer of insight and momentum. Life coaching adjusts to your needs, which means it changes along with you. One week, you may focus on better sleep habits. The next, it might be about how to handle conflict at work. That kind of personalized attention helps you stay focused and flexible.

Good coaching doesn’t follow a script. It follows your story. Because of that, life skills development feels more personal. It’s not about mastering general advice. It’s about making shifts that fit who you are and what you want. Whether you’re working on time management or learning to say no without guilt, the right coach helps those lessons stick.

Benefits Of Working With A Coach Specializing In Life Skills

When you work with a coach who specializes in life skills, you’re partnering with someone who understands how everyday habits and thought patterns can block your progress. More importantly, they know how to guide you in shifting those patterns in a way that lasts.

One of the biggest wins is clarity. When you feel stuck, it can be hard to tell what’s holding you back or how to move forward. A good coach helps break it down. They identify which life skills need some attention and build a plan that fits your real life. Because they’re focused on life skills, everything they do points back to your routines, relationships, and personal growth.

Here’s what life skills coaching can offer:

- Help sorting through thoughts when everything feels overwhelming

- New ways to handle stress with a calmer mindset

- Better tools for work conversations or social settings

- Clear guidance to set and follow through on goals

- Simple routines that slowly build your confidence

Let’s say you’re changing careers and feeling unsure about interviews. Or maybe you’re feeling tired and stretched too thin every week. These are areas where a coach can help you reset and move forward with purpose. They help you feel more in control, even during times of transition.

Life skills coaching isn’t about giving advice. It’s about creating a space to reflect, act, and grow. Over time, those small changes become consistent parts of who you are—not just temporary fixes. That’s what makes this kind of coaching so meaningful.

Practical Steps To Find The Right Coach

Finding the right coach takes time, and that time is worth your effort. The connection between a coach and client makes a big difference, so you want to go deeper than a quick search.

Start by looking for coaches who focus on helping people build life skills. Many offer a discovery call, which gives you the chance to talk things through and get a feel for how they work. Notice how the conversation flows and how they listen, not just what they say.

Some good questions to ask include:

- What skills do you often work on with your clients?

- How do you measure progress in your sessions?

- What’s your coaching style like?

- Will you tailor your approach to my needs?

- What kinds of clients do you usually work with?

It’s also helpful to know what you’re looking for ahead of time. Do you want more structure in your daily life? Are you hoping to reconnect with your goals or improve how you relate to others? Do you prefer weekly sessions or something a bit more flexible?

Compatibility really matters. A coach could have all the right experience, but if the talk doesn’t feel natural or the connection isn’t there, it can slow down the process. Look for someone who seems like a true teammate—someone who helps you feel calm, heard, and motivated.

This Kind of Growth Stays With You

Life skills do more than fix small issues. They shape how you move through everyday situations, how you see yourself, and how you show up for others. The guidance of a trained coach helps you develop those skills with purpose and care.

What might begin as building better planning habits or improving your communication often leads to something more lasting. Little by little, those changes stack up and start to change how you live your day. You feel more grounded, less reactive, and more confident with each step.

A skilled life skills coach won’t try to take the lead. They’ll walk beside you. They’ll listen without judgment, challenge you when needed, and celebrate your small wins. When the fit is right and you’re ready to grow, life skills coaching becomes more than a short-term fix. It becomes part of your foundation—and that’s the kind of change worth building.

Discover how working with coaches specializing in life skills can make a real difference in your everyday routines and long-term goals. Whether you're navigating a career transition, building stronger habits, or looking to improve your mindset, The Coaching Guild is here to support you with guidance tailored to your journey. Let’s make change a lasting journey together.

Coaching is More than Just Training Positivity Compliance

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:14:13 GMT

The Skill Nobody Teaches Coaches

Most coach training programs focus on tools. Scripts. Frameworks. Methods that look good on paper and sound impressive in conversation.

Very few teach capacity.

Capacity is the ability to stay present when a client is not regulated, not clear, and not performing their healing correctly. It is the ability to sit with grief without rushing it into meaning. It is the ability to hear anger without trying to soften it. It is the ability to remain grounded when identity, power, trauma, or systemic reality enters the room.

This is not a personality trait. It is a skill. And it can be trained.

The Coaching Guild exists because the coaching industry keeps confusing confidence with competence. A coach can be articulate, well-branded, and deeply unprepared to hold real human complexity. When that happens, clients are subtly pressured to self-regulate for the coach. They are nudged toward positivity. They are steered away from truth. They are taught to adapt rather than to integrate.

That is not ethical coaching.

Ethical coaching requires emotional capacity. It requires identity awareness. It requires the ability to notice power dynamics without collapsing into guilt or defensiveness. It requires a nervous system that does not need the client to be easy, agreeable, or inspirational.

This is what we train.

The Coaching Guild is a coach training program rooted in depth, emotional literacy, and liberation-based practice. We train coaches to work without bypass, without performance, and without asking clients to abandon themselves in order to be coached.

This is the work.

If you are a coach who knows there is more required than tools, or if you are becoming one and want to build real competence from the beginning, this is the work we do together.

If you want details about the next Coaching Guild cohort, reply to this email or reach out privately. I will send you the information, and we can see if it is the right fit.

Growing Your Life Coaching Practice In The Digital Age

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:59:36 GMT

Life coaching has shifted a lot over the past few years. More people are looking for guidance to help them move through tough situations, break habits that hold them back, or reach personal goals. As a result, coaching has become more flexible and available, especially online. Whether you're helping someone through a career change or supporting them in gaining confidence, the space you hold matters more than the location where you do it.

This shift isn't just about reaching more clients. It's changed how coaches build businesses, how they communicate, and how they track progress. If you want to keep up, you have to know how to show up online and work efficiently. Whether you're launching your first practice or wondering how to refresh your routines, learning to use digital tools and strategies can help you grow with more ease and confidence.

Embracing Digital Tools for Your Practice

Most coaching sessions today happen through a screen. Whether it's Zoom calls with clients or sending follow-up notes through a scheduling app, digital tools form the base of almost every practice. They make life smoother for both the client and the coach, and they help keep everything in one place.

If you're not sure what tools to focus on, here are a few to start with:

- Video conferencing: Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet let you connect face-to-face with clients around the world. You need a reliable one with decent sound quality and options like screen sharing or recording if needed.

- Scheduling apps: Tools like Calendly make setting appointments easier. They sync with your calendar so you don’t double-book and let clients book time without the back-and-forth emails.

- Note-taking and CRM systems: Keeping notes organized matters, especially when you have multiple clients. Some CRMs are built just for coaches. They help you track session notes, goals, and follow-ups in one spot.

- Payment platforms: Choose one that works globally if you have international clients. Look for options that are easy to use without high fees.

When adding new tools, start small. Pick ones that solve a real problem you're dealing with. Test the free version first when you can. It’s also helpful to check how well each platform connects with others so you don’t end up juggling logins and passwords.

One example: A coach we spoke to struggled with missed appointments because time zones confused her clients. She added a scheduling tool that adjusted automatically to the client’s location. Cancellations dropped, and everything felt more professional.

Keep your tech simple, user-friendly, and aligned with how you like to work. You don't need every option out there, just the ones that make coaching smoother. When your systems run better, it's easier to focus on clients and trust that the rest is taken care of.

Building an Online Presence

Having a strong online presence today is like having a storefront used to be. If clients can't find you online or understand what you offer, they’ll likely move on. That doesn’t mean you have to be everywhere. You just need to show up where it counts and do it with consistency.

Start with a clean, clear website. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to help someone understand who you coach, how you help, and how to reach you. Use your voice and make it feel like a real person is writing, not a brochure. Add a simple contact form, keep your links updated, and make sure it's easy to use on both phones and computers.

Next, think about platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or even X. Pick one or two where your potential clients are likely to hang out. Don’t post just to fill space. Share meaningful things you’ve learned, thoughts on common struggles, or answers to client questions (without giving details). These little pieces of content, done consistently, help people feel like they know you before ever reaching out.

To bring more value, try mixing up your content. Some ways to stay fresh:

- Write short blog posts that offer helpful advice

- Post short video clips or reels sharing quick coaching tips

- Create simple podcasts or voice notes answering common client questions

People connect better with real stories and moments that feel honest. Over time, the more useful and real your content feels, the more you’ll attract folks who are a good match.

Instead of chasing followers, think about building trust. That’s what gets someone to click “book now,” not how pretty the page looks. Remember, your online presence doesn’t replace your coaching work. It supports it by helping people find you, learn from you, and decide whether they want to work with you. Keep things current, relatable, and helpful, and you’ll naturally build a space that draws in the right kind of energy and people.

Virtual Networking And Community Building

Working from behind a screen doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. One of the most helpful things you can do as a coach is to stay connected with others in your field. Finding your place in digital communities helps you grow faster, stay motivated, and find people who get what you're doing. Talking with other coaches, joining online events, or being part of a peer group can spark fresh ideas and strengthen your practice.

Start by joining private coaching forums or professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Look for the ones that offer real conversations, not just promotion. You’ll want a space where members share wins, ask for help, and talk about real situations they’ve faced. It’s not just about gaining advice. It’s about hearing different views and learning new approaches you might never think of alone.

Building relationships online comes down to showing up and staying engaged, even if it’s once a week. Repeat visits, thoughtful comments, or sharing useful articles all help build trust with people over time. And when you need guidance, you’ll already have a network that’s ready to support you.

Along with learning, networking can help you grow your practice. Look out for:

- Meetup-style virtual events or webinars

- Coaching masterminds or accountability groups

- Forums where client referrals are exchanged

- Platforms where you can cross-promote with others in adjacent fields

A health coach might refer clients to a career coach once physical goals are met. An executive coach might team up with someone focused on parenting after work stress leads to family burnout. These relationships are usually built gradually. Connecting with the right people makes your work feel less isolated, and your reach becomes wider without paying for ads or chasing leads.

Continuous Learning And Development

It’s easy to think that once you’re certified, you’ve crossed the finish line. But coaching is something that sharpens with use. The more you learn, reflect, and adapt, the more naturally the work flows. That doesn’t mean getting overwhelmed with course after course. It’s more about staying aware, asking questions, and trying things out with care.

You can grow a lot just by listening to the coaching conversations around you, whether that’s watching a live session during a webinar or hearing a new twist on an old method. Think of learning as something you do in small doses. It doesn’t have to mean going back to school.

If you're looking to keep building your skills, try mixing in options like:

- Online short-term workshops focused on specific methods or styles

- Monthly trainer calls where common issues are worked through

- Podcast interviews with veteran coaches sharing real talk

- Group coaching labs that allow for observation and feedback

And then there’s self-reflection, probably the most underrated tool. Taking time after sessions to pause and ask, “What worked?” or “Where did I get stuck?” can be just as eye-opening as any class. Pair that with feedback from trusted clients or mentors, and you’ll start to see patterns to improve.

Even one small adjustment every month can lead to huge shifts come year’s end. You don’t need to revamp your whole style, just stay curious. Coaching has its own rhythm. Learn when to listen deeper and when to pivot the flow. That’s how you keep evolving.

Growing A Global Clientele

Virtual coaching opens the door to working with clients far beyond your local town or city. You're no longer limited by geography. What matters is clear communication, shared goals, and building trust through your presence over a screen. Clients from anywhere can become regulars when you understand their needs and make their experience feel personal.

To make this work well, it helps to plan for time zones. That starts with setting a calendar that shows your availability in your client’s local time. Many scheduling tools now do this automatically, but double-check your confirmation messages and reminders. A small mistake here can lead to confusion or missed sessions.

Adjust your session structure based on where your client is. For example, if you're coaching someone in another country where the work culture is different, ask questions that reflect that. Don’t assume your usual approach always applies. You’ll build more trust when a client feels you’re paying attention to their life, not just delivering a script.

For coaches looking to reach a wider audience, it helps to:

- Translate your core materials, like welcome packets, into multiple languages

- Offer payment methods that work internationally

- Stay aware of local holidays when planning session schedules

- Watch for cultural phrases or gestures that don’t translate well

Growth across borders takes a little extra thought, but it pays off in how strongly your clients respond. One coach shared that after making these updates, her confidence with international clients rose, and so did her calendar bookings.

Keep your services universal enough to fit most people, but flexible enough to make every client feel seen. That’s what builds a coaching business people talk about, regardless of where they live.

Encouragement For Aspiring Digital Coaches

Starting or changing your coaching path in a digital space might feel like stepping into something unfamiliar, but that’s where every coach begins, at the edge of comfort with a big idea in their mind. If you're thinking about growing your practice, or even beginning one from scratch, know that there's room for you. Clients are looking for different voices, lived experiences, and real people who understand what they’re going through.

Digital coaching doesn’t require perfection. What it needs is your real presence, your effort to keep growing, and your willingness to try new things even if they don't land every time. Your sessions, your content, your emails, every one of those touchpoints gives someone a reason to trust you, or at the very least, remember you.

You don’t need a huge audience to make coaching work, just the right kind of people who want what you offer. When you start showing up consistently, staying open to feedback, and build your toolkit little by little, momentum starts to build naturally.

Stick with the process. Growth takes time, but the path is open if you’re ready.

If you're looking to grow as a coach and help others build strong everyday habits, take a closer look at our training programs for life coaches . The Coaching Guild is here to guide you through practical coaching tools so you can create lasting impact for those you serve.

You Don’t Owe the Holidays a Performance

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:37:54 GMT

When marketing becomes emotional obedience

There is a myth in the coaching and wellness world that positivity equals magnetism.
That the brighter you shine, the more people want to be near you.
That smiling, inspiring, and staying “high vibe” is what makes a message resonate.

But positivity is not the root of magnetism.
Truth is.

And the truth is this:
Real people don’t trust the always-happy mask.
They trust the woman who can sit in her own complexity without making it pretty.

The pressure to be relentlessly positive wasn’t born from empowerment — it was born from systems that benefit when you are emotionally easy to consume.

Systems that taught women to be agreeable, taught queer folks to be “palatable,” taught people of color to be “non-threatening,” and taught all of us to perform a version of ourselves that won’t make anyone uncomfortable.

So of course the industry built a model where positivity = success.
Positivity keeps clients inspired, keeps audiences calm, keeps everyone feeling good.
It’s clean.
It’s profitable.
It’s emotionally obedient.

But it’s also dishonest.

You don’t become magnetic by being endlessly bright.
You become magnetic by being real .

People don’t follow you because you sparkle.
They follow you because something in your voice feels like permission.
Permission to feel.
Permission to question.
Permission to stop pretending.
Permission to breathe in their own skin.

Positivity sells an image.
Truth builds a movement.

And here is the secret no one tells you:

Your humanity is more compelling than your highlight reel.
Your complexity is what makes you unforgettable.
Your depth is what people feel in their chest when they hear you speak.
Your honesty is what lands in someone’s body and stays there.

You don’t need to radiate perfection to be magnetic.
You don’t need to decorate your emotions to be successful.
You don’t need to be “high vibe” to lead.

Your impact lives in the place where your truth meets your courage.

Because the world doesn’t need more polished voices.
The world needs women, queer folks, and people from marginalized communities who are willing to show up unperformed — willing to say, “I’m still becoming,” and lead anyway.

You are not more powerful when you are constantly positive.
You are more powerful when you are honest.

Your magnetism is already there.
It rises every time you stop performing and start telling the truth.

Managing Client Relationships In Life Coaching

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 00:10:01 GMT

Strong client relationships are at the core of a successful life coaching practice. When people sign up for coaching, they’re trusting someone to help guide them through personal challenges, big shifts, and long-term growth. That trust needs to be earned, and it’s built over time through steady, respectful, and honest interactions. How well you manage these relationships can shape your ability to retain clients, support their progress, and grow your coaching practice.

That doesn’t mean you need to become everyone’s best friend. What works is being intentional, listening closely, staying consistent, and adapting your approach to fit who they are and where they’re trying to go. Good coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a dynamic process that depends on how well you connect and communicate over time. Once that connection is made, everything else from goal-setting to breakthroughs gets easier.

Understanding Client Needs

Every client walks into a coaching session with something different on their mind. Some are clear about what they want, while others may not even know how to put it into words yet. One of the most important parts of your role as a life coach is learning how to meet people exactly where they are. That starts by understanding not just their goals but also the emotional layers behind those goals.

To do this well, you’ll want to shift away from assumptions and lean fully into curiosity. Try these methods to help zero in on what your clients really need:

- Use open-ended questions that invite longer answers

- Reflect back what you hear to show you’re listening

- Pay attention to tone, pauses, or shifts in mood

- Ask clients how they prefer to receive guidance or structure

- Give space for clients to think out loud and sort through their answers

Each session becomes a chance to gather insights, not just about a client’s situation but about what makes them tick. And while it can be tempting to jump into problem-solving, it’s often more helpful to slow down and spend extra time just listening at the start. That’s when important information tends to surface.

For example, a client might say they want to make a career move. But with some patient listening, you find the real issue is fear of failing in front of their kids. That insight completely changes how you support them. Understanding needs like this builds stronger relationships and makes your coaching more effective.

Building Trust and Rapport

Trust doesn’t happen all at once. It builds up gradually, session by session. One of the fastest ways to strengthen that trust is by being reliable and real with your words, energy, and intentions. Clients don’t need you to be perfect. They need to feel heard and respected.

Here are some ways to create that sense of connection:

- Be consistent with your meetings, tone, and follow-through

- Match your coaching style to your client’s pace and personality

- Maintain clear boundaries while still being warm and supportive

- Share when appropriate, especially if your own challenges can help a client feel less alone

- Acknowledge client victories, even the small ones

Communication plays a big role here. The more skilled you are at clear and thoughtful dialogue, the better you’ll handle both the positive and hard moments. It’s not just about hearing your client’s words but also understanding what’s beneath them. Mirroring, clarifying, and summarizing can all help people feel understood, without you having to guess what they need.

When someone feels like you genuinely care and you show up the same way each time, they’re more likely to go deeper in the work. Coaching becomes a place safe enough for growth, where they feel supported enough to explore what really needs to change.

Regular Check-ins and Follow-ups

Regular check-ins show your clients that you’re present and you care. Coaching doesn’t stop when the session ends. What happens in-between can matter just as much. Following up gives your clients accountability, encouragement, and a reminder that their progress is seen and valued.

Consistency builds structure into the coaching process. With steady check-ins, you can celebrate wins, revisit goals, and redirect focus when life gets messy. These follow-ups don’t have to be long or formal. What matters is that they’re timely and tailored to each client.

Here are a few easy ways to maintain meaningful contact:

- Schedule short mid-month check-ins

- Use text, email, or your preferred coaching platform for quick updates

- Send a summary note after sessions to reinforce goals and action steps

- Let clients choose how often and what kind of follow-ups they want

A message as simple as “How’s that Monday commitment going?” can offer a much-needed nudge. Small touches like that help clients stay connected to the path they’re on.

Follow-ups also give you a second chance to catch new or deeper patterns that may have gone unnoticed before. Maybe a client keeps skipping certain goals or seems hesitant to move forward. This gives you a starting point for an honest check-in about what’s happening beneath the surface. Staying engaged helps link one session to the next, making the whole experience feel less fragmented and more meaningful.

Handling Difficult Situations

Every coaching relationship has its bumps. Sometimes a client will get frustrated. Sometimes emotions run high. And sometimes, the progress slows. None of these moments means failure. How you handle them can actually deepen trust.

Start by staying grounded. Set your emotions aside so you can respond with curiosity instead of defensiveness. Ask gentle questions to learn what’s really going on. A client might be feeling stuck, misunderstood, overwhelmed, or even scared of moving forward. Your role isn’t to fix their feelings. It’s to guide an open conversation where those feelings can be explored safely.

Here are a few practical ways you can manage tense moments:

- Remain calm and allow space for the client to express themselves

- Ask respectful, open questions that invite clarity

- Let clients know you hear them by repeating key phrases they’ve shared

- Revisit the coaching agreement or boundaries if needed

- Remind yourself that discomfort can be part of a meaningful breakthrough

It also helps to remember your role. A life coach isn’t a therapist or a problem-solver. You create the space in which your clients can better see themselves and their challenges. That’s a powerful contribution, even when things don’t feel smooth.

For instance, if a long-standing client suddenly becomes distant or vague, rather than reacting, initiate a respectful check-in. Ask directly whether anything has changed. That one conversation may reveal fear, burnout, or an issue that’s been difficult for them to raise. Handling moments like this with care builds honesty and mutual respect.

Strengthening Long-term Relationships

Some coaching relationships don’t end when the scheduled sessions do. Clients may come back months later or send someone else your way because of the positive experience they had. Maintaining that long-term bond is a part of good relationship management.

Coaching someone through a goal is one thing. Being part of their continued growth story is something else entirely. That kind of connection reminds people they’re not doing this work alone. It’s easier to keep growing when you know someone believes in what you’re becoming.

Here are a few ways to maintain long-term relationships:

- Offer occasional check-ins or growth reviews throughout the year

- Reach out after major life events or milestones

- Reference memorable breakthroughs or quotes from earlier sessions

- Let your clients know you’re continuing to cheer them on

People remember how they felt when they worked with you. Even after months apart, a little recognition goes a long way. It shows that their work stayed with you. And when they’re ready for another step or another chapter, they’ll be more likely to come back to someone who truly saw them along the way.

Whether someone books five sessions or fifty, treating every interaction with care leaves a lasting impression. That care often turns into lasting trust, referrals, and real impact.

Coaching That Sticks Starts With Connection

Building and managing strong client relationships is something that never stops evolving. Each client brings new energy, new needs, and new goals. But no matter who you’re working with, the foundations remain the same: listen well, show up consistently, and stay curious.

This work isn’t only about coaching methods or session formats. It’s about connection. When you stay steady, flexible, and thoughtful with your clients, you create the kind of coaching relationship that supports real, lasting change. It’s not about doing more. It’s about being fully present in what you do.

Keep investing in your client relationships, and you’ll build a practice that grows with purpose—and helps your clients grow with it.

Looking to deepen your practice with services in life coaching? Discover how The Coaching Guild can enhance your skills and expand your potential. From personalized approaches to sustaining long-term connections, our curriculum covers it all, empowering you to become a trusted partner in your clients' journeys. Learn more about our services in life coaching and take the next step in transforming your coaching career.

A Note on Leadership, Safety, and Accountability

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:20:18 GMT

What happens when you get it wrong.

At The Coaching Guild, we talk often about creating spaces that feel safe enough for truth. Spaces where people can take risks, be seen, and bring their whole selves into the work of transformation.

That commitment is at the heart of what we do. It is what makes coaching powerful, and what makes community sacred.

And yet, even with the best intentions, we sometimes get it wrong. Recently, I did.

In a teaching moment, I used a real-world example to illustrate a concept. I thought I was being clear and helpful, but later realized that my words caused harm. My intention was clarity and support, but my impact was different.

That is the reality of leadership. At some point, each of us will make a mistake. We will misjudge a moment, speak too quickly, or overlook how something might land for another person. The real measure of integrity is not about never getting it wrong. It is about what we do when we do.

Accountability begins with acknowledgment. It means naming the harm without minimizing it. It means listening without rushing to explain or defend. It means allowing space for others to feel what they feel while we stay grounded in our commitment to repair.

In coaching spaces, we often talk about authenticity, alignment, and emotional intelligence. But accountability is where all of those values become lived experience. It is what turns theory into practice. It is what makes our integrity visible.

Safety in community is not a static promise. It is a living, breathing practice that must be tended every day. It is built, broken, and rebuilt through the ways we respond when something goes wrong. It grows through humility, reflection, and the willingness to begin again.

So we begin again. I am recommitting to gentler language, to deeper awareness, and to the kind of leadership that tells the truth even when it is uncomfortable.

This is the work of coaching at its most human. It is the practice of holding ourselves accountable, repairing what needs to be repaired, and staying open to learning in public.

That is the kind of community I want The Coaching Guild to be. One where safety and truth can coexist. One where we model not just mastery, but the courage to grow.

The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

Essential Steps to Succeed in Life Coach Training

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:49:51 GMT

Master life coach certification training with our guide. Discover the right path and boost your career to become a successful life coach.

Embarking on a journey to become a life coach is an exciting adventure full of opportunities. If you love helping people reach their potential, this path might be perfect for you. But like any important journey, it comes with challenges and decisions. One of the first steps is figuring out the best training program for you.

Picking the right life coach certification training isn't just about crossing items off a checklist. It's about finding a program that matches your passion and goals. A good training program gives you the tools you need to help others and build a successful career. It’s where you start learning to become more than just another coach. Instead, you learn to make a real difference in people's lives.

As you think about joining the coaching world, remember this: you’re not alone. Many people are on this journey, filled with dreams and big plans. With the right mindset and preparation, you can build a career that not only earns well but also brings great satisfaction. Let's explore how to set the right steps in life coach certification training so you can achieve all your coaching dreams.

Choosing the Right Life Coach Certification Training

Picking the right life coach certification training is like choosing the perfect pair of shoes. It has to fit you just right! There are many programs out there, but not all of them will match your goals or learning style. Here’s how you can find the best fit:

1. Research Program Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials. See what past students say about the program.

2. Accreditation Matters: Look for programs that are accredited by recognized coaching organizations. This ensures the quality of education you’ll receive.

3. Course Content: Does the program cover what you want to learn? Check the curriculum to make sure it covers all aspects of life coaching that interest you.

4. Hands-On Experience: A good life coaching program includes practical sessions where you can practice your new skills.

5. Support and Community: Look for programs that offer ongoing support and a strong community of fellow coaches.

Take your time to compare these options and decide which program aligns best with your aspirations in life coaching.

Building a Strong Foundation

Once you’re enrolled, it’s time to build a strong foundation in life coaching. The basics are more important than you might think. They give you the skills to help clients and keep growing in your career.

Start by understanding the essential skills every good life coach needs:

- Listening Skills: The ability to listen is crucial. It lets clients feel heard and understood, which builds trust.

- Empathy: Put yourself in your clients’ shoes. Understanding their feelings and perspectives leads to stronger guidance.

- Questioning Techniques: Learn how to ask powerful questions that help clients reflect and gain insights. This is key for encouraging growth.

- Goal-Setting Skills: Help clients set clear, reachable goals. Knowing how to do this well ensures clients see progress and stay motivated.

- Ethical Practices: Understanding and following ethical guidelines in coaching is a must. This ensures professionalism and integrity in your practice.

By focusing on these core areas, you'll create a solid base for becoming a successful life coach. With the right training and foundation, you'll be well-prepared to guide your clients toward positive change.

Developing Effective Coaching Techniques

Gaining skills in effective coaching techniques is an exciting part of your life coach journey. These techniques are the special tools that help you assist your clients in meaningful ways. Here’s a closer look at what you need to focus on:

- Active Listening: This means giving your full attention. Listen to words, feelings, and the subtle things people say between the lines. It helps you understand where they are coming from.

- Feedback Skills: Learn how to give helpful, constructive feedback. Help clients see their progress and the areas they can improve, all while encouraging them.

- Motivational Techniques: Discover what drives your clients and use that to help them stay motivated. Everyone needs a little push sometimes.

- Solution-Focused Approach: Encourage clients to find solutions by looking forward, not dwelling on past problems. This keeps the momentum going.

- Flexibility: Be ready to adjust your techniques to fit different clients. Everyone has a unique story and way of responding.

These techniques build trust and collaboration with clients, which is key to any successful coaching relationship. A life coach who knows how to apply these methods can make a big difference.

Preparing for a Successful Coaching Career

As you near the end of your training, it’s time to think about how you can turn your skills into a thriving career. Being a life coach isn’t just about helping others; it’s also about creating your own path.

Start with these steps to lay the groundwork for success:

- Networking: Connect with other coaches, attend workshops, and join coaching groups. Meeting others in the field can open up new opportunities.

- Building an Online Presence: Start with a simple website or blog sharing your thoughts and ideas. Use social media to reach a broader audience and build your brand.

- Defining Your Niche: Find what makes you unique as a coach. Whether you specialize in career coaching, wellness, or personal development, focusing on a niche can attract the right clients.

- Setting Professional Goals: Create small, realistic goals to track your progress. This keeps you motivated and focused as you grow your career.

- Continual Learning: The coaching world is always changing. Keep up by attending additional courses, reading new books, and learning from others.

Creating a career takes time and effort, but with the right preparation, you can make it rewarding and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Getting through life coach certification training is a meaningful achievement. It’s about more than just completing a course; it’s about starting a journey that can change lives. By choosing the best training, building essential skills, mastering effective coaching techniques, and preparing for your career, you’re setting yourself up for success.

Now before you take the leap, remember that you're building more than just a career. You're nurturing a passion for helping others reach their full potential. As someone who believes in growth and transformation, you're in a unique position to inspire change and offer support.

Ready to start this rewarding journey? Join The Coaching Guild and become part of a community that values your growth as a successful life coach. Let’s make those coaching dreams come true together!

Does The Coaching Guild Make Too Big a Deal About Diversity?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 18:47:08 GMT

Coaching doesn't happen in a vacuum and not everyone is just like you.

Q&A: Why Diversity and Equity Matter in Coach Training

Q0: Question that landed in my Messenger Inbox from a Coach whose work I've followed for years.

Do you really have to make such a big deal about diversity and equity when you're marketing The Coaching Guild? It feels to me like you've lost the plot. Should you be training your students to help people rather than teaching a course on politics and social etiquette?

So, to be clear, if by "helping people" you mean pretending the world is flat and everyone has the same starting line, then sure. If you actually want to be an effective coach, you'd better be able to see the differences that shape people's lives—race, culture, gender, sexuality, class, ability, identity. Ignoring those realities isn't neutral. It's lazy. And it causes harm.

Q1: Why do you make such a big deal about diversity and equity in a coach training program?

Because coaching doesn't happen in a vacuum. Coaches work with humans from every background, identity, and lived experience. If your training doesn't reflect that reality, you're not being prepared for the work; you're being prepared to recycle privilege.

Q2: How does understanding difference make someone a better coach?

When you learn to see and honor difference, you stop projecting your own experience onto your clients. You become a coach who listens deeper, sees the whole person, and holds space that is safer and more effective for transformation.

Q3: What does diversity have to do with harm reduction in coaching?

Coaching without equity awareness can unintentionally cause harm. Microaggressions, bias, and cultural blindness can wound clients. Training in a diverse, equity-centered environment reduces that risk and creates coaches who do less harm and more good.

Q4: Why do diverse student groups make better learning environments?

Because every voice adds depth. A classroom where students bring different identities, cultures, and perspectives becomes a laboratory for real-world coaching. You don't just learn from instructors—you learn from each other.

Q5: How do diverse instructors expand the learning beyond basic coaching mechanics?

A single instructor can only teach from their own lens. At The Coaching Guild, our multi-voiced faculty brings nuance and layers that one person simply can't. You get coaching mechanics, yes—but also psychology, history, culture, and lived wisdom that deepen every lesson.

Q6: Isn't coaching just about asking good questions? Why complicate it with equity?

Because "just asking questions" without context can be shallow—or even harmful. Equity and diversity training give you the awareness to ask better questions, at the right depth, in ways that don't erase or diminish someone's reality or assume you already understand something you actually cannot.

Q7: Why center LGBTQIA+ inclusion in a coach training program?

Because your clients will include LGBTQIA+ people or people with loved ones who are LGBTQIA+. Pretending otherwise is erasure. Training in an environment where LGBTQIA+ voices are centered prepares you to coach in ways that affirm, respect, and empower every identity.

Q8: Isn't all this just political correctness?

No. It's professional correctness. A coach who can only work comfortably with people like themselves is under-trained. Equity and diversity aren't politics—they're the foundation of ethical, effective practice.

Q9: Won't focusing so much on equity take away from learning the core skills of coaching?

Not at all. It makes those skills stronger. Equity doesn't replace core coaching competencies—it sharpens them. You learn to listen more fully, question more skillfully, and lead more powerfully when you can see the whole human in front of you. When we quit unintentionally homogenizing every client to a standard of sameness/whiteness, we can be present for what's really right in front of us rather than generalizing in a way that shuts individuality down.

Q10: What's the real benefit of training in a program that puts diversity and equity at the center?

You graduate not just as a coach with technical skills, but as a coach prepared to change lives in a real, inclusive way. You can walk into any room—corporate, grassroots, LGBTQIA+ circle, multicultural community—and coach with depth, respect, and confidence OR you can know when it's time to pass on a client that might be better served by a coach that shares more of their cultural experience. That's the difference between being a coach and being a transformational coach.

When Diversity Is Just a Buzzword, It’s Bigotry in Disguise.

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:29:03 GMT

"Anti-racism" is still a hip marketing strategy

There’s a kind of coach—and frankly, entire training programs—who treat equity like an accessory. A necklace they put on for their website photos, but never wear in real life.

They’ll put the words on their sales page. They’ll drop them into a podcast interview. But when you look at who they platform, who they hire, who they center, it’s business as usual. White-led. White-normed. White-comfortable.

That’s not liberation. That’s branding. That’s what happens when anti-racism, diversity, or inclusion becomes a marketing tool for businesses still built on the scaffolding of white supremacy.

At The Coaching Guild , we don’t accessorize equity. We organize around it. And when we say diversity, we mean all of it: race, culture, gender, sexuality, class, ability, and identity. We stand with and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. We center multiple voices, multiple lenses, multiple lived experiences. Because transformation that doesn’t include every kind of human isn’t transformation—it’s privilege, dressed up.

Our instructors

Our students

Our conversations

Our curriculum -

Multi-disciplinary

Multi-voiced

Multi-cultural

Multi-identity

This is what it looks like when diversity isn’t decoration—it’s design.

The Coaching Guild is a coach training program built for dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. We use a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach that prioritizes both innovative, foundational coaching skills and the marketing training you’ll actually need to thrive.

If you’re ready for coach training done differently, hit me up. No pressure. No BS. No tripwires into a sales funnel. Just a real conversation about what’s possible for you as a coach.

Time Management Tips for Life Coaches

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 19:28:35 GMT

Discover practical strategies to elevate productivity for professional life coaches. Learn to prioritize, delegate, and maintain work-life balance effectively.

Professional life coaches often wear many hats. Beyond client sessions, they're building relationships, managing scheduling, creating systems, and finding time for their own learning and development. When your calendar fills up fast, you may find yourself skipping lunch or working after hours trying to catch up. It doesn’t take long before the day runs you instead of the other way around.

Getting a system that helps you stay focused and organized isn’t just about saving time. It’s about using your hours in a way that supports the reason you started coaching in the first place. Whether you’re juggling five clients or 25, time management brings you back in control so you’re not rushing between tasks, missing personal moments, or burning out before the week is over.

Prioritize Your Daily Activities

When your task list includes multiple clients, marketing work, invoices, and content planning, it can be tricky to know where to start. What actually matters most today? That’s where setting clear priorities comes in.

Start your day by picking out your top three goals. Think of these as tasks that, when completed, will move your coaching practice forward. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to squeeze 20 items into a single day. Once you've picked your main focus points, everything else becomes optional if time runs short.

Here’s a simple way to separate what’s truly important from what’s just noise:

- Urgent and Important: These are must-do-today items, like being on time for your coaching session or responding to a client emergency

- Important but Not Urgent: Planning out your next workshop or creating social media content for the week ahead falls here

- Urgent but Not Important: Things that feel pressing, like a last-minute meeting invite, but could really wait or be handed off

- Not Urgent and Not Important: Low-priority tasks that don’t actually need to eat up your energy

To stay organized, try using planning tools in a way that works for how your brain operates. Some coaches enjoy digital visuals like Trello or ClickUp. Others prefer a basic planner and colored pens. Test a few methods until something clicks. The goal is a method that helps you stay consistent and supports daily progress.

Time Blocking Techniques That Work

Time blocking is one of those simple strategies that can completely shift how your week feels. Instead of switching between tasks all day long, you assign each type of work its own block of time. That way, you can focus on one thing at a time without distractions.

Say your brain is sharpest in the morning. Block off 9 to 11 a.m. for deep focus work like preparing coaching materials. Use afternoons for admin or responding to emails when your energy dips. If client calls drain you, try grouping them into one window rather than spreading them out.

Here’s how to set up an effective weekly time block:

1. List your weekly recurring tasks, like coaching sessions, admin work, or marketing

2. Estimate how much time each type of work takes

3. Open your calendar and block time for deep work, shallow work, client sessions, and rest

4. Leave gaps for breaks, movement, or unexpected needs

5. Revisit the schedule each week and tweak what feels off

For example, maybe you set Mondays for prepping content and admin tasks, Tuesdays and Thursdays for coaching sessions, Wednesdays for training or strategy, and Fridays for wrap-up or lighter planning. Adding light structure keeps your days flowing better without feeling rigid.

Delegate and Outsource Smartly

Trying to handle everything yourself may feel efficient at first, but it can create more stress and slow long-term growth. Delegating and outsourcing frees you up to focus on the work you enjoy and excel at—coaching.

Start by writing down everything you do in a typical week. Track time spent replying to emails, scheduling, sorting files, or posting online content. Many of these recurring tasks can be handed off.

Some examples include:

- Inbox and calendar management

- Scheduling client sessions

- Formatting blog content

- Designing decks or workbooks

- Posting to X or other social platforms

- Organizing digital files or data

When you’re ready, start small. Hire a virtual assistant to take on just five to ten hours a week. Look for someone familiar with coaching or service-based businesses. Clearly explain expectations, set shared goals, and check in regularly.

By letting go of repetitive admin work, you create space to be fully present for clients, plan ahead, or build out your next offer—all without feeling stretched thin.

Make Room for Regular Self-Care

Your energy affects everything. If you’re always on the go and never pausing, it will eventually show in your work. That’s why building in self-care matters just as much as setting appointments.

Self-care doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. What it needs to be is non-negotiable. Here are a few ways to fit it into your schedule without it feeling like another task:

- Take short walks between sessions

- Block out 30-minute screen-free windows during the day

- Hold one evening each week where no coaching work is allowed

- Use lunch breaks for light stretching or breathing exercises

- Reserve one time block weekly for something just for you

When your body and mind feel better, you show up clearer and calmer. And your sessions reflect that. You can’t give your best if your tank is always running on empty.

Clean Up Your Work Environment

Work happens more easily in a space that brings focus, not friction. A noisy background, messy desk, or cluttered desktop can sap your energy before you even get started.

Start by choosing a physical setup you use most often. Keep it clean, comfortable, and consistent. You don’t need anything fancy—good lighting, a functional desk, and a chair that supports you go a long way.

Your digital space matters just as much. Try these steps to keep it clean:

- Organize files into folders by topic or client

- Clear your digital desktop every Friday

- Disable unneeded app notifications

- Use fewer browser tabs during deep work

A tidy environment removes small distractions so your mental energy can go where it’s needed—your clients and your creative thinking.

Balance Flexibility With Structure

Being flexible helps you adapt to client needs. But without boundaries, every day starts to feel open-ended and unpredictable. That kind of chaos can drain your energy fast.

Structure doesn’t mean being rigid. It means giving your week some backbone so you can be more intentional. A few achievable ways to set some guardrails include:

- Define typical session hours, like Monday through Thursday for client work

- Give yourself a consistent start and end time to each workday

- Turn off email and notifications outside your work hours

- Communicate clearly with clients about when you’re available

This bit of routine helps you protect your time without being unavailable. You’re still responsive, just not reactive to everything the moment it pops up.

Get More From Every Client Session

Client work is the heart of your coaching, but without a routine, it can take more time than necessary. A few tweaks can help each session be smoother and more impactful.

Before each call, take five minutes to glance at your notes and outline a simple goal. What outcome or step would make this session a win? Bringing that focus into the call helps keep things on course.

After the session, spend another five minutes noting highlights and possible next steps. That way, your follow-up work is quicker. To save even more time, batch your emails or summaries when your session block is over rather than stopping between sessions.

These small additions give your coaching a rhythm, helping you reduce after-hours catch-up and improve results for your clients.

Sharpening How You Work, One Week at a Time

Time management isn’t something you figure out once. It’s an ongoing practice that needs re-tuning from time to time. As your coaching practice grows, your routines may need to stretch and shift, too.

Over time, these regular check-ins help you spot patterns sooner and course-correct before things snowball. You might even consider connecting with another coach who can offer feedback or share wins and insights.

A strong coaching practice doesn’t come from cramming every moment. It comes from adjusting, improving, and creating an approach that supports both your business and your life. Time is one of your biggest assets—treat it like it matters.

Enhance your skills and become one of the standout coaches in your field by exploring the diverse specialties available through The Coaching Guild. Embrace the opportunity to refine your methods, streamline your workflow, and ensure your coaching journey is focused and rewarding. Learn how our professional life coaches can support your goals and help you grow with intention. Professional life coaches often wear many hats. Beyond client sessions, they're building relationships, managing scheduling, creating systems, and finding time for their own learning and development. When your calendar fills up fast, you may find yourself skipping lunch or working after hours trying to catch up. It doesn’t take long before the day runs you instead of the other way around.

Prioritize Your Daily Activities

Here’s a simple way to separate what’s truly important from what’s just noise:

- Urgent and Important: These are must-do-today items, like being on time for your coaching session or responding to a client emergency

- Important but Not Urgent: Planning out your next workshop or creating social media content for the week ahead falls here

- Urgent but Not Important: Things that feel pressing, like a last-minute meeting invite, but could really wait or be handed off

- Not Urgent and Not Important: Low-priority tasks that don’t actually need to eat up your energy

Time Blocking Techniques That Work

Here’s how to set up an effective weekly time block:

1. List your weekly recurring tasks, like coaching sessions, admin work, or marketing

2. Estimate how much time each type of work takes

3. Open your calendar and block time for deep work, shallow work, client sessions, and rest

4. Leave gaps for breaks, movement, or unexpected needs

5. Revisit the schedule each week and tweak what feels off

Delegate and Outsource Smartly

Start by writing down everything you do in a typical week. Track time spent replying to emails, scheduling, sorting files, or posting online content. Many of these recurring tasks can be handed off.

Some examples include:

- Inbox and calendar management

- Scheduling client sessions

- Formatting blog content

- Designing decks or workbooks

- Posting to X or other social platforms

- Organizing digital files or data

By letting go of repetitive admin work, you create space to be fully present for clients, plan ahead, or build out your next offer—all without feeling stretched thin.

Make Room for Regular Self-Care

Your energy affects everything. If you’re always on the go and never pausing, it will eventually show in your work. That’s why building in self-care matters just as much as setting appointments.

Self-care doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. What it needs to be is non-negotiable. Here are a few ways to fit it into your schedule without it feeling like another task:

- Take short walks between sessions

- Block out 30-minute screen-free windows during the day

- Hold one evening each week where no coaching work is allowed

- Use lunch breaks for light stretching or breathing exercises

- Reserve one time block weekly for something just for you

When your body and mind feel better, you show up clearer and calmer. And your sessions reflect that. You can’t give your best if your tank is always running on empty.

Clean Up Your Work Environment

Work happens more easily in a space that brings focus, not friction. A noisy background, messy desk, or cluttered desktop can sap your energy before you even get started.

Your digital space matters just as much. Try these steps to keep it clean:

- Organize files into folders by topic or client

- Clear your digital desktop every Friday

- Disable unneeded app notifications

- Use fewer browser tabs during deep work

A tidy environment removes small distractions so your mental energy can go where it’s needed—your clients and your creative thinking.

Balance Flexibility With Structure

Being flexible helps you adapt to client needs. But without boundaries, every day starts to feel open-ended and unpredictable. That kind of chaos can drain your energy fast.

Structure doesn’t mean being rigid. It means giving your week some backbone so you can be more intentional. A few achievable ways to set some guardrails include:

- Define typical session hours, like Monday through Thursday for client work

- Give yourself a consistent start and end time to each workday

- Turn off email and notifications outside your work hours

- Communicate clearly with clients about when you’re available

This bit of routine helps you protect your time without being unavailable. You’re still responsive, just not reactive to everything the moment it pops up.

Get More From Every Client Session

Client work is the heart of your coaching, but without a routine, it can take more time than necessary. A few tweaks can help each session be smoother and more impactful.

These small additions give your coaching a rhythm, helping you reduce after-hours catch-up and improve results for your clients.

Sharpening How You Work, One Week at a Time

A Coach Training Program Built on Neuroscience, Soul, and the Radical Belief that Marketing Hype is Bullshit.

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:10:58 GMT

If you have unsubscribed from all the sales funnels you tripped and fell in to, you will be very at home here.

Most coaching programs promise easy formulas and flashy marketing tactics that look appealing but ultimately fail to deliver real transformation. At The Coaching Guild, we see right through the smoke and mirrors. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide genuine, life-changing coach training built on neuroscience, authenticity, and deep human connection.

The Coaching Guild was intentionally created for dreamers, artists, creatives, rebels, troublemakers, and people who do not fit neatly into conventional social-club training environments—and who do not want to fit in. If you have always felt slightly out of step with traditional approaches, welcome home. This is your place to thrive, exactly as you are.

Our instructors are experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge grounded in neuroscience, psychology, and real-world practice. We reject guru culture in favor of a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach designed to awaken your unique strengths and ignite your true potential. This is more than certification. It is a deeply transformative experience meant to reshape your entire approach to coaching—and life.

In our carefully designed program, you will explore cutting-edge scientific research and practical tools that you can immediately apply with your clients. We cover advanced coaching techniques, proven behavioral science methods, and innovative practices that prioritize authenticity over superficial strategies. Every aspect of our training encourages self-exploration, critical thinking, and genuine personal growth. The Coaching Guild equips you not only with the skills to be an outstanding coach but also with the insights and self-awareness to lead an extraordinary life.

One of our core missions at The Coaching Guild is to stand apart from and challenge the stereotype that coaching resembles an MLM or scam. We know coaching is a legitimate, powerful, and meaningful profession, even though certain corners of the industry might give a different impression. We are committed to demonstrating the profound value and integrity of coaching through our rigorous, transparent, and ethical approach.

We believe small group learning environments are the most powerful way to learn. Our intimate cohorts foster deep connections, personalized feedback, and robust support from instructors and peers alike. You will not get lost in a crowd here. Instead, you will be seen, heard, and valued for exactly who you are and what you bring to the table.

Flexible, individually designed payment plans are available. If money has been your excuse not to pursue your dreams, that excuse is dead.

There are a couple of spots available for our next cohort. Reach out now for a no-pressure, personalized conversation about how The Coaching Guild can help you become the exceptional, transformative coach you are meant to be.Most coaching programs promise easy formulas and flashy marketing tactics that look appealing but ultimately fail to deliver real transformation. At The Coaching Guild, we see right through the smoke and mirrors. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide genuine, life-changing coach training built on neuroscience, authenticity, and deep human connection.

Flexible, individually designed payment plans are available. If money has been your excuse not to pursue your dreams, that excuse is dead.

If You Want to Be an “It Girl” in a Sea of “It Girls”—This Isn’t for You

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 18:44:18 GMT

Celebrity Coach Culture is Toxic

Let’s not lie to each other.

We both know what’s trending-

-Soft-glow filters,

-Clean brand boards,

-Neutral palettes and gentle affirmations,

-Voice like honey. Branding like balm.

A perfect blend of relatable and aspirational, trauma-informed and Instagram-optimized.

The It Girl Coach™.

She’s a vibe.

She’s a business.

She’s a package-

And she’s everywhere.

But let me be clear:

If that’s what you want,

If you want to be one more It Girl in a sea of perfect feeds and curated depth—

The Coaching Guild isn’t for you.

We are not the apex of the It Girl Coaching pipeline.

We are not training you to smile through complexity

or write copy that cries just enough to convert.

We are not teaching you how to be palatable, popular, or peak performance.

We are training you to coach.

To hold grief like a ritual.

To hear the truth underneath the script.

To sit with someone when the mask slips and not rush to fix it.

We’re training you to disrupt—not just inspire.

To hold contradictions without simplifying them for the algorithm.

To stop turning yourself into a brand

and start becoming a force.

Real coaching?

It doesn’t look good in a 15-second clip.

It’s awkward. Raw. Sacred.

It’s not about being chosen.

It’s about being ready.

You won’t walk out of The Coaching Guild with a perfect pitch and a photo-ready persona.

You’ll walk out with presence.

With the capacity to coach actual humans—

not avatars.

This isn’t for influencers who want to coach.

This is for the people who want to do the work.

�� Multi-instructor. Multi-disciplinary.

�� No filters. No fluff. No funnel cults.

�� Deep, relational, emotionally intelligent coaching training

for people who refuse to trade their magic for marketability.

If you want to be seen, followed, adored, there are plenty of programs for that.

If you want to be real, trusted, unshakable,

The Coaching Guild is waiting.

�� www.thecoachingguild.com

Becoming a Coach is a Trap for People Pleasers

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:46:18 GMT

Until You Decide It Isn't

You got into this work because you care.

Because you hold deep.

Because you see into the ache, the story, and the silence between someone’s words.

You became a coach because helping people feel seen is holy.

But somewhere along the way, something shifted.

You stopped trusting your instinct to challenge.

You held back the truth that felt too sharp.

You swallowed the question that might shake something loose.

You did it because you didn’t want to be too much.

Too direct. Too intense.

You didn’t want to risk the discomfort, the rupture, or the confrontation.

You didn’t want them to think you weren’t kind.

Maybe you were afraid that being real would offend someone.

Maybe you feared losing a client.

Maybe the cost felt too high, so you coached to be liked.

You coached to be soft.

You coached to stay in their good graces, instead of coaching them into their breakthrough.

And just like that, coaching—the thing that was supposed to set everyone free—

became another place to disappear.

Another polished container for people-pleasing.

Whether we like to admit it or not, the coaching industry loves people pleasers.

It tells you to hold space, but it never teaches you how to hold tension.

It sells “safe containers” like sacred balm, but never shows you how to stay when things get messy.

It trains you to smile, to nod, and to listen beautifully.

But then it asks you to tuck the real truth behind layers of spiritual language—

just to make sure no one feels offended.

Here’s the truth.

If you coach like it’s a popularity contest,

if you believe the most liked coach wins,

you will break your practice.

You will betray your clients.

You will lose yourself in the process.

Because transformation is not always comfortable.

It does not always feel safe.

And it is never, ever about being liked.

Sometimes the session ends in silence.

Sometimes it ends in rupture.

Sometimes the mirror you hold up is the first one your client has ever seen—

and it will cost you the performance of being agreeable.

But it will give them something real.

And that is the point.

The best coaches are not the ones who keep their clients happy.

They are the ones who hold the line when the client wants to run.

They are the ones who ask the question that shakes something awake.

They do not coach for harmony.

They coach for truth.

They coach for the moment the mask falls off,

and the client sees themselves clearly—even when it hurts.

That is what we teach at The Coaching Guild.

We do not teach you how to keep things soft.

We do not teach you how to perform your presence.

We teach you how to stay in the room when the story gets loud.

We teach you how to hold the moment without flinching.

We teach you how to be the kind of coach whose strength is quiet, but unshakable.

Multi-instructor. Multi-disciplinary.

Rooted in nuance, liberation, and radical truth.

Designed for coaches who are done being polite at the cost of power.

This is not about holding hands.

This is about holding truth.

This is where you stop managing the emotions in the room.

This is where you start honoring the emergence.

The Coaching Guild is open now.

Applications are reviewed personally.

There is room for your depth here.

There is room for your unfiltered wisdom.

There is no room for pretending.

From Zero to Thriving: Building Your Life Coaching Business

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:04:48 GMT

Starting a life coaching business might feel like a big step, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Picture the opportunity to help people achieve their goals and witness their growth while building a thriving career for yourself. Whether you're just getting into the field or looking to expand your influence, the journey from zero to thriving isn't just possible—it's achievable. Entering the life coaching industry means embarking on a path where genuine passion and professional growth blend seamlessly.

Whether you're making a fresh start career-wise or extending your current expertise, it's crucial to understand the key elements that contribute to a successful life coaching business. By focusing on the right areas, you can create a flourishing practice that truly impacts others. So, what does it take to make this happen? Understanding how to carve out your unique space in this field, establishing a strong foundation, and learning effective strategies are just a few steps involved in this journey.

Understanding Your Niche

Finding your path in life coaching starts with choosing the right niche. With various areas to focus on—like career, relationship, fitness, or mental well-being—it's essential to pinpoint what truly resonates with you. This allows you to connect with your audience more effectively and stand out in the market. But how do you decide on your niche?

Start by considering your own strengths and interests. Reflect on the skills and experiences you've gathered over the years. What areas do you naturally gravitate towards? Maybe you've always been a great listener or you're passionate about helping people reach their career goals. Recognize these core skills because they can guide you in selecting a niche that aligns with who you are and what you offer.

Here are some tips to identify your niche and audience:

- Write down any skills or expertise that you possess.

- Think about the problems you are passionate about solving.

- Ask yourself who would benefit the most from your skills.

- Consider the type of clients you enjoy working with.

- Do some research to understand where there is demand in the life coaching market.

Once you piece together these components, a clearer picture emerges. You can define your niche and tailor your services to meet your audience's needs. This not only helps your business grow but also ensures that you're making a genuine impact on those you serve.

Building a Solid Foundation

Creating a solid foundation is an important step in ensuring the success of your life coaching business. This foundation begins with a well-crafted business plan that is tailored to your vision and goals. Such a plan outlines how you intend to operate and grow your practice. Essentially, it serves as your roadmap, guiding you through the steps needed to achieve success.

When developing your business plan, consider these key components:

- Mission Statement: Define what your life coaching business stands for and the impact you want to have.

- Goals: Set clear, achievable goals for the short and long term.

- Financial Planning: Outline your budget, pricing strategies, and financial projections to ensure sustainability.

A comprehensive business plan not only clarifies your direction but also helps manage resources and anticipate challenges. It provides a structured framework for measuring your growth and adapting strategies as needed, all crucial for long-term success in life coaching.

Developing Effective Marketing Strategies

Once you've established a solid foundation, the next step is to develop marketing strategies that effectively reach and attract potential clients. Effective marketing helps build awareness and communicate your unique value. Consider leveraging digital platforms where many potential clients spend time. Social media, for instance, can be a powerful tool to showcase your expertise and connect with your audience.

To market your life coaching services, consider:

- Creating an engaging website that outlines your services and shares client testimonials.

- Using social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to share successful client stories and insights.

- Engaging in networking events to establish connections with other professionals and potential clients.

- Exploring content marketing by writing informative blog posts or offering free online workshops.

These strategies assist in building your brand and establishing trust, making you more visible to potential clients looking for your expertise.

Investing in Continued Education and Certification

In a field as dynamic as life coaching, continuous learning is key. Pursuing further education and certifications not only deepens your knowledge but also enhances your credibility. Providing up-to-date, relevant advice is paramount to maintaining your clients' trust. Constantly improving ensures that your coaching techniques remain effective and can adapt to evolving client needs.

Consider enrolling in advanced courses or obtaining certification from reputable programs that align with your niche. This investment demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and professional excellence. It also positions you as a knowledgeable authority in life coaching, which can be appealing to those seeking guidance.

Your Path to Success

Bringing it all together, building a thriving life coaching business involves aligning your passion, skills, and strategies to create meaningful client experiences. By taking the time to find your niche and establish strong foundations, you're setting yourself up for success. Implementing targeted marketing strategies expands your reach and creates opportunities for growth.

Continuous education not only refines your skills but also keeps you at the forefront of your field. As you move forward, remember that each step you take brings you closer to achieving your vision of a successful life coaching business.

To truly excel in your coaching journey, it's helpful to explore different life coaching services that align with your goals. By deepening your knowledge and honing your skills, you'll be better equipped to offer value to your clients. Visit The Coaching Guild for more insights and discover how you can continue refining your expertise.

High-Ticket Coaching Doesn't Make You a Leader—It Makes You a Marketer

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:35:38 GMT

(And If That Stings, It's Probably True)

You've been told if you just raise your prices, automate your funnel, and niche down hard enough,

you'll finally be seen as a leader.

You've been told that clients will respect you more,

that you'll finally attract the "right kind of people."

that your coaching will become effortless, scalable, premium.

I know it doesn't feel good to hear this, especially when you paid a lot of money to learn the party line, but none of that stuff you learned about high-ticket pricing is about coaching. It's about marketing.

When you are raising the prices for status vs. substance, high-ticket coaching doesn't make you a leader.

It makes you a marketer.

It turns your work into a performance

and your clients into prey.

When the model is built on maximizing profit over depth,

you stop asking:

What does this person need?

And start asking:

How can I convert them faster?

That's not coaching.

That's salesmanship in spiritual drag.

You feel it, don't you, the dissonance and exhaustion?

The ache that comes from knowing your work is meant to go deeper,

but you've been taught to keep it surface-level and large audience palatable, so it sells.

The high-ticket coaching industry rewards polish over presence,

formulas over flexibility,

volume over nuance.

You didn't get into this to become a content machine.

You came here because something in you said:

There's more -

More truth, more impact, and more soul.

You don't want to just coach.

You want to liberate.

That requires something high-ticket can't give you:

Range. Resonance. Realness.

You can still make money.

You can still be paid beautifully for your work.

But you don't have to trade your soul to do it.

Leadership isn't about how expensive your offer is.

It's about how honest your work is.

The best coaches aren't the best closers.

They're the ones who can sit in the fire with a client and not flinch.

They're the ones who know how to hold depth, pattern, contradiction, and grief.

They're the ones who don't need a script or a specific set of pre-cut tools— because they've done the inner work to show up unarmored and true.

That's what we teach at The Coaching Guild.

Multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary coaching education.

Rooted in liberation, emotional intelligence, and nuance.

No hype. No bait-and-switch. No funnel cult vibes.

You'll walk away with the skills to coach real humans—messy, magnificent ones.

This isn't just a certification. It's a complete untraining of everything the industry taught you to do to be "successful."

If you're tired of coaching that prioritizes optics over impact—

and you're ready to lead from depth, not just from price point—

you belong here.

The Coaching Guild is now enrolling.

Spaces are limited. Applications are reviewed personally.

Don't miss the next generation of coaching.

Build it.

www.thecoachingguild.com

#coaching #lifecoaching #coachtraining #lifecoachtraining #coachingandethics #thecoachingguild

Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering Essential Life Coaching Techniques

Chabdulrehman4u@gmail.com (Abdul Rahman) — Fri, 16 May 2025 17:56:36 GMT

Life coaching isn't just about giving advice; it's about guiding people to reach their potential. Think of life coaching like gardening. Just as a gardener nurtures plants to help them grow, a life coach helps individuals blossom by unlocking their inner strengths. But mastering life coaching techniques isn't just helpful, it makes the difference between a good coach and a great one.

Understanding what makes a life coach effective can change everything for both the coach and those they help. Strong techniques provide the foundation needed to inspire meaningful change. Whether it's learning how to listen well or asking the right questions, these tools can help coaches make a deeper impact in the lives of others.

Understanding Different Types of Questions

Questions are the heart of life coaching. They open doors to new ways of thinking and help clients reflect on their path. Two main types of questions play a role: open-ended and closed-ended. Each has its place, but knowing when and how to use them can elevate a coaching session.

Open-ended questions invite expansive thinking. They often start with words like "how" or "why" and encourage clients to express their thoughts openly. For example, asking "How do you feel about your current job?" invites depth and reflection. Such questions encourage clients to explore their feelings and thoughts, giving them the space to articulate what might be holding them back.

Closed-ended questions, on the other hand, are more direct and usually answered with a simple "yes" or "no." They are useful for narrowing down specifics or when clarity is needed. For example, "Do you enjoy your current job?" helps pinpoint precise issues quickly.

By balancing these types of questions, coaches can steer conversations in a productive direction without overwhelming clients. Here are some ways to use questions effectively:

- Start sessions with open-ended questions to explore broader topics.

- Use closed-ended questions to confirm specific points or decisions.

- Adapt your questions based on the client's responses to foster meaningful dialogue.

When handled with care, questions become powerful tools in guiding clients along their journey of self-discovery. They transform ordinary conversations into insightful exchanges that promote growth and insight.

Active Listening Strategies

Active listening is the backbone of any strong coaching relationship. It goes beyond just hearing words; it's about understanding the message and emotions behind them. When coaches truly listen, clients feel valued and understood, which fosters trust and opens up pathways for deeper conversations.

To improve active listening skills, coaches can use several techniques. First, maintain eye contact and nod occasionally to show attention. This simple gesture reassures clients that they're being heard. Another method is paraphrasing. By repeating back what a client has said in your own words, you confirm that their message is accurately understood. For example, if a client expresses doubt about their career path, responding with, "So, you're feeling uncertain about your job prospects?" can validate their feelings and invite further discussion.

Reflection is also a key part of active listening. Take a moment to reflect on what has been said before responding. This helps avoid premature judgments and encourages a thoughtful reply. By focusing entirely on the speaker's words and body language, and minimizing your internal dialogue, you maintain full engagement in the conversation.

Finally, ask clarifying questions if something isn't clear. This shows clients that their coach is genuinely interested in understanding them fully and is committed to their success.

Developing Empathy

Empathy is crucial in life coaching. It's what allows coaches to connect on a personal level and truly understand their clients' perspectives. When empathy is present, clients feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings, knowing they’re in a supportive environment.

To practice empathy effectively, coaches can start by putting themselves in their clients’ shoes. Imagine the situations clients are facing from their point of view. This aids in comprehending the emotions and challenges they might be experiencing. Another way to show empathy is by acknowledging and validating these emotions. Simple statements like, "I can see how that would be frustrating," can make clients feel understood and appreciated.

Listening without judgment is an essential part of empathy. This creates a safe space for clients to express themselves honestly without fear of criticism. Demonstrating patience and giving clients the time they need to articulate their feelings shows that you value their input.

Additionally, adopting an open-minded approach encourages deeper engagement with clients. Being open to various opinions and experiences helps build a stronger, more empathetic relationship. These connections create trust, enabling more effective guidance and support for the client’s journey.

The Art of Giving Feedback

Providing feedback is a vital skill in guiding clients toward progress. Constructive feedback helps clients recognize their strengths while identifying areas for improvement. The goal is to deliver this feedback in a way that's supportive and encouraging, rather than critical.

To ensure feedback is constructive, start by highlighting positive aspects of a client's actions or progress. This can set a positive tone and reinforce their good efforts. For instance, saying, "You've made noticeable progress in your communication skills," acknowledges their achievements before addressing areas that need attention.

When giving constructive criticism, be specific about what needs improvement and why. Use examples to illustrate your points so clients can clearly understand the feedback. Offering suggestions or strategies for development can encourage clients to take actionable steps toward improvement.

Timing is another key factor in effective feedback. Choose appropriate moments when clients are more likely to be receptive. Offering feedback immediately after a relevant event or discussion can enhance its impact and relevance.

Follow-up is equally important. Check in with clients to discuss their feelings about the feedback and any changes they've made. This shows continued support and helps maintain a positive coaching relationship.

Summarize and Inspire

Mastering life coaching techniques involves a delicate balance of questioning, listening, empathy, and feedback. Together, these skills empower coaches to make a meaningful difference. By refining these abilities, coaches can foster genuine relationships and drive lasting change in their clients’ lives.

Coaches, keep honing your craft and stay dedicated to your journey. With each interaction, you have the chance to inspire and nurture growth. Remember, every step taken on this path contributes to the well-being and success of those you guide.

Ready to enhance your coaching abilities and make a greater impact? At The Coaching Guild, you can access personalized support and proven strategies to grow in your coaching journey. If you're looking to deepen your expertise and expand your reach, explore how you can learn to be a life coach with guidance tailored to your goals.

Leaning on Inspiration Over Evolution in Your Coaching Practice is a Mistake

Fri, 09 May 2025 18:56:42 GMT

Don't mistake inspiration for perfectionism on display

The coaching world is obsessed with being inspirational,

shiny,

uplifting,

palatable,

and frankly, uncontroversially marketable.

It sells you good vibes, soft edits, and bite-sized clarity.

It rewards the coach who can deliver the perfect reel,

the most motivating metaphor,

the cleanest before-and-after.

Maybe you thought inspiration was a part of your job description - however, let me assure you it is a shortcut to commercialized perfectionism, and that is not what coaching is - that's what marketing is.

You came here to disrupt.

You came here to cut through the noise and the conditioning,

the centuries-old agreements that told your clients to be quiet,

be nice,

be manageable.

You came here to interrupt the trance, because real coaching doesn't always feel good.

It feels true.

It's the crack in the performance.

The moment someone realizes they've been living someone else's story.

The pause before the sob.

The breath before the boundary.

The silence where something old dies and something sovereign wakes up.

You don't need another toolkit -

you need skills.

You need presence.

You need to be able to hold the moment when the mask slips—

without rushing to fix it.

The best coaching doesn't soothe - it sharpens.

It reintroduces people to their own power,

not by pumping them full of affirmations—

but by holding them in the fire until the lie burns off.

We don't need more polished coaches.

We need more truth-tellers.

We need coaches who understand that space holding is an active skill that actually takes practice and presence.

We desperately need more people who aren't afraid of grief, rage, contradiction, or silence.

We need coaches who don't bypass, intentionally or unintentionally by selling fake glass houses.

We need coaches who don't default to a mindset when what's needed is mourning.

We need coaches who can hear a "but I'm fine"

and know that's just the survival strategy talking.

This is what The Coaching Guild is about.

We don't teach templates.

We teach range.

We don't sell scripts.

We teach discernment.

We don't promise you'll leave with a pretty brand.

We promise you'll leave with depth.

Multi-instructor.
Multi-disciplinary.
Rooted in emotional intelligence and liberation—not optics.
Designed for the coach who refuses to perform empowerment and is ready to practice it.

If you're ready to stop being "inspirational"

and start being disruptive, this is your space.

The Coaching Guild is building our next cohort now.

We're not building brands.

We're building coaches who can meet the moment.

Tailoring Your Communication Approach for Extroverted Clients

Chabdulrehman4u@gmail.com (Abdul Rahman) — Thu, 08 May 2025 05:49:52 GMT

When working as a coach, understanding your client's personality can truly transform how effective your sessions are. People have different ways of communicating, and knowing how to tailor your approach can make all the difference. For coaches, one of the most common personality types you'll encounter is extroversion. Extroverted clients thrive on interaction and social environments, making them dynamic but sometimes challenging to coach without the right approach.

Grasping the nuances of personality in coaching helps build trust and enhances results. Extroverts often enjoy being social and spontaneous, making a lively and engaging session more effective for them. A coach's ability to adapt these elements into their strategy can lead to more meaningful interactions and successful outcomes. By catering to their vibrant nature, you ensure that your coaching resonates well and delivers the impact you aim for.

Understanding Extroverted Clients

Extroverts are known for their lively, outgoing personalities. They draw energy from being around others and thrive in interactive settings. These individuals often enjoy talking things out, participating in group activities, and aren't shy about sharing their thoughts. Motivation for extroverts often comes from external sources, like the people around them or the fast-paced environment they're in.

When you think about coaching an extroverted client, consider how these traits can influence your approach. They generally prefer discussions over written communications and often value immediate feedback. Here are a few ways extroverted traits can shape their preferences:

- Interaction-Driven: They favor engaging and responsive communication where both sides actively participate.

- Visual and Verbal Learning: Extroverts often grasp concepts better through discussions, role-playing, and visual aids.

- Feedback-Oriented: Quick responses and constructive feedback can keep them motivated and on track.

Understanding these qualities means you can tailor your coaching strategies to be more responsive and engaging, leading to what feels like a productive partnership rather than a one-way interaction.

Adapting Your Communication Style

Communicating effectively with extroverted clients involves injecting energy and enthusiasm into your sessions. These clients respond well to a setting that matches their vibrant nature. Consider how your voice, gestures, and even your facial expressions can project positivity and engagement. This doesn't mean you have to completely change who you are; rather, it's about matching their energy level to create a more dynamic interaction. Regularly show interest in their inputs to keep them motivated and involved.

Active listening is another critical component when coaching extroverts. They want to know that their thoughts and opinions are valued. By actively listening, you show them you care about their perspective. It's equally important to provide immediate feedback. Extroverts appreciate knowing how they are doing right then and there, which helps them feel understood and helps them adjust accordingly if needed. Use feedback as a tool to encourage and guide them, reinforcing their strengths while gently steering them away from unproductive habits.

Techniques for Effective Engagement

To keep extroverted clients fully engaged, incorporate exciting and interactive activities into your sessions. Group coaching can be particularly effective as these clients enjoy sharing ideas with peers. This environment encourages collaboration and discussion, which can result in new insights and a deeper understanding of the material. If group sessions aren't possible, simulate this interaction by using role-playing exercises.

Here are a few practical techniques you might consider:

- Interactive Discussions: Encourage clients to discuss ideas and share opinions to foster a collaborative learning atmosphere.

- Visual Aids: Use charts, diagrams, and videos to appeal to their preference for visual learning.

- Mini Workshops: Plan brief, informal workshops within sessions where clients can test out new concepts in a supportive setting.

These activities can make learning more enjoyable for your extroverted clients, keeping them actively involved in their own progress.

Building Rapport with Extroverts

Creating a strong rapport is fundamental to any coaching relationship, especially with extroverted clients. They usually appreciate coaches who are personable and approachable. Open communication builds trust and encourages them to share freely, which can lead to more effective sessions.

Offering genuine praise and recognition for their efforts can boost their confidence. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, to encourage continued engagement. Finding common ground or shared interests can also enhance your connection, making sessions more enjoyable for both parties.

Final Thoughts

Tailoring your communication to fit the unique needs of extroverted clients can lead to rewarding results. By understanding their traits and adapting your methods, you create a learning environment that resonates with them. This approach not only bolsters their growth but also enhances your effectiveness as a coach. Always be willing to adjust and refine your techniques, reflecting on what works best for each individual, to keep your coaching strategies fresh and impactful.

Tailoring your communication techniques for extroverted clients can significantly boost your effectiveness as a coach and deepen your connection with them. If you're looking to refine your approach and explore effective strategies in more depth, consider finding out more about coaching for extroverts with The Coaching Guild. Our resources are designed to help you create meaningful coaching experiences that resonate with your clients and promote growth.

Proven Strategies to Attract Your First Life Coaching Clients

Chabdulrehman4u@gmail.com (Abdul Rahman) — Fri, 02 May 2025 07:45:03 GMT

Starting a career as a life coach is like setting out on a journey filled with excitement and a hint of uncertainty. You're stepping into a world where your passion for helping others can truly shine, making a lasting impact on your clients' lives. Many aspiring life coaches find the thrill of watching clients reach their goals to be one of the most rewarding parts of the job. As you help them navigate their paths, you're not just witnessing their growth—you're also experiencing your own.

Yet, the adventure of becoming a life coach isn't without its challenges. Attracting your initial clients might feel a bit daunting, especially when you're just getting started. The good news is there are proven strategies that can ease the process and pave the way for a thriving practice. By focusing on building connections and understanding your audience, you can create a strong foundation for your business. Let's explore some key approaches that can help you bring your first clients on board.

Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding who your ideal clients are is key to building a successful life coaching practice. Imagine you're hosting a party—knowing who to invite ensures the vibe aligns with your goals. The same idea applies to coaching. Knowing your target audience helps tailor your services to their unique needs and desires, ensuring a perfect fit.

Here's how you can pinpoint your ideal client:

Identify Common Traits: Think about the types of people who would benefit most from your expertise. Are they professionals looking to enhance their careers, or individuals wanting to improve personal relationships?
Consider Your Interests: Align your personal interests and passions with the needs of your potential clients. If you're passionate about wellness, focusing on clients seeking lifestyle improvements can be a good match.
Gather Feedback: Reach out to friends or colleagues and discuss your coaching plans. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and help you refine your target audience.
Use Online Resources : Online communities and social media groups can offer a glimpse into what your potential clients are talking about and the challenges they're facing.

By taking these steps, you'll gain a clearer understanding of whom you're best equipped to help. With this knowledge, you can tailor your marketing efforts and build a coaching practice that resonates with those who need your guidance the most.

Utilize Your Network Effectively

Starting with those you already know can be a powerful way to connect with potential clients. Friends, family, and former colleagues might not need a life coach themselves, but they could know someone who does. A simple conversation about your new venture might lead to surprising connections.

Creating a strong network involves some thoughtful steps:

Reach Out Personally: Begin by reaching out to people who are already in your network. Send them a personalized message or make a call to discuss your new coaching business.
Leverage Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn are great for connecting with people who might be interested in or know others interested in life coaching. Share regular updates and insights about your work to keep your network engaged.
Attend Networking Events: Participating in local or virtual networking events can broaden your circle. It's an excellent opportunity to meet people who share similar interests or who could benefit from your services.

Word-of-mouth remains one of the most effective tools for finding new clients. When those in your network understand what you do and see your passion, they become informal ambassadors for your practice.

Create an Online Presence

Having a strong online presence allows you to reach wider audiences and establish credibility. Building and maintaining a professional website is your first step in showing potential clients who you are and what you offer. The website should clearly present your services and be easy to navigate. It serves as both an information hub and a way to connect with you.

Social media platforms play a vital role in getting the word out. Regularly post content that reflects your expertise and passion for coaching. Engage with comments and be responsive to messages.

Key elements of a solid online presence include:

Professional Website: Your site should reflect your brand and clearly outline your services and qualifications. Adding a blog section can showcase your knowledge and provide valuable insights to visitors.
Social Media Profiles: Use platforms relevant to your audience, like Instagram or Facebook. Share success stories, valuable advice, and updates about your practice.
Consistent Content: Regular content keeps you in front of potential clients and establishes your credibility. Try a mix of tips, personal anecdotes, and motivational posts that relate to your coaching themes.

A compelling online presence allows potential clients to get a sense of who you are before they ever meet you, providing them with confidence in your abilities.

Offer Free Workshops or Seminars

One great way to showcase your expertise and attract new clients is by offering free workshops or seminars. These events can provide valuable insights to participants while positioning you as a knowledgeable and approachable expert.

Consider these aspects when planning:

Choose Relevant Topics: Select subjects that resonate with your target audience. This could be anything from stress management to finding balance in life.
Interactive Sessions: Encourage participation. Interactive elements like Q&A periods or short exercises can make the session engaging and memorable.
Follow-Up Opportunities: After the event, provide ways for participants to stay connected with you. Whether through a newsletter sign-up or a free initial coaching session, these opportunities can turn interested attendees into clients.

By organizing and hosting workshops, you open the door for future clients to experience your coaching style firsthand. It’s a great method for building trust and establishing a solid client base.

Summarize and Inspire

As you begin your path as a life coach, remember that attracting your first clients is about building connections and demonstrating genuine value. From tapping into your personal network to crafting an enticing online presence, each step you take leads closer to establishing a successful practice.

Take these insights into action and explore how they can work for you. You have the tools and passion; now it's about reaching those who can benefit from your unique skills. Starting out can be intimidating, but with persistence and dedication, the fulfillment of helping others through your coaching service will make it all worthwhile.

Starting a life coaching practice is an exciting venture filled with opportunities to make meaningful connections. If you're ready to take the next step in helping individuals reach their personal goals, consider how you might find a life coach who aligns with your specialties. At The Coaching Guild, we guide coaches like you to excel in your passion, making a positive impact on the lives of those you coach. Let's work together to build your coaching career into a rewarding journey.

You Don't Need a Niche—You Need Range

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:01:10 GMT

A niche is a marketing tool and nothing more - which is fine, but...

The coaching industry loves to hand out cages disguised as clarity.

"Pick a niche," they say.

"Speak to one person."

"Sell one solution."

"Stay in your lane."

They want you to believe specificity equals success --

-because it's easier to market a product than it is to witness a person.

-because if they can reduce your brilliance to a tagline,

you become easier to digest.

Easier to sell and easier to control.

That niche is a muzzle.

That niche becomes a performance.

And over time, you begin to coach to your brand

instead of your intuition.

You begin to flatten your range

to fit the corner of the internet where they told you you'd "convert best."

You start editing your gifts

so they don't make the wrong people uncomfortable.

And slowly—

the work you loved

becomes another box you are trying to stuff yourself into because you've grown but your niche is exactly the same as it's always been.

You were never meant to create yourself around marketability.

You were never meant to be consistent, branded, replicable.

You are a walking archive of wild wisdom.

A living contradiction.

A creature of context and chaos and holy unpredictability.

Your coaching should reflect that.

What if the truth is—

you don't need to be more specific?

You need to be more honest.

More embodied.

More present.

What if your power isn't in your elevator pitch,

but in your ability to meet a client in whatever moment they're actually in?

To hold grief and joy in the same breath.

To coach through uncertainty without a script.

To feel when someone's truth is cracking open underneath their practiced answers.

You don't need a niche. You need range.

And that's what we teach inside The Coaching Guild.

Not performance.

Not polish.

Not branding advice.

We teach you how to coach like you mean it,

like it matters,

like it's sacred.

We teach you to coach for range because range meets life and clients where there are - wild and unpredictable.

We teach you how to build range—

so you can hold grief, hold rage, hold resistance, hold ambiguity.

So you can hold yourself—

without collapsing into who you think you need to be to "close the sale."

We train coaches to lead without manipulation.

To listen like it's a sacred act.

To unlearn every limiting model that told you

you have to be smaller to be successful.

�� This is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary training program.

�� Rooted in nuance, emotional intelligence, and actual presence.

�� Designed for the disruptors, the pattern-breakers, the ones who came to liberate—not convert.

If you're tired of being told to contort your voice,

shrink your message,

narrow your humanity to build your business—

you're in the right place.

The Coaching Guild is now enrolling.

Spaces are limited.

This is where your whole self is welcome.

This is where your range becomes your power.

Overcome Self-Doubt in Your Coaching Practice

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:54:08 GMT

Discover strategies to tackle self-doubt and boost your coaching career. Explore certified life coaching online for growth and confidence enhancement.

Introduction

Starting a coaching practice can be both exciting and intimidating. As you venture into the world of coaching, you’ll likely encounter moments of self-doubt that may cause anxiety. This is a natural part of starting something new, especially when the goal is to help others achieve their personal and professional aspirations. It’s important to embrace these feelings as part of your journey rather than something to avoid. Understanding that every successful coach has faced similar challenges can foster the resilience needed to move forward.

Confidence and self-belief are key to kickstarting a successful coaching practice. They're the foundations that enable you to effectively guide others and build a sustainable business. When you trust in your abilities, you not only enhance your personal growth but also the experience you provide to your clients. In this article, we will explore ways to navigate through self-doubt, empowering you to overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams with strength and clarity.

Acknowledge Your Fears and Doubts

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-doubt when embarking on a new venture. New coaches often worry about whether they’re capable enough, if they have sufficient experience, or if they can handle different client challenges. Recognizing these fears is the first step in overcoming them.

- Common fears include:

1. Fear of not having enough experience

2. Worry about gaining client trust

3. Anxiety over managing client expectations

Acknowledging these feelings doesn’t mean letting them control you; it’s about understanding that they’re a normal part of growth. Learning to view self-doubt as an opportunity to develop can transform your perspective. Each challenge becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Remember, every skilled coach started where you are now, facing similar doubts and emerging stronger on the other side.

Set Realistic Goals and Celebrate Small Wins

Setting realistic goals is crucial for maintaining motivation and building confidence. Start by defining what you want to achieve in your coaching practice, both in the short term and long term. Breaking down your aspirations into smaller, manageable goals makes the process less overwhelming and more achievable.

As you meet each milestone, take the time to celebrate. Small victories are often overlooked, but recognizing these achievements can boost your confidence and provide motivation to continue pushing forward. This practice not only uplifts your spirits but also cements your belief in your capabilities. Achieving even the smallest goal reinforces the notion that progress is being made, paving the way for larger successes.

Pacing yourself through gradual achievements lays the groundwork for continued growth and boosts your self-belief. It’s about creating momentum that propels you and keeps you moving toward your larger objectives with increased certainty and determination.

Seek Support from a Mentor or Community

Embark on your coaching journey with the support of a mentor or a community that understands the ups and downs of the coaching world. A mentor can offer valuable insights based on their own experiences, helping you navigate through uncertainties while providing guidance and encouragement. Likewise, connecting with a community of fellow coaches allows you to share experiences, exchange ideas, and find reassurance in knowing you're not alone.

Engaging with a community can present opportunities to learn from others’ successes and challenges. Online forums and social media groups specifically for coaches are great platforms to ask questions, gain new perspectives, and receive feedback. This support system can prove invaluable, particularly when you're feeling the weight of self-doubt and need a boost of motivation or advice.

Focus on Continuous Learning and Improvement

In the coaching field, continuous learning is important for honing your skills and expanding your knowledge base. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences. By staying updated with the latest coaching techniques and trends, you enhance your ability to meet client needs effectively and with confidence.

Learning doesn’t just involve formal education; it also means being open to feedback and new experiences. Each session with a client offers a chance to learn something new and further refine your skills. Think of each day as an opportunity to become a better coach, taking steps to build a deeper understanding and mastery of your craft.

Trust Your Journey and Be Kind to Yourself

Acceptance and patience with yourself are essential as you build your coaching practice. Understand that progress takes time, and it’s okay to have setbacks. Trust your unique path and acknowledge that your coaching journey is a personal one that unfolds at its own pace.

Self-compassion can help you maintain a positive mindset, allowing you to bounce back from challenges with resilience. Remember that every small step forward counts and contributes to your overall journey. Avoid comparing yourself to others; focus on your growth and celebrate your milestones, no matter how small.

Ready to Build Your Coaching Practice?

With these strategies at hand, you have a solid foundation to overcome self-doubt and kickstart your coaching practice. By acknowledging your fears, setting achievable goals, seeking support, and embracing continuous learning, you equip yourself to handle the challenges ahead with confidence and poise. Your unique coaching style is your strength, and building on that will not only help you succeed but also foster genuine client relationships. Embrace the journey, and remember—every great coach started somewhere. Your path is a remarkable one worth nurturing as you grow into the coach you aspire to be.

To deepen your skills and boost your confidence in coaching, explore the benefits of certified life coaching online . By investing in your development through a structured learning path, you can enhance your practice and provide even greater support to your clients. The Coaching Guild is here to help you achieve your coaching goals with expert guidance and resources tailored to your success.

The Coaching Industry’s Obsession with Positivity Is a Red Flag

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:59:22 GMT

And it's co sting us real transformation.

“High vibes only.”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

“Focus on the positive.”

Sound familiar?

The modern coaching industry has built itself into a feel-good machine—where positivity is mandatory, shadow is silenced, and grief, anger, and rage are quietly ushered off stage because they don’t sell as easily.

But here’s the problem:

If your coaching doesn’t make space for the full spectrum of emotion, it isn’t transformation—it’s performance.

Relentless positivity doesn’t heal. It gaslights.

It tells people they’re broken for feeling what is entirely human.

It teaches bypass instead of depth.

It traps both coach and client inside a curated version of growth that looks good on Instagram but falls apart in real life.

This is Emotional Censorship.

And it's one of the biggest unspoken problems in the coaching world.

This isn’t coaching.

It’s spiritual gaslighting.

What Makes The Coaching Guild Different?

We don’t train coaches to smile through discomfort or pacify pain.

We train coaches to hold the whole truth.

To meet people in the ache, the fire, the wild middle of their stories—without flinching.

We don’t teach bypass.

We teach presence .

We don’t script conversations.

We cultivate the depth and discernment to meet the moment.

This is coaching as sacred work.

As leadership.

As emotional intelligence in its most radical, embodied form.

And it’s not for everyone.

But if you’re reading this with a tightness in your throat or a yes in your bones—

you already know.

You were never meant to be a formula.

You were meant to be a force.

Why The Coaching Guild Is the Only Logical Choice

Because we’re not here to sell you a six-figure funnel.

We’re here to teach you how to coach with power and presence—without diluting your truth.

We’re not interested in turning you into a brand.

We’re here to help you become a force of real, soul-deep change.

We are a multi-disciplinary, multi-instructor training for people who don’t fit inside the box—and never wanted to.

We teach coaching as devotion, not domination.

We teach you how to disrupt, to liberate, to listen with your whole being.

�� This isn’t another coaching certification.

It’s a calling.

It’s for the ones who want to coach like it matters—because it does.

�� Join The Coaching Guild and become the kind of coach this world actually needs.

�� Applications are open. Spaces are limited.

�� Don’t miss your chance to train with a community that will never ask you to bypass your truth—or your client’s.

�� Apply now at www.thecoachingguild.com

Real coaching doesn’t flinch. Neither do we.

The Future of Coaching Won’t Be Built on Manipulation

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:58:52 GMT

Scarcity-driven marketing convinces people they’re incomplete without you.

The coaching industry talks a lot about transformation. About empowerment. About guiding people to their fullest potential.

But let’s be honest—much of the industry isn’t built on empowerment. It’s built on manipulation.

�� Scarcity-driven marketing that convinces people they’re incomplete without you.

�� High-pressure sales tactics that push urgency over alignment.

�� Manufactured authority that tells people you have the ‘one right way’ to success.

Too many coaches aren’t actually coaching. They’re conditioning.

Conditioning people to believe they can’t trust their own judgment.

Conditioning them to doubt themselves so they become dependent on the next program, the next offer, the next high-ticket investment.

Conditioning them to believe that transformation only happens inside the container of a $10K package.

And for what? A six-figure launch? A perfectly curated brand? A coaching business that looks wildly successful from the outside—but is built on the same fear-based tactics used in every sleazy sales industry?

That is not the future of coaching.

Coaching is Not a Game of Power and Control

Real coaching does not require you to manipulate someone into saying yes.

It does not need you to create false urgency.

It does not depend on making people feel broken so they believe you’re the only one who can fix them.

The best coaches—

The ones who will actually change lives—

The ones who will redefine this industry—

�� Will not use shame as a sales tactic.

�� Will not create artificial scarcity to force a decision.

�� Will not convince people they are powerless without them.

Real coaching isn’t about control.

It’s about giving power back.

It’s about guiding people into their own wisdom, their own agency, their own knowing. It’s about holding space for people to make their own best decisions—not backing them into a corner so they feel like they have no choice but to say yes.

That’s a harder game to play.

It means trusting that your work speaks for itself.

It means trusting that the right people will come—not because you backed them into an emotional spiral, but because they felt something real.

It means letting go of the belief that you are the answer and remembering that your job is simply to guide—not to own someone’s transformation.

The Best Coaches Don’t Need to Trap People

Here’s the truth:

�� If you have to use manipulation to make the sale, your work isn’t strong enough to stand on its own.

�� If you have to make people feel less than before they’ll invest, you’re selling insecurity—not transformation.

�� If you need people to depend on you, you’re not coaching them—you’re controlling them.

And that’s not the kind of industry we want to build.

That’s why The Coaching Guild exists.

We are not here to create another generation of coaches who follow outdated, high-pressure sales tactics.

We are not here to teach you how to trap people into expensive programs.

We are not here to convince you that the only way to succeed is to manipulate your audience into saying yes.

We are here to do things differently.

�� We are here to create coaches who lead with integrity.

�� We are here to build businesses that are rooted in trust, not fear.

�� We are here to shape the future of coaching—not repeat the past.

�� If you’re ready to build a coaching practice that isn’t built on manipulation, The Coaching Guild is for you.

The Coaching Industry is Selling You a Cage

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 19:20:51 GMT

Freedom is highly individual.

The Coaching Industry is Selling You a Cage

The coaching industry loves to talk about freedom.

�� Financial freedom —the promise of six-figure months and laptop lifestyles.

�� Time freedom —the dream of working from anywhere on your own schedule.

�� Personal freedom —the idea that becoming a coach means becoming limitless.

At first, it’s intoxicating. The idea that you can break free from the grind, that you can turn your passion into impact, that you can design your life on your own terms.

But let’s be real— most of what the industry is selling isn’t freedom. It’s just a different kind of cage -

-a cage built from high-pressure sales tactics and “must-follow” business models.

A cage built from the belief that success looks like a $10K group program, a high-ticket mastermind, and a funnel that makes money while you sleep.

A cage built from the idea that if you’re not scaling, if you’re not charging premium, if you’re not fitting inside the model— you’re doing it wrong.

At first, it looks like an opportunity. But before you know it, you’re playing the same game you wanted to escape. You left the corporate ladder only to start climbing someone else’s.

Because here’s the truth no one tells you:

�� If your version of success requires you to follow a formula that doesn’t feel like you, you’re not free.

You’ve just traded one set of rules for another.

The Industry Doesn’t Want You to Think for Yourself

The coaching industry thrives on predictability.

Follow the blueprint. Use the script. Stick to the framework.

If you just do what the “successful” coaches do, you’ll make it too, right?

But what they don’t tell you is that these formulas are not designed for your success. They’re designed for scalability. And scalability requires sameness.

So, you start trimming away the parts of your coaching that don’t fit the model.

You start shaping your voice to sound like everyone else.

You start following the rules because you don’t want to be the one left behind.

And little by little, the thing you loved—the thing that was supposed to set you free—starts to feel like a job you can’t quit.

What happens when you don’t want to charge high-ticket?

What happens when you don’t want to sell a program, build a funnel, or hire a team?

What happens when your best, most powerful coaching doesn’t fit neatly into a product you can package and sell?

The industry doesn’t want you to ask those questions.

If you start thinking for yourself—

If you start building a business that actually feels aligned—

If you start rejecting the rules that don’t work for you—

�� You become impossible to control.

�� You stop buying into systems that don’t serve you.

�� You stop chasing someone else’s version of success and start defining your own.

And that? That’s bad for business.

Not your business— theirs.

Real Freedom Means Doing It Your Way

Too many coaches leave traditional careers chasing freedom—only to end up shackled by someone else’s business model.

They’re taught to build businesses that scale, not businesses that fulfill them.

They’re told that the only way to be successful is to follow what’s already been done.

They’re given formulas, scripts, and frameworks designed to keep them inside the lines.

But the best coaches?

The ones who will actually shape the future of this industry?

�� They don’t follow the script—they write their own.

�� They don’t squeeze themselves into a business model that doesn’t fit—they build something different.

�� They don’t run their practice based on what “works for everyone”—they build what works for them.

And that? That is what The Coaching Guild is here for.

The Coaching Guild is Not Another Cage

We are not here to teach you how to run someone else’s business.

We are not here to sell you a step-by-step path to success.

We are not here to tell you that there’s one right way to coach, one right way to market, one right way to build your practice.

�� We are here to help you create something that is fully yours.

�� We are here to teach you how to become an exceptional coach, not just a good marketer.

�� We are here to help you build a coaching business that actually feels like you.

That means no scripts.

No manipulation.

No outdated industry tactics that only serve the people at the top.

It means learning how to coach—not just how to sell.

It means creating a business that aligns with your values—not just one that’s easy to scale.

It means defining success on your own terms—not by what the industry says you should want.

Because real freedom? It’s not found in someone else’s blueprint. It’s found in your own.

�� If you’re ready to stop following someone else’s rules and start leading on your own terms, The Coaching Guild is for you.

The Best Coaches Aren’t in the Business of Being Liked

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:15:35 GMT

The truth is, real transformation isn’t gentle.

There’s a silent rule in the coaching industry: Be likable.

Be magnetic. Be approachable. Be someone people want to follow. Make them feel safe. Make them feel seen. Make them feel good.

And sure, there’s truth in that. People are drawn to warmth. People want to work with someone they trust. Coaching is, at its core, a relationship.

BUT let’s be honest about something most coaches won’t say out loud:

If your goal is to be liked, you’ll never be as effective as you could be.

Because real coaching? The kind that shakes people awake? The kind that actually changes lives?

It’s not always comfortable. It’s not always easy to hear. And it sure as hell doesn’t exist to make people like you.

The Illusion of Safe Coaching

The industry has convinced a lot of coaches that their job is to deliver transformation in a way that never ruffles feathers.

Don’t push too hard.

Don’t challenge too much.

Don’t risk making anyone feel uncomfortable.

Instead, follow the script. Stick to the formulas. Guide people gently through their breakthroughs.

But the truth is, real transformation isn’t gentle.

It’s messy.

It’s uncomfortable.

It’s full of resistance.

The work of breaking patterns, confronting beliefs, and dismantling old identities doesn’t happen in a space of comfort—it happens in the tension between who someone has been and who they are becoming.

And if you, as a coach, are afraid to step into that space—if you are more concerned with being liked than being effective—then you’re only giving your clients half of what they need.

You’re keeping them comfortable when they need to be challenged.

You’re keeping them safe when they need to take a risk.

You’re keeping them in the familiar when their transformation depends on them stepping into the unknown.

That’s not coaching. That’s people-pleasing dressed up as leadership.

Coaching is Not a Popularity Contest

Somewhere along the way, the coaching industry started treating success like a popularity contest.

Likes. Shares. Comments. Followers.

Build an audience. Keep them engaged. Keep them happy.

Don’t be too controversial. Don’t be too polarizing. Don’t push too hard.

But coaching is not about being popular. It’s not about mass appeal. It’s not about making sure everyone likes you.

The best coaches—the ones who actually change lives— are the ones who are willing to say what needs to be said.

Even when it’s uncomfortable.

Even when it’s met with resistance.

Even when it makes people question everything they thought they knew about themselves.

Because sometimes, what someone wants to hear and what they need to hear are two very different things.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do as a coach is hold up a mirror and say:

“This is what I see.”

“This is where you keep getting in your own way.”

“This is what you need to face if you actually want to change.”

And not everyone is going to like that.

Not everyone is going to like you for saying it.

But if your priority is being liked, you’ll soften your message.

You’ll hold back.

You’ll sugarcoat.

You’ll make transformation feel safe instead of real.

And that? That doesn’t serve your clients. That serves your own fear.

Are You Here to Be Liked, or Are You Here to Lead?

Being an effective coach requires courage.

It requires the willingness to ask better questions instead of handing people easy answers.

It requires the ability to hold space for discomfort instead of rushing to fix it.

It requires the confidence to trust your voice, even when it challenges what people want to believe about themselves.

And if that makes you less likable? So be it.

Because the best coaches?

�� They don’t build their businesses on mass appeal.

�� They build them on truth.

�� They build them on impact.

�� They build them on the kind of leadership that doesn’t require outside validation.

That’s why The Coaching Guild exists.

The Coaching Guild is not for the coaches who play it safe.

It’s for the ones who are ready to lead differently.

The ones who refuse to follow someone else’s formula.

The ones who understand that great coaching isn’t about following a script—it’s about stepping fully into your own power so you can help others do the same.

If you’re ready to break free from the industry’s outdated rules—

If you’re ready to build a coaching business that actually feels like you—

If you’re ready to stop playing small and start making a real impact—

�� The Coaching Guild is where you belong. ��

The Coaching Guild: Where Respectful Discourse Transforms Coaches

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 18:31:30 GMT

There is no guru culture here - it's okay to disagree with anyone.

Coaching isn’t just about tools or techniques—it’s about conversations. Deep, transformative conversations that can shift perspectives, break old patterns, and spark growth. But here’s the thing: to facilitate those kinds of conversations with clients, you need to know how to have them yourself.

That’s why, at The Coaching Guild, we don’t just teach you to listen or ask good questions. We teach you the art of respectful discourse—a skill that’s just as crucial for coaches as it is rare in the world we live in today.

One of the ways we do this is by curating small, diverse groups of people who have the least in common.

Yes, you read that right.

We intentionally bring together students with wildly different backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences. Why? Because diversity sparks discourse, and discourse sparks transformation.

Too often, differences of opinion are seen as barriers. Conversations shut down when things get uncomfortable, or they escalate into unproductive debates. But in our program, we see those moments of discomfort as opportunities. We don’t shy away from differing perspectives—in fact, we encourage them.

It’s in those moments of tension and exploration that the deepest growth happens.

Here’s what that looks like in our training:

Challenging Assumptions: Students are invited to examine topics from every angle, even the ones that challenge their personal beliefs. It’s not about being right or wrong—it’s about broadening your perspective and learning to meet others where they are.
Learning Through Disagreement: A recent example? Two students in our program had a passionate debate about the value of exploring limiting beliefs in coaching. It wasn’t about who “won” the argument. Instead, it became an exploration of different approaches, with each student—and the group as a whole—gaining new insights to take back to their clients.
Building Relational Intelligence: By working in a group of people who don’t think or live like you, you learn how to stay grounded and curious during tough conversations. That’s a skill that will serve you in every coaching session—and in life.

Respectful discourse doesn’t mean avoiding conflict. It means leaning into it with empathy and curiosity. It means learning to navigate disagreements without shutting down or clinging to your own perspective. And that’s exactly what we prepare our students to do.

Why does this matter? Because clients will challenge you. Coaching isn’t just about asking the “right” questions—it’s about holding space for the messy, complicated, and deeply human process of growth. If you’re uncomfortable with differing perspectives or unable to stay present when a conversation becomes challenging, you’re not equipped to guide your clients through transformation.

At The Coaching Guild, we prepare you to navigate these moments with confidence and grace. You’ll leave our program not just as a coach, but as a leader—someone who can engage in meaningful conversations that lead to real change.

This approach isn’t just good for coaching—it’s good for the world. Imagine what could happen if more of us learned to lean into difficult conversations instead of avoiding them. If we could listen to understand, not just to respond. If we could challenge each other with respect instead of judgment. That’s the kind of world we want to create, one coach at a time.

So, if you’re ready to learn the skills that will set you apart—not just as a coach, but as a communicator, a leader, and a force for growth—The Coaching Guild is ready for you.

The Coaching Industry is Changing—Are You Ready?

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:38:58 GMT

It might be time to let go of almost everything you think you know.

The coaching industry isn't what it was five years ago.

The old models—the high-ticket sales funnels, the perfectly polished branding, the copy-and-paste frameworks—are starting to crumble. People are waking up to the coaching fluff, the empty promises, the overpriced programs that overdeliver on hype and underdeliver on substance.

Clients are getting smarter. They don't just want someone who can sell them a vision of transformation. They want a coach who can actually take them there.

And that means the question isn't just, "How do I get more clients?"

The real question is, "Am I the kind of coach people will trust to take them deeper?"

If you've been feeling like the way you've been coaching isn't enough anymore , you're right. It's time to level up.

What Got You Here Won't Get You There.

The coaching industry was built on confidence. You've probably heard it before— "If you believe in yourself, you can coach anyone on anything!"

And for a while, that worked.

But belief isn't enough anymore. Clients don't just want inspiration. They don't just want to be "held accountable."

They don't just want weekly Zoom calls where they vent while you ask, "And how does that make you feel?"

They want depth. They want someone who can actually help them make a real shift.

Because coaching isn't just about helping people see what's possible. It's about giving them the tools, the clarity, and the space to actually step into it.

It's not enough to know how to ask powerful questions. You need to understand how human behavior, psychology, nervous system regulation, and decision-making actually work.

It's not enough to have a niche. You need to know how to adapt your approach in real-time, so you're not just repeating the same generic frameworks for every client.

It's not enough to have a business that looks good on paper. You need to know how to facilitate transformation at a level that makes people talk about your coaching for years.

That's the kind of coach people are looking for now.

The only question is: Are you evolving with the industry, or are you getting left behind?

Coaching is a Craft—And Mastery is the Edge.

Coaching isn't just about branding. It's not just about marketing.

It's a craft. And if you want to stay relevant in an industry that's growing more competitive every year, you have to be damn good at it.

That means deepening your skillset.

That means learning how to navigate resistance, how to work with trauma without bypassing it, how to help clients move through fear, uncertainty, and self-sabotage—not just push past it.

That means expanding your approach so you're not just offering advice but actually guiding people into their own breakthroughs.

The coaches who thrive in the next decade won't just be the ones who can sell themselves well.

They'll be the ones who can deliver at a level that makes clients come back again and again.

The Coaching Guild is for Coaches Who Are Ready to Elevate.

This isn't for people who are just getting started.

This is for the coaches who already know they're good—but want to be exceptional.

It's for the ones who don't just want more clients, but want to be the kind of coach people seek out because their reputation speaks for itself.

The Coaching Guild is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary training program designed to help you refine your coaching skills, deepen your expertise, and make sure you're leading at the level today's clients actually need.

No fluff. No gimmicks. No overpriced hype. Just real, skill-focused training that will make you a better coach—period.

If you're ready to go deeper, let's talk.

�� The industry is evolving. The question is—are you?

The Coaches Who Will Change the World Won’t Play by the Rules

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 18:11:54 GMT

Coaching is too unpredictable to be served up from a box.

The coaching industry loves rules.

Pick a niche.

Follow the formula.

Charge high-ticket.

Stick to the script.

Be relatable but not too polarizing.

Be confident but not intimidating.

Be inspirational but not disruptive.

Stay inside the lines. Fit inside the model. Follow the blueprint.

But let’s be real—the coaches who will actually change the world will burn those rules to the ground.

Because true leadership isn’t about fitting in.

It’s about challenging the status quo.

It’s about asking better questions, not selling pre-packaged answers.

That requires courage.

Coaching is Not a Template. It’s a Revolution.

The industry has turned coaching into a product—something polished, packaged, and sold in neat little containers.

Scripts for discovery calls.

Marketing templates that make you sound like everyone else.

Cookie-cutter frameworks that reduce transformation to a transaction.

But real coaching? Real coaching is wild. It is unpredictable. It cannot be served up out of a box.

Because when done right, it disrupts, provokes, and demands something more.

It requires nuance, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.

It’s not about tricking people into believing they need you.

It’s about holding space for people to step fully into their own power.

And that? That is something no 10-step coaching model can give you.

That’s something only you can build—if you’re willing to let go of the need to fit inside an industry that was never built for people like you in the first place.

If You’re Waiting for Permission, You’re in the Wrong Business.

The best coaches don’t wait to be validated.

They don’t water themselves down for mass appeal.

They don’t let outdated industry norms dictate how they work, who they serve, or what they say.

The best coaches—the ones who will shape the future of this industry—are the ones who lead on their own terms.

That means trusting that your voice is enough.

That means building a coaching business that actually feels like you.

That means rejecting the idea that you have to contort yourself into something smaller, safer, or more “marketable” to be successful.

The next generation of coaching will not be led by the people following outdated rules.

It will be led by the ones who break them.

The Coaching Guild is Not for Coaches Who Play Small.

The Coaching Guild was created for the coaches who refuse to follow someone else’s formula.

It’s for the thinkers, the disruptors, the ones who would rather carve their own path than follow a script.

It’s for the people who understand that great coaching is an art, not just a business model.

It’s a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary coach training program designed to help you develop deep, effective coaching skills while also learning how to build a business that actually feels aligned with who you are.

No pressure. No sales funnels designed to trap you. No gimmicks.

Just a real conversation about what’s possible for you as a coach.

If you’re ready to lead differently, let’s talk.

🔥 Not Just Another Coaching Program—A Call to Those Who Refuse to Play Small. 🔥

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 18:34:59 GMT

This is about stepping into your full, undeniable power.

Dear Coach,

You didn't come here to be palatable. You didn't build your life, your voice, your practice just to package yourself into something "marketable." You are not a brand—you are a force.

And yet, the coaching industry will try to tame you.

They will tell you to narrow your niche until you disappear inside it.

They will tell you to be "high vibe" while the world burns.

They will tell you to soften your edges, to stay in your lane, to make yourself easy to digest.

And maybe, for a while, you did.

Maybe you played the game—the perfect website, the polished offers, the messaging that didn't ruffle feathers. Maybe you did everything right, and yet, something still doesn't feel true.

That's because you were never meant to fit inside the machine.

You were meant to build something different.

And that? That's why The Coaching Guild exists.

This Is Not a Course. This Is a Reckoning.

If you are looking for a five-step blueprint to six figures, this is not for you.

If you want to memorize scripts and follow someone else's formula, this is not for you.

But if you are ready to build something real, unfiltered, and rooted in deep integrity—

If you refuse to sacrifice your voice for the sake of being "relatable"—

If you want to lead in a way that doesn't require you to betray yourself—

Welcome. You belong here.

What the Coaching Guild Stands For

�� Truth Over Trends. We are not here to chase algorithms or market ourselves into oblivion. We are here to create something that lasts.

�� Impact Over Optics. We don't believe in performance activism, empty empowerment, or coaching that only scratches the surface. This is about real transformation.

�� Community Over Competition. The era of lone-wolf coaches hoarding their knowledge is over. We build together. We rise together.

What Happens When You Join?

�� You Unlearn the Bullshit. The toxic positivity, the hustle culture, the industry rules that were never designed for people like you.

�� You Reclaim Your Own Path. No more watering yourself down. No more contorting your voice to fit someone else's model. You build your practice on your terms.

⚡ You Connect With People Who Actually Get It. The Guild is not a stage—it's a table. A gathering of coaches, healers, leaders, and disruptors who refuse to play small.

This is not just about growing a business.

It's about stepping into your full, undeniable power.

The Invitation

The Coaching Guild is a coach training program designed specifically for dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers.

It's a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach that prioritizes both innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training that actually works.

If you're interested in coach training done differently, hit me up.

No pressure. No BS. No trip-and-fall-into-a-sales-funnel nonsense.

Just a real conversation about what's possible for you as a coach.

�� Let's talk. ��

The Coaching Guild: Where Diversity is a Superpower

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:44:39 GMT

Y ou cannot serve a diverse world if you've only learned from one perspective.

When it comes to coaching, there's one truth we hold close: you cannot serve a diverse world if you've only learned from one perspective.

That's why, at The Coaching Guild, we've designed a program that doesn't just embrace diversity—it thrives on it.

Unlike traditional coaching programs that follow rigid schedules and offer a narrow scope of experience, we intentionally curate our cohorts with one goal in mind: to bring together people with varied backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives.

The result? A rich, dynamic learning environment where students don't just learn coaching tools—they learn how to use those tools in ways that honor the complexity of the human experience.

It's not always neat. It's not always comfortable. And that's exactly the point. Growth doesn't come from echo chambers or safe, sterile environments. Growth happens when we're challenged. When we step into spaces where our ideas are questioned, our assumptions are tested, and our own biases are brought to light.

At The Coaching Guild, we don't shy away from the "messiness" of diversity—we embrace it.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

Collaborative Exploration: Students with different lived experiences engage in deep conversations, offering insights that open new doors of understanding.
Breakdowns and Reconciliation: Conflict isn't avoided—it's a natural and necessary part of learning. We teach our students how to navigate difficult moments with grace and empathy, building resilience and relational intelligence.
Expanding Empathy: By working with peers from different walks of life, our students learn how to hold space for people who don't think, live, or act like they do—a skill that's essential for any truly effective coach.

This approach means that our students don't just learn about diversity—they experience it in real time. They leave our program not only equipped with technical coaching tools but also with the cultural competence, adaptability, and empathy needed to navigate a world that's anything but one-size-fits-all.

Let's talk about why this matters. Because the truth is, coaching isn't about you—it's about the client sitting across from you. And clients bring their whole, complex lives into every session: their experiences, their values, their pain, and their dreams. If you, as a coach, don't know how to hold space for that complexity—if you've only been taught to see the world through one lens—you're not equipped to help them in the way they deserve.

At The Coaching Guild, we teach you to step outside of yourself. To get curious about the lives and experiences of others, to ask better questions, to see the world from more than one angle.

This isn't just a skill—it's a necessity in today's interconnected, multifaceted world.

This process doesn't just make you a better coach—it makes you a better person. When you've learned how to navigate the messy, vibrant, challenging beauty of diversity, you don't just grow as a professional; you grow as a human being.

Because coaching isn't just about what you do. It's about how you show up. And The Coaching Guild ensures that you're prepared to show up for everyone—not just the people who share your background or perspective, but anyone who walks through your door.

So, if you're looking for a coaching program where diversity isn't just a buzzword but a transformative force, The Coaching Guild is ready for you. Here, you won't just learn how to coach—you'll learn how to coach the world.

If you are interested in coach training done very differently, hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

Why the World Needs Coaches Now More Than Ever

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:41:51 GMT

If you think a bad economy is bad for a coaching practice, think again.

The world is heavy right now. People are burnt out, disconnected, and searching for something they can’t quite name. They are afraid. They are isolated. They’re drowning in noise—endless advice, self-help hacks, and quick fixes that promise to change their lives but leave them feeling emptier than before.

What people are craving isn’t another checklist or shortcut.

They’re craving clarity. Connection. Growth. Someone who can walk beside them as they find their way back to themselves.

If you think people won’t invest in coaching because the economy is “down” or the world feels unstable, let’s set the record straight: you’re wrong. When life feels uncertain, people don’t stop seeking support—they seek it even more. When everything else feels like it’s falling apart, people will pay just about anything to feel better.

The demand for skilled, compassionate, and competent coaches has never been higher.

But here’s the thing: the world doesn’t just need more coaches. The world needs great coaches. Coaches who are adaptable, resourceful, and trained to navigate the complexities of human experience. Coaches who are equipped with more than one tool in their toolkit.

Because let’s be honest: one-trick coaches aren’t helpful in a complex world.

Real coaching isn’t about memorizing a script or relying on a single framework to fix every problem. Real coaching is about meeting people where they are—with all their layers, contradictions, and complexities—and helping them move forward in a way that feels true to them.

That’s why The Coaching Guild takes a different approach.

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t churn out cookie-cutter coaches who rely on one tool or gimmick. We teach our students to think critically, adapt creatively, and show up for their clients as dynamic, multi-faceted coaches. Our training is designed to prepare you for the real world, where no two clients are the same and no one tool works for everyone.

This isn’t about proximity to fame or earning a shiny certificate to hang on your wall. It’s about learning the art and craft of coaching at the deepest level. It’s about becoming the kind of coach who can hold space for transformation, not just regurgitate a script.

The world is craving realness,

connection,

growth.

The world is heavy—but it’s also ripe for change. Coaches have the power to walk with people through that change—not just for themselves, but for their families, their communities, and beyond.

If you feel called to be that kind of coach—skilled, adaptable, and ready to meet people where they are—The Coaching Guild is here for you. We don’t just train coaches; we build leaders who are prepared to thrive in uncertain times and help others do the same.

The truth is, people will always invest in what helps them grow, especially when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

Coaching isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. It’s a way to create meaningful change in a chaotic world. And it starts with the right training.

Are you ready to answer the call?

No Pedestals, Just Power: Building Coaches, Not Followers

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 20:25:44 GMT

Celebrity Coach Culture is soooooo 2020

In too many coaching programs, the focus isn't on you—it's on a single celebrity-esque big-name coach at the top. These spaces often draw would-be coaches chasing a moniker, like being trained by "Oprah's coach" or another similar badge of fake honor. But let's be honest: proximity to fame won't make you a better coach. What good is training with a celebrity coach if you aren't trained to be a great coach.

This obsession with celebrity creates something dangerous. These programs revolve around one "star," treating their methods as gospel, discouraging questions, and training students to follow rather than lead. Instead of building your confidence as a coach, they condition you to mimic, turning you into a copy of someone else.

If where you got your training is obvious to an insider who looks at your website just by reading your homepage, you have, in fact, become a carbon copy of the likeness of the top of the food chain. That doesn't make you a great coach.

It makes you a fan.

At The Coaching Guild, we don't do pedestals. We don't create followers.

We build coaches.

Here's how: we bring together the best of the best—experienced instructors who are leaders in their fields and masters of their craft. Each of our faculty members brings unique perspectives, expertise, and real-world coaching skills.

You won't get one single viewpoint here—you'll get a dynamic, well-rounded education designed to make you adaptable, thoughtful, and prepared for any client you meet.

Let's be clear: coaching isn't about memorizing someone else's script or following their formula. Coaching is about listening, thinking critically, and meeting your clients exactly where they are. It's about trusting your own voice and your ability to guide someone else through real transformation.

You don't need someone else's fame to do that. You need training that focuses on you—your growth, your skills, and your unique potential as a coach.

We don't ask our students to worship a single figurehead. We don't teach them to imitate. We teach them to lead.

So if you're looking for a program that puts you at the center of your journey, welcome to The Coaching Guild. Here, you'll learn from world-class instructors, not celebrities. You'll build your skills, not someone else's brand. And most importantly, you'll leave ready to coach—not just ready to name-drop.

Why Equity-Based Tuition Has the Potential to Revolutionize Coaching

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 18:39:32 GMT

For too long, the road to becoming a coach has been paved with expensive, pay-to-play training programs.

The coaching industry has a problem. For too long, the road to becoming a coach has been paved with expensive, pay-to-play training programs. These programs, while sometimes well-meaning, often create barriers for talented, passionate people who lack the financial means to access them. The result? A profession that can feel exclusive, out of touch, and, at its worst, fake-elite. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe in breaking down these barriers. That’s why we’re leading the charge with equity-based tuition—a revolutionary concept that could change everything. Instead of charging everyone the same high price regardless of their circumstances, this model adjusts costs based on an individual’s financial capacity. It levels the playing field and ensures that those who have the talent and drive to coach can step into the profession, no matter their bank account balance.

This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about reshaping the coaching space into one that values diversity, authenticity, and real impact over financial privilege.

The Barriers We’re Breaking

Let’s be honest: the current system is broken. When training programs charge tens of thousands of dollars upfront, they’re not just covering their costs—they’re creating an unnecessary filter. This filter has nothing to do with skill, passion, or potential and everything to do with who can afford to play the game.

At The Coaching Guild, we see the incredible potential that’s being left on the table. Those left out by traditional tuition models are often the very people who bring the most to the coaching space:

Coaches with lived experiences that resonate deeply with clients.
People from underrepresented backgrounds who can offer fresh perspectives.
Those who know what it’s like to overcome adversity and are ready to help others do the same.

Equity-based tuition removes this filter. It says, “You’re welcome here if you have the heart and talent for coaching.” And that’s exactly the ethos we’re championing at The Coaching Guild. We’re not just opening doors; we’re holding them open for the people who will make the coaching profession stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful.

The Problem with Pay-to-Play

The pay-to-play model perpetuates a cycle that many industries are finally beginning to challenge. It favors those who have financial privilege while keeping others locked out. It creates an illusion of exclusivity that can alienate clients who don’t see themselves reflected in the people offering coaching services.

At The Coaching Guild, we’re dismantling this system. Through equity-based tuition, we prioritize potential, passion, and purpose over the ability to pay. We ensure that the coaching profession isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone with the drive to make a difference in people’s lives.

Building a Coaching Space That’s Real and Relevant

When we open the doors to more people, the coaching industry becomes stronger. Think about it: a diverse group of coaches means a more authentic, relatable, and effective profession. It means clients from all walks of life can find a coach who truly gets them—someone who understands their unique challenges and aspirations because they’ve lived it or walked alongside it.

Through its commitment to equity-based tuition, The Coaching Guild is building a community of coaches who reflect the real world. This isn’t just diversity for diversity’s sake—it’s about creating a richer, more meaningful coaching landscape that benefits clients, coaches, and society as a whole.

How The Coaching Guild Is Leading the Way

Here’s what equity-based tuition at The Coaching Guild can do:

Democratize Access : Talented people from all walks of life can enter the coaching profession, bringing new ideas and perspectives.
Elevate the Profession : By prioritizing skill and authenticity over financial means, the overall quality of coaching improves.
Create Genuine Connection : Clients can find coaches who resonate with them on a personal and cultural level, enhancing the impact of the work.
Challenge the Status Quo : The industry can step away from elitism and embrace a model that’s rooted in fairness and inclusion.

The Time for Change Is Now

We’re at a tipping point. The coaching industry has the opportunity to lead by example, proving that access to professional training doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. The Coaching Guild’s equity-based tuition model isn’t just a pricing structure—it’s a statement. It declares that what matters most isn’t what someone can pay but what they can contribute to the world.

By adopting this approach, we’re making coaching more accessible, impactful, and authentic. We’re attracting coaches who are here for the right reasons and creating a space where everyone—clients and coaches alike—feels they belong.

This isn’t just about fixing a broken system; it’s about building a new one that’s better for everyone. The world needs coaches who are real, grounded, and committed to making a difference. At The Coaching Guild, we’re ensuring that those coaches have the chance to step up, no matter their financial background.

Are You Ready to Be Part of the Revolution?

The change starts here. At The Coaching Guild, we’re not just talking about equity—we’re living it. By advocating for and supporting equity-based tuition, we’re building a coaching industry that’s fair, inclusive, and transformative.

The revolution is happening now. Will you join us in creating a coaching space that’s truly open to all?

The Ten Commandments of Connection-Based Marketing for Your Coaching Practice

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 21:17:51 GMT

Stories create connection

Marketing doesn’t have to feel forced, awkward, or inauthentic. At its best, it’s simply an extension of the work you already love—connecting with others, building trust, and making a difference.

When you shift your focus from selling to serving, marketing becomes less about tactics and more about relationships. These ten “commandments” of connection-based marketing will help you stay true to your values while growing your coaching practice organically.

Thou Shalt Lead with Curiosity

Connection starts with curiosity. Instead of worrying about how you’ll “sell” yourself, focus on learning about your audience. What challenges do they face? What dreams light them up? The more you understand their world, the better you can serve them.

Thou Shalt Share, Not Shout

Marketing isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about showing up, sharing your perspective, and offering insights that resonate with the people you’re meant to help. Speak clearly, consistently, and from the heart—you don’t need to shout to be heard.

Thou Shalt Tell Stories

Stories create connection. They make your message relatable and memorable. Share your journey, your clients’ successes (anonymously, of course), or even small moments of insight from your own life. People are drawn to authenticity, not perfection.

Thou Shalt Be Generous with Thy Knowledge

You don’t have to keep all your wisdom locked behind closed doors. Share tips, advice, and actionable insights freely. When you provide real value, people begin to trust you—and they’ll naturally want to learn more about how you can help them.

Thou Shalt Honor Consistency Over Perfection

Consistency builds trust. Whether it’s posting weekly on LinkedIn, sharing insights on Instagram, or sending out a monthly email, show up regularly. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be you.

Thou Shalt Speak Directly to Thy People

Don’t try to appeal to everyone. Focus on your ideal clients—the ones you’re most passionate about helping. Speak their language, address their challenges, and celebrate their wins. When your message feels personal, it lands with more impact.

Thou Shalt Not Fear Vulnerability

Connection thrives on honesty. Share your challenges, lessons learned, and even the missteps that shaped you. Vulnerability shows your humanity and helps people see you as someone they can trust.

Thou Shalt Celebrate Relationships, Not Transactions

Your goal isn’t just to “close the deal”; it’s to build lasting, meaningful relationships. Nurture your connections, whether they’re paying clients, curious followers, or supportive peers. Relationships are the foundation of a thriving coaching practice.

Thou Shalt Stay True to Thy Values

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for marketing. If a strategy feels misaligned with your values, don’t force it. Find approaches that feel natural and sustainable for you—because authenticity is your best marketing tool.

Thou Shalt Trust Thy Voice

You don’t need to mimic anyone else’s style or strategy. Your voice, perspective, and unique approach to coaching are what set you apart. Trust that the right clients will be drawn to you when you show up as your true self.

Marketing as a Form of Connection

When you follow these ten commandments, marketing becomes less about “selling” and more about connection. You’ll attract clients who align with your values, appreciate your authenticity, and are excited to work with you.

So, take a deep breath, let go of the pressure to be perfect, and focus on serving others. The clients you’re meant to help are out there, waiting to connect with you.

Consulting, Therapy, and Coaching

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:12:08 GMT

What’s the Difference, and Why Coaching Might Be Your Best Bet?

In a crowded world of helping professionals, the distinctions between consulting, therapy, and coaching often get blurred. Each has its strengths, and all aim to help people or businesses grow and thrive. However, their methods, goals, and impact vary significantly.

If you’ve ever wondered which path to follow—either as a client seeking guidance or a professional looking to make a difference—this breakdown will help you understand the differences and why coaching might just be the golden ticket for your future.

Consulting: The Expert Approach

Consultants are hired for their specialized knowledge. Whether it’s scaling a business, rebranding a company, or solving operational bottlenecks, consultants analyze problems and offer tailored solutions. Think of them as fixers who swoop in with a blueprint, guide implementation (sometimes), and leave once their job is done.

The Upside: You get access to tried-and-true expertise without having to figure everything out on your own.

The Catch: Consultants often leave you with the “what” and “how,” but the execution and sustainability are on you.

Consulting is great when you need clarity on specific, technical problems. But what if the solutions require mindset shifts, leadership evolution, or personal growth? That’s where consulting often hits its limits.

Therapy: Healing the Past to Move Forward

Therapy is deeply personal. It’s about addressing the emotional wounds and mental blocks that stem from the past. Therapists are trained to help clients process difficult emotions, resolve traumas, and build healthier patterns of thought and behavior.

The Upside: Therapy creates a safe space for profound healing, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.

The Catch: It primarily focuses on the “why” behind the issues, not necessarily the “what’s next” for the future.

For anyone looking to understand and heal their past, therapy is invaluable. But for those who are ready to shift gears into action and growth, another approach might be needed.

Coaching: A Partnership for Growth

Here’s where coaching shines. Coaching doesn’t dwell on the past or prescribe expert solutions—it’s all about potential. Coaches work collaboratively with clients to clarify goals, identify challenges, and craft action plans. They don’t provide answers; they ask the right questions to help clients find their own.

The Upside: Coaching is a forward-focused, empowering process that drives tangible results and personal growth.

The Catch: Coaching requires commitment and active participation. Growth doesn’t happen passively.

Whether someone is navigating a career change, building a business, or improving their leadership skills, coaching serves as a catalyst for lasting transformation.

Why Coaching Might Be the Best Bet for You

The real magic of coaching lies in its versatility and empowerment. It’s a booming industry for a reason. Here’s why coaching might be the perfect fit—whether you’re considering becoming a coach or hiring one.

It Creates Independence, Not Dependence

Good coaching doesn’t create long-term reliance on the coach. Instead, it equips clients with tools, strategies, and self-awareness to continue growing independently.

The Perfect Blend of Strategy and Support

Coaching offers the structure of consulting and the person-centered focus of therapy. It’s action-oriented but deeply empathetic, making it a unique and balanced approach.

The Industry Is Thriving

Coaching is one of the fastest-growing professions in the world. With individuals and businesses seeking guidance in areas like leadership, career growth, and personal development, the demand for skilled coaches continues to soar.

You Don’t Have to Be a Guru

Unlike consulting, where you’re expected to bring all the answers, coaching allows you to thrive by being curious, present, and authentic. Your role is to empower clients, not to “fix” them.

It’s a Rewarding Career Path

The joy of seeing someone achieve their goals, build confidence, or overcome obstacles is immeasurable. Coaching is not just a career—it’s a way to make a lasting impact on others.

Accessible and Flexible Entry Points

Coaching doesn’t require years of advanced degrees or licenses like therapy or consulting. Certification programs are accessible, and many offer flexible pathways for aspiring coaches.

Who Should Consider Coaching as a Career?

If you:

Love connecting with people and helping them grow.
Feel energized by asking deep, thought-provoking questions.
Are excited about the idea of building a flexible, impactful career...

Then coaching might be your calling. It’s not just a job; it’s a journey of continuous learning and growth for both you and your clients.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Start

The world is changing rapidly, and people are craving clarity, purpose, and guidance. Whether it’s navigating uncertainty, achieving ambitious goals, or finding balance in life, the demand for skilled coaches is at an all-time high.

Stepping into the coaching world now means entering a field with endless potential for innovation, impact, and personal fulfillment.

So, What’s Your Next Step?

If you’ve ever felt called to help others unlock their potential, coaching could be your ideal path. With the right training, mindset, and tools, you can create a career that’s not only meaningful but also incredibly rewarding.

The world doesn’t need more “gurus” or quick-fix promises. It needs coaches who listen deeply, ask the right questions, and inspire transformation. The only question left is: Are you ready to take the leap?

Busting Coaching Myths

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 21:39:19 GMT

What coaching really is

Coaching is a powerful tool for transformation, but misconceptions about it can get in the way of understanding its true value. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about coaching and what it actually is:

Myth 1: Coaching is Only for People with Problems

Truth: Coaching isn’t about fixing brokenness—it’s about building potential.

Many people think coaching is only for those who are struggling or lost, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Coaching is designed for anyone ready to expand their possibilities, align with their values, and step into a more fulfilling life. Coaches work with high performers, creatives, and individuals who already have success in their lives but want to elevate to the next level.

It’s not about solving problems; it’s about uncovering potential. Everyone benefits from having someone who can ask the right questions, challenge their perspectives, and hold space for growth. Whether you’re looking for clarity, balance, or breakthroughs, coaching meets you where you are and helps you move forward.

Myth 2: The Coach Has All the Answers

Truth: A coach isn’t there to tell you what to do—they’re there to help you find your own answers.

Coaching is not consulting, mentoring, or advice-giving. A great coach doesn’t hand you a pre-packaged solution. Instead, they hold space for you to reflect, uncover insights, and develop your own unique path forward. The power of coaching lies in the belief that you already have the answers—you just need the right environment to access them.

This approach is what makes coaching so transformative. It’s not about following someone else’s blueprint; it’s about creating your own. The best coaches ask powerful, thought-provoking questions and empower you to trust your intuition, values, and goals.

Myth 3: Coaching is the Same as Therapy

Truth: Coaching focuses on the future; therapy often focuses on healing the past.

While both coaching and therapy can be life-changing, they serve different purposes. Therapy often works to heal past trauma, address emotional challenges, or navigate mental health struggles. Coaching, on the other hand, is future-focused. It’s about setting goals, clarifying values, and creating actionable steps to move forward.

This doesn’t mean a coach won’t touch on emotional topics—life is complex, and emotions are part of it. But the focus remains on growth and possibilities rather than healing wounds. Many people benefit from having both a therapist and a coach in their corner, as each plays a distinct role in the journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Myth 4: Coaching is Only for Big Life Changes

Truth: Coaching is just as valuable for small shifts as it is for big transformations.

It’s easy to think of coaching as something people turn to during major life events: a career change, a relationship transition, or starting a big project. And while coaching is incredibly effective in those moments, its power goes far beyond big milestones.

Coaching can also help with the everyday challenges that add up to shape your life: setting boundaries, managing your energy, or cultivating healthier habits. Often, it’s the smaller, intentional shifts that lead to the most profound and lasting changes. Coaching isn’t just about the destination—it’s about how you navigate the journey, one step at a time.

Myth 5: Coaching is a Luxury, Not a Necessity

Truth: Coaching is an investment in yourself and your future.

Many people see coaching as an indulgence, something reserved for those with extra time or money. But coaching isn’t a luxury—it’s a commitment to yourself. It’s about investing in the one thing that impacts everything else: you.

When you work with a coach, you’re not just solving immediate challenges. You’re building tools, skills, and clarity that will serve you for a lifetime. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t hesitate to invest in your education, your health, or your professional development. Why not invest in building a life that feels authentic and aligned? Coaching is about choosing yourself—something that’s always worth prioritizing.

Coaching: It’s More Than You Think

Coaching isn’t about giving advice or fixing flaws.

It’s about creating a space for transformation, growth, and self-discovery. It’s about empowering clients to take ownership of their lives and move toward their own unique version of success.

The Coaching Guild is a coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training. If you are interested in coach training done very differently, hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you as a coach.

Your Coaching Practice as a Container for Your Activism

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 22:03:44 GMT

You can make change on a global level one client at a time.

Activism doesn’t always look like rallies, petitions, or protests. It can also be personal, quiet, and deeply transformative. Your coaching practice can be a powerful container for activism—a space where justice, equity, and empowerment take root.

Coaching isn’t just about helping people meet goals. It’s about creating spaces where clients can unlearn systems of oppression, reconnect with their values, and imagine lives that challenge the status quo. This is where activism starts: with empowered individuals creating a ripple effect of change.

Why This Matters to Me

Activism has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve spent decades in the trenches, working on issues like homeless advocacy, police reform, and running more campaigns than I can count. Now, I’m deeply engaged as the communications volunteer for my local fire department, helping them raise funds and tell their story.

I’ve done this work while raising children and growing my coaching business, often juggling all three at once. If I had to choose between my activism and my work as a coach, I don’t know what I’d do—because to me, they are inextricably linked. Coaching is its own form of activism. It’s where I see transformation happen, not just in individuals, but in the systems and relationships they touch.

5 Ways Coaching Can Be Activism

Here are five ways your coaching practice can become a container for activism:

Create a Safe Space for Radical Self-Discovery

In a world that constantly tells people who they should be, your coaching space can be where they rediscover who they truly are. A safe, non-judgmental environment allows clients to challenge societal norms, unpack internalized beliefs, and reclaim their authentic selves. This process isn’t just healing—it’s revolutionary.

Center Justice and Equity in Your Practice

Coaching isn’t neutral. The systems your clients navigate—workplaces, relationships, even their own inner dialogue—are often shaped by inequity. Acknowledging this in your work isn’t just awareness; it’s activism. Ask: How does privilege show up in your practice? How do your methods challenge or perpetuate systems of oppression? Activism in coaching starts with a commitment to equity.

Empower Clients to Make Values-Aligned Choices

So much of traditional goal-setting is rooted in hustle culture, productivity, and external validation. Activist coaching flips this script. It’s about helping clients align their lives with their core values, even when those choices disrupt societal expectations. Empowerment through alignment isn’t just personal growth—it’s systemic defiance.

Use Your Platform to Amplify Change

As a coach, your practice gives you a platform—one you can use to amplify voices, movements, and ideas that align with your values. Whether it’s integrating social justice themes into your content, collaborating with organizations, or simply sharing resources, your platform is a tool for activism.

Commit to Your Own Inner Work

You can’t coach what you haven’t explored within yourself. Activist coaching starts with your own self-reflection. Where have you internalized oppressive systems? How can you decolonize your coaching methods? Doing the inner work ensures you’re not just holding space for transformation—you’re embodying it.

Coaching as Activism: The Ripple Effect

When you use your coaching practice as a container for activism, you create more than personal transformation—you create ripples of change. Every client who learns to challenge the status quo, stand in their truth, and make values-aligned choices carries that energy into the world.

This week on the podcast, I’ll explore how coaching can be an intentional act of activism. Because when you coach with purpose, you’re not just changing lives—you’re changing the world.

I am unequivocally proud to be a Coaching Guild coach.

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:52:27 GMT

No matter where you're at in your life, this is where you need to be.

I recently completed my work for my coaching certification through Lisa Marie Hayes ' Coaching Guild.

Because word of mouth carries (in my mind and heart) more weight than any advertising, I am proud to write and publish this testimonial for Lisa's Coaching Guild.

At age 65, I had plenty of degrees and certifications of advanced study in multiple disciplines, including coaching. I had enough experience for two lifetimes. Why was I even looking at another program?

I was looking because my current coach is a Coaching Guild Coach. And I greatly admire her for being fully present, deeply listening and so very gifted at reflecting back and stretching forward. I admire her for the depth of her knowledge as well as her skills. She is a great coach.

I was looking because, while I, indeed, had lots of experience and knowledge, I wanted to be a great coach, and not a good-enough coach.

Lisa Hayes has created a program of depth and breadth like no others I’ve met along my path. Hers is no cookie-cutter approach. Just talking with Lisa, while considering and applying for consideration, boosted my confidence in myself and in what she creates. The Coaching Guild is devoted to cultivating awesome, caring, knowledgeable coaches who coach with deep respect for our clients through myriad approaches based on solid science as well as experience and tender loving care. The Coaching Guild’s program continues to evolve as the world evolves and values commitment to growing and deepening our knowledge base.

What I found along the way of studying these myriad approaches was the most profound, honest and unapologetically kind and loving and brilliant version of me.

Lisa, besides being incredibly intelligent has her own uncanny brilliance at putting people together. My cohort inspired me to reach into my heart for answers and into the stars for inspiration. We nurtured what Lisa created with our own versions of intellect and experience. We supported each other with words and deeds and celebrations of milestones and learning.

I am grateful to Lisa, her unsullied integrity, the Coaching Guild alums and my cohort, the instructors who shared their expertise and made themselves available for conversation to explore their topics even more deeply. I am so grateful I landed here.

No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done in your life, no matter how old or young you are, if you aspire to be a great coach, talk to Lisa about the Coaching Guild.

I am unequivocally proud to be a Coaching Guild coach.

Blessing,

Paula.

New Grad Alert: Paula Gardner is in House!

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 19:23:47 GMT

She's made of the things that make a great coach.

Being a good coach is not easy, but pretty much anyone who works hard enough can be trained to be a good coach. A good coach has a broad width of knowledge, has mastered a solid set of core essential skills, and has some kind of desire to serve. There are a lot of good coaches in the market.

However, the canyon between a good coach and a great coach is filled to the brim with intangibles, like wisdom, compassion, experience, the genuine ability and a desire to listen, and a rugged, durable kind of love. At The Coaching Guild, we train the best of the good coaches.

A great coach is much harder to find and, frankly, cannot be trained. You either are that person, or you're not. The traits that make a great coach are innate.

Paula Strupeck Gardner is a lot of things. She is kind, experienced, infinitely wise, and a well-trained and skilled coach. However, most importantly, if you look up the definition of rugged, durable love in the dictionary, you will find a photo of Paula. If you're looking for a coach, that is a trait you can't put a price on - and that is why Paula's work is priceless.

Paula has earned a lifetime's work kind of PhD in tenderness and compassion for self and others. She is bold, determined, and unapologetic. She is made of the stuff that makes a great coach.

Paula recently completed her graduation panel for The Coaching Guild. We couldn't be more honored she chose our program, and we couldn't be more proud to see her graduate.

https://www.paulaksgardner.com

Promo code: FASCISM THURSDAY

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 18:05:29 GMT

Don't get yourself upset - I am kidding.

I batch-write my promo posts for The Coaching Guild. I have written lots of them in advance. Right now, all of them feel tone-deaf - You know, PROMO CODE: FASCISM-THURSDAY does not really have the ring I am looking for.

With the world as it is—fear, uncertainty, and chaos in the air—who wants to hear another pitch about anything?

But here’s the truth I keep coming back to: if there was ever a time to think about building more freedom into your life, this is it.

Coaching isn’t just a way to make a living—it’s a system of personal independence, of financial and emotional freedom. And right now, people need support, deeply. When the world is upside down, they don’t need cookie-cutter advice. They need real, reliable help navigating things that feel impossible to handle alone.

The Coaching Guild doesn’t train coaches to be “nice-to-have” add-ons in someone’s life. We train coaches who know how to be present, to support clients through real-life issues, and to create stability when things feel completely unstable.

People will pay for coaching when they’re freaked the fuck out, because they’re looking for someone who can help them stay grounded. If you want to be that person, someone who can create impact and freedom, we’re here to help you do it the right way. This isn’t about timing or convenience. It’s about building something that lasts, something that won’t depend on anyone else’s stability but your own.

Coaching can be a powerful vehicle for service and activism because it’s about more than guiding people toward goals; it’s about helping them reclaim their power, their voices, and their agency in a world that often feels chaotic and disempowering.

As a coach, you’re not just supporting clients through personal challenges; you’re equipping them with the skills to stand up, to make choices that align with their values, and to create lives that resist the status quo. In this way, coaching becomes a form of activism, where each person you help to grow and heal becomes another person able to make a difference.

Every meaningful conversation, every moment of insight, is an act of resistance against the systems that try to keep people small. Coaching is, at its core, a way of serving the individual while contributing to broader change, empowering clients to live with intention and impact.

If you’re feeling that pull to be a source of strength and change, let’s talk. The Coaching Guild isn’t your average training program. We offer a path to real, grounded skills that make a difference. If you’re ready for coach training done differently—no slip-and-fall-into-a-sales-funnel nonsense, just an honest conversation about what’s possible for you as a coach—reach out. Let’s explore what this work could mean for you and the people you’re called to serve.

Did You Get Sucked Into a Coaching Program That Didn’t Actually Teach You How to Coach?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 18:19:04 GMT

The hardest pill to swallow is that you might not know as much as you think you do

You may have invested time and money into a coaching program, only to find yourself questioning whether you truly learned how to coach. If it feels like what you got instead was a membership to a club, you’re not alone.

Coaching is a powerful field, but many programs out there are designed to play on our most basic human need—the need to belong. This need for belonging can be one of the most persuasive forces in marketing. And it’s easy to get drawn into a program that sells you a sense of community rather than teaching you the real tools of transformation.

What happens when belonging becomes the central focus of a program? You end up being taught that their tools are the only ones that work, that their method is the secret, and that success will come if you just follow their formula. The problem is, when your practice isn’t thriving, it’s often because you weren’t actually taught how to coach—you were taught how to be part of a system.

Programs like these often create a sense of false security. You feel like you’re part of something exclusive, something special, but deep down, you might notice the gap between the promises made and the results you’re getting. If your coaching practice isn’t where you thought it would be by now, that gap may be because you haven’t received the foundational tools of real coaching.

This can be hard to face. Nobody wants to admit they didn’t get what they paid for, especially when they were promised transformation, success, and community. But the truth is, if you’re relying on marketing techniques rather than genuine coaching skills, you’re missing the essential components needed to make real impact.

The coaching industry is flooded with programs that sell the dream without teaching the reality of the work. If you were drawn in by promises of instant success or the idea that you’ve joined an exclusive group of coaches, it might be time to ask whether your education has actually prepared you to coach, or if it’s just left you feeling like part of a club.

The hardest pill to swallow is that you might not know as much as you think you do. But that’s where real growth begins. Admitting that there’s more to learn, that you might not have all the tools you need, can be the first step toward truly becoming a world-class coach.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that real transformation happens when you’re armed with the right knowledge, the right tools, and a deep understanding of human behavior. We don’t teach one-size-fits-all formulas, and we don’t ask you to become part of a “club.” Our approach is rooted in science and psychology, with a foundation built on the real skills you need to coach effectively.

If your practice isn’t thriving the way you’d hoped, it might not be because you’re not good enough—it might be because you haven’t learned enough. We’re here to change that. At The Coaching Guild, we’ll teach you the real tools, the brain science, and the identity work that make lasting change possible for both you and your clients.

Transformation is possible, but it requires more than belonging to a club. It requires understanding the art and science of coaching—and that’s what we’re here to teach.

Ready to move beyond the surface and truly learn how to coach? Let’s get started.

Why Curated Small Groups Beat the Mass Enrollment Model in Coach Training

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:40:10 GMT

It's not a slick sales tactic when we say, you might not get in.

Let’s face it—curated small groups are not the most profitable way to run a coach training program. If we were all about making money, we’d fill every available seat with anyone willing to pay and call it a day. That’s what most coaching programs do, and it works…for their bottom line. But we’re not here to rake in the cash at the expense of your learning experience. We’re here to create real coaches, and that means doing things differently.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that deep learning happens in small, intimate groups where the students learn as much from each other as they do from the instructors. You can’t get that kind of environment in a mass-enrollment model. The one-size-fits-all approach might work for profits, but it doesn’t work for developing powerful, authentic coaches. We’re not interested in churning out cookie-cutter coaches. We’re interested in nurturing people who will make a real difference.

Why We Curate Small, Diverse Groups

Here’s the thing: we don’t just randomly assemble small groups. Each one is intentionally designed with people who have little or nothing in common. Why? Because we know that diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds create the richest learning environments. When you’re in a group where everyone thinks and acts the same, you’re not being challenged. You’re not growing.

In our intentionally diverse groups, you’re going to get perspectives you’ve never thought about before. You’re going to hear ideas that challenge your worldview, and you’re going to be pushed to think more deeply. And guess what? That’s exactly what makes you a better coach. Real coaching isn’t about being comfortable—it’s about learning to navigate the discomfort of new ideas and experiences.

If everyone in the room agrees with you, you’re not learning. Our small groups create an environment where students can truly explore, question, and grow. The beauty is that while you’re learning from the best instructors in the business, you’re also learning from your fellow students—people whose life experiences and perspectives are vastly different from your own.

The Coaching Guild Doesn’t Accept Everyone—And That’s Intentional

Here’s something most coaching programs won’t tell you: their "interview process" is often just smoke and mirrors. They’ll interview you, make you feel like you were specially selected, but in reality, they’re accepting anyone who can pay. Their goal is to fill seats. You could be the most unqualified, disinterested person, but as long as you’ve got a checkbook, you’re in.

At The Coaching Guild, we do things differently. About 60% of applicants who inquire about our program are either waitlisted or not accepted at all. Why? Because we’re not just here to take your money—we’re here to create a learning environment that’s carefully crafted for growth. If you’re not a good fit for the group we’re forming at the time, we waitlist you for another cohort where you’ll thrive. If we don’t think our program is right for you at all, we’ll let you know. No hard feelings, just transparency.

This isn’t the most profitable way to run a business, but it’s the right way to build a program that actually works. We’re not interested in cramming as many people as possible into a group to maximize profits. We care about making sure that the people we accept into our program are not only going to succeed, but that they’ll contribute to the success and learning of the entire group.

Why the One-Size-Fits-All Model Fails Coaches

Most coaching programs follow a mass-enrollment model because, let’s face it, it’s easy. More students equals more money. It’s that simple. But the problem with this approach is that it fails coaches—and their future clients.

When you have too many students in one program, the individual experience gets watered down. You’re one face in a crowd of hundreds, maybe thousands, of people all trying to absorb the same information in the same way. But here’s the truth: coaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all industry. What works for one person may not work for someone else, and if you’re not in an environment that allows you to explore and grow based on your own experiences and ideas, you’re not getting the full value of the training.

Mass-enrollment programs are focused on efficiency, not mastery. The more students they can push through the system, the more money they make. But that’s not the kind of education that builds real, transformative coaches.

Why Our Model Works (Even If It’s Not the Most Profitable)

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that smaller, curated groups lead to deeper learning, better collaboration, and ultimately, better coaches. We intentionally create student groups where people have little to nothing in common, because that’s where the richest learning happens. We want our students to be pushed, challenged, and sometimes even uncomfortable. That’s where growth happens.

We also understand that not everyone is a fit for our program. We’re not going to pretend you’re “special” just because you can pay the tuition. If we don’t think you’re ready for the level of depth and engagement we offer, we’ll waitlist you or suggest a different path. Our goal is to create an environment that maximizes the learning potential for everyone in the group, not to fill seats.

The result? Coaches who are prepared to think critically, to learn from diverse experiences, and to apply their skills in ways that are deep, meaningful, and impactful.

Are You Ready to Be Part of Something Real?

We’re not interested in quick profits or shortcuts. We’re interested in building something lasting, something real. The Coaching Guild’s approach to small group learning isn’t the most profitable, but it’s the best way to nurture deep, transformative learning that prepares you for real-world coaching.

If you’re ready to stop chasing the cookie-cutter coaching programs and start learning in an environment where your voice matters, where you’ll be challenged, and where you’ll grow, let’s talk. This isn’t about filling a seat—it’s about becoming the coach you’re meant to be.

If you’re ready to invest in your future without selling your soul, hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you as a coach.

The Illusion of Access: What You’re Really Buying from 'It Girl' Coaches

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:17:54 GMT

Avoid The Celebrity Coach Trap

Buyer beware: If you’re signing up for that shiny, big-name program just because the figurehead is the current “it girl” in coaching, and you think training with her will make you more like her, think again. It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of proximity—wanting to emulate her, get closer to her, maybe even build a relationship with her. But behind the curtain, the reality often looks very different.

Too many people step into these programs only to find themselves punished or ostracized for asking questions, challenging the narrative, or simply not falling in line. Instead of a space for growth, these environments can turn toxic, where hierarchy rules and individual thought is stifled.

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t play that game. Our program isn’t built around a single "celebrity" leader—it’s about a collective of the best instructors out there, each bringing their unique expertise. We’re also here to learn from you, our students, and value the wisdom and perspectives you bring to the table.

Discourse is where real learning happens, and no one here is punished for not understanding or not agreeing. In fact, we encourage critical thinking, questions, and dialogue. That’s why we curate student groups with people who often have nothing in common—because we believe in learning from diverse minds and experiences.

Here, you’re not just another student following the leader. You’re an active part of the process, and together, we grow. That’s the difference.

If you’re ready to invest in your future without selling your soul, hit us up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you as a coach.

Admit it: You might be chasing overnight success but that trajectory usually lands in crash and burn failure

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:58:52 GMT

The Myth of Overnight Success in Coaching: Why Playing the Long Game Matters

The whole idea of “overnight success” in coaching? It’s a lie. You’ve probably seen the posts—“6-figure coach in 6 months” or “Just launch and watch the clients roll in!”—but here’s the truth they’re not telling you: building a real, sustainable coaching business takes time, patience, and a hell of a lot of commitment.

That quick success? It’s smoke and mirrors. Sure, maybe a few people hit the jackpot by selling a dream—but the rest? They burn out. Fast.

The Hard Truth: Slow and Steady Wins the Game

The real game changers are the coaches who play the long game. They don’t chase quick wins. They don’t just market themselves with a slick package and flashy words—they build deep, meaningful relationships. They take time to hone their craft. These are the people who are still here 10 years later, thriving, because they focused on the slow burn that leads to lasting growth.

It’s not sexy. It doesn’t make for a glamorous social media post. But slow and steady success beats out short-lived hype every time. You can’t just throw up a website, call yourself a coach, and expect people to stick around. If you want to succeed, you’ve got to get results for your clients. Real results. And that takes time.

Marketing vs. Mastery: What Really Sets You Apart

Here’s where most people get it wrong: they think if they’re great at marketing, that’s enough. But marketing without substance won’t carry you very far. Clients are smart—they can smell the difference between someone who’s just good at selling and someone who’s actually good at coaching.

Sure, you need to be able to sell yourself. But at the end of the day, it’s the results you get for your clients that will keep them coming back. When you invest in training to be a great coach, that’s where the real magic happens. It’s not about filling your pipeline with clients who leave after one session; it’s about building relationships where clients trust you to help them transform their lives—and that trust comes from your skills, not your sales pitch.

The Coaching Guild: Training Coaches for the Long Haul

At The Coaching Guild, we’re not interested in shortcuts or quick fixes. Our program isn’t some fast-track to a certificate that you can hang on your wall and forget about. We offer university-level coaching education that takes upwards of a year and a half to complete. Why? Because real coaching skills don’t happen overnight.

We’re here to help you master your craft. To give you the tools to create lasting change for your clients, not just the illusion of it. We train rebels, outsiders, creatives—people who know that being a coach is about more than just the title. It’s about impact.

Why the Long Game Is Worth It

It’s easy to get caught up in the fantasy of quick success, but here’s the thing: if you want a coaching practice that lasts, you’ve got to be in it for the long haul. This is about more than just one big launch or a spike in clients—it’s about building a reputation that stands the test of time. It’s about becoming the kind of coach people refer their friends to years down the line because you helped them make a real difference in their lives.

The short game might feel good at the start, but the long game is what keeps you thriving.

Ready to Build Something That Lasts?

If you’re tired of the hype and ready to focus on building a sustainable, successful coaching practice that’s rooted in skill, integrity, and real results, we’re here for it. Let’s ditch the fantasy of overnight success and build something real, something lasting—because that’s where the true impact happens.

Why Coach Training Matters (Even When It’s Not Required)

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:07:06 GMT

Coach Training Isn’t Required, But Here’s Why It Should Be Non-Negotiable

Sure, you could throw a website together, call yourself a coach, and start charging people—but that’s like trying to build a house with a hammer and no blueprint. You need the skills, the knowledge, and the confidence to actually guide people through real transformation—not just talk a good game.

Being a Coach Is About More Than Just Advice

Being a coach isn’t about giving advice or slapping a pep talk on someone’s day. It’s about understanding how to guide people through the messiest, most vulnerable parts of their lives—and for that, you need more than gut instinct. Real coach training teaches you the psychology behind change, the science of behavior, and how to hold space for your clients without burning yourself out. This isn’t just about being a cheerleader—it’s about doing the deep work that leads to real, lasting results.

Accountability to Your Clients (And Yourself)

No one’s watching to make sure you’re doing the work as a coach—but your clients will notice. Coach training holds you accountable to the standards of the profession, even if those standards aren’t regulated. It’s not about getting a gold star—it’s about respecting the responsibility you have as someone guiding others through serious growth. When you invest in your training, you’re investing in your clients and in the integrity of the work.

The Difference Between Marketing and Coaching

Let’s be real: a lot of the coaching industry looks like it can’t tell the difference between training to be good at marketing and training to be a good coach. And while being able to market yourself matters, clients can tell the difference. Slick ads won’t make up for subpar coaching. What clients really want is someone who can help them get real results, not just someone who can sell them the dream. You can be a master at marketing, but if you’re not a great coach, that success is going to be short-lived.

Professionalism Sets You Apart

Here’s a hard truth: the coaching industry is flooded with people who have no business coaching and we all know it. People can smell that lack of credibility from a mile away. But when you’ve got real training under your belt, it sets you apart. It shows that you’re serious about your craft, that you’ve taken the time to learn, and that you’re not just winging it for the cash. People want to work with coaches who’ve put in the work themselves.

University-Level Education at The Coaching Guild

The Coaching Guild isn’t some fast-track to certification—it’s a university-level program that takes upwards of a year and a half to complete. We’re not about shortcuts or cranking out cookie-cutter coaches. We’re here to help you become a coach who’s well-rounded, deeply knowledgeable, and prepared for the long haul. Our program dives deep, giving you the tools, skills, and understanding that set you apart from the fly-by-night coaches who just know how to sell.

The Coaching Guild: Where Real Coaches Train

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t hand out certifications like candy. Our program is built for dreamers, rebels, and outsiders who are serious about making an impact—and we make sure you have the tools to do it. You’re not just here to get a title—you’re here to get the skills that make you a coach people can trust.

So yeah, coach training might not be required, but if you’re in this to make a real difference? It’s non-negotiable.

Podcast Alert: When Good People Become Bad Actors in the Coaching Space

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:11:36 GMT

Introducing the beautiful Rose Siobhán Esteva

Welcome back to the podcast, where today we’re diving into a conversation that’s long overdue—how good people, with the best intentions, can end up using unethical and even harmful marketing tactics in the coaching industry.

In this episode, I’m joined by Rose Esteva de la Torre—philosopher, teacher, writer, creative, mentor, land caretaker, and mystic. With experience working in multiple countries and cultures, a lifetime of sitting in ceremonial circles, an undergraduate degree in design, and a master’s in social welfare, Rose brings a unique perspective to the conversation.
Together, we’re unpacking why so many well-meaning coaches find themselves using tactics that feel out of alignment, how they’re trained by so-called ‘experts’ to follow formulas that harm more than help, and how to break free from these toxic patterns.

This episode is called ‘When Good People Become Bad Actors in the Coaching Space,’ and I promise, we’re getting real about what needs to change.

You can find Rose here.

What Corey says about The Coaching Guild

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:07:12 GMT

We love Corey Dobyns

" My time at the Coaching Guild has been both transformative and challenging in ways I didn’t fully anticipate. With a background in group coaching and facilitation, I was looking for a refresh. What I found was a deeply enriching experience that exceeded my expectations. Not only am I now prepared for a coaching career, but I also experienced significant personal growth along the way. This program isn’t just about learning concepts—it’s about subtle, ongoing integration. By the end, I had developed content for my website, solidified my identity as a coach, and gained the confidence needed to move forward.

What I Appreciated:

Lisa Hayes’ Leadership:
Lisa Hayes is a leader in our field, challenging traditional coaching paradigms with honesty and innovation. Her approach disrupts power structures and challenges the status quo. If you’re ready for deep, meaningful work, I highly recommend connecting with Lisa.

Community Support:
The Guild fosters a strong sense of community through its cohort model. The relationships I formed and the diverse perspectives I encountered were invaluable, providing support and encouraging deeper reflection throughout the program.

Practical Application:
The program’s emphasis on real-world application, through weekly calls and homework assignments, was a highlight. This approach helped me solidify my understanding and skills by applying concepts in real time.

The Coaching Guild is a rigorous and rewarding program suitable for coaches at any stage of their career. Whether you’re looking to transition into coaching or deepen your existing practice, this program offers the tools and community support needed for meaningful growth. Lisa’s careful selection of cohort members ensures a cohesive, supportive learning environment. My experience at the Coaching Guild provided exactly what I needed to pivot my career, and I highly recommend it to anyone committed to serious growth in the coaching field."

If you would like to join Corey and countless other brilliant humans at The Coaching Guild, we're waiting for you.

It's Not Just Another DEI Potluck

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:39:22 GMT

We are betting our money on equity.

Equity Tuition Pricing: Breaking Down Barriers, One Coach at a Time

The coaching industry isn’t exactly known for being accessible to everyone. The high price tags on most training programs keep a lot of talented, passionate people out of the game. But at The Coaching Guild, we’re not about that elitist BS. We believe that everyone who has the heart and the drive to be a great coach deserves a shot, no matter what’s in their bank account.

Why We’re Doing This

We know that not everyone starts from the same place. Wage gaps are real, and they hit some groups harder than others. Our Equity Tuition Pricing Plan is our way of leveling the playing field. We’re adjusting tuition based on the reality of wage inequities, not some fantasy that everyone can afford the same price. It’s about fairness, plain and simple.

How It Works

This isn’t about charity—it’s about making things right. We use wage inequity data to adjust our standard tuition ($9,995) so that it’s fair and accessible for people from different backgrounds. Whether it’s based on race, gender, or other identity markers, we’re committed to ensuring that your financial situation doesn’t block your path to becoming an incredible coach.

And if you’re thinking, “Yeah, but what if something comes up?” Don’t sweat it. We offer flexible payment plans and even emergency deferrals because life happens. We’re here to support you, not stress you out.

Who Benefits?

This plan is for the artists, the single parents, the activists, and anyone else who’s ever felt like the cost of coach training is a gatekeeping tactic. We’re here to break down those gates. When we say we want a diverse group of coaches, we mean it. Different perspectives make for richer coaching experiences—for you and your future clients.

Walking Our Talk

In an industry that loves to talk about equity and diversity, real action can be hard to come by. But at The Coaching Guild, we’re not just throwing these words around to look good. This Equity Tuition Pricing Plan is one way we’re walking our talk. We’re making coaching education accessible to the very people who’ve been shut out of opportunities for too long. Diversity isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we actively support, every step of the way.

Check out our Equity Pricing Policy here.

The Bottom Line

Equity isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a commitment. We’re putting our money where our mouth is, making sure that if you’ve got the passion and the potential, you’ve got a place at The Coaching Guild. We’re about making the coaching world more inclusive, more diverse, and more impactful.

Ready to join us? Let’s talk. We’ll figure out how to make this work for you—no gimmicks, no high-pressure sales tactics, just a real conversation about your future as a coach.

New Grad Alert: Congrats to Corey Dobyns

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 18:17:25 GMT

Graduation season at The Coaching Guild is always bittersweet. I love seeing our students thriving and doing their thing in the real world. The thing about small student cohorts and how we select who goes into those small student cohorts is that I get to choose people I know will be friends for life - and when I selected Corey, I chose well.

Corey Dobyns is a brilliant, thoughtful, compassionate soul. She is one of the most mindful and intentional people I know. She has a heart for racial justice and has committed herself to that work in an uncommon way. Corey walks her talk with deep integrity.

Corey's unique qualities set her apart. She is a wise witness, capable of suspending judgment and deeply listening. Her knack for hearing what is being said between the words in a conversation is unparalleled. While Corey has dedicated herself to learning the skills necessary to become a great coach, it is her instincts that truly make her exceptional at what she does.

I probably learned as much from Corey as she did from the program. If I had to pick a word to describe her as a coach, it would be "safe". I would feel safe referring anyone to Corey Dobyns - and that is about the biggest coach compliment I can think of.

Congratulations, Corey.

The Fantasy Pricing Trap: Why Sky-High Fees Won’t Save Your Coaching Practice

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:44:02 GMT

Don’t Buy the Hype: Real Value Is About Outcomes, Not Price Tags

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the fantasy pricing that’s running rampant in the coaching industry. You’ve seen it: coaches slapping sky-high price tags on their services, promising life-changing transformations that, frankly, don’t always deliver. This trend isn’t just setting clients up for disappointment; it’s setting coaches up for failure too. The truth is, when your product is intangible, the real value isn’t in the hype, it’s in the results.

The Illusion of High Price Equals High Value

There’s a dangerous myth floating around that the higher your price, the higher your perceived value. A lot of new coaches get sucked into this mindset, thinking that charging top dollar will instantly position them as industry leaders. But here’s the thing: slapping a premium price on your services doesn’t automatically make you an expert. In fact, it can do more harm than good if you can’t back it up with real, tangible outcomes.

Clients are smart—they know when they’re getting value and when they’re being sold a dream. Sure, a high price might attract attention, but if the experience doesn’t match up, you’re not just losing a client; you’re damaging your reputation. Remember, people talk, and in this industry, word of mouth can make or break you.

The Myth of “If They Don’t Pay, They Won’t Participate”

One of the most pervasive myths in the coaching industry is this idea that if clients don’t pay a lot, they won’t fully commit to the process. The thinking goes that higher prices lead to higher commitment. But let’s be real—commitment isn’t about the price tag, it’s about the connection and the value they’re getting from the experience.

I’ve seen clients who pay modest fees show up fully, ready to do the work, because they’re genuinely invested in their growth. On the flip side, I’ve seen high-paying clients coast through sessions without putting in the effort because the price they paid was more about status than substance. The truth is, commitment comes from the relationship you build and the value you deliver, not just the size of the check they write.

If you’re using high prices to force commitment, you’re missing the point. Instead, focus on creating a program that’s so engaging, so transformative, that clients want to show up—regardless of the price. Real commitment is about the work, not the wallet.

The Risk of Overpromising and Underdelivering

One of the biggest pitfalls of fantasy pricing is the pressure to overpromise. When you’re charging premium rates, there’s an unspoken expectation that you’re going to deliver something extraordinary. But what happens when the reality doesn’t live up to the hype? Your clients feel let down, and you’re left scrambling to justify your price point.

Overpromising and underdelivering isn’t just bad business; it’s unethical. You’re not selling a magic pill—you’re offering guidance, support, and expertise. If you can’t guarantee the kind of results you’re advertising, it’s time to reassess your approach. Your integrity and your clients’ trust are worth far more than a quick buck.

What True Value Looks Like When the Product Is Intangible

So, what does true value look like when your product is intangible? It’s about more than just flashy marketing and high-ticket prices. It’s about delivering real, measurable outcomes. It’s about the transformations your clients experience, the growth they achieve, and the changes they make in their lives because of your work together.

Value is also about transparency. Be clear about what your clients can expect from your services. Set realistic goals and manage expectations from the start. If you’re honest about what you can and can’t deliver, your clients will appreciate your integrity, and you’ll build a reputation as a coach who’s worth every penny.

How to Set Realistic and Ethical Pricing

Now, let’s talk about how to set prices that reflect the true value of your services without resorting to hype. Start by assessing the real impact of your work. What do your clients walk away with? How do their lives improve because of what you offer? Use this as a baseline to determine your pricing.

Next, consider your experience and expertise. If you’re just starting out, it’s okay to charge less while you build your reputation. As you gain experience and your results speak for themselves, you can adjust your prices accordingly. Remember, it’s better to have a price point that reflects where you’re at now, rather than one that’s based on where you hope to be.

Finally, be transparent. Don’t hide your prices behind endless sales funnels or high-pressure tactics. Put them out there for potential clients to see. When you’re upfront about what you charge and why, you build trust—and trust is what keeps clients coming back.

The Role of The Coaching Guild in Promoting Ethical Pricing

At The Coaching Guild, we believe in pricing that’s grounded in reality, not fantasy. We’re not here to sell you a dream; we’re here to help you build a sustainable, successful coaching practice that delivers real value. Our training programs emphasize ethical pricing practices, transparency, and delivering on your promises.

We teach you how to set prices that reflect the true worth of your services and how to communicate that value to your clients. With our support, you can build a practice that not only survives but thrives—because it’s built on integrity and real, tangible results.

Fantasy pricing might look good on paper, but it’s a ticking time bomb in practice. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that high prices alone equal high value. Focus on delivering real outcomes, being transparent, and setting prices that reflect the true value of your work. When you do, you’ll build a coaching practice that’s not only successful but also sustainable and respected.

Embracing Your Unique Coaching Style: Why You Don’t Need to Fit the Mold

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:30:10 GMT

You are the most profitable asset you've got.

Trying to fit into the cookie-cutter mold of what a coach "should" be is a trap. The problem is that coaches often try to homogenize themselves without even knowing it. Many coaches invest a lot of time and money in being trained by experts who tell them there is one way to do things if they want to be successful. The problem with the one-way approach is that everyone starts looking and sounding like everyone who is doing it the "only right way."

The coaching industry is full of people telling you how you're supposed to look, act, and talk to be successful. But here's the truth: The most successful coaches? They're the ones who aren't fitting in. Successful coaches stand out - not necessarily because they are working harder or posting so much more, but because they have learned a magic formula. They stand out because they embrace their quirks and are willing to NOT be perfect in order to be seen and noticed.

You have to be different to be noticed. Period. Therefore, by default, learning a formula or strategy that worked for someone else will probably work against you if you want to be visible.

The Power of Authenticity

People are craving realness. Clients aren't looking for a watered-down version of someone else; they're looking for an unapologetically real human. Potential clients are much less likely to buy into highlight reel marketing these days. They've gotten much more savvy. The kind of clients you probably want to coach aren't attracted to unattainable aspirational nonsense.

When you're authentic, you connect with people on a deeper level. They trust you because they see that you're not trying to be someone you're not.

Think about it—how many times have you felt an instant connection with someone just because they were being real? That's the kind of connection that keeps clients coming back. When you show up as your true self, you give your clients permission to do the same. And that's where the real transformation begins.

How Your Unique Style Attracts the Right Clients

Here's the deal: when you embrace your unique style, you attract the clients who are the best fit for you. These are the people who resonate with your energy, your approach, and your vibe. They're the clients who will get the most out of working with you because they feel a genuine connection.

Don't waste your time trying to appeal to everyone. It's exhausting, and it's a losing game. Instead, focus on being 100% yourself, and watch how the right people start to show up. These are the clients who will appreciate you, respect your boundaries, and be willing to put in the work because they believe in what you stand for.

So, try this:

Incorporate Your Personal Passions:Bring your hobbies, interests, and passions into your coaching practice. Whether it's a love for music, art, or nature, find ways to integrate these elements into your sessions. This not only makes your coaching unique but also allows you to connect with clients on a more personal level. For example, if you're passionate about art, you might use creative exercises in your coaching that help clients explore their emotions through drawing or painting.
Share Your Own Stories: Don't be afraid to share your personal experiences and stories with your clients—of course, within the bounds of professionalism and relevance. Sharing a story about a challenge you overcame or a lesson you learned can make you more relatable and help your clients see that you've walked the walk. It's about showing your humanity and letting clients know they're not alone in their struggles.
Embrace Imperfection:Being genuine doesn't mean being perfect. Embrace your imperfections and let them show in your practice. Whether it's admitting when you don't have all the answers or laughing off a mistake, showing that you're human can build trust and deepen your connection with clients. It's a powerful way to model self-acceptance and encourage your clients to do the same.

The Role of The Coaching Guild in Supporting Individuality

At The Coaching Guild, we don't just preach individuality—we live it. Our approach is all about helping you find and develop your unique coaching style. We don't do cookie-cutter, and we don't expect you to either. Our programs are designed to give you the tools and support you need to explore who you really are as a coach and how you want to show up in the world.

The Power of Saying No: Why Boundaries Are Essential for Coaches

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 20:21:28 GMT

If you’re the kind of coach who’s always bending over backward to please everyone, it’s time to stop.

Saying no isn’t just a power move—it’s essential for your survival as a coach. If you’re the kind of coach who’s always bending over backward to please everyone, it’s time to stop. The truth is, without strong boundaries, your coaching practice will eventually consume you. You can’t be everything to everyone, and you shouldn’t even try.

Why Boundaries Matter in Coaching

Here’s the deal: boundaries aren’t just about keeping your sanity intact (though that’s a big part of it). They’re about protecting your time, your energy, and your mental health. Without clear boundaries, you’ll find yourself drained, resentful, and ultimately ineffective as a coach.

Boundaries create a framework that allows you to show up as your best self for your clients. When you’re not constantly overextending yourself, you have more to give during your sessions. You’re sharper, more focused, and far more effective. Plus, boundaries help keep your professional relationships exactly that—professional. They prevent your clients from overstepping, ensuring that the relationship remains balanced and respectful.

How to Set Effective Boundaries

Setting boundaries isn’t just about throwing up walls; it’s about creating clear, consistent guidelines that work for both you and your clients.

Here’s how to do it:

Session Times: Be firm about your session times. If a session is scheduled for an hour, it’s an hour—not an hour and a half because your client is going through something. Set expectations from the get-go and stick to them.
Communication Limits: Decide how and when clients can contact you. Are you available for texts at 10 p.m.? No? Then make that clear. Set specific times for when you’ll respond to emails or messages, and don’t let clients push those limits.
Payment and Cancellations: Be upfront about your payment policies and cancellation fees. Make sure your clients know that your time is valuable, and last-minute cancellations will cost them.

The key to effective boundaries is consistency. If you start bending your rules for one client, you’ll find yourself doing it for others, and before you know it, your boundaries are gone. Stick to what you’ve set, and your clients will respect you more for it.

The Impact of Saying No

Here’s something most coaches don’t realize: saying no can actually make you a better coach. When you set boundaries and enforce them, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re also modeling healthy behavior for your clients. They see you valuing your time and energy, and that encourages them to do the same in their own lives.

Saying no can lead to better outcomes for both you and your clients. When you’re not constantly overbooked and overextended, you have the mental space to be fully present in your sessions. You’re not just another stressed-out coach trying to juggle too much; you’re a professional who knows your worth and respects your own limits.

Plus, saying no to the wrong clients—those who don’t respect your boundaries or aren’t a good fit for your coaching style—makes room for the right ones. You’re not here to save everyone. You’re here to work with clients who respect you, your time, and what you bring to the table.

The Role of The Coaching Guild in Teaching Boundaries

At The Coaching Guild, we’re all about teaching you how to run your coaching practice with integrity and respect—starting with yourself. We know that boundaries are the backbone of a sustainable, fulfilling coaching career, and we’re committed to helping you set them right from the start.

Our training programs don’t just cover the technical aspects of coaching; they dive deep into the real-world challenges you’ll face. We show you how to navigate those tricky client interactions, how to enforce your boundaries without guilt, and how to say no with confidence. Our goal is to equip you with the skills you need to build a thriving coaching practice that doesn’t just survive—but thrives.

Boundaries aren’t just about saying no—they’re about saying yes to what really matters: your well-being, your effectiveness as a coach, and your long-term success. When you set and enforce strong boundaries, you create a coaching practice that’s sustainable, fulfilling, and incredibly powerful.

New Grad Alert: Liz Toussaint is in the House

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 20:40:47 GMT

Liz is a one of a kind in all the best ways

Liz Toussaint is one of The Coaching Guild's most recent graduates, and I am excited to introduce her and her work to the world.

One of the things I love most about the culture at The Coaching Guild is how fiercely we hold our individuality and celebrate the individuality of our students and graduates. Liz is one of a kind in all the best ways. She is a beautiful example of a coach who is both highly unique in her approach and yet always relatable.

This woman has done her personal work and built a life that is nothing short of amazing. Liz walks her talk in a way that is truly rare. Liz is the Queen of a new generation of the law of attraction experts. Her deep understanding of LOA, combined with her fresh and remarkably effective processes, makes deliberate creation work both accessible and highly useful for any client who is lucky enough to work with her.

Liz is wicked smart. She is funny. She is bold.

Liz's life is a real-world master class in how to get over yourself and your triggers and live a life that is full, joyful, and on purpose.

Liz Toussaint is a remarkable coach, and although I will miss having her in my life every week, I am excited for the clients whose lives she will make more glorious than when she found them.

You can check Liz out here:

https://www.muniefa.com/

How to Build a Thriving Coaching Business Without Falling Into the Sales Funnel Trap

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:22:45 GMT

The ick is hard to define but you feel it when you see it.

A couple of days ago, I was talking to a group of new coaches, all of whom expressed varying degrees of deep concern about the shady shit marketing tactics embedded in the coaching industry. Every single one felt anxious about what they thought they might have to do to market their coaching practice.

There is such a feeling of ick around the marketing tactics in our industry that this is the most likely reason coaches decide not to pursue a career in coaching when they think they'd love the work—good people with potentially great talent can't stomach the idea of trip-and-fall funnel marketing and high-pressure sales tactics.

That said, here is the thing about those tactics that makes everyone think they are necessary: They work, but the success is almost always temporary because, sooner or later, clients realize they are being tricked into upsells, and the funnel dries up. However, for a very short period of time, the predatory marketing is working, and the results look gloriously profitable even though deep down inside, most people feel shady doing it.

And we know this—as an industry, we talk about it a lot. What we don't talk about enough, though, is how to market without using sales tactics that cause the ick.

Three Ways to Create a Marketing Communication Strategy That Might Not Be Sexy But Is Proven to Work

Communicate with Integrity and Generous Intent

Forget about slick automation that funnels people through a maze of upsells and downsells. Instead, focus on genuine communication. Here's how:

Reduce Automation: While automation can save time, over-relying on it can make your communications feel impersonal and robotic. Use automation sparingly and make sure it's tailored to provide real value.
Educate and Inspire: When you communicate, do it to educate and inspire your audience. Share your knowledge freely, offer insights, and provide genuine help. When people see you as a generous source of valuable information, they're more likely to trust you and seek out your services.

Offer Value in Your Marketing Content

Your marketing content should be more than just a pitch. It should provide real value that leaves people better off than before they consumed it. Here's how to do it:

Educational Content: Create content that teaches your audience something useful. Whether it's a blog post, video, or webinar, ensure it's packed with actionable insights.
Free Resources: Offer free resources like eBooks, guides, or templates that your audience can use immediately. This will not only help them but also showcase your expertise.
Consistent Value: Regularly update your content and ensure it consistently provides value. This keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Make Transparent Offers for Your Products and Services

Transparency builds trust. When you're upfront about what you offer and what it costs, people feel more comfortable engaging with you. Here's how to keep it real:

Clear Pricing: Don't hide your prices or make people jump through hoops to find out what you charge. Be clear and upfront about your pricing structure.
Honest Descriptions: Describe your services honestly. Avoid exaggerating the benefits or making promises you can't keep. People appreciate honesty and are more likely to trust you.
No Pressure Sales: Make your offers without the hard sell. Let people know what you have to offer, why it's valuable, and how they can benefit, but give them the space to make their own decisions.

The Role of The Coaching Guild in Supporting Authentic Growth

At The Coaching Guild, we're all about authenticity. We know that real growth comes from real connections and genuine value, not from tricking people into a funnel. Here's how we support you in building an authentic, thriving coaching business:

Comprehensive Training: Our multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach ensures you're equipped with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Real-World Scenarios: We use real-world scenarios to teach you how to handle challenges and build a business with integrity.
Ongoing Support: Our support doesn't stop when the training ends. We're here to guide you, mentor you, and help you navigate your coaching journey.

Building a thriving coaching business without falling into the sales funnel trap is not only possible, it's the future. By focusing on genuine relationships, creating value-driven content, leveraging ethical social proof, engaging with your community, and offering free value, you can build a business that's both successful and ethical.

Without Confidentiality There Can Be No Trust

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:51:44 GMT

And without trust there is not going to a sustainable relationship with your client.

Alright, let’s get real. Confidentiality in coaching is non-negotiable. But you’d be surprised how often coaches violate it without even realizing it. Want to avoid being that coach? Here are five ways coaches screw up client confidentiality and what you can do to stay ethical and professional.

1. Blabbing in Public Places

You know that loud conversation in the coffee shop? Yeah, everyone around you just learned about your client’s divorce. Discussing client details in public spaces is a massive no-no. Even if you’re not mentioning names, people can put two and two together.

2. Oversharing in Peer Groups

Peer support is crucial, but there’s a fine line between seeking advice and spilling secrets. Sharing too many details about a client’s situation can quickly cross into unethical territory. Keep it general, folks.

3. Using Client Stories in Marketing (Without Permission)

We get it, client success stories are great for marketing. But if you’re sharing those stories without explicit permission, you’re breaching confidentiality. Even if you think you’ve anonymized the details, there’s a good chance someone could recognize the story. Always get written consent before using client stories in your marketing materials.

4. Casual Mentions on Social Media

Posting about your day-to-day coaching experiences on social media? Be careful. Even vague posts can give away too much if your client base is small or niche. Before you hit “post,” think about whether your client would be okay with what you’re sharing.

5. Discussing Clients with Family and Friends

Your spouse might be your best confidant, but they shouldn’t be hearing about your clients. Sharing client details with family or friends breaches confidentiality, plain and simple. Keep your work and personal life separate.

Why Confidentiality and Ethics Matter at The Coaching Guild

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t mess around when it comes to confidentiality and ethics. We know that trust is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship, and we’re here to help you build that from the ground up.

Our training programs are designed to instill a deep understanding of confidentiality and ethics. We teach you how to navigate tricky situations, handle sensitive information, and maintain your clients’ trust. Here’s how we do it:

Comprehensive Ethics Training

Our multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach includes comprehensive ethics training. You’ll learn the ins and outs of maintaining confidentiality, understanding ethical dilemmas, and making decisions that uphold the integrity of your practice.

Real-World Scenarios

We use real-world scenarios to prepare you for the challenges you’ll face as a coach. You’ll practice anonymizing case studies, managing peer support ethically, and avoiding common pitfalls. This hands-on approach ensures you’re ready to handle anything that comes your way.

Ongoing Support and Mentorship

Our commitment to your growth doesn’t end when the training does. We offer ongoing support and mentorship to help you navigate ethical challenges throughout your career. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, we’re here to back you up.

Ready to Level Up Your Coaching Game?

Confidentiality isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the backbone of professional coaching. If you’re ready to build a practice rooted in trust and integrity, The Coaching Guild is here to help. Our training program is specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers.

Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you as a coach. Visit The Coaching Guild to learn more.

5 Reasons Peer Support is Critical in Developing Your Coaching Skills

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:11:09 GMT

While therapists in most states are required to engage in peer mentoring for licensure, coaching often lacks such mandates.

If you want to be a standout coach, you need peer support. While therapists in most states are required to have peer mentoring for licensure, the coaching industry often skips this step. But that doesn’t mean you should. Here are five badass reasons why peer support is crucial for sharpening your coaching skills and how The Coaching Guild’s small group format is the perfect place to dive in.

1. Continuous Learning and Skill Enhancement

Forget static learning. Peer support is your ticket to ongoing education. Engage with your peers to swap stories, discuss new techniques, and learn from each other’s wins and losses. This dynamic exchange keeps you at the forefront of coaching practices and constantly elevates your game.

2. Accountability and Motivation

Ever tried to hold yourself accountable and found every excuse in the book? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Peer support keeps you on track. Your peers won’t let you slack off—they’ll push you, motivate you, and cheer you on. This built-in accountability ensures you’re always moving forward and reaching new heights.

3. Diverse Perspectives and Problem-Solving

You’re great, but you don’t know everything. That’s where diverse peer groups come in. Different backgrounds and experiences bring fresh perspectives to the table. When you discuss client scenarios and coaching challenges with peers, you get creative solutions and insights you’d never come up with on your own.

4. Emotional Support and Stress Relief

Coaching can be a lonely, stressful gig. Peer support is your emotional safety net. Sharing your ups and downs with people who get it can be a huge relief. This support network helps you maintain your mental health and avoid burnout. Plus, it’s nice to have someone to vent to who actually understands.

5. Networking and Professional Growth

Your network is your net worth. Engaging in peer support builds a web of professional connections. These connections can lead to collaborations, referrals, and insider industry knowledge. A strong network is essential for growth and can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

The Coaching Guild's Small Group Format

At The Coaching Guild, we don’t just pay lip service to peer support—we live it. Our small student groups are deliberately designed to maximize engagement and build solid connections. Diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to create a powerhouse of learning and growth. This format encourages open dialogue, critical thinking, and real-world experience sharing. It’s peer support done right.

5 Ways to Engage in Peer Support Without Jeopardizing Client Confidentiality

Worried about spilling client secrets? Here’s how to engage in peer support while keeping client confidentiality intact:

Use Anonymized Case Studies: Strip away any identifying details when discussing client scenarios. Change names, locations, and any specific identifiers.
Focus on Themes and Techniques: Discuss general themes and coaching techniques rather than specific client details. This keeps conversations relevant without breaching confidentiality.
Set Clear Boundaries: Lay down the ground rules with your peer group about confidentiality. Everyone needs to be on the same page about what’s okay to share.
Seek Supervision: Use a qualified mentor or coach for supervision. They’re bound by confidentiality agreements, providing a safe space for detailed discussions.
Use Hypothetical Scenarios: Present situations that mirror your real experiences without revealing actual client information. It’s a great way to get feedback and advice without compromising privacy.

Peer support is a non-negotiable for serious coaches. It offers continuous learning, accountability, diverse perspectives, emotional support, and networking opportunities.

Why Diverse Student Groups Make Better Coaches: Inside The Coaching Guild's Unique Approach

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 18:41:23 GMT

Cultivating a Unique Learning Culture at The Coaching Guild

Many coach training programs in our industry pump out look-a-like-sound-a-like coaches in massive cohorts. These coaches silently gain favor replicating themselves after the guru at the head of the room. You end up with homogenized coaches trying to stand out and fit in.

The Coaching Guild sets itself apart by purposefully creating an environment where students gain as much knowledge from one another as they do from our knowledgeable teachers. This unconventional method of coaching education is not just uncommon but also revolutionary. The bottom line is we take our ego out of our education.

Diverse Student Groups' Power

When we talk about diversity at The Coaching Guild, we mean it. We deliberately select students from a wide range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences to include in our small student groups. Instead of checking boxes related to diversity, the goal is to create a vibrant, rich learning environment where genuine growth may occur.

Imagine a classroom where a social activist, a corporate executive, a freelance artist, and a wellness specialist all learn together, on equal footing as peers. They might not seem to have anything in common at first glance—and that is exactly the goal. Each contributes special knowledge and experiences that broaden and challenge the viewpoints of their colleagues. This intellectual melting pot promotes a greater comprehension and respect of many life and coaching philosophies.

Facilitating Intentional Discourse

At The Coaching Guild, discourse is not only welcomed but also necessary. We think magic happens in important debates and interactions. Our students actively participate in their educational process rather than being passive recipients of information. They push boundaries, question conventions, and challenge one another. Students are encouraged to think critically in this setting and are given the freedom to create their own distinctive coaching approaches.

We appreciate individuality in an industry that frequently encourages standardization. Our goal is to foster unique voices and methods rather than creating coaches who are just copies of one another. It encourages our students to value their uniqueness and to incorporate their entire selves into their coaching practice.

Acquiring Knowledge from One Another

The idea that students can learn as much from one another as they can from us is a fundamental component of our teaching methodology. Our student groups' diverse backgrounds and experiences offer a wealth of information and perspective. Students encourage one another's development, exchange real-world experiences, and present many viewpoints on issues. Peer-to-peer learning is extremely beneficial and enhances the educational process in general.

An Uncommon Method in the Field

In the coaching field, The Coaching Guild is unique in its dedication to creating a diverse, discourse-rich learning environment. Delivering standardized information that yields consistent outcomes is the main goal of many programs. On the other hand, we stress the value of different viewpoints and personal development. Our method not only gives our students strong coaching abilities, but it also gets them ready to think critically and creatively on their own.

We are rethinking what it means to train as a coach by fostering a culture where dialogue is valued and diversity is honored. Not only do our alumni leave The Coaching Guild as accomplished professionals, but they also depart as distinct, considerate, and self-assured people prepared to change the world.

In Summary

At The Coaching Guild, we take great pride in our non-traditional method of coaching instruction. We make sure that our students get as much knowledge from each other as they do from us by carefully selecting diverse student groupings and encouraging thoughtful conversation. In the coaching profession, our graduates stand out as creative, autonomous thinkers because of their rebellious attitude against homogeneity.

The Power of Multi-Disciplinary Training in Life Coaching

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 18:08:56 GMT

If you want to love what you learn, learn it from someone who loves what they teach.

In the dynamic world of life coaching, one size does not fit all. Clients come with diverse backgrounds, unique challenges, and varying goals. To truly make an impact, a coach must be equipped with a versatile set of skills and perspectives. This is where multi-disciplinary training comes into play.

The Value of Diverse Perspectives

When a coach is trained across multiple disciplines, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a broader perspective to their practice. Imagine a coach who understands the intricacies of psychology, the principles of wellness, and the strategies of business coaching. This blend allows them to tailor their approach to meet the specific needs of each client.

For instance, understanding psychological theories can help a coach navigate a client’s emotional blocks, while wellness knowledge can guide lifestyle changes that enhance overall well-being. Business acumen can be crucial for clients looking to excel in their careers or entrepreneurial ventures. Each discipline adds a layer of depth to the coaching process, creating a more holistic and effective practice.

Enhancing Coaching Skills

Multi-disciplinary training doesn’t just expand a coach’s knowledge base; it hones their skills. Coaches learn to adapt and apply different techniques based on the client’s situation. They become adept at integrating various methodologies to create a personalized coaching experience.

Consider a coach trained in cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and leadership coaching. This coach can help a client develop healthier thought patterns, maintain present-moment awareness, and build strong leadership skills—all within the same coaching relationship. The synergy of these skills leads to profound transformations.

Real-World Impact

The real-world impact of multi-disciplinary training is evident in the success stories of coaches who have embraced this approach. Coaches from The Coaching Guild have reported remarkable results, attributing their success to the diverse training they received.

One coach shared how their background in nutrition and wellness coaching helped a client overcome chronic stress and improve their health, which in turn boosted their productivity at work. Another coach, with training in emotional intelligence and business coaching, helped a startup founder navigate the complexities of leadership, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated team.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The coaching industry is ever-evolving, with new research, techniques, and client needs emerging regularly. Coaches committed to continuous learning are better equipped to stay ahead of the curve. Multi-disciplinary training encourages a mindset of lifelong learning, ensuring coaches remain relevant and effective.

At The Coaching Guild, we prioritize continuous professional development. Our multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach not only equips coaches with foundational skills but also instills the importance of ongoing education. Coaches are encouraged to explore new disciplines and integrate them into their practice, keeping their coaching fresh and impactful.

Multi-disciplinary training in life coaching is not just an added benefit; it’s a game-changer. It enriches a coach’s toolkit, enhances their adaptability, and leads to more personalized and effective coaching. By embracing diverse perspectives and committing to continuous learning, coaches can truly transform lives.

Unlocking Freedom: How Coaching Gives Me a Life with Purpose Beyond the Nine to Five Grind

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 20:14:45 GMT

Lots of things in life matter and having the space to do them is what freedom looks like.

There’s a lot of hype about the income potential in coaching, and while many coaches do make good money, that’s not the most interesting motivation. Owning your own time and what you can do with it is where it’s at.

Freedom Beyond the Daily Grind

Many feel trapped in a cycle of work and family responsibilities, often struggling with guilt over not having enough time or energy for either. Coaching has broken that cycle for me, offering a way to live more freely and meaningfully.

Passion Projects and Campaigns

I've had the time to work on campaigns for causes and people I believe in. I spent six years working as a coach and running an organization that supported some of the most challenging to help homeless people in our community. I took more than a year to run a statewide campaign for police reform AND continued to build my coaching practice. I have worked with countless political campaigns in organizational roles. These things take time, and I was able to give it. Whether it's advocating for social change or supporting grassroots initiatives, coaching has enabled me to dedicate significant energy to these passions.

Family First

One of the most precious gifts coaching has given me is time with my child. I've had the flexibility to homeschool him, be there for every milestone, and nurture our relationship in ways that traditional work schedules simply don't allow. I don’t do it all by myself. I have had plenty of support along the way. However, neither of my boys spent a day in daycare because of my career, and I am grateful for the space coaching created in my life to be able to do that.

Caring for Aging Parents

Coaching also provided me the time and flexibility to take care of my aging parents in their final years. We had so much support along the way on that journey. However, I was able to make the time to create memories and be there in any emergency. Had I had traditional employment during the years my parents lived with us, I would have lost my job. Being present for them, providing support, and cherishing those moments are opportunities I wouldn't have had in a conventional job.

Community Engagement

Balancing my coaching practice with community service has been seamless. I've been able to dive into local causes without compromising my professional commitments, fostering a sense of fulfillment and purpose. Moving away from the U.S. to live in an entirely different culture, being able to make time and space to be a part of the community in meaningful ways has been incredibly important. Coaching allows us to live anywhere we can get internet, and it has allowed us to be a part of our new community in ways that make a difference because I can make myself available when I am really needed.

A Multifaceted Life

Coaching has allowed me to build a life with layers of depth and impact. It's not just about earning a living; it's about living fully and authentically. I'm creating a legacy, aligning my work with my values, and making a difference every single day.

Coaching isn't just a career—it’s a path to a richly fulfilling life. If you're searching for a profession that offers true freedom and the chance to make a meaningful impact, coaching might be your answer.

If you are interested in building a coaching practice that works for you without the hype and pressure of what everyone else thinks it should be, check us out.

#CoachingLife #WorkLifeBalance #ImpactfulLiving #CommunityInvolvement #FamilyTime #AuthenticLife

"Perfect Life" As a Marketing Strategy is Unethical

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 18:12:04 GMT

Confessions of a life coach with a life that feels like a dumpster fire.

I've said it before, and I will say it one thousand times more: if you're waiting until your life is perfect enough for public consumption, get your groove on and become a coach. You are probably focusing too much on yourself and not enough on your potential clients.

I do not know a single coach who has a perfect life, and I know A LOT of coaches.

Life is not perfect, and if you're relying on a perfect-looking life to market your coaching practice, your coaching practice and your marketing will be in a constant cycle of start and stutter because life is going to life. Your coaching practice is going to fail with that strategy.

Sometimes life is hard as fuck for everyone.

April was a really bad month for me—like epic bad. The facts are that the months leading up to April were really bad too. I'm going to spare you all the torrid details, but I will just say that in a cataclysmic string of events, I found myself on or about May first, taking stock of my life and realizing every single area of my life was in crisis - not just strained but almost completely fucked.

My business and finances had been coasting for too long, and those systems felt really fragile. In April, I made less money than I had since I started my business two decades ago.

I got sicker than I've maybe ever been in mid-April. Perhaps I had COVID. However, I didn't have the strength or the will to even take the test. More likely than COVID, I probably just bottomed out because of lack of sleep and stress. So, my body finally fired off a big fuck you, leaving me no choice but to go to bed.

All of my primary relationships were strained, some of them beyond repair. Some of my relationships will be in recovery for a long time, and other relationships that once mattered to me will never recover, and I've just made peace with that. I owed too many apologies to count.

The people I cared for most were in the fallout of my rapidly developing mental health crisis. I was probably dangerously depressed, but I was too anxious to notice that depression.

And we can debate all day long whether or not I should have been working or whether or not my life was too much of a fuck show for me to think I had anything to offer my clients, but I am not here for that debate BECAUSE my clients do not hire me because they want my life. I am not in the business of selling a fantasy. My life is messy sometimes, and that's not a secret.

When a life coach thinks they have all the answers or all the tools to be unbothered by the experiences that make us human, we lose touch with the humanity that makes us great coaches.

When a life coach thinks they need to be perfect or at least look perfect to be worthy in the market of a sea of coaches, that coach might be putting way too much value on perfection to be compassionate with other humans.

"My perfect life" as a marketing strategy is unethical.

Look, if you are hiring a coach because you want a life that looks just like theirs on social media, you might want to reconsider what you want to get out of coaching. Everyone's life is complicated.

If a coach is selling something that looks shiny and tidy all the time, they are selling a lie. You can't pay for enough sessions to buy that lie -

but on some level, I think most clients know that. They might try to buy the fantasy by hiring the coach with the "perfect life", but no one is shocked when that doesn't work.

Someone asked me recently if I would be embarrassed to admit to my clients I'd struggled with anxiety. I laughed and said, I'm pretty sure they already know. It feels like everyone knows.

And I might be wrong. Maybe potential clients will think I'm a fraud of a life coach for telling the truth about real human experiences, but I don't think so. Humans crave realness.

I believe clients want to work with humans who understand what it feels like to be so anxious you don't notice the depression.

I believe clients want to work with humans who know what it feels like to wake up one day to relationships you don't recognize because you don't recognize yourself.

I believe clients want to work with humans who can embrace the reality that perfect is not all that attractive because our humanity is what makes us beautiful.

I believe clients want to work with humans who do the work to heal when they are broken and humans who walk their talk with honesty, even when it's raw and jagged.

Life will humble us all, and that is a beautiful thing.

I believe we can be humbled and do great work all at the same time.

Vulnerability is the truth, and that is a much sexier business model than perfection.

I am fine.

I took the meds.

I surrounded myself with loving professional support.

I still sleep a lot in my free time.

I have a self-care accountability partner who is changing my life.

I am eating well.

I am committed to rehabing my nervous system.

I can see the light again and I really do love myself and my life.

Be Wary of Vanity Pricing

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:22:40 GMT

Charge What You're Worth is a Trap

Flexible Pricing in Coaching: Breaking the Myth of "Top Dollar" Value

The coaching industry has an obsession with top-dollar pricing. There's this pervasive notion that if clients don't pay full price, they won't value the work. Spoiler alert: this myth is driven by coaches talking to coaches, intentionally leaving clients completely out of the conversation.

The Real Talk on "Charging What You’re Worth"

"Charge what you're worth!" is the battle cry heard across coaching forums and social media groups. But here's the kicker: these discussions are echo chambers. Coaches preach to other coaches about maintaining high prices yet fail to consider market realities like market pricing, saturation, and client affordability. The idea that one can magically set prices based solely on self-worth without any economic consideration is not only naive but also dangerous. Not to mention, it is nonsensical fluff when you try actually to do it. How do you price worth based on a feeling of worthiness? You can’t. It sure sounds good in the pep talk portion of a marketing mastermind, but in reality it’s just a string of words with no foundation to work from.

The Problem with Vanity Pricing

Vanity pricing—charging as much as you can just because you can—is a risky business model. Sure, it might work for a handful of elite coaches, but for the majority, it’s a fast track to an empty client list. Pricing should reflect the value provided, market conditions, and accessibility. Overpricing can alienate potential clients and stunt your business growth.

Maybe, just maybe, if you get your marketing on point and everything, including the stars are lined up just right, vanity pricing might work once or twice, but it will not yield a sustainable client stream, repeat business, or referrals - you need those things to succeed.

The Case for Flexible Pricing

Flexible pricing isn't about looking cheap or desperate; it's about being smart and accessible. It's a growth strategy embraced by various industries, allowing businesses to cater to a broader audience. Here’s how flexible pricing can help build a sustainable coaching practice:

Sliding Scale Fees : Offer a range of pricing options based on the client’s financial situation. This approach not only broadens your client base but also fosters goodwill and loyalty.
Package Deals : Provide discounted rates for clients who commit to longer-term packages. This ensures a steady income stream while offering clients better value.
Scholarships and Pro Bono Work : Allocate a percentage of your time to clients who genuinely cannot afford your services. This not only builds your reputation but also aligns with ethical practices.
Early Bird Discounts : Offer lower rates for clients who book and pay in advance. This incentivizes commitment and helps with cash flow management.

Moving Forward

It’s time to ditch the magical thinking and vanity pricing. Embrace flexible pricing as a strategic tool to grow your coaching practice. It’s not about devaluing your work; it’s about making your services accessible and building a diverse client base. Remember, the goal is to help people—not just those who can afford top dollar.

#FlexiblePricing #RealCoaching #GrowthStrategy #InclusiveCoaching #CoachingGuild #ValueOverVanity

Why Inclusive and Equity-Based Pricing is Critical for the Future of Coaching

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:39:34 GMT

The coaching industry is at a crossroads. The era of exclusive, pay-for-play coaching cliques is ending, and for good reason. Inclusive and equity-based pricing is not just a trend; it's a necessity.

Here’s why:

1. Breaking Down Barriers

Traditional pricing models often exclude talented individuals who simply can’t afford high tuition fees. This perpetuates a cycle where only the privileged have access to high-quality coaching training. Equity-based pricing breaks down these financial barriers, opening doors for diverse, passionate individuals who might otherwise take a pass on training.

2. Enhancing Diversity and Inclusivity

By offering flexible, needs-based tuition options, coaching programs can attract a wider range of students from different backgrounds. This diversity enriches the learning environment, bringing in new perspectives and experiences that benefit everyone. It also ensures that the coaching profession reflects the diverse world we live in, making it more relevant and relatable to clients from all walks of life.

3. Promoting Ethical Integrity

Inclusive pricing aligns with the ethical responsibility of the coaching industry to provide equal opportunities for all. It’s about walking the talk and making sure our practices match our values. Offering equity-based tuition is a tangible way to promote fairness and social justice within the industry, enhancing its credibility and trustworthiness.

4. Fostering Sustainable Growth

For the coaching industry to thrive long-term, it must be inclusive and diverse. Equity-based pricing helps create a more sustainable model by ensuring a steady influx of new talent from varied backgrounds. This diversity fuels innovation and keeps the industry dynamic and forward-thinking.

5. Empowering Change-Makers

Many potential coaches with the drive to make a difference in their communities are often held back by financial constraints. Equity-based pricing empowers these change-makers, providing them with the training they need to effect real, positive change. This not only benefits the individuals but also strengthens the communities they serve.

The Coaching Guild’s Commitment

At The Coaching Guild, we are committed to equity-based tuition as a cornerstone of our program. We believe that financial constraints should never be a barrier to becoming a coach. Our flexible pricing model ensures that everyone has a fair chance to access top-quality training, regardless of their financial situation. Join us in making the coaching industry more inclusive, equitable, and impactful.

Three Ways to Implement Equity-Based Pricing in Your Practice

Sliding Scale Fees: Offer a range of pricing options based on the client's financial situation. This can be determined through an honor system or a simple financial assessment. Sliding scale fees ensure that coaching is accessible to those with lower incomes while still allowing higher-earning clients to pay more.
Scholarships and Grants: Set aside a portion of your income to fund scholarships or grants for clients who demonstrate financial need. This not only opens up opportunities for those who might otherwise be unable to afford coaching but also promotes a sense of community and support within your practice.
Pay-It-Forward Programs: Encourage clients who can afford it to contribute to a fund that subsidizes coaching for those who cannot. This can create a culture of giving and support within your coaching community, ensuring that more people have access to the help they need, regardless of their financial situation.

#EquityInCoaching #InclusivePricing #CoachingGuild #BreakDownBarriers #EthicalCoaching #DiversityMatters #SustainableGrowth

7 Reasons Diversity is Essential for the Future of Coaching

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:23:19 GMT

A couple of years ago, the coaching industry talked about diversity a lot, so much so that words like inclusion, equity, and diversity started sounding like marketing buzzwords. White coaches were feeling the pressure to acknowledge their privilege in all ways, especially in an industry that is frankly built around the cultural values of whiteness.

These days, we aren’t talking openly about the whiteness problem in the coaching space nearly as much and industry-wide, I see very few actionable ways we are addressing it and that sacres me. If we don’t start finding ways to not just embrace but elevate diversity in our profession, the future of coaching is in jeopardy.

Here’s why diversity isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a must-have for our industry:

1. Authentic Connection

Real coaching requires deep, authentic connections with clients. Diversity enriches our ability to understand and relate to people from all backgrounds, fostering trust and effective guidance. When clients see themselves represented by their coaches, their experiences are validated, and a stronger rapport is built. This connection is essential for creating a safe space where clients feel understood and supported in their unique journeys.

Without diversity, we risk perpetuating a narrow perspective that fails to resonate with the wide array of clients we serve. Embracing diversity means recognizing and valuing the richness of different cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences. It’s about meeting clients where they are and tailoring our approaches to fit their specific needs, ultimately leading to more impactful coaching outcomes.

2. Broad Perspectives

A diverse coaching community brings a wide range of experiences and viewpoints. This diversity of thought leads to more creative problem-solving and innovative coaching methods. When coaches from different backgrounds come together, they challenge each other’s assumptions and push the boundaries of traditional coaching practices. This collaborative environment fosters growth and encourages the development of new, effective strategies.

Furthermore, diverse perspectives help coaches to see beyond their own biases and consider multiple angles when addressing client issues. This holistic approach ensures that clients receive well-rounded advice and support, drawing from a rich pool of collective wisdom. In a world that’s constantly evolving, a diverse coaching community is better equipped to adapt and thrive.

3. Reflecting Reality

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, so our industry should reflect that reality. A coaching practice that mirrors the diversity of the world is more relatable and trustworthy. Clients are more likely to engage with coaches who understand their cultural context and lived experiences. This relatability fosters a sense of belonging and comfort, making the coaching process more effective.

When the coaching industry fails to reflect the diversity of its clientele, it risks alienating those who feel unseen and unheard. To avoid this, we must prioritize diversity at all levels—from hiring practices to program development. By doing so, we create an inclusive environment where all clients feel valued and respected, enhancing the overall impact of our coaching.

4. Ethical Integrity

It’s our ethical duty to ensure everyone has access to quality coaching, regardless of their background. Failing to do so means perpetuating inequality and limiting our impact. Ethical integrity in coaching involves not only being fair and just but also actively working to dismantle barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing our services.

Commitment to diversity is a commitment to social justice. It means advocating for policies and practices that promote equity within our industry. By championing diversity, we honor our ethical responsibilities and contribute to a more just and inclusive society. This, in turn, enhances the credibility and legitimacy of the coaching profession as a whole.

5. Challenging the Status Quo

Diversity pushes us out of our comfort zones and challenges us to rethink outdated norms and practices. This is essential for growth and progress within the industry. Stagnation occurs when we rely on homogenous thinking and fail to question established methodologies. Embracing diversity means welcoming disruption and innovation, which are crucial for evolving our coaching practices.

When we challenge the status quo, we open the door to new possibilities and breakthroughs. Diverse voices bring fresh perspectives that can lead to groundbreaking approaches in coaching. This dynamic environment not only benefits coaches but also enriches the experiences of our clients, who receive support that is both contemporary and relevant.

6. Walking the Talk

Lip service to diversity is rampant in the coaching industry. It’s time we move beyond token gestures and make real, substantial changes. This means hiring diverse staff, promoting inclusive practices, and continuously educating ourselves. We must hold ourselves accountable and take concrete steps to ensure that our commitment to diversity is reflected in our actions.

Walking the talk involves creating policies and practices that genuinely support diversity and inclusion. This could include diversity training for staff, inclusive marketing strategies, and actively seeking feedback from underrepresented groups. By embedding these practices into our organizational culture, we demonstrate our dedication to making lasting change.

7. Sustainable Growth

For the coaching industry to thrive long-term, it must be inclusive and diverse. This is not just about doing the right thing; it’s about ensuring our industry remains relevant and vibrant in a rapidly changing world. As demographics shift and global interconnectedness increases, the demand for diverse perspectives in coaching will only grow.

Sustainable growth requires an industry that is adaptable and resilient. By fostering diversity, we build a foundation that can withstand and flourish amidst societal changes. This approach not only secures the future of coaching but also enhances its ability to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals across the globe.

The Coaching Guild’s Commitment

The Coaching Guild is committed to elevating diverse leadership. Making room at the table isn’t what we are aiming for. The Coaching Guild is committed to creating equitable spaces where diverse voices are at the head of the table, the front of the room, and in leadership positions in our program and in our industry.

The future of coaching depends on bold, fierce, and brilliant diverse voices with more entry points to coaching for a wider and more diverse client base.

The Coaching Guild is building the future.

#DiversityMatters #InclusiveCoaching #CoachingGuild #RealWorldImpact #WalkTheTalk #SustainableGrowth #EthicalCoaching

Life Coaching and the Real Deal Data

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:18:30 GMT

Have you been on the fence about diving into the world of life coaching? Maybe you’ve heard whispers about it being a speculative venture with uncertain returns. Let’s clear the air with real-world data proving life coaching isn’t just a viable career—it’s a thriving one.

1. Income Potential:

The average annual income for a life coach in 2023 is $52,800, reflecting a 12% increase from $46,464 in 2019. Niche coaches, such as business coaches, can earn significantly more, with averages around $87,281 per year. This upward trend in income highlights the growing value and recognition of professional coaching services. There are studies on the market that list higher average salaries. Those studies often include both life coaching and corporate coaching data. For the purposes of this post, we are specifically exploring the life coaching industry.

2. Average Hourly Rates:

Life coaches charge an average of $244 per hour for their services, which has increased by 9% in recent years. This rate can vary widely depending on the coach's experience, specialization, and location, with some highly specialized coaches commanding even higher rates.

3. Number of Clients and Work Hours:

On average, life coaches maintain about 12.2 clients per week and work approximately 11.9 hours per week. This workload allows coaches to provide personalized, impactful sessions while also managing other aspects of their business. Many coaches find that this balance enables them to maintain a high level of service without burnout.

4. Industry Growth:

The coaching industry generated an astounding $4.564 billion in annual revenue in 2022, marking a 62% increase from 2019. This robust growth underscores the rising demand for coaching services worldwide. The number of active coach practitioners has also seen a 54% increase since 2019, reaching 109,200 globally.

5. Success Rates:

A staggering 9 out of 10 coaches report having active clients, a 55% increase from 2019. This high engagement level indicates that clients are actively seeking out and benefiting from coaching services. Additionally, 73% of coaches expect an increase in their annual revenue, and 70% anticipate a growth in their client base in the near future.

6. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance:

Life coaches often enjoy a more flexible schedule and better work-life balance compared to corporate or business coaches. While corporate coaches tend to earn more, often being paid by companies or organizations, life coaches typically work with private clients. This flexibility allows life coaches to tailor their schedules and work environments to fit their personal needs and lifestyle, enhancing their overall job satisfaction.

7. Demand Across Niches:

The coaching industry is diverse, catering to various niches such as emotional intelligence, career coaching, health and wellness, and mindfulness. This diversity ensures that there’s a niche for every coach, and the demand for specialized coaching services continues to grow.

Conclusion:

The data speaks for itself—life coaching is a booming industry with significant income potential, steady growth, and high demand. If you’ve been hesitant, now is the time to reconsider. With the right training and a commitment to continuous learning, you can carve out a successful and fulfilling career as a life coach.

Leslie Didier-Paquin is Joins the Graduate List and She is Amazing

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:33:39 GMT

At The Coaching Guild, one of our primary goals is to graduate highly trained and boldly individual coaches. We aim to avoid a cookie-cutter approach and empower coaches to be more of who they are instead of more like everyone else. Leslie is a perfect example of the power of bringing your whole self to the work as a coach.

Leslie is what I would call a modern-day mystic. She is all the whoo whoo in all the right ways. However, her work is profoundly practical and actionably magical. Her skill set is miles deep, and her footing straddles the "real" world and other worlds with grace and grit.

Leslie is present, compassionate, engaged in her work, and highly versatile. She is both curious and courageous. She is willing to go deeper than most people think they can, but with her gentle guidance, they find themselves safe in the depths they might have hoped they could avoid.

I would quickly and confidently invite any client into Leslie's universe and recommend her as a coach without hesitation.

Congratulations, Leslie. The world is a better place because you are coaching in it.

Is It Time to Expand Your Coaching. Skills?

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:39:39 GMT

For Most Coaches the Answer is Probably, Yes.

Is It Time to Level Up Your Life Coaching Game?

Just because you have a life coaching certification doesn't mean your growth stops there. The industry is evolving, and if you're not keeping up, you're falling behind. Here are five bold reasons why it's time to step up your game and get more training:

1. Marketing Training Won't Make You a Better Coach.

Sure, knowing how to sell yourself is important, but let's not confuse marketing skills with actual coaching skills. You can't mask subpar coaching with slick ads and catchy slogans. True transformation happens in the session, not in the sales pitch.

2. Single Tool Coaching Models Are Outdated and Potentially Dangerous.

Relying on a one-size-fits-all approach is not only ineffective but can also do more harm than good. Clients are unique, and so should be your methods. Sticking to one rigid model means you're ignoring the complexities of the human experience.

3. Coaching Is a Lifelong Journey, Not a One-Time Certification.

If you think a single certification is enough, think again. The best coaches are perpetual students. They know that continuous learning is the key to deepening their practice and expanding their impact.

4. Stay Ahead of the Curve in an Ever-Changing World.

The world is constantly changing, and so are the challenges your clients face. New research, techniques, and philosophies are emerging all the time. Staying updated isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a necessity.

5. Other adjacent professions, like therapy, require continuing education.

In an unregulated profession, it is on us to rise to standards that legitimize our industry. For a reason, continuing education is a foundational piece of patient safety for therapists and counselors. Coaches should want to grow their skills to ensure that our industry serves clients at the highest level of accountability possible.

At The Coaching Guild, we're not about shortcuts or cookie-cutter approaches. We offer a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary training program designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. Dive deep into innovative coaching skills and radical marketing training that respects the art of coaching.

Unlocking the Power of Professional Coaching: A Journey Beyond Personal Experience

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:06:26 GMT

Why professional training is essential for navigating diverse client needs and achieving coaching success

Are You Ready to Coach but Think You're Not Ready Enough?

Let’s get real. In the coaching industry, anyone can hang up a shingle and call themselves a coach. Many rely solely on their personal experiences to build their practice, and some even find success doing it. But what happens when a client comes in for one thing and ends up needing something entirely different? That’s when relying on a narrow pocket of personal experience can leave you stranded—and your client underserved.

Relying on personal experience or the shiny glimmer of a perfect personal life lowers your chances of success and can even harm your clients.

Without comprehensive training, you’re limited to what you’ve personally been through or your “shiny perfect life” highlight reel. This can create blind spots and make it difficult to adapt when a client’s needs evolve. If you don’t get beyond that way of working, it’s going to be harder than it needs to be to build a diverse and sustainable coaching practice.

A Story from the Trenches Imagine this:

You are an expert career coach - in your own career, you have navigated several career transitions with ease, coming out way ahead of your peers every single time.

A client comes to you for career coaching, seeking guidance on how to transition to a new job. A few months in, they experience a major life upheaval— out of the blue, her husband asks for a divorce. Now, your client needs support navigating a massive relationship transition, dealing with emotional stress, and managing a career move simultaneously.

If your coaching is based solely on your personal career transition experience, you’re out of your depth. This is where comprehensive training makes all the difference, enabling you to pivot and provide the support your client truly needs.

Think You Can’t Coach Because You Don’t Have It All Together? That is another reason relying on personal experience is like coaching with one hand tied behind your back. Many potential coaches are held back by the fear that they need to have their act perfectly together before they can help others. This happens when you feel like your life and life experience are the only things you have to offer your clients regarding expertise.

Unlock Your Potential with the Right Training

Training at The Coaching Guild isn’t your average cookie-cutter program. We’re here to nurture the dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. Our multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach prioritizes innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training that equips you to handle a diverse range of clients and situations with confidence.

Why The Coaching Guild?

We celebrate and harness your unique experiences while giving you the robust training needed to expand beyond them.

Our program is designed to make you versatile, adaptable, and effective in any coaching scenario.

You’ll join a community of like-minded rebels who are transforming lives and breaking the mold of traditional coaching.

Ready to See What's Possible?

If you're tired of the same old coaching programs and want training that's as unique and rebellious as you are, hit me up. Let's have a no-pressure, no BS, no sales funnel conversation about what coaching could look like for you.

It's Graduation Season at The Coaching Guild

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:43:15 GMT

and it's always bittersweet

The thing about a student cohort at The Coaching Guild is that over the months they are together, the group becomes more than a group of students—it becomes a family of sorts.

At The Coaching Guild, we don't simply accept those who can pay. Our student cohorts, typically no more than ten students, are carefully chosen based on a variety of criteria. These individuals may not have obvious similarities, but they are selected for each other, and for me as well. We spend a significant amount of time together, often more than a year. It's crucial to me that I feel a deep connection with the people I am embarking on this transformative journey with.

Last week, we had our final call with The Coaching Guild Group 5. This group has been one of the most beautiful experiences I have had in my entire coaching career. The Coaching Guild group five walked beside me through one of the most difficult years of my life. They lovingly held each other and me for more than a year during their training.

Each student, as they finish the requirements for graduation, will complete their training with a graduation panel. We are now in the process of scheduling those panel interviews. However, last week, as we wrapped our last group call, it felt like graduation to me and it was truly bittersweet because although I know these people will stay in my universe forever, the ending of our formal engagement is deeply sad for me and for them.

I am incredibly proud of this group.

I am optimistic about their future and excited for their future clients.

I am inspired to be a better coach and a better person by the time I spent with them.

I am confident in recommending any of them to anyone looking for a coach.

Thank you to each of you. I love you.

#coaching #lifecoaching #coachtraining #lifecoachtraining #coachingandethics #thecoachingguild

From Curious to Confident: Yes, Lots of People Hire Life Coaches and Here are the Numbers that Prove It

Tue, 21 May 2024 19:42:06 GMT

Coaching grown way beyond being just a fad

Embarking on a journey into the world of coaching can be both thrilling and daunting. As the demand for life coaches continues to rise, there are lots of concrete reasons to believe you could be successful as a life coach. With the coaching industry boasting a staggering $4.56 billion globally, the allure of becoming a coach is not just about passion but also profitability.

Yes, there is a lot of hype - and that hype can be overwhelming. The big-dollar coach marketing hype machine stirs up a lot of confusion that hides the facts because the facts are becoming a coach is not a path to get rich quick dreams come true. However, beyond the hype, the facts are pretty encouraging for life coaches. There is money to be made in this industry and plenty of coaches are making it.

Is Coaching Profitable in Today's Market?

Life Coaching: A Growing Global Phenomenon

Life coaching has rapidly evolved from a niche profession to a global phenomenon. This growth isn't just anecdotal; the numbers speak volumes. With a worth of $4.56 billion, the coaching industry's expansion reflects a widespread recognition of the value coaches bring to individuals and organizations. In the United States alone, over 34,200 certified coaches are working to make a difference in people's lives. What's more, the satisfaction rate among those who hire coaches is extraordinarily high, with 99% expressing contentment with their coaching experience. These statistics underscore a clear message: not only is coaching profitable, but it also delivers significant value to clients. As a result, the question isn't whether there is a demand for coaching – the demand is evident – the real question is how to effectively tap into this burgeoning market and excel as a life coach.

The Satisfying Truth: Client Contentment Numbers

This satisfaction isn't superficial – it's transformative. About 80% of clients experience a boost in self-esteem or self-confidence, and 73% report improvements in relationships, communication skills, and work performance. These numbers are a testament to the effectiveness of coaching and serve as a compelling argument for its profitability. Furthermore, businesses are taking notice, with over half of companies that have a strong coaching culture reporting higher revenues compared to their industry peers. These satisfaction metrics not only highlight the positive impact of coaching on clients but also reinforce the idea that coaching is a worthwhile investment for both individuals and organizations.

Launch Your Coaching Career

Life Coach Training: The First Step

Coaches who get coaching-specific training do better than coaches who don’t. It’s just a fact. Training expands your potential client audience because it expands your skill set. Coaching is more than just what you know. Becoming a coach is about developing a highly specialized set of skills that extends beyond the boundaries of your life experience.

Coach training is the critical first step in building a foundation for a successful coaching practice. Life coach training programs should be designed to equip you with the skills, methodologies, and ethical guidelines necessary to help clients effectively. Many are not. Many life coach training programs are guru-led mono-tool programs that create high levels of competency in one or two tools rather than a broad foundation.

Choosing a reputable training program is essential, as it not only enhances your credibility but also increases your confidence when working with clients. Moreover, life coach training often includes mentorship and real-world practice, providing an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced coaches. Investing time and effort into your training will pay dividends, setting the stage for a profitable and impactful coaching career.

An exceptional training coach training program like The Coaching Guild teaches broad foundational skills and expert advanced coaching skills taught from a variety of perspectives. We also prepare you to navigate the business aspects of coaching, from setting up your practice to marketing your services.

Financial Realities of Life Coaching

How Much Do Life Coaches Make: The Earnings Spectrum

When considering a career in life coaching, a key question is: Do life coaches make good money? The answer varies, as earnings can span a broad spectrum. On average, life coaches charge between $100 to $150 per hour, with established coaches potentially earning more. Your income as a life coach will depend on several factors, including your niche, experience, and the type of clients you attract. Some coaches may work with high-paying executive clients, while others may focus on individuals with more limited budgets. Moreover, the way you structure your services—whether it's one-on-one sessions, group coaching, or online courses—also influences your earning potential. It's essential to consider the investment involved in training and certification when calculating potential returns. Ultimately, life coaching can be a profitable career, with many coaches experiencing financial success that reflects the value they provide to their clients.

Investment Returns: Measuring the Success of Coaches

The profitability of life coaching can be measured by the returns on investment (ROI) coaches achieve. For many, the ROI is not just a financial figure but a reflection of the positive change they foster in their clients' lives. Statistics reveal that 68% of individuals who hire coaches recuperate their investment, with the median ROI being seven times the initial expense. In some cases, life coaching can yield up to a 221% ROI, underscoring the substantial value coaches deliver. These numbers provide an encouraging outlook for aspiring coaches, confirming that the time and resources invested in coach training and certification can lead to significant financial and professional rewards. It's important to approach coaching with a clear business strategy to maximize ROI, including setting realistic pricing, defining target markets, and continuously enhancing coaching skills. When done right, life coaching is not only a fulfilling career but also a financially viable one.

If you are coach-curious and wondering about next steps

If you are interested in building a coaching practice that works for you without the hype and pressure of what everyone else thinks it should be, check us out.

Turning Passion into Profit: Is There Money in Life Coaching

Thu, 16 May 2024 18:43:09 GMT

Yes, coaching can be profitable, but it's not a get rich quick scheme.

Ever wondered how much green you can make as a life coach? You're not alone. Many folks are drawn to this life-impacting field, asking themselves, "Can you really cash in on life coaching?" That, my friend, might be a more legit question than we like to admit. Many coaches under-earn and many coaches fail altogether.

Let me lay it out for you – the global average salary for life coaches is about $52,800, and those coaching champs in North America pull in an average of $67,800. But here's the thing: it's not one-size-fits-all. Depending on what you coach and how much know-how you've got, you might be billing $150 an hour or raking in up to $340 a session if you're helping executives level up. Those numbers kind of illustrate the reality of coaching: It is a field full of wide-open possibilities, where anything can happen, and there is almost nothing we can say is standard.

Not everyone is going to be a six figure coach. Being a successful coach might be less about money and more about time or location flexibility. Whatever success means to you, realistically, you’re going to have to decide what’s important because six and seven figure coaches are putting in more time to get and stay there than they want to admit.

The Raw Truth on Cashing In as a Life Coach

Diving into the life coaching income pool, you'll see it's hella varied. True, some life coaches are banking big time, but that usually means they've hustled hard to build their brand and client list. However, let's keep it 100 real: not everyone's gonna snag that six-figure slice.

Lots of stuff shapes your paycheck – your niche, your turf, and how slick your marketing game is. To the would-be coach who says, “I don’t want to have to put myself out there or promote myself because I don’t like that kind of stuff”, I would probably say, despite how much you love the idea of being a coach, you probably shouldn’t pursue it. Part of a successful coaching practice IS GOING TO BE MARKETING. Also, getting pursuing reputable training will increase your potential client pool, improve the depth of your work, and give your street cred (and your rates!) a nice bump.

But let's chat about the ebb and flow of income – it's gonna swing up and down at the start. Yet, if you've got the grit and a master plan, turning your life coaching gig into a money-making machine is totally doable. Yes, people start and fail in the coaching space. However, lots of people make it work and love the work they are doing on their own terms. Just think about the knockout value you're bringing to folks' lives. As you beef up your influence, your bank account's bound to bloom too.

What's Gonna Fatten Your Wallet as a Coach?

A bunch of key things will dictate your dough as a life coach. Nailing a niche? That's money—specialists in their field usually have the upper hand on rates. For example, exec career coaches or mindfulness are cash in at a higher-rate because of perceived expertise. Expertise matters in lots of ways – coaches who've been in the game for a while and have carved out their empire can ask for more. Plus, the real magic you work – seen in client testimonials or client referrals – means you can confidently charge a premium.

Last but certainly not least, your knack for marketing and pitching your story will seriously steer your earning potential. A willingness to make yourself visible is required. Mix all these together, and you're looking at your financial score in this coaching league.

Hitting the Books for Life Coach Training

Snagging the Perfect Certification

Picking out the perfect life coach cert is a game-changer and might just shape your whole career journey. Coach training is more than being a part of the cool kids club. You want training that teaches you to be a skilled professional. There are a lot of programs out there and you might be surprised how many programs fail to teach diverse foundational skills.

The stuff your perfect program teaches should jive with how you wanna coach and who you're dreaming of coaching. You'll also wanna weigh the time, bucks, and how you'll be learning – in-person or online – to fit your pace and style. A killer cert program doesn't just teach text book coaching basics; it hooks you up with the deets on running your coaching biz like a boss. And believe me, the right cert helps you stick your price tags with confidence.

From Learning to Earning: Your Coaching Journey

Got your certification in the bag? Sweet – now the real adventure kicks off to make your mark as a life coaching rockstar. You gotta get out there and show the world what you're all about – brand yourself, make some noise online, and don't be shy about clicking that 'share' button. Use all the tools at your disposal, like social media, swanky websites, and shaking hands (or bumping elbows) at networking gigs. Maybe toss out a free session or host a workshop to get folks jazzed about your coaching flavor. Map out your goals, and plot out a business plan that's not just pie-in-the-sky thinking. Rub elbows with other coaches – it could lead to golden referrals. And keep your skills sharp by never stopping the learning train. Turning that piece of paper into your life coaching legacy demands non-stop zest, a knack for rolling with the punches, and a heart that's all in on lifting others up. With these pieces, your coaching journey isn't just gonna be rewarding – it'll make your wallet happy too.

Hitting Your Stride: Strategies for Success

Pricing Like a Pro

When it comes to setting your prices as a life coach, it's like walking a tightrope – balancing fair value with what your clients can reach for. Kick things off by scoping out what the going rates are in your neck of the woods and within your niche. Stir in your experience, skills, and that special sauce you bring.

Pricing's a bit of an art – you gotta be competitive but own the value you bring like a boss. When you totally get and believe in the life-changing power of your work, that confidence is gonna shine through to clients, and they'll be lining up to join you. Roll out clear packages that lay out the game plan for your clients – this can be your secret weapon to charge with confidence. As you build up your street cred and knock out those success stories, there's always room to tweak your prices to match the level of awesome you're serving up.

Crafting a Buzzing Coaching Practice

Now, building a coaching biz that's cooking with gas is all about forging genuine connections with your clients and keeping your brand's voice as real as it gets across the board. Staying hungry for knowledge and on top of the coaching scene will keep you ahead of the pack. Shout your wins from the rooftops with client high-fives and case studies that'll draw a crowd. Spark a "tell-a-friend" fire with a referral perk that'll have your clients singing your praises.

Shaking things up with a variety of offerings can also level out your cash flow. Think about getting your group coaching groove on, running workshops, or launching online classes to compliment that one-on-one magic you're known for. Play it smart with your time and swipe the right tech tools to keep things running like a well-oiled machine. Remember, the coaching heroes who really kill it are not just about transforming lives; they're also about mastering the hustle of the biz.

If you are interested in a training space that will help you create a coaching practice that is profitable and works for you on your terms, check us out.

Rising Above the Noise

Tue, 14 May 2024 18:04:37 GMT

How to tell the Difference Between Shouty Online Marketers and Genuine Professional Coaches

Navigating the world of coaching can be overwhelming with the loud online marketing tactics that blur the lines between genuine professionals and shouty marketers. As the coaching industry battles a reputation tainted by predatory practices, it's crucial to distinguish between those who truly embody the essence of coaching and those who are merely adjacent to the field for marketing purposes.

A lot of coaches have grown weary with the coaching spaces because of online marketers cos playing life coaches. There is a reason for that: The market is hungry for what life coaches deliver and marketers are very good at mimicking the message and tone of the coaching space but selling endless digital programs or marketing schemes.

If you don't want to lose your mind or your love for coaching, it's going to be important to learn to recognize marketers for what they are and spot great coaches who might be a little or a lot quieter in their marketing approach.

The online marketing crowd sells products.
The coaching space is about providing a service. That service might include products, but at the end of the day, coaches sell coaching.

Rising above the Noise: Identifying Genuine Coaches

The Predators: Shouty Online Marketers

In the coaching world, shouty online marketers are the loud voices that often drown out the genuine talent. These individuals excel in capturing attention, but their focus tends to be on self-promotion rather than providing real value. They may promise quick success, flaunting lavish lifestyles as proof of their coaching effectiveness, which can be misleading. Often, their strategies involve high-pressure sales tactics and a one-size-fits-all approach that pays little regard to individual needs or challenges. This behavior casts a shadow over the coaching industry, leading to misconceptions that all coaches are part of some grand marketing scheme. It's important to be cautious and critical when you encounter these marketers.

True coaching is not about the hard sell; it's about connection, growth, and tailored support. Recognizing this difference is key to rising above the noise.

Marketers won't take the time for true connection. They want to take the money and move on to the next sale as quickly as possible. In the fast-paced world of online marketing, profit is a numbers game. In the world of real coaching, the connection is the name of the game, and the pace is often appropriately slow.

Some online marketers in the personal development space legitimately think they are coaches - but most know they are using coaching as cover to sell products. They are hiding in plain sight intentionally.

Spotting the Difference: Marketers vs Genuine Coaches

Identifying true coaching professionals amid the clamor and glamour of aggressive marketing is about looking for substance over style. Genuine coaches are characterized by their commitment to personal development, both in themselves and their clients. Unlike marketers, they don't rely on high-volume tactics or make extravagant promises. Instead, they focus on creating a safe, supportive space for growth and learning. They’re often equipped with recognized life coach certification and have undergone comprehensive life coach training.

A real coach listens more than they talk and seeks to understand your unique challenges before proposing a path forward. They're interested in building relationships, not just closing sales. When evaluating a coach, consider their methodology and the depth of their program—is it evidence-based? Is there a clear structure, or does it feel improvised? These questions can help you cut through the noise and find a coach that will truly support your goals.

Marketers put client success stories on blast.

Coaches can share genuine, client-written testimonials of their work.

The Real Deal: What Authentic Coaching Looks Like

The Essentials of Life Coach Training

Authentic coaching is people-centered. It is about the client and the client experience. It is about creating a safe container that is built honesty, exploration, and expansion. A coach will have the training to cater to the needs of individuals vs trying to fit buyers into a pre-boxed one-size fits all program.

To sum it up, coaches are trained to meet clients where they are. Marketers make money telling people what they need and pretending to deliver it.

Anyone can be a marketer, but not anyone can be a coach. Coaching is rooted in a strong foundation often provided by thorough life coach training. This training should not only cover coaching techniques but also focus on ethical practice, understanding client psychology, embracing diversity, and fostering genuine change. A substantive life coach training program will offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that coaches can navigate the complexities of human behavior with sensitivity and expertise.

Authentic training also emphasizes the importance of ongoing personal and professional development, highlighting that becoming a life coach is a continuous journey rather than a destination. The best programs will encourage coaches to cultivate their unique style while maintaining a commitment to their clients' growth. When considering how to become a life coach, seek out trainers who are respected in the field, have solid testimonials, and who demonstrate a clear, structured approach to their training modules.

How to Become a Life Coach: The Right Path

The path to becoming a life coach involves more than just an interest in helping others; it requires dedication, training, and a commitment to self-improvement. Begin by researching accredited life coach certification programs that offer comprehensive training. Look for programs that provide a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating various coaching models and techniques.

This diversity in training will equip you with a toolbox of strategies to support your clients effectively. Additionally, the right path should include mentorship opportunities and hands-on practice with feedback from experienced coaches. It's also beneficial to choose a life coach training program that includes business and marketing skills, as these are crucial for building a successful coaching practice. Remember, the goal is to emerge from the program not just with a certificate, but with the confidence and competence to make a positive impact on others' lives.

Choosing Your Path: The Coaching Guild Advantage

Life Coach Certification: Why It Matters

Life coach certification is more than just a piece of paper; it's a testament to your dedication and expertise. A certified life coach has proven that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to guide clients effectively. Certification can enhance your credibility and reassure potential clients that you adhere to high professional standards. It signifies that you've been trained to handle various coaching situations ethically and competently. Furthermore, the process of obtaining certification often includes valuable experiences such as supervised coaching sessions, which can deepen your understanding and refine your approach. Certification might also be a requirement for joining reputable coaching organizations or networks, which can provide additional opportunities for professional growth and client referrals. In short, life coach certification is a crucial step for anyone serious about establishing themselves in the coaching field with integrity and authority.

Joining the Coaching Guild: A New Approach to Training

The Coaching Guild represents a fresh, innovative approach to life coach training. By joining the Guild, you'll be immersed in a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary program that prioritizes a well-rounded education in coaching. This approach ensures that you're not just learning one methodology, but are exposed to a variety of perspectives and techniques. The training is designed to nurture creativity and authenticity, allowing each coach to find their unique voice and style. The Coaching Guild also emphasizes the importance of practical, real-world experience, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn in a supportive environment. This hands-on experience is invaluable as it builds confidence and competence. Moreover, the Guild offers marketing training to help you establish and grow your coaching business, providing a comprehensive path to becoming a successful life coach. Joining the Coaching Guild means choosing a path that values individuality and real skill over cookie-cutter coaching formulas.

Go Big or Go Home Mentality Might Just be Killing Your Dreams

Mon, 13 May 2024 17:28:33 GMT

Part-time is the new over-night success story

I have been coaching for a long time. Back in the day, becoming a coach was almost always a transitional process. When I started, the industry was not fully formed. Coaching was far less defined, and frankly, most people had no idea what being a life coach meant. No one just quit their day job to be a life coach.

Now, there is a lot of pressure to go big or go home in the coaching space. If you spend any time behind the scenes in coaching circles, you will pick up pretty quickly that you can't claim success unless you've dropped your previous career and are coaching "full-time." That "full-time" benchmark is a little fuzzy because no one can really agree on what "full-time" coaching actually means.

That drive to full-time or bust sinks the dreams of too many coaches, who would have been far happier and far more successful if they'd realized that part-time coaching could be the best choice for many of us, if not made to feel like lesser coaches for choosing it.

Part-time coaching might be the best choice for MOST coaches and here's why.

1. Transition with Less Tension: Ever felt like you're juggling too many balls, and one more will send them all crashing down? Part-time coaching lets you ease into the coaching world without ditching your day job. There is a lot of pressure to want an overnight success. There is even more pressure to try and create one. Slow and steady is a better goal. It might not be as sexy as overnight success sounds, but it is healthier because overnight success is almost always a myth wrapped in a smoke screen of marketing lies.

2. Financial Security Meets Passion: Not everyone has a year's worth of bank income and can jump into a new career responsibly. You can keep that steady paycheck and that benefit package while exploring your passion for coaching on the side. It's like having the best of both worlds—financial stability and professional growth. It can be as little or as much as you want. You don't need to have twenty clients a week to be a success. You can be a highly successful coach with one or two clients if that works for you.

3. Test the Waters: Just because you love the idea of coaching doesn't mean you're cut out to be a coach. Many coaches fail because, to be frank, they aren't made of the stuff required to weather the risks involved with self-employment. It's not good or bad, it's just a reality. Part-time coaching allows you to test different coaching niches, techniques, and client demographics. You can refine your approach without the pressure of full-time commitments.

4. Flexibility for Life's Curveballs: Life doesn't pause for your career ambitions. Whether it's raising kids, caring for loved ones, or pursuing personal projects, part-time coaching gives you the flexibility to prioritize what matters most. I scaled back my working schedule to take care of my aging parents for four years. My coaching practice carried my family through those transitions. Coaching is perfectly suited to give you the kind of flexibility for life most careers do not.

5. Gradual Transition, Lasting Impact: Slow and steady wins the race. Build your coaching practice organically, crafting your unique coaching style and attracting your ideal clients. It is not reasonable to think you can just jump into a new career and master a new set of skills overnight. Clients might not prefer to work with a coach who was an English teacher last week. No matter what anyone tells you, it will take time to find yourself in the coaching space. Coaching part-time allows you to do that without the pressure of trying to make it work full-time from scratch on an income-driven deadline.

6. Diversify Your Income Streams: Why rely solely on one income source when you can diversify? Part-time coaching adds another revenue stream to your financial portfolio, reducing dependency on a single job. Putting all your energy into one income stream might be risky in this economy. A lot of people are looking to stay fluid with multiple income streams, and coaching is perfectly suited to be a side gig or, a half gig, or an occasional gig.

7. Time for personal growth: As a part-time coach, you can invest time and resources in continuous learning. Attend workshops, enroll in courses, and network with industry experts to sharpen your coaching skills. Coaching also provides the kind of schedule flexibility for self-care most people can only imagine. By its very nature, coaching is a container that allows and encourages a coach to explore how to human more intentionally. Coaching part-time allows you to prioritize both your personal and professional work.

8. Community and Collaboration: Joining the coaching world part-time doesn't mean isolation. Some of my closest friends are fellow coaches I would have never otherwise met. I have some of the best support in the world on speed dial, and I do not take that for granted. I get to work with some of the brightest minds in our industry. While coaching can often feel like a maze of cliques and cool girl cults, the alternate reality is our industry is full of some of the best humans on the planet, and you do not have to coach full-time to build those connections.

9. Income on Your Terms: Who said you need to hustle 24/7 to make bank? With a part-time coaching gig, you can gradually ramp up your hours and rates as your demand grows. In a coaching practice built on a solid foundation, that side hustle could be your main squeeze, bringing in full-time income with part-time hours. This is not a get-rich-quick industry, but it is a place that can be very profitable if you don't have to rush the growth process to pay the electric bill.

If you are interested in building a coaching practice that works for you without the hype and pressure of what everyone else thinks it should be, check us out.

This is the story of how I literally stole my first coach training certification

Wed, 01 May 2024 18:27:22 GMT

We do not know what you can afford until we have a conversation.

It was 1995.

I was a newly single mother stumbling out of a really messy divorce. My life felt like a steaming pile of wreckage. I had a college degree in business and economics, but I had no idea how to put that to work. So, I answered phones and did desk work for a tiny, dysfunctional company that did heating and air conditioning contracting.

I did not take that job because it paid well—it most certainly didn't. I took it because my very volatile boss let me have my five-year-old at the office when he wasn't in school.

At that point, I consumed personal development material like I was drinking from a firehose. Netscape was the browser of the moment, and I spent a lot of time at work searching for anything, or anyone I thought could teach me something that would help me get my shit together.

Tony Robbins was out of my budget, and Esther Hicks was just starting to set out cassette tapes in the mail on subscription.

Then it happened.

Netscape pointed me in the direction of my first coach. He was also out of my budget but less far out than Tony Robbins, so I hired him. I paid for three months upfront, and the only thing I remember from our work together is that I realized I wanted to be a coach immediately after my first session.

Back then, only one player was in the coach training game. Coach U, owned and run by Thomas Leonard, was the only training option. Thomas Leonard was a genius who single-handedly defined modern life coaching. However, I didn't know that he wasn't exactly easy to get along with. Had I known that, I probably wouldn't have sent the email.

"Mr. Leonard,

I have read every word on your website at least a dozen times. Your program sounds amazing, and I know becoming a coach is my life's work.

I do not have the money to pay for your program. However, I do have a lot of drive and desire. I am not asking for a free ride. Would it be possible for me to work for you to pay my tuition?

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

I am excited to get started.

Sincerely,

Lisa Hayes"

I got a reply from Mr. Leonard almost immediately.

"Dear Ms. Hayes,

You don't get where I am by giving away your work.

You also don't get where I am by not hiring the best help.

I have all my administrative needs covered.

I must decline your offer not to pay tuition.

Thomas Leonard"

I was devastated. I replied and asked Thomas to keep me in mind if anything changed. I had no reason to expect to hear back.

So, imagine my surprise about three months later when his administrative assistant emailed me about the dial-in details and class start date. I thought he had finally come to his senses and changed his mind. That is, in fact, NOT what happened. Somebody must have added to some list in error. I messaged her two or three times to ask how I could help, but I never heard back.

Six months into the program, during a class, I failed an assignment so badly that Thomas Leonard finally noticed I was in the group, and we both realized I was freeloading at precisely the same time.

Awkward.

I finished that training program without paying a dime. I don't think he knew what to do with me when he figured out I was there. I may be the only student he ever had who he actively tried to fail, but somehow I made it through and ended up with a certificate of completion for the program.

My point here is I get it.

I understand how it feels to want something you can't afford - specifically, coach training. I basically stole my first training - oops.

Look, we are about to start our next training cohort. If you'd like to be in that group but think you can't afford it, we should talk because we don't know what you can afford or how you could afford it until we have a conversation.

You cannot be visible to your people and potential clients by trying to blend in with the pack or sell something that isn't real.

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 20:24:52 GMT

How to avoid becoming the thing you left corporate to get away from.

As coaches, we often find ourselves in a balancing act between authenticity and professionalism. There's this unspoken pressure to appear photo-ready, with perfect lives and flawless expertise. But let's be real – clients don't want perfection; they want realness, readiness, and honesty.

It's important to note the fine line between genuine vulnerability and what some call "vulnerability porn." We've all seen those well-crafted social media posts that dive deep into personal struggles, aiming to sound authentic and relatable.

However, when these posts are followed by a slick offer or a sales pitch, it can come across as disingenuous. Clients are savvy enough to recognize when vulnerability is being used as a marketing tactic rather than a genuine expression. It's essential to be mindful of how we share our vulnerabilities and ensure that it's done with sincerity and integrity.

On the flip side, there's the temptation to market the perfect life – the polished images, the curated content, the narrative of having it all together. This "be like me" marketing approach can feel inauthentic and disconnected from reality. People are desperately seeking realness, and realness is really easy to spot. Authenticity shines through when we embrace our imperfections, acknowledge our challenges, and show up as genuine human beings. It's about being relatable, not aspirational, and creating meaningful connections based on honesty and authenticity.

Example: I have openly talked about my struggles with seasonal-affected disorder. Unless you've experienced the crushing weight of winter depression AND how it up-ends the way you see yourself and your life like clockwork for months every year, it's hard to understand what it's like. Seasonal Affective Disorder is way more than just winter blues. I have tried everything, including meds, to manage it. Moving to Mexico did not fix it for me, even though I prayed it would, because winter days are just too short.

Last week, I got a client who hired me specifically because she was struggling to break out of her seasonal depressive patterns, even during spring. She knew she could talk to me about it because I wouldn't try to minimize her experience like most people do. Today, I had another client session where that beautiful human said, "I struggled so much with depression in the winter, but I know you do too, so you understand that."

I have never once bared my soul about my very real struggles with mental health four or five months of the year as a disguise to pimp my latest shiny coaching offer. I share because I know other people struggle also and many of us struggle silently with a lot of shame about why we can't just pull our shit together in February.

You cannot be visible to your people and potential clients by trying to blend in with the pack or sell something that isn't real.

Here are some tips on how to strike that balance and be real and relatable without sacrificing professionalism:

Embrace Your Humanity: Clients are drawn to coaches who are relatable and human. Share snippets of your life – not just the highlight reel, but the real moments that showcase your authenticity. It could be a funny anecdote, a lesson learned from a mistake, or a personal challenge you've overcome. Being vulnerable and authentic builds trust and connection.

Set Boundaries: While it's important to be open, set boundaries around what you share. You don't have to spill every detail of your personal life. In fact, you shouldn't. Choose what feels comfortable and relevant to share, keeping the focus on how your experiences can benefit your clients. Skip the attention-grabbing vulnerability porn posts.

Showcase Growth: Share stories of your growth journey. Clients want to see that you're continuously learning and evolving. Highlight how challenges have shaped you and how you've used those experiences to become a better coach. It's not about showcasing perfection but demonstrating resilience and growth. Walking your talk is a reliable marketing strategy.

Be Transparent: Transparency is crucial to building trust. Be honest about your expertise, experience, and areas where you're still learning. Clients appreciate coaches who are transparent about their strengths and limitations. It shows humility and authenticity.

Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is not just for your well-being; it's also a way to role model healthy behavior for your clients. Share your self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their own well-being. It's a powerful way to connect on a human level.

Celebrate Imperfection: Perfection is overrated. Embrace imperfections and celebrate authenticity. Clients are more likely to resonate with someone who acknowledges their humanity rather than someone who projects a flawless facade. No one really believes flawless. Celebrating your imperfections creates space for others to do the same.

By being relatable without pretending to have a perfect life, you create a space where clients feel understood, supported, and motivated to make positive changes. It's about being genuine, empathetic, and focused on making a meaningful difference.

We talk about this stuff at The Coaching Guild. It's one of the ways we work to avoid cookie-cutter coaches who look and smell like all the other cookie-cutter coaches. Embracing realness is embracing uniqueness.

Just because you're part of a guru-led program doesn't automatically make you credible.

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 19:01:25 GMT

Believe it or not, clients in the real world might not even know who the guru-coach-trainer is.

Yes, I am sharing anonymously with permission.

I recently talked to a new coach who started her practice three months ago and felt very out of her depths in the real world outside of her training cohort. She felt utterly unprepared to coach, so she was kind of relieved she hadn't coached anyone outside her training group yet. I told her, I assumed it was a new coach jitters.

When I asked her why she chose the program she did, she told me she'd followed the instructor for years and wanted a healthy serving of whatever she was having. By all outward appearances, it looked like that woman was running a highly successful practice and had all her shit together all the time.

This coach admitted that she secretly (maybe not so secretly) wanted to get into the instructor's inner circle - she craved the connection with the "it girl" coaches who got the personal time and seemed to be friends with the group leader.

It did not work out that way for her, and she wondered if she needed to be a better coach or simply not good enough in general. When we dug a little deeper, she admitted she'd spent way too much time wondering if maybe she wasn't funny enough, pretty enough, or if she wasn't sophisticated enough to get a spot at that table.

She contacted me because she was hoping she could hire me to "supervise her first ten or so coaching sessions" and give her feedback and support. I gave her the names of several people who'd graduated from that program and suggested she start there. She told me she was embarrassed to ask and was afraid it would get back to the program leader that she was shopping for additional training support.

These programs have a seductive marketing strategy that disguises personal development as a ticket to join the "in" crowd. But here's the issue – they often offer single-point-of-view training that's catchy but woefully incomplete. Students sign up, craving a sense of community but feeling isolated and inadequate.

Many of these programs push you to mimic the style and tone of the guru leader, leaving you both under-trained and invisible. It's a recipe for frustration and mediocrity, not success.

Guru-led groups often foster an environment of devastating comparison and despair within the student community. Instead of lifting each other up, students constantly compare themselves to others, feeling inadequate and discouraged. This environment too often inadvertently creates a toxic inner mean girl club that isolates the outsiders within the group.

If you're thinking this sounds like an exaggeration, trust me, it's not.

If you're thinking this sounds like a high school drama nightmare, you're not far off.

Credibility by association doesn't really work. Just because you're part of a guru-led program doesn't automatically make you credible. Believe it or not, clients in the real world might not even know who the guru-coach-trainer is.

Clients look for authenticity, expertise, and a genuine connection, not just a fancy certification from a popular training group.

Guru-led training programs often produce coaches who focus solely on marketing to other coaches, creating an insular bubble that doesn't reach potential clients in the outside world. It's like a closed loop of self-referential marketing that limits your growth and impact.

At The Coaching Guild – We do things very differently. This Coaching Guild is not about exclusivity or conformity. We're about diversity and individuality.

Our program is multi-disciplinary, meaning you get exposed to a wide range of perspectives, techniques, and approaches within the coaching community. Our panel of instructors isn't a clique of gurus; they come from different backgrounds and disciplines, bringing richness and depth to your learning experience.

With The Coaching Guild, you don't just fit in – you stand out. You're encouraged to shine in your uniqueness and to develop your own voice and style, rather than being a carbon copy of someone else.

Join us, not to blend in, but to stand out. Let's create a coaching community that celebrates diversity, fosters individuality, and uplifts each other to greatness.

The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. You know, the kinds of people who tend to be introverts. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

Your Inner Rebel Is Your Most Valuable Business Asset

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:47:07 GMT

Don't become the boss you were trying to escape when you left your corporate job

By their very nature, coaches are frequently unique individuals who flourish outside of the constraints of standard job frameworks. Great coaches often don’t make great employees. These are the free spirits, rebels, and dreamers. They often don’t make good cogs in the capitalist wheel.

However, sometimes, maybe too often, a coach's pursuit of independence and creativity can lead them right into the center of toxic conformity, trying to do it "right" and be like all the other cool coaches on the block. They unintentionally embrace conventional, or even predatory, business practices and marketing philosophies that stifle their natural wild spirit.

The reality for the creative individual, wild soul human who chooses to coach, is that many of them want to express individuality but end up losing themselves in being like everyone else because they have been trained to believe there is only one way to be a successful coach.

YOUR INNER REBEL IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE BUSINESS ASSET.

If it starts feeling like a popularity contest or you’re working more hours than you did at your previous 9-5, the dream is already dead - even if you don’t know it yet. Coaching should make you more of who you are and more curious about who you are becoming. You’re going to have to fight for your wildness because if you lose it you will be nearly invisible.

Here are some ways to prevent losing yourself in the noise and build your best life through your coaching practice.

Let Your Freak Flag Fly

Recognize that your most valuable qualities as a unique human and coach are your distinct experiences, background, and viewpoints. Accept your uniqueness and make the most of it when developing your coaching style.

Find Your Spot

Choose a specialization or field of study that aligns with your interests and passions. Determining your niche offers your coaching practice emphasis and clarity, whether it be adventure coaching, creative coaching, or a niche that combines several disciplines.

Develop Your Creativity

Participate in inspiring activities to cultivate a creative mentality, such as brainstorming sessions, nature walks, painting, or music. Innovation is fueled by creativity, so as a coach, you'll be on the lookout for novel concepts and viewpoints to enhance your coaching sessions.

Be More Brave than You Want To Be

Try new coaching methods, resources, and approaches. Be willing to do all of it scared. Finding what works best for you and your clients requires experimentation. Iterate on your techniques, be receptive to criticism, and adjust your approach to meet your clients where they are.

Be You , Do You, For You

Promote self-expression in both yourself and your clients. In coaching interactions, authenticity and vulnerability foster strong bonds and mutual trust. Openly share your experiences, stories, and thoughts with clients so they can get to know the true person behind the coach.

Place a Focus on Active Learning

Make a commitment to ongoing education and development. Keep abreast of market developments, participate in seminars or training courses, look for coaching guidance from seasoned professionals, and make personal development investments. You will be able to provide your clients with more insightful advice as you gain more knowledge.

Create a Network of Support

Be in the company of like-minded people. Make connections with other coaches, participate in cooperative projects, and become a part of communities or mastermind groups. An effective support system offers resources, motivation, and encouragement.

Stay Fluid

Coaching that isn't traditional is dynamic and always changing. Remain adaptable and versatile in your coaching methods, approaches, and services. Be prepared to change course, improve your strategy, and iterate in response to client demands, developing trends, and feedback.

Celebrate the Wins

Honor each accomplishment, no matter how tiny. Celebrate successes, take stock of your coaching development, and acknowledge the difference you're making in your clients' lives. Don’t try to fuel your feel good with external validation. Be your own biggest cheerleader.

Remember Your Why

Finally, never forget the reasons behind your decision to become a coach. Reestablish a connection with your coaching practice's goals, values, and purpose. If you are genuine and passionate about what you do, your people will find you.

I Am Not a Nut Job

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 19:24:03 GMT

We've got a credibility issue and we can dismantle that one intro at a time.

I was talking with a woman recently, who after more than five years of building a successful practice, admitted she still stumbles when she tells people she is a coach. Her husband and brother are attorneys. She has a sister who works for a high-profile NGO and another who is a nurse practitioner. This woman is a really gifted coach, but she is aware that in contrast to other similar fields like therapy and consulting, coaching is still the butt of a lot of jokes.

"No one takes me seriously when I tell them I am a life coach. I love coaching. I chose it because I feel like being a coach chose me. I just wish I could communicate the value of my work without sounding like a stale elevator pitch or feeling self-conscious about who we are as an industry."

Recently, I watched the TV series Apples Don't Fall - which, by the way, is amazing. Everyone should see it. I binged the whole thing in three evenings. That said, the storyline features the messy, struggling, once suicidal, drops out-of-everything daughter, who is pretty far out on the whoo whoo spirituality and crystals side of her growth journey and is training to be a life coach. The whole family of highly trained, successful professionals thinks this is a joke of a choice, and low-grade feels embarrassed about all of her choices, maybe especially her new career. The show takes multiple opportunities to take serious jabs at her for wanting to be a coach.

As I watched her character arch play out, I cringed every time life coaching came up. I cringed because that character was well-developed and frankly reminded me of many coaches and would-be coaches I know. I also cringed because I have experienced that smug, dismissive attitude when I tell people I am a life coach. Some people are genuinely curious and immediately want to know more about coaching. Others immediately write me and coaching off without giving either a second thought -

-and every time I experience this I think to myself, "If you only knew the people I have worked with and the amazing things we've done, you wouldn't be looking at me that way you small-minded sh*t."

But I digress...

I have recently reworked my elevator/coffee shop speech to be a little less formal and a little more concise.

"I have been a life coach for more than two decades. I have specialized training in brain science and behavioral psychology. I also run the best coach training program on the planet."

Short and sweet.

I would love to hear how you talk to people about being a coach in the comments below.

Here are five points to consider when crafting a plan:

Emphasize the Impact: Focus on the positive impact coaching has on individuals' lives. Highlight success stories, testimonials, and concrete examples of how coaching has helped people achieve their goals, overcome challenges, and improve their overall well-being.
Highlight the Professionalism: Showcase your credentials, training, and expertise as a coach. Discuss the rigorous training programs, certifications, and ongoing professional development that coaches undergo to provide high-quality coaching services.
Explain the Process: Educate others about what coaching actually entails. Explain that coaching is a collaborative and goal-oriented process focused on helping clients clarify their goals, identify obstacles, and develop actionable strategies to achieve success. Emphasize the importance of confidentiality, trust, and ethical standards in coaching relationships.
Share the Diversity of Coaching: Highlight the diversity within the coaching profession. Discuss the different niches, specialties, and approaches within coaching, such as life coaching, executive coaching, career coaching, and wellness coaching. Show how coaching can be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of clients.
Connect Coaching to Established Fields: Draw parallels between coaching and other established professions like therapy, counseling, mentoring, and consulting. Explain how coaching complements these fields by focusing on the present and future, fostering personal growth and empowerment, and promoting accountability and action.

By incorporating these strategies into your conversations about coaching, you can effectively communicate the value and legitimacy of being a life coach and dispel misconceptions or stereotypes associated with the profession.

82% of Coaches Will Fail and the Reason Might Be More Simple Than You Think

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:11:49 GMT

Becoming a Coach is Not for Everyone

The confronting statistic of the day is: 82% of coaching businesses will fail within two years of starting AND that number should get all of our attention.

I spend a lot of time thinking about that statistic because as a coach who has been successful in this industry for more than two decades, I don't think I am all that special.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am a great coach. However, great coaches fail every single day. So, what do some coaches have that most don't? I think it is both complex and straightforward.

Coaching is not for everyone - Coaches are a unique breed and successful coaches all share some pretty similar traits that have nothing to do with their niches or investment in marketing training. I honestly believe the reason the failure rate is so high is that too many people love the idea of being a coach but do not have the type of internal orientation that makes it work.

Coaches that make it in this biz over the long term are have the following qualities, and I would say all of them are equally important:

1. The Empathetic Listener

Life coaches who excel in empathy have a unique gift. They not only hear what their clients say but also understand the emotions and motivations behind the words. Empathetic listeners create safe spaces for exploration and growth, where clients feel heard, understood, and supported on their journey.

2. The Curious Explorer

Curiosity is the fuel that drives exceptional life coaches. They constantly ask questions, seeking to understand their clients' perspectives, beliefs, and aspirations. Curious explorers delve deep into the complexities of human experience, uncovering insights that lead to profound transformations.

3. The Entrepreneurial Risk-Taker

Life coaching often requires taking bold steps and embracing uncertainty. Exceptional coaches with entrepreneurial risk tolerance are unafraid of challenges and setbacks. They see obstacles as opportunities for growth and innovation, inspiring their clients to adopt a similar mindset in pursuing their goals.

4. The Independent Self-Starter

Successful life coaches are often self-starters who thrive in independent work environments. They possess the discipline, motivation, and organizational skills to manage their schedules effectively, stay focused on client needs, and continuously improve their coaching practice.

5. The Resilient Learner

Learning is a lifelong journey, and exceptional life coaches embody a spirit of continuous growth and development. They embrace feedback, seek out new knowledge and skills, and adapt their approaches based on evolving client needs and industry trends. Resilient learners inspire their clients to embrace change and strive for personal excellence.

If you see yourself in this list, and you're interested in becoming a coach with the best skills on the market and a plan to build a sustainable practice, check us out.

Why Becoming a Coach Might be a Really Good Fit for Introverts

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 23:12:24 GMT

Introverts do it different

I used to mask my introversion pretty well. In fact, I did it so well that most people who met me assumed I loved to socialize in groups and was definitely an extrovert. I am not, and I no longer try to fake it. I don't have the energy to mask the way I once did.

I am an introvert all the way through. So, much so, infact that I often warn people I have to interact with regularly. "I am not going to want to chit-chat with you. It's probably going to be awkward. It's not personal. Please don't take it that way."

One might think coaching is the domain of extroverts. There is a lot of very social noise in the coaching space. The whole putting yourself out there thing can be very uncomfortable for an introvert. However, for a lot of reasons, coaching is a perfect fit for me, not despite my introversion but because of it.

I am profoundly curious about what makes people tick under the social facade. I am good at one-on-one intimate connections. I am naturally a good listener, and I persistently work to improve my listening skills because I want to understand people better in the least amount of time.

My level of introversion made it difficult for me to fit comfortably into traditional employment more often than not because, generally, working for others meant working with people in a non-intimate environment, and that was so fucking draining for me.

Coaching gives me literal space to show up authentically instead of being guarded and on edge. Coaching allowed me to be my best self and honor my strengths.

If you are an introvert, coaching might be the right fit because:

The Joy of Unmasking Transformation: While many see coaching as guiding others, few realize the thrill of unmasking transformation. It's like being a detective of personal growth, uncovering hidden potentials and reshaping destinies. The "aha!" moments aren't just for clients; they're the breadcrumbs leading to a world of infinite possibilities.

Embracing Chaos for Growth: Coaching isn't a serene stroll in the park; it's a wild ride through the realms of human complexity. Each client brings a storm of challenges and insights, forcing us to dance with chaos and emerge as masters of adaptation. In this dynamic arena, stagnation is the only enemy, and every twist and turn is a lesson waiting to be learned.

Forging Bonds in the Fire of Authenticity: Beyond the façade of formalities lies the raw beauty of coaching—forging bonds in the fire of authenticity. It's not about superficial connections but delving deep into the human psyche, navigating the uncharted waters of vulnerability, and emerging with bonds stronger than steel. Here, the unexpected becomes the norm, and every connection is a testament to the power of genuine human interaction.

Five Legit Reasons to NOT Choose The Coaching Guild for Your Coach Training

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:42:06 GMT

We know we aren't for everyone.

1. Seeking a Traditional Approach: If you're looking for a more traditional, cookie-cutter coaching program with a one-size-fits-all curriculum and rigid structure, The Coaching Guild might not be your cup of tea. Our program is anything but conventional—we embrace diversity, creativity, and individuality, offering a unique and unconventional approach to coaching training

.

Generally speaking, I can look at a coach’s website or talk to them for a couple of minutes and tell you where they trained and who they’ve master-minded with. Most programs intentionally or unintentionally create cookie-cutter coaches and guru mini-me’s. Our goal has always been to help students step into themselves so boldly that we barely leave a fingerprint on their individuality in the world.

If you’re looking for a map to follow, a look to replicate, a script to work with, The Coaching Guild will not be a comfortable place for you to train.

2. Preferring a Quick Fix or a Quick Certification: Let's be real—building a successful coaching practice takes time, dedication, and hard work. If you're searching for a program that promises overnight success or guarantees six-figure incomes without putting in the effort, you won't find it here. The Coaching Guild is all about honest expectations and sustainable growth, not quick fixes or empty promises.

In fact, we cannot even tell you with any certainty how long the program will take. We work in small cohorts and move through the training at the pace that’s right for the group. Chances are very high it will take you longer to finish your training at The Coaching Guild than any other training program on the market. Most coaches are working with clients long before they officially graduate. So, we do not rush anything just to stay on a calendar. We do what’s best for the group just like we train our students to do what’s best for the client.

3. Resisting Diversity and Inclusivity: At The Coaching Guild, we celebrate diversity in all its forms—we believe that everyone has a unique voice, perspective, and experience to bring to the table. If you're uncomfortable with embracing diversity, challenging the status quo, or confronting your own biases, you may feel out of place in our inclusive and supportive community.

Someone recently told me after signing up for the next cohort they would be sitting out the portion of our training about sexual identity and orientation because it was not in alignment with their religious beliefs. I refunded their deposit on the spot. This has happened more than once.

Student cohorts are selected based on a variety of criteria. However, the most important part of our formula is to create groups of people that have the least in common. If diversity in any form makes you queasy, chances of starting and completing our program are very unlikely.

4. Avoiding Personal Growth: Coaching isn't just about learning a set of skills—it's also about personal transformation and growth. If you're resistant to doing the inner work, confronting your fears, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, you may struggle to fully engage with our training program. The Coaching Guild is committed to empowering coaches to become the best versions of themselves, both personally and professionally.

Every student who has gone through The Coaching Guild will tell you it was one of the most valuable personal growth journeys they have ever done. Many students undergo massive personal transformations during the program and sometimes that looks and feels more like breakdown than breakthrough. However, the capacity of our students to grow and shift is expanded by being in a community of peers and instructors that can hold space in a very unique way.

Everyone thinks they are down for personal growth. However, the truth is, not everyone has the bandwidth for the kind of growth this program requires.

5. Seeking a "Guru" Mentality: If you're drawn to programs that promote a "guru" mentality, where one person holds all the answers and dictates the course of your journey, The Coaching Guild may not be the right fit for you. Our program is built on collaboration, community, and collective wisdom—we believe that every voice is valuable, and no one person has all the answers. If you're looking for a more hierarchical or authoritarian approach, you may want to explore other options.

We are not running an “it girl” club.
We do not hold space for an environment that nurtures cliques and “inner-circles”

At first glance most people are going to say they wouldn’t want those things in their training - but many would-be-coaches actually do buy into training programs because they want to belong in a certain kind of way in a certain kind of place.

Coaching Guild students build relationships with their peers that will last a lifetime. However, if you’re looking for credibility or social clout based on proximity to a specific teacher or guru, our program is not going to be your jam.

If you are interested in coach training done very differently, hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes individuality, diversity, and coaching skills for the real world.

Here is the cold, hard truth about coaching that no coach wants to hear: I have never met a coach who was working too hard.

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:46:52 GMT

DESPITE WHAT THE SOFT MARKETING CROWD IS TRYING TO SELL, YOU ARE NOT FAILING BECAUSE YOU'RE WORKING TOO MUCH.

Here is the cold, hard truth about coaching that no coach wants to hear: I have never met a coach who was working too hard.

Selling inaction has become just as toxic in our market as selling big-money bullshit.

You've probaby heard me talk about how the big money marketing machine within coaching spaces is often preditory. Many coaches are talking about that right now. The backlash against that part of our industry is fierce and raw. I am grateful we are finally in a dialog about it. It's past due.

That said, there is another marketing angle, a more subtle sales ploy in the coaching space, I believe, is just as damaging even though it's less shouty.

That marketing mis-message is: In order to succeed, you need to work less.

You know: "Your stress and worry is causing you to spin your wheels. You're doing too much, and too much is not required; in fact, it smells like desperation in the coaching scene. You need to find your feel-good and be someone who demonstrates having some chill. Your hard work is repelling your clients. Take a breath, sit down a beat for tea, go to yoga, and be sure to photograph yourself doing those things so everyone can see your everyday spa-like lifestyle and marvel at how much money you must be making living the dream."

It's a seductive thought, right?

But here's the problem: In all my years of working with hundreds of coaches, I have yet to meet one who was working too hard to succeed.

In fact, most coaches are not putting in enough hours.

A lot of people come into the coaching space already burned out clear to their core from jobs and careers they had before. They are weary and suspicious, drawn to the idea that working less, smarter maybe, will ultimately bring both money and life balance.

While it may very well be true that working smarter might move the needle, too often would-be-successful coaches end up deluding themselves into thinking less is more when it's not enough.

Coaches struggle in their businesses for one of three reasons.

They will not do the things required to build a business because those things make them uncomfortable.
They need to be more consistent. They try a new special thing that's supposed to be the best new strategy every few weeks or months and quit before getting results from anything over and over again.
They are not putting in enough time working on their business.

It's not sexy, but it is that simple.

The "work less to make more money" bit is a brilliant sales strategy. Marketing to coaches, telling them they should relax more, play more, and enjoy mimosas by the beach more to thrive in their business is like music to the ears of a struggling coach.

However, at the end of the day if you don't put in the hours CONSISTANTLY you will fail - and a lot of coaches do fail. They die on the hill of relaxation and only doing what feels good.

I'm going to let you in on a secret. I've known more than a few coaches who preach the gospel of "relax and reap the rewards" who were working pretty much all the time behind the scenes to sell that squishy feel-good message.

It's an odd kind of irony that the marketers who will sell you the doing less to get more package, sharing tales of spontaneous dog walks and lavish vacations, will be working evenings and weekends to make bank selling the soft coach life.

Now, to be clear, I do not work full-time hours, and I do make a full-time income. However, I have built my practice over the years, taking longer than many successful coaches do because I was willing to walk a slower path to success. My practice was not an overnight success. However, I kept putting in the time.

The truth is that building a successful coaching practice takes dedication, consistency, and, yes, hard work. It's not about finding shortcuts or buying into the illusion that you can work less and still achieve your dreams. The reality is that success rarely comes to those who aren't willing to put in the effort and time required to make it happen.

At The Coaching Guild, we set honest expectations with our students and help them work towards attainable goals. We understand that building a coaching business is a journey, not a sprint, and we're here to provide the guidance and support our students need to thrive in the long run.

Yes, alignment matters, and we know that. However, real alignment comes with action, and we know that too.

Our training program is designed to equip coaches with the skills, knowledge, and mindset they need to succeed in today's competitive market. We prioritize practical, evidence-based strategies over empty promises and quick fixes, ensuring that our students have the tools they need to build a sustainable and fulfilling coaching practice.

So, if you're tired of the false promises and unrealistic expectations that pervade the coaching industry, come join us at The Coaching Guild. We're committed to helping you build a coaching practice that's grounded in integrity, authenticity, and genuine connection. Together, we can create a new standard of excellence in coaching—one that values smart work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of our dreams.

Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

Mental Health and Coaching with Kathy Stanton

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:33:47 GMT

Surveys show that fewer than half of all life coaches have completed even Psych 101.

What's Happening at The Coaching Guild next week?

Mental health and coaching - these two topics should be on good terms with each other - unfortunately, they often are not. Simply put, a lot of coaches don't know much about mental health. Mindset and mental health are not the same things. Surveys show that fewer than half of all life coaches have completed even Psych 101.

The Coaching Guild is more mental health heavy than any coach training program I know of. We start out talking about mental health in a clinical way, and threads and themes of mental health awareness flow throughout our curriculum.

However, learning from an expert is one of the most important benefits of training with The Coaching Guild. In the trenches of our medical system there is no mental health professional more qualified to talk about mental health in the real world than a Psych NP.

Kathy is a board-certified Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who earned undergraduate degrees in Historical Russian Musicology from New College in Florida, and in Nursing from Kennesaw State University. She completed graduate education in Nursing at Duke University.

Kathy worked as a Registered Nurse in hospitals around Atlanta, with extensive experience in NICU, mother-baby, psychiatry, and both pediatric and adult acute care. She has been adjunct nursing faculty at Mercer University for over 5 years. Kathy transitioned into psychiatric care after seeing the distinct challenges patients experience in accessing equitable, quality care in mental health. She is passionate about increasing access to quality care, especially in preventative care, underserved populations, and early stages of symptom onset.

Kathy’s first career took her to Eastern Europe, where she lived for several years teaching English as a foreign language and volunteering with women rescued from human trafficking. From this experience, she is near-fluent in Romanian and enjoys exploring how culture intersects with mental and emotional health. In her free time, Kathy enjoys traveling, yoga, horseback riding, and spending time with the 3 amazing humans she’s lucky enough to parent.

If you are interested in exploring coach training that gives you a front row seat to the best and the brightest experts, visit our website or drop us a line for a zero-pressure, no trip and fall into a sales funnel, conversation about the possibilities that might await you at The Coaching Guild.

Coaching is Uniquely Suited for Freedom Seekers

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 19:51:21 GMT

While I love helping people as much as the next coach, I will fully admit that I chose coaching because I wanted maximum freedom in all aspects of my life

Hey there, beautiful souls! Let's discuss freedom—something we all crave, yearn for, and deserve. ��

Before we dive in, let's address the elephant in the room: the allure of those "get-rich-quick" and big-dollar programs that promise money and fast success. Sure, some coaches strike gold, but let's be honest: building a coaching practice isn't a guaranteed ticket to overnight riches, nor is it the easiest way to make six figures and beyond. However, for freedom seekers, there are few other paths more conducive to sustainable freedom than coaching.

Ask a room full of coaches why they chose coaching, and almost all will tell you it was because they wanted to help people. While I love helping people as much as the next coach, I will fully admit that I chose coaching because I wanted maximum freedom in all aspects of my life.

I know firsthand the allure of having the autonomy to live life on your own terms. Coaching is the vehicle that got me to the kind of freedom most people dream of. I know it might sound like a cheesy coaching brochure but for real, I live with my family in one of the most beautiful parts of Mexico, I work maybe five hours a day four days a week, I love my work and my life.

Building this business did not happen overnight—in fact, it took years. However, freedom was the goal from day one, and from day one of my coaching practice, my life was freer and more sovereign because of this work.

Whether it's the freedom to chart your own course, work from anywhere in the world, or prioritize what truly matters in your life, coaching offers a level of flexibility that few other careers can match.

For me, coaching wasn't just a career choice; it was a lifeline to the kind of freedom I craved as a parent. I wanted to be there for my children in every moment that mattered, to guide them, nurture them, and be fully present in their lives. And thanks to coaching, I've been able to do just that—parenting on my own terms without sacrificing my professional aspirations.

Coaching has been an easy ticket to location independence for me and my family. Full disclosure: I used to think location independence meant being able to work from the pool on vacation. However, I've been able to seamlessly transition my career while embracing a new chapter of life, living abroad as the primary provider in our family.

But here's the real beauty of coaching: it's not just about the freedom to live life on your own terms—it's about helping others do the same. As a coach, you have the incredible opportunity to empower others to unlock their own potential, break free from limitations, and design a life that lights them up from the inside out.

So, whether you're dreaming of parenting freedom, location independence, or any other kind of freedom under the sun, coaching could be the key that unlocks the door to the life you've always imagined.

If you're craving more freedom and wondering if coaching is really a path that could it happen, hit me up.

Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

Unregulated

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:06:52 GMT

We should chat about the one subject no one in the coaching space wants to discuss - the uncharted and unregulated territory of the coaching industry.

Let's face it: coaches love to talk about coaching, but the issue of regulation, or lack thereof, rarely gets discussed, even behind the curtains, other than whispers of dread.

The real truth is that many coaches prefer to avoid talking about it because they fear their training or lack of training wouldn't meet muster for state credentialing or regulatory oversight.

It's like navigating through the Wild West, but instead of cowboy hats and saloons, we're dealing with a complete lack of legal accountability or standards for practice. While this freedom is part of what makes coaching so appealing, it also poses some risks, especially for clients who may need to be made aware of the lack of supervision - and most clients are not aware because, as an industry, we intentionally hide that reality from public view.

The lack of regulation is not all bad - for coaches. It offers freedom and flexibility you can't find in many other professions. I benefit from that lack of regulation because I work from Mexico, with clients primarily in the States but also from around the world - I can do that without licensing concerns that would constrain my ability to have location independence if I were a therapist or almost any other helping professional.

But let's be honest here - this lack of regulation creates a potentially dangerous environment for clients who might make reasonable but incorrect assumptions about the required levels of training for a coach they hire - and when you pull back the slick marketing, clients get hurt by unqualified coaches, or coaches who practice beyond the scope of their training every day.

We've got some real problems:

Quality Control: Without regulation, there's no guarantee that the person calling themselves a coach knows what they're doing. They could be spouting off advice that's not based on any evidence or research, leading their clients down a path that's not only unhelpful but potentially harmful.
Ethical Standards: Who's holding coaches accountable for their actions? With no regulatory or licensing body overseeing their work, coaches could engage in unethical behavior without consequences. This could range from infractions like boundary violations and confidentiality breaches to more severe issues like exploitation or abuse. On a near-weekly basis, I see examples of each happening in our industry in plain sight.
Professional Development: Without regulation, there's no requirement for coaches to engage in ongoing professional development. This means they could be using outdated techniques or relying on their own personal experiences rather than evidence-based or science-based practices. Coaches use techniques taught to them by guru trainers without considering the safety or efficacy of the modalities. Many coaches coach from life experience alone, and while life experience is incredibly valuable, it is not enough in many cases.

The coaching industry's lack of regulation isn't just a minor detail; it's a glaring gap that often leads to raised eyebrows and skeptical glances, in a world where credibility matters, the absence of oversight can be a significant hurdle for both coaches and clients alike.

Without clear standards or accountability measures, the coaching profession can easily become the butt of jokes, undermining the legitimacy of those who are genuinely committed to making a difference. This lack of credibility isn't just a theoretical concern; it has real-world implications for both coaches and clients.

At The Coaching Guild, we recognize the gravity of this situation, and we're dedicated to addressing it head-on.

Our approach is twofold: first, we provide university-level training that exceeds industry standards, ensuring that our coaches are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical framework needed to serve their clients effectively.

Second, we uphold strict program accountability measures to maintain the highest standards of excellence in our training. By raising the bar for coach education and program integrity, we're not just improving the coaching profession; we're setting a new standard of excellence that benefits both coaches and clients.

By investing in their education and professional development, coaches can enhance their credibility and attract clients who value quality and expertise. Additionally, our emphasis on ongoing support and mentorship ensures that coaches have the resources they need to succeed long after they've completed their training.

The Coaching Guild is leading the charge for change in a world where the coaching industry is often seen as a punchline. By raising the bar for professionalism, integrity, and excellence, we're not just transforming the coaching profession but reshaping the narrative and redefining what it means to be a coach.

Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about what's possible for you as a coach.

Five Reasons to Pursue Coaching Over Therapy (And One Terrible Reason Not To)

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:28:42 GMT

Deciding between coaching and therapy as a career? It's like choosing between a superhero cape and a wizard's robe. Both are awesome, but they fit different kinds of heroes. Here's why you might grab that cape and how to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons—not just because the wizard's robe looks like a lot of work.

1. Fast-Track Changes vs. Archaeological Digs

Coaching is about sparking immediate change and setting the world on fire (in a good way). It's forward focused, forward thinking, and often intense. Therapists will take you on a dig through your past, but coaches? We get dialed into your future and your identity to help you be who you want to be and get where you want to go.

2. Your Rules, Your Game

If the idea of being boxed in makes you claustrophobic, coaching is your breath of fresh air. You call the shots, pick your playing field, and yes, working in your PJs is totally an option. Therapists have their charm, but the freedom to run your show is the coach's superpower.

3. Side-by-Side Journey

Coaching is a partnership where you're both in the driver's seat, navigating the road to success with a map you drew together. It's hands-on, it's personal, and it's a shared adventure. Therapy keeps its professional distance, but coaching is all about getting up close and personal (professionally, of course).

4. Wide Open Spaces

Want to help a wide array of folks achieve their wildest dreams? Coaching gives you the telescope to see far and wide, offering help to anyone from CEOs looking to conquer the world to artists finding their muse. Therapy has its specialties, but coaching lets you explore an entire galaxy of possibilities.

5. Be the Boss

For those with a heart of an entrepreneur, coaching is your kingdom to build. It's where passion meets business, and your dreams get down to work. Starting from scratch might sound daunting, but for the brave, it's the ultimate quest.

And for the Love of Coaching...

Jumping into coaching because you think it's the shortcut that will require less time and money than pursuing therapy? Think again.

Coaching is not therapy light. It demands guts, heart, and a relentless drive to learn and grow—not to mention the smarts to run your own business. It's not the easy path; it's a different path with its own mountains to climb.

Ready to Leap? Let's Chat.

If any one of these five reasons light you up, and you're ready to explore what coaching could look like for you—without falling into a sales pitch black hole—let's talk. The Coaching Guild is all about connecting you with your passion, your purpose, and a path forward in coaching that's as authentic as it gets. No hype, no BS, just real talk about how we can help you become the coach you're meant to be.

Dive into the World of Coaching with The Coaching Guild

Visit our website or drop us a line for a zero-pressure conversation about the possibilities that await you at The Coaching Guild. Whether you're looking to make a difference, find your freedom, or build something that's uniquely yours, we're here to help you make it happen. Let's start this journey together, capes optional.

Welcome to the Echo Chamber, Where Coaches Coach Coaches on Coaching

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:24:38 GMT

For the record: This is probably why you have started to hate your coaching practice.

The Vicious Cycle of Coach-on-Coach Marketing

Here's the deal: You signed up for a marketing masterclass or joined a high-vibe mastermind group, hoping to skyrocket your client list and maybe, just maybe, make a real difference in people's lives. But, plot twist: the only people you seem to be attracting (and who are attracting you) are other coaches trapped in the same algorithmic purgatory.

Before you know it, your entire social media reality morphs into a surreal coach-ception. Your feeds are a relentless stream of coaching services, coaching courses, and oh, let's not forget, the ever-present coaching success stories that seem more fabricated than Hallmark Channel Romance Movies.

The Money Obsession: Losing Sight of Why We Started

And as if being stuck in a hall of mirrors wasn't disorienting enough, the echo chamber starts amplifying messages about money, income, and, dare I say, more money. Suddenly, it's all about hitting that six-figure launch, that seven-figure year, or that eight-figure ego trip.

What happened to coaching because you wanted to make a difference? To change lives?

To offer something of real value beyond the endless sales funnels and lead magnets?

Somehow, the noble art of coaching has been hijacked by a pyramid scheme dressed up in personal growth lingo.

Breaking Free: There's a World Beyond Coaching Coaches

It's time to smash the mirror and step out of the echo chamber. Your potential clients are out there, living in the real world, dealing with real problems – problems you started coaching to solve. They're not interested in coaching lingo or how many figures you made last month. They want to know if you can help them navigate life's challenges and if you can offer them a lifeline in their moments of need.

Let's get real: the most successful coaches are the ones who remember there is a whole universe of clients outside the bubble, and they orient towards them. They are not just coaching for coaches; they're out there making genuine connections, offering real value, and, yes, making a living without selling their soul to the coaching industrial complex.

Why The Coaching Guild Might Just Be Your Beacon of Hope

And that's precisely where The Coaching Guild steps in. We believe in coaching skills over marketing schemes. Our programs are designed to deepen your coaching practice, enrich your toolkit, and reconnect you with your passion for making a difference. With The Coaching Guild, you're not just another coach in the echo chamber; you're part of a community that values real skills, real connections, and real impact.

The Call to Action: Be the Coach Who Makes a Difference

So, here's your wake-up call. If you're tired of the echo chamber, if you're sick of the money game, and you want to get back to what coaching is really about—helping people—then it's time for a change. Ditch the echo chamber, reconnect with your why, and start making a difference in the real world, not just the coaching bubble.

Looking for a way out of the echo chamber? Want to reconnect with real clients and make an impact? Hit me up for a no-pressure, no BS, no trip, and fall into a sales funnel conversation. Let's talk about how to cut through the noise, get back to real coaching, and maybe, just maybe, remember why we started this journey in the first place.

Dear Struggling Coach

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 20:12:03 GMT

I see you.

I see those stormy doubts clouding your mind, the weariness in your spirit. You entered this field with a heart full of hope, ready to change lives, including your own. But now, here you are, contemplating a return to the 9-to-5 world, thinking maybe that promise of security isn't so bad after all.

If the big-money dream you might have bought into has somehow turned into a ghostly vapor, you are not alone. Running from that ghost may be very tempting.

But before you make that leap back into the arms of traditional employment, I want you to pause for a moment. Let's talk truth about this elusive 'job security' and why it's not the safety net it's made out to be. The workplace is evolving, and the harsh reality is that the security you're seeking there is more myth than matter.

Revitalize, Don't Retreat.

I understand the path hasn't been easy. Building and sustaining a coaching practice can feel f*cking hard, and the temptation to return to something more predictable can be strong. But, dear beautiful soul, this isn't the time to retreat. It's the time to reinvent, revitalize, and reimagine.

You might need to get out of the coaching peer pressure bubble of nonsense and back to basics in the real world to find your juice again.

The Toxic Echo Chamber

And let's talk about that coaching bubble, the toxic echo chamber where it's all too easy to get trapped. You join these groups, these circles, hoping for growth and connection, but end up just hearing the same old voices, echoing the same old ideas. It's a vortex that sucks in your creativity and spits out uniformity.

This echo chamber isn't just stifling; it's dangerous. It leads to comparison, despair, and a shrinking market of potential clients who aren't caught in the same loop. If you're not careful, your practice can wither away in these bubbles of doom, leaving you wondering where it all went wrong.

Continuous Learning is Your Superpower

Remember why you started. That spark you felt when you first imagined becoming a coach – it's still there. It might be flickering under current challenges, but it's far from extinguished.

Continuous learning and growth are not just nice-to-haves in our field; they are essential. In adjacent professions like therapy, continuing education is legally required.

The landscape of coaching is dynamic, and to thrive, we gotta keep the groove on and be dynamic. The training you got five years ago is probably out of date, so it will feel stale. Stagnant coaching skills are going to have a certain smell. Clients pick up on that - but fixing that sh*t might actually be really fun.

Breaking Free with The Coaching Guild

That's where The Coaching Guild comes in. We're about busting you out of those toxic echo chambers and reigniting that fire within you. We're here to inject new life into your practice, to help you rediscover the joy and the passion that led you into coaching in the first place.

We offer not just up-to-date training, but a revolution in how you see and do coaching. With us, you'll find new ways to connect, new strategies to reach out, and a whole world outside those echo chambers.

Your dream is still valid

Your journey as a coach was born from a beautiful vision – a vision that still holds immense value and potential. Don't let temporary hurdles make you lose sight of that. You and I can explore how we can turn these challenges into stepping stones for a more robust, vibrant coaching practice.

Reach out to me. I want an honest, heart-to-heart conversation about where you are, where you want to be, and how The Coaching Guild can help bridge that gap. We can have a no pressure, no BS, no trip and fall into a sales funnel conversation about finding your passion and your profit again.

It isn't just about keeping your dream alive – it's about helping it evolve into something even more impactful AND helping you evolve into a bolder version of yourself.

T he Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

What's Happening at the Coach Guild: Embracing the Spectrum with Samuel Moreno

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 22:32:23 GMT

Thinking you know everything you need to know about a community you are not a part of puts you at significant risk of causing harm.

In our ever-evolving world, the need for a coaching practice that embraces the full spectrum of human experience has never been more critical. At The Coaching Guild, we're proud to offer groundbreaking training modules on gender and orientation, like our recent class with Sam Moreno. Modules like this set our training apart, delving into areas so few programs address yet are vital for the competent, compassionate coaching that today's diverse client base needs.

The Critical Importance of Informed Coaching

Sam Moreno's training illuminated the complex realities of gender and sexual orientation, guiding us through terminology and the human spectrum with sensitivity and depth. This wasn't just about adding to our knowledge base; it was about fundamentally transforming how we approach coaching. Because to coach effectively in today's world, understanding the LGBTIA+ community isn't optional—it's essential.

The stakes are high. The LGBTQIA+ community faces significant mental health challenges, with a sharply increased risk of suicide. These aren't just statistics; they're realities that many in our communities, perhaps even in our own lives, are navigating.

As coaches, our interactions and the safe spaces we create (or fail to create) can have profound impacts. Coaching without awareness and sensitivity to these realities doesn't just fall short—it can exacerbate the very risks we aim to mitigate.

Why This Matters for Every Coach

Modules like the one led by Sam Moreno underscore why deepening your coach training with The Coaching Guild is beneficial and necessary. While many programs offer a cursory glance at diversity, we dive deep, preparing our coaches to meet their clients where they are, with understanding, empathy, and the right tools to support them effectively.

This commitment to deep, meaningful training on gender and orientation is just one example of how The Coaching Guild stands out. We're not content to simply cover the basics. We strive to equip our coaches with the knowledge and skills to support all clients, especially those from marginalized communities who might be at greater risk.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our training goes beyond the conventional, embracing the rich, complex tapestry of human experience. In doing so, we aim to create a new standard for coaching—one that's inclusive, informed, and genuinely impactful.

If you're a coach who believes in the power of your profession to change lives, and you recognize the importance of being fully equipped to support every client, then The Coaching Guild is where you belong. Here, your practice will not only grow; it will evolve, becoming a beacon of hope and a source of real, meaningful support for those who need it most.

Let's Take This Journey Together

Hit me up for a no BS, no pressure, no trip and fall into a sales funnel, phone call about how you might transition to coaching with the least amount of risk with the most money and joy.

If you want to build a coaching practice that fits a soft life, you should check out The Coaching Guild. The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

Podcast Alert: Sacred Black-only Spaces, Collective Healing, and Why White Women Aren't Invited to the Paint and Sip

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 04:53:25 GMT

Imagine, if you will, a group of women who come together in a healing circle to talk about things like misogyny, domestic abuse, and/or sexual assault. In this sacred healing space, women sit in community, share their experiences, and hold space for one another.

Then, imagine one day when these women show up for the group, two men are sitting in the circle. One of these men is there because he, too, is on a healing journey. He wants to sit and listen so he can learn more about how toxic masculinity harmed these women. The other man has joined the healing circle simply because he doesn't think it's fair the group excludes men.

It's easy to extrapolate that the dynamics of that group would be forever changed. That once safe space where the women in the circle used to be able to speak, share, and grow together without the presence of men would never be the same. It would not matter what motivated the men to show up. Their presence alone would shift the dynamic to the point of potentially no longer being helpful to the female participants.

Black-only safe spaces are incredibly important for the exact same reason. Whiteness and white supremacy harm every black-bodied human.

Black people need healing community spaces where white-bodied people are not present.

Coaching creates a multitude of opportunities for black coaches to provide that space to their communities - and that is just one of the thousands of reasons coaching is an awesome modality for growth and healing.

Gozá Parks and Divine Claiborne are creating a beautiful black-only safe space - and they are doing it with a lot of joy and love in their hearts --

---- and as white coaches, it is our job to celebrate and frankly share the shit out of the programs and offerings black coaches create for communities that we cannot serve with the same level of competency.

Let's talk about coaching as a pathway out of the corporate maze

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:16:47 GMT

Coaching is one of the most human-centric professions out there

Look, we can talk about themes like anti-capitalism and escaping corporate dystopia all day long. However, if you are going to change the world, you need to figure out how to extract yourself from the machine and stop contributing to systems of oppression - as in the real work of changing you and your situation first.

Traditional employment has a glamorous side, and the most seductive thing working for the man offers is the illusion of safety. However, when you pull the curtain back, too often, it's not security; it's servitude.

I literally know a dozen people who have lost their jobs or gotten a "plan for the worst" notice from their long-term employers in the last six weeks or so. The idea of the one-job career is sort of a boomer concept. The reality for the rest of us is that our secure jobs in the traditional workplace are not that secure.

Picture this: another day in the corporate maze – the same grey walls, the same hollow promises of 'security', and the same soul-sucking routine. Yes, you're getting paid, but you are also a cog in a machine that isn't human.

It isn't just a job; it's a dystopian script we've been sold, convincing us to trade our dreams for an illusion of stability.

But what if I told you there's a glitch in this matrix, and you can break free?

I won't lie to you and tell you entrepreneurship is Utopia. It is not.

Being an entrepreneur can be challenging. Sometimes it's f*cking hard.

However, it is intrinsically human.

We must choose post-capitalism actively and make it real for ourselves if we want to get beyond the lip service of building a better world. Building a way of life that supports you and a container that holds your values is a decision with organic, human implications, not just for you but everyone around you.

You can stop churning profits for the few, losing yourself in the process.

It isn't about escaping to a fantasy – it's about crafting a reality where you're more than a profit-generating tool. It's about building something where your values, your passions, and your humanity are the cornerstones of your work.

Let's talk about coaching as a pathway out of the corporate maze.

Why coaching?

Because it's one of the most human-centric professions out there.

As a coach, you're not just building a business but creating a space for growth, healing, and empowerment – both for yourself and others. It's about connection, transformation, and, yes, making money, but on your authentic terms.

But where do you start? How do you pivot from being a cog in the corporate machine to a catalyst for change?

This is where The Coaching Guild steps in.

The Coaching Guild is not about cookie-cutter coaching models or one-size-fits-all approaches. We're about equipping you with real, tangible skills – not just in coaching, but in understanding yourself, your niche, and the nitty-gritty of building a coaching practice that resonates with who you are and what you stand for.

Your work can be your activism.

We understand that diving into entrepreneurship, especially in coaching, can feel overwhelming. Our program is designed to guide you through every step of this journey. From mastering foundational coaching skills to navigating the complexities of marketing and branding in a post-capitalist world, we've got you covered.

Choosing to be a coach is choosing to write your own script. It's deciding to be part of a community that values human connection over profits. It's about having the freedom to create your schedule, your client list, and, most importantly, your impact.

Now, imagine waking up each day knowing that your work is not just a job, but a meaningful contribution to someone's life.

Imagine building a practice that aligns with your vision of a better world. This is what being a coach can offer. And at The Coaching Guild, we're committed to helping you make that possible.

Are you ready to step out of corporate dystopia and into a life where you're the architect of something different? Reach out for a straightforward, no bull sh*t, no pressure, no upsell or trip and fall into the sales funnel conversation about how The Coaching Guild can help you navigate this transition.

Let's build a human-centric, value-driven coaching practice together. Your journey to a fulfilling, impactful coaching career can start right now.

Slide into my DMs – let's talk about making your coaching dream a reality, one real-world real-you step at a time.

Thinking BIG without BIG DOING reinforces your anxiety.

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:49:17 GMT

Rumination, while it feels like important thinking, is a complete waste of time.

There is a kind of thinking in personal development circles that was probably born out of law of attraction thinking that says, "Only do what feels good."

This idea that we should stay in a holding pattern until something feels good, over time, slowly morphs into endless patterns of dissatisfied sameness and insecurity-fueled procrastination.

There is a lot of actual science that supports deliberate creation. However, the actual science in no way indicates that emotion is a creative force -

focus is the driving creative force.

Focus is everything, and emotion will inevitably, eventually follow focus.

That said, many of us have gotten in the habit of wanting to manhandle and manage our feelings so we feel good about making change before doing a thing that makes us feel uncomfortable -

And here is the problem with that: Change makes humans uncomfortable .

The human brain wants nothing more than to keep you safe. So, the brain will perceive anything that is not the same as it's always been, even if it doesn't make you happy as a threat.

Your normally functioning brain does not care if you are happy or not.

Trying to strong-arm your feelings into thinking a change feels great is much harder work than just making a change. Most people can only create a sustainable change in their feelings when the brain sees evidence that making the change is safe.

Bottom line: Waiting until it feels right thinking will keep you exactly where you are.

You have to SHOW your brain what you want to experience before the gatekeeper of your emotions will get on board. Your brain functions on an evidence-based system.

If you want forward momentum, you've got to outsmart your brain, and that is easier than you might think - it only requires one thing-

BE BOLD.

If fact, be audacious.

Be fucking delusional about the possibilities and DO something way bigger than you think you can.

Thinking BIG without BIG DOING reinforces your anxiety.

Just do the thing.

Break the part of your brain that acts like an emotional hall monitor by doing something boldly unexpected - and if it fails, it fails.

If it fails, which you might, and you survive it, which you will, maybe you win even more because your brain will witness you not being crushed.

Your current state of being is exactly what it is until you start pushing your boundaries creatively, professionally, personally, and spiritually.

You will have to get out there on your edges and push the lines of what is comfortable or feels safe to explore what's possible.

Rumination, while it feels like important thinking, is a complete waste of time. Rumination is the brain's way of making you think your discomfort is important.

You can learn to feel the fear and do it anyway and teach your brain you can survive unpredictability -

and when you start taking the scary risks and big leaps without needing those risks to "pay off," only doing it so you can train yourself to expand into greater levels of doing things that are possible for you, you will probably find none of it is that scary even when it's uncomfortable.

Train yourself to believe risk and rejection are safe.

If the big thing you are thinking you might want to do is become a coach, we should talk and I'm going to tell you the truth. Yes, it might be risky. However, having a dream you can't kill that you don't pursue is also risky. It's just not good for your soul.

Hit me up for a no BS, no pressure, no trip and fall into a sales funnel, phone call about how you might transition to coaching with the least amount of risk with the most money and joy.

A lot of people will derail their dreams because they are afraid they won't see overnight success

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 20:56:22 GMT

Someone asked me a couple of days ago if they started coach training with The Coaching Guild in early 2024 if I believed they could quit their day job and replace their six figure income in accounting with a coaching practice before the year ends -and I told them no.

Someone else told this person something different. So, they decided to skip the training and join a 10k mastermind program to help them build a practice. When I suggested I didn't think this was a great idea, they told me they didn't want that negativity in their life and immediately blocked me. This goal of the group was to launch a six figure practice in six months - and here are my thoughts on that...

A career accountant has no business being a coach in six months with nothing but marketing training. Period. End of story. Coaching requires training, skills, and experience. This is the hill I will die on.

The closest adjacent field to life coaching is therapy. In order to be a therapist you will invest in 5-7 years of college education, plus likely a year or more of supervised practice before they can even begin to build a practice. For a therapist it might take anywhere from a year to four years of work to build a full and sustainable practice AND they know this. No one is selling a six month shortcut to big bucks for therapists.

It's irresponsible to think a coach should or even could shortcut to booked and blissful in six months. That kind of thinking breaks hearts and bank accounts. It is also unfair to would-be clients who assume coaches meet certain standards of training for practice.

But...
And this is a big one-if you're not living the dream and you want to be a coach or anything else for that matter, there is no time like the present to start.

A lot of people will derail their dreams because they are afraid they won't see overnight success, only to find themselves a decade or two later wondering why they feel disillusioned and stuck.

Do I think someone could start their training with The Coaching Guild now and leave their traditional job behind at some point next year?
Maybe. Depending on the person, that is a bet I might take and feel good about.

The human brain almost always overestimates what can be accomplished in a year AND wildly underestimates what can be done in 2-3 years. Whatever your next thing might be, whether it's coaching or it's something else, START NOW and do it in a way where you will love the journey. You’re going to be in the journey phase for quite awhile and that’s where the magic is.

If you're interested, or even coach curious, message me and let's have a truly curious, absolutely no pressure conversation about the possibilities.

If you want to build a coaching practice that fits a soft life, you should check out The Coaching Guild.

You'd think coaches would talk about ethics all the time - but they do not and it's a problem

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 21:35:09 GMT

Humans are more complicated and so are ethics

**I am sharing this with permission from both the client and fellow coach.**

Recently, I interacted with a new client whom one of our graduates from The Coaching Guild knows personally. That client interaction was unusual from the onset because there were circumstances only the client was aware of behind the scenes that made the situation very complicated.

My former student contacted me after the second session with said client and raised concerns about how I had handled the situation from an ethics standpoint.

I, for real, have never been called out over an ethics issue before.

I had some real big feels about being questioned about my ethics by anyone, let alone by a former student. I take ethics very seriously. I did not love how it felt, but...

I was overwhelmingly proud.

In fact, I was genuinely thrilled - and I told her so.

I know it took some big courage to call out a fellow coach.

Why?

Although I would stand by how I handled the client situation and would do it the same way if I had to do it again, it was a dicey situation and deserved deep consideration.

Secondly, because, as an industry, we do a shit-ass job of self-policing. I loved this coach for having the heart to question whether or not I got it right -

And self-police we must because there are no rules, and there is no governing board that will keep coaches in check when they fuck it up.

I believe many coaches low-key hide that fact from clients because the ambiguity benefits the coach.

Not a week goes by where I don't see something(s) on social media or hear a story that makes me cringe because a well-meaning coach has either loosely crossed or sprinted way past what should be an obvious ethical boundary in their work - and coaches do this, not because they are bad, but because, in most cases, they either don't know better or they've been taught and embraced unethical marketing tactics.

Ethics in coaching are more complex than we like to think they are. On more than one occasion, I have had to seek counsel from another coach or attorney regarding how to best handle a situation (while protecting the identity of my client in every way possible), which came up in my practice from an ethical and legal standpoint. You never know when the shit in a session is going to get complicated.

Many coaches don't have ANY formal training at all.

Most coaches who have formal coach training still do not get any actual training on ethics. Given how complicated ethics can be, it is no wonder coaches unintentionally blunder really important things too frequently.

This week at The Coaching Guild, we are finishing our Ethics Training module, which Janette Dalgliesh taught. I have coached for decades and still learned a ton from Janette in this module. She is passionate about this topic and knows her stuff with a depth of integrity that is rare in our industry.

I took copious notes listening to Janette's presentation because there are so many concepts around ethics to consider when we work with humans who are complicated - and for the record, all humans are complex.

Our goal at The Coaching Guild is to help our students become the best coaches in the world. If they are going to be the best coaches in the world, we have to learn and discuss

complicated things with experts who love to teach what they know.

At the end of every ethics module at The Coaching Guild, I give a mini-lecture / warning because ethical breaches, particularly ethical missteps around client privacy, are the only thing that will get you unceremoniously removed from our program without delay. We take this stuff very seriously.

Giving this lecture/warning is easy because I have never had a class or even a single student I worried might do it. Our students understand the cost to the client when confidence is broken, and as a community, "people over profit" is not just a sales slogan.

If you're a coach who wants to grow your skill set, a newbie coach who wants training that you can feel good about, or coach-curious, email me for a no BS, no pressure conversation about how The Coaching Guild might be right for you.

I know I am supposed to want a coaching empire

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 17:40:14 GMT

But what I really want is a soft practice

I know I am supposed to want a coaching empire -

and it is not that I don't want an empire exactly.

Part of me wants my coaching practice to be larger than life, AND of course, I want to make big bank dollars and an impact.

I want to leave a legacy.

I want to leave an inheritance for my children.

Money is a big ass deal, and I love money as much or maybe more than the next person -

but here's the thing: I don't want to boss-babe to build my future.

Yes, I want big, but I also want soft.

I want a soft life, and I want a soft business.

I want a coaching practice that feels generous. I want it to feel open-hearted and spacious. Generosity flows both ways. Decades in my coaching practice have taught me this is true. I gave up struggle in my work a long time ago.

In an industry that often feels like it values profit over people, where coaches are trained to extract dollars from clients at the highest possible price point they can pay, I will coach for free, and pretty much everyone knows that.

In all my years of coaching for free, I have never felt like the client didn't work hard enough because they didn't pay for it.

I have never once felt taken advantage of.

I have never worried a paying client felt resentment because someone else didn't pay what they did.

I am not afraid of giving too much of anything away or not getting paid.

I always get paid - and I coach for free in some way, almost every day.

I will coach for free if a disaster or a crisis has rocked your world. I know what it's like to muddle through those first days or weeks when the world has turned upside down. We can just figure things out.

I will coach for free if a labor strike has impacted your income. I am pro-labor. I am happy to walk my talk. We are in it together.

If we have worked together before, I will not charge you to chat for a few minutes or, frankly, an hour or two if something has shifted in your life and you don't want to feel alone.

If your mom, best friend, or dog just died, I would be honored to sit with you in that space of sacred grief if you invite me there - and no, I will not bill you for that.

If you just got a diagnosis, and your head is spinning, and you can't find a way to take one step forward, DM me. I'm not expecting you to dig out your credit card to get through that moment.

If you are fleeing a relationship or a country and might be in danger, or in danger of going back, seriously, we do not have to figure out if you can afford support - let's just talk.

If your husband asked for a divorce over dinner, I am probably going to be happy to get on the phone with you at 9 pm because, good Goddess, I have been there, and sometimes it just cannot wait.

If something happened on that date last night, and you are scared or ashamed and have no one to sort it out with - message me - please. I am not going to ask you to Venmo me first - or maybe ever.

Do you need a payment plan for pretty much anything I offer? Sure.

Do you need to pay me later? Let's talk about it.

And I am not saying this to be altruistic or to brag about my heart. I am just not an altruistic person.

I am saying this because doing business this way, with an active practice of generosity, has been the best and most sustainable source of income in my coaching ecosphere. It also feels very soft and I want a soft business.

Generosity has created a flow of energy in my business that is circular, moving in, out, and through. It has carried me for years in my business.

Marketing and business experts will read this and roll their eyes.

Coaches who are struggling, going through the deep woods of building a practice where it seems like you cannot even give your work away, will think I am full of shit.

Lots of coaches will read this and say I am a boundaryless pushover.

However, I am telling you, I am always as booked as I ever want to be.

I support my family with a lot of ease in approximately five hours a day, four days a week.

I work with clients who cannot pay me and clients who pay me A LOT of money for very little time.

If the coaching space has got you down and you feel a little or a lot sick to your stomach about what it looks like sometimes, please just know there are lots of ways to build an empire.

In the coaching universe, grandeur and big money allure often make generosity feel like weakness. A soft life paired with gentle but potent ambition isn't about compromising on your dreams but more about up-leveling them to be more human. Generosity, unleashed in your business, becomes more than just a gesture—it transforms into a potent marketing plan.

You cannot have a soft life and rigid edges around your business.

If you want to build a coaching practice that fits a soft life, you should check out The Coaching Guild.

Hot take: White coaches should not coach black clients unless they have invested in cultural competency training, bias awareness training, and/or anti-racism training

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 17:01:24 GMT

Self-identifying as "not racist" is not enough

White coaches should not coach black clients unless they have invested in cultural competency training, bias awareness training, and/or anti-racism training -

yeah, I am saying it out loud.

Let me tell you a story with permission from a client we will call Grace.

Grace was having issues at work. She had worked for the same company for almost twelve years and loved her career. But then... change happened. The CFO she once reported to was out, and a new one stepped in. Almost overnight, things began to feel different.

Within a month, the new CFO had a laundry list of issues with Grace:

He didn't like her attire and wanted it to be more traditionally professional.
He found her laugh too loud and asked her to tone herself down while in the office.
He thought she seemed unapproachable and possibly unconstructively angry with subordinates even though there had never been a complaint from a subordinate.
Bizarrely, he asked for proof of her master's degree.

This was just the beginning. It was a tense few months, to say the least. So, in hopes of navigating this minefield, Grace hired a coach who came highly recommended by a white colleague. This well-meaning coach (white) started advising Grace on how to be "more traditionally professional". She even dropped hints about Grace's style being too "urban and not in a Manhattan kind of way”.

This coach spent a lot of time talking to Grace about how to be more approachable and told her to visualize pleasant interactions with her new boss. She also suggested Grace casually check-in frequently to appear more friendly and create lots of opportunities to get feedback.

This coach, for real, explained code switching to Grace as if she’d invented it and code switching was a good thing. Grace was so shocked by this conversation she wondered if it was a joke of some sort. However, as their work went on, the coach routinely gave her tips on how to communicate more professionally and suggested several books on mastering corporate communication.

Grace, like many black women, has a sixth sense for this sort of thing. Yet, she wanted to keep her job. So she tried adjusting. It was soul-crushing.

Months down the line, she opened up to her brother about starting antidepressants because she was feeling lost and demoralized. She’d even been passed over for a raise for the first time ever.

Her coach's solution? More professional development courses.

Her brother's advice? Ditch the coach and get a lawyer.

He was right.

To the white coaches reading this:

Some will see no issue with the coach's approach.

Some will say, "I'd never be that coach."

Yet, every person of color will nod, recognizing the pattern all too well.

I hear stories like this way too often because most white coaches believe they aren’t “racist” - therefore they think they know everything they need to know about coaching people who come from different cultural backgrounds.

We don’t. Our blindspots can and too often do cause harm.

My point is this:I fundamentally believe there are not enough black coaches and no black or brown client should have to choose a white coach because they don’t have options. If a POC is willing to take a risk and pay a white coach, that coach needs to be accountable for a level of training and awareness that goes beyond self-identifying as not racist.

At The Coaching Guild, we're fortunate to have the best experts like Iyabo Onipede and Leah Ardent, who are helping our students learn more about themselves, cultural competence, bias awareness while working on our own self-awareness and working with clients. With their guidance, our students (including yours truly) emerge more informed, sensitive, and ready to address the nuances of coaching in a multicultural world.

None of us are perfect, but we are learning and growing so we can serve all our clients with less risk of harm. At the Coaching Guild, we know this goes beyond taking a couple classes and calling yourself cured of white supremacy culture. We know this is a life-long work.

If you are a dreamer, rebel, artist, misfit, creative, or good troublemaker who wants to deepen your coaching skill set or learn from the best in the industry, then check out The Coaching Guild, where coaching gets a smart and sassy makeover .

Slide into my DMs for a no-pressure, no BS chat about the transformative world of coaching. Let's explore together!

T he Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

�� #NoMoreGuruCulture #DiveDeeperWithTCG #lifecoaching#NoMoreCookieCutterCoaching #SassySmartCoachingRevolution #lifecoaching #lifecoachquotes #lifecoachingforwomen #quotes #quotestagram #quotestoliveby #inspiration #inspirationalquotes #inspirationalquoteoftheday

Can you help your clients get off the Hedonic Treadmill

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 18:31:29 GMT

A great coach knows getting to the goal probably isn't going to change much.

What's Up at The Coaching Guild This Week? ��

We're diving deep into the concept of the Hedonic Treadmill – a topic every coach worth their salt should get cozy with, as it's super relevant to our clients.

Hedonic Treadmill (sometimes called Hedonic Adaptation): It's this quirky thing humans do where we quickly snap back to a stable level of happiness, no matter the highs or lows life throws at us. Think of it like this: you score a big promotion or buy that dream car, and for a moment, you're on Cloud 9. But soon after, you're back to your usual self. It's like running on a treadmill: hustling hard but staying in the same spot of happiness. ��‍♂️

Hedonic Set Point : Imagine a happiness "thermostat" unique to each of us. This set point is our default happiness level. Good day? Bad day? Either way, we usually find ourselves drifting back to this baseline after the excitement or gloom fades.

Now, here's the real talk: Any coach can help someone chase a goal. But what happens after the chase? Will the glow of achievement last? Or will it fade, leaving our clients chasing the next shiny thing? At The Coaching Guild, we emphasize that the goal isn't just about the endpoint. It's about the journey and understanding our deeper desires.

Sure, there are goals worth hustling for, irrespective of the happiness quotient. And yes, there are ways to tweak that happiness thermostat, nudging it bit by bit to a sunnier setting. But chasing a goal blindly? That's not how we roll.

Coaching Guild Coaches : They're not your run-of-the-mill types. They're armed with insights, a deep understanding of the human psyche, and a commitment to genuine, holistic transformations. No quick fixes. No one-size-fits-all. Just real, impactful change.

Feeling intrigued? Ready to step up your coaching game? Let's chat about The Coaching Guild, where coaching has gotten a smart and sassy makeover. I promise it'll be a no-strings-attached, no-pressure, and absolutely no BS conversation. Explore how The Coaching Guild might be the best thing you do for you and your coaching career. Slide into my DMs and let’s revolutionize coaching together!

T he Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

�� #NoMoreGuruCulture #DiveDeeperWithTCG #lifecoaching#NoMoreCookieCutterCoaching #SassySmartCoachingRevolution

Emotional Literacy is What's Happening and Keven Anthony Johnson is in the House

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 20:50:25 GMT

Nothing beats learning from the best of the best

Coaching is a lot of things, and let's face it, many of those things are complicated. Why? Because people are multifaceted, and navigating human emotions can be like exploring a massive wildland. �� Sometimes, emotions flow like serene meadows, and at other times, they blaze like wildfire. ��

Emotions shape us, define our past, and predict our future. That's precisely why emotional literacy is paramount in coach training. Without it, coaching can feel like we're just tossing tools into the void. ��️

Enter Kevin Anthony Johnson, the unparalleled master of emotional literacy. With academic and raw human insights, Coach KJ shines as a beacon of compassion and fearlessness. �� Learning from him? It's like tapping into a very deep well of emotional wisdom.

Studying emotional literacy with Coach KJ is different than learning from me. Sure, I could teach it; in some ways, emotional literacy is peppered throughout our entire curriculum. However, Coach KJ is genuinely the best of the best in this arena. Every time I get the privilege of hearing Kevin teach, I learn something new. We are beyond lucky to have him.

That's the essence of The Coaching Guild. We're not about one guru or one voice. Instead, we offer a unique blend, a symphony ��, of the most brilliant minds in coaching. Traditional mono-theory programs? They barely scratch the surface.

So, if the usual echo chambers have left you wanting, here's your invitation ��. Dive deep with us, bask in diverse insights, and be part of a coaching renaissance that celebrates the multifaceted human experience. At The Coaching Guild, coaching doesn't just get an upgrade; it gets a smart and sassy makeover!

Feeling the pull? Let's chat - No strings attached, no pressure, and absolutely no BS. Just an honest conversation about redefining coaching. �� Ready to dive in? Drop me a message. Together, we'll explore the depths of what coaching can truly be.

�� #NoMoreGuruCulture #DiveDeeperWithTCG #lifecoaching

5 Reasons Coach Training is Too Important to Skip

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:30:49 GMT

Being good at giving advice is not enough

1. Solid, diverse coach training allows us to confidently coach outside our very narrow scope of personal expertise or experience. Although you may know a whole hell of a lot about what you know, clients will rarely stay within the very narrow parameters of a single zone of genius for very long. Coach training allows us to expand with our clients as they grow beyond our personal (and always limited) life experience.

2. Coach training allows you to see both your blind spots and your sweet spots with much more clarity. Coach training expands your perspective. Seeing yourself and your work more honestly is easier as you apply yourself to learning and working with new concepts. When we work the same way with the same tools for too long, albeit comfortably, our work will not grow because growth is always right on the other side of that comfort zone.

3. Different perspectives change how we see our clients and our work - especially if those different perspectives come from people who are different from you. We tend to congregate where we fit in most easily. Most coach-types think they are good at connecting with other people. Truthfully, most people, including coach-types, are good at connecting with people a lot like themselves. Coach training (especially in small groups) expands your view of yourself, your world, and your ability to support others.

4. Skills matter, and coach training reduces the risk of harming a client - and yes, clients get hurt in the hands of well-meaning but unskilled coaches too often. No one sets out to harm a client. However, client safety is not given in the intimate container created in a coaching relationship. Comprehensive coach training should focus on client safety vs. coach profit every step of the way. Training in mental health topics and skills that make your work more trauma-informed is incredibly important because we can't take for granted that just because we are compassionate, we will always be able to provide safety in coaching.

5. Getting coach training improves your odds of being successful in your business. Continuing education and training improve the odds of longevity in your practice. Thinking you can create a website and have a coaching biz is naive, potentially heartbreaking, and harmful. The fact that coaching doesn't require licensure doesn't mean training isn't critical. Enthusiasm and a website do not make a thriving coaching practice. Most therapists spend five years or more and upwards of more than 100k to get a license to practice. It is unrealistic to think a coach can or should enter practice for the price of a domain name.

If you are even just a little curious about becoming a coach, you should check us out.

Here's How to Revolutionize Your Stagnant Coaching Practice

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 17:36:23 GMT

Let's face it, scrolling the feed endlessly, while telling yourself that is doing something, isn't working - and we both know it.

Feeling like your coaching business is more stuck than a car in the mud? You're not alone. Most of us have been there at some point.

Before you dive into yet another marketing course or mastermind group, pause and consider this: maybe what needs a refresh isn't your marketing strategy, but your training itself. A new coaching training program, particularly one like The Coaching Guild, could be the key to rejuvenating both your business and your perspective on the coaching profession.

About 40% of our students are already experienced coaches who have at least five years in the profession. While our training offers a robust foundational core, it equally immerses students in a diverse array of advanced concepts, the latest science, and current marketing wisdom.

Here's how The Coaching Guild can breathe new life into your practice:

A Fresh Perspective: Dive into a hub of innovation that revitalizes your coaching techniques and ignites a spark in your approach.
Networking Opportunities: Forge deep connections with fellow students and instructors, nurturing relationships that could evolve into collaborative projects and pathways to success.
Modern Marketing Techniques: Equip yourself with the latest effective marketing strategies to enhance your reach and influence in the industry.
Diverse Learning Environment: Engage in a vibrant community where diverse experiences and viewpoints enhance your comprehension and practice of coaching.
Escape the Monotony: Break free from routine by integrating new insights and approaches into your practice, making each session a deeply impactful journey.
Real Opportunities for Professional Advancement: Embark on a journey where professional advancement isn't merely something you dream of; it's a tangible and exhilarating possibility.
Financial Agility in Uncertain Times: In times where the economy seems shaky, many coaches retract rather than expand. At The Coaching Guild, we encourage growth without the shackles of debt, thanks to our equity-based tuition policy and flexible payment plans. We believe in fostering your development without the stress of financial strain.
A Sanctuary for the Unapologetically You: Here, we celebrate your individuality and offer a space where your unique coaching style can thrive.

Dive into a community that applauds the innovators, the rebels, and those spearheading change in the coaching industry. The Coaching Guild isn't just a training hub; it's a sanctuary where dreamers, creators, and disruptors converge to flourish together.

Ready to rekindle your passion and give your coaching business the revival it desperately needs? Experience the dynamic environment at The Coaching Guild. We promise, your future self will be doing a happy dance.

Let’s do this.

Schedule a call today and let's ignite your coaching revolution.

#coaching #lifecoaching #coachtraining #lifecoachtraining #coachingandethics #thecoachingguild

Diversity: The Secret Sauce Behind The Coaching Guild's Success

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 19:40:26 GMT

And it has nothing to do with lip-service anti-racism, identity politics, or quotas

In the last three months, I've had to make some tough decisions. I've had to say "no" or "not right now" to more potential students who applied to The Coaching Guild for coach training than I could say "yes" to, and by a significant margin - and yet, we do not have quite enough students to start the next cohort.

Why would we wait-list students who are ready to pay when we are waiting to start the next group? Let me explain.

What makes The Coaching Guild stand apart is our commitment to a small, diverse group dynamic. We cap our cohorts at ten students, ensuring that everyone gets an intimate and dynamic learning experience. Crafting the right mix of these brilliant minds is, perhaps, my most critical contribution to their future success.

In a learning environment like ours, students often derive as much knowledge from their peers as they do from me and my fellow instructors. But what exactly am I looking for in a student?

Resilience: They should be sturdy and should handle intense expansion and critique.

A mix of strong opinions yet an unusual openness to different perspectives.

However, the key ingredient in curating the perfect group might not be what you think.

I am looking to bring together a group of people who have almost nothing in common.

I aim for diversity:

Different ages
Various ethnicities and races
Diverse religious backgrounds and family structures
Representation across the spectrum of LGBTQ+
A variety of professional histories

At The Coaching Guild, we've tailored our training for rebels, outsiders, and the 'wild ones' who might feel out of place in more traditional settings.

At times, like now, it might take a while to assemble such a diverse group, but the outcome is always worth the wait. If a cohort lacks diversity, the depth, content, and context of the learning experience diminish significantly.

Too often in coach training, there's a trend towards homogenization. You can sometimes tell where a coach trained just by looking at their website or reading their content. It's logical: if everyone learns the same thing, those commonalities stand out. Even more so if everyone in the group shares similar backgrounds.

At The Coaching Guild, we champion radical individuation. We don't aim to mold our students in our image but to amplify their unique voices, free from the constraints of group-think.

A diverse learning environment:

Enhances self-awareness
Promotes genuine community understanding
Offers insights into the vast tapestry of human experiences
Challenges our knowledge boundaries
Deepens our understanding of societal issues like racism, sexism, and patriarchy

If you find yourself in a group where most members resemble you, you're missing out on the enriching experience diversity offers.

At The Coaching Guild, diversity isn't just an initiative; it's embedded in our DNA. This commitment is evident in our instructor panel and our student cohorts. It's just one way we're giving coaching a smart and sassy makeover.

Are you a dreamer, artist, creative, outsider, rebel, or someone who believes in making good trouble? The Coaching Guild is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary training program designed for you, emphasizing innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

We're enrolling for our next cohort. Come, be a part of the change.

Podcast Alert: Coaching, White Supremacy, and White Blindness

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 18:41:51 GMT

Yes, this is a very hard conversation.

I got an unusual amount of feedback on my last podcast, "Coaching While Black". One follower sent me a fairly lengthy email asking me why I am always shit-talking about white people. I suppose it might seem like that is true. White people have a lot of work to do. All you have to do is look at the state of things in the U.S. to see the evidence.

In this episode featuring Iyabo Onipede and Charlotte Sanville , we unpack how white supremacy culture runs through the veins of the coaching industry - and hearing it is confronting. However, it is a reality that collectively, as coaches, we need to unpack.

White supremacy culture is nearly invisible to white people but very obvious to other people. White coaches celebrate elements of white supremacy culture in our work as good coaching with no awareness of how we might be doing harm.

It's systemic in our culture.

It's systemic in our industry.

However, it's not sustainable.

Podcast: Coaching While Black

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 04:04:45 GMT

The coaching industry largely comprises white coaches coaching white clients in a sea of whiteness.

While this is changing, it might not be fast enough for communities of color who are facing a crisis of lack of black mental health resources. Simply put, there aren't enough black mental health care providers or coaches in any market.

For a black coach, the decision to focus your marketing and your practice exclusively on black clients can feel very risky, especially in the client-building phase of a practice. The intentional decision NOT to court the dollars of potential white clients is bold, but important.

It is a choice I think will pay off in big ways for coaches like ⁠Goza Parks⁠ and ⁠Thea Parker.⁠ Their work is incredibly valuable.

I couldn't be more proud or inspired by these two brilliant women. Listen in, and you'll understand why.

⁠The Coaching Guild ⁠ is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

Thought Can Be and Often Is Dangerous

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:21:44 GMT

Yeah I said it, and I am going to say more...

It's hard to talk about coaching without talking about thought work.

In so many ways, thought work is what we do most of the time. However, thought work, as an only tool, as the solution to everything, as be all end all of the coaching magic can get toxic fast because although it does work most of the time, it isn't the answer all of the time.

What we do not want to do is weaponize our client's thoughts against them or teach them to gaslight themselves in the name of thought work - and unfortunately, those things happen more often than anyone wants to admit.

Recently at The Coaching Guild, one of our groups spent several weeks unpacking their own thoughts, understanding dynamic thought work, and learning how to recognize and avoid toxic thought work in our coaching work with clients. It is hard to distill all of that into one post but I thought it might be helpful to share the three red flags of thought work.

Thought work might be toxic if it assumes all people share the same starting line and have equivalent human experiences. Privilege is a real thing that impacts how thought work might work better for some than others. I know the dogmatic thought work crowd will want to fight me on that - but I do not care. Thought work lands differently when all your thoughts are infused with privilege from the start, and failing to acknowledge that is harmful. White supremacy is a thing that breeds toxic thought work.
Thought work that makes you question your precious and sometimes life-saving intuition is dangerous. Sometimes "negative" feelings and negative thoughts are important. Using thought work as both a tool and an excuse to walk yourself away from your intuition because you'd rather have a more powerful thought than the one that's screaming at you is so very toxic. Negotiating with or reframing thoughts might just be trying to keep you safe, physically or emotionally, is a recipe for disaster.
Thought work that lets you hold weak boundaries or prevents you from setting boundaries is toxic. Sometimes someone might be fucking you over and that may have nothing to do with what your thinking about it. Sometimes thoughts about things like abuse or bad behavior will and should cause you pain. Reframing or reworking the thoughts you might have about the harmful behaviors is often a tool for gaslighting yourself.

The thing about the coaches who are all about the thought work and only about the thought work is they will read the above red flag warnings and say:

"I would never do that."

"She doesn't really understand thought work the way we do."

"Haters gonna hate."

However, I have worked with too many clients who have been harmed by thought work that weaponized their thoughts against their well-being. Coaching that makes thought superiority the process and the goal, as a solo tool often dehumanizes truly important human experiences. It harms people and leaves damage in its wake.

Humans are complicated. There are no one-size-fits-all tools for every client all the time. Even if there was a one-size-fits all tool, it wouldn't be thought work.

This is why at The Coaching Guild, we spend more than a year training our coaches to master tools, plural, that help humans no matter where their journey takes them.

Look for the Helpers

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:13:03 GMT

Coaching is really not the dumpster fire it might look like sometimes.

Look, the coaching space has been full of drama the last couple of weeks. A big name in coaching has landed in the middle of the behind-the-scenes, and the out-loud conversations. Everyone is talking about it. I’ve done my fair share of talking about it. We have to learn from our collective mistakes.

This used to happen occasionally, maybe every few months; one of the big names in the coaching space finds themselves in the middle of controversy. Now it is happening almost weekly. This is probably not a bad thing. The reconning of bullshit in our industry marches on.

It usually blows up for one or some combination of the following:

The way said guru coach treats participants in their groups or programs
Something related to behaviors fueled by bias, unconscious or conscious. Racism is a thing that still burns bright in coaching
Slick marketing, uber-high dollar marketing with programs that fail to produce the miracle-million dollar-results they promised

Every time this kind of shit blows up, I hear it in the background, like a rumbling train that runs through the middle our space leaving people to think coaching, as a profession, is trash.

We whisper about it. We have slightly panicked phone calls with our colleagues about how gross the public-facing parts of our industry can be - collectively, we cringe.

But here is the thing we might want to notice: Almost all of the gross nonsense that unfolds in the coaching space revolves are marketers, marketing coaches, marketing trainers, money-making-formula gurus, and make-more-money training programs.

That is only one part of our coaching universe. It is typically the most problematic part of our industry. That said, when I look at the whole beautiful, bold, profoundly important universe that is coaching, the marketing sleaze is a very small, loud, and shouty but small part of what coaching is.

If you are watching the fireworks in our industry turn into public firing squads and wondering how to feel good about being a part of this slime-fest that is coaching - as Mr. Rogers would say, look for the helpers.

Of course, we see a marketing-ick-fests in too many places, too often in the coaching space. Marketers are very, very good at being visible. A world-class marketer will get themselves in front of lots and lots of people - therefore, when the shit hits the fan, it is very public.

However, coaches are out there every day, in the trenches with their clients, changing lives, shifting realities, and introducing our clients to the best versions of themselves day in and day out. Generally speaking, I can say with almost absolute confidence, coaches are good people who care deeply about their work and their clients.

Marketing is so essential for sustainable coaching practice. We need to be willing to get in front of our people and make them offers that will make a difference in their lives.

However, make no mistake: Marketers and Coaches are not the same.

Yes, coaches need to learn to market.

However, marketers will do what they do, and that thing is about sales and money.

Coaches will be who they are and, with luck and love, learn to demonstrate their love for their clients by intentionally marketing.

All of this rambling is just to say the coaching industry is not the dumpster fire the high-dollar, glittery, deafeningly loud crowd of marketing gurus make it look like it is. Those people are in the small minority in a community of beautiful people with generous souls doing life-changing work.

I am proud to call myself a coach.

I love what I do and feel good about how I do it.

You can be proud to be a coach too.

And here it is, shameless plug at he expense of someone else's drama-

The Coaching Guild is a coach training program that focuses on training COACHES. Yes, we have an organic marketing module that is an integral part of our curriculum - however, what we do is all about the coaching skills.

Ethical Coaching is Not Hard

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:24:33 GMT

Guest Post By: Janette Dalgliesh

The ingredients include:

1. - be willing to acknowledge and publicly apologise when you cause harm - for errors, for technical glitches, for non-delivery of what’s promised, for losing your shit

2. - pro-actively work to improve diversity and accept sometimes you will be called out, and that’s your work to do

3. - be clear and honest with yourself, about your own skill set and experience, and make offers accordingly

4. - work to create the safest possible containers for coaching, whether 1:1 or in a group setting (eg do not share a client story without explicit permission!)

5. - accept you are not perfect, and you will fuck things up, and that’s okay (and see point 1.)

And truly, one shouldn’t have to say this - but *do not* gaslight your people by refusing to even consider you might have got something wrong.

Seeing the latest blowup in the industry is a reminder that not everyone is on board with this.

Ethics matter. Get some.

PS this is why I trained with Lisa Marie Hayes . The actual best fucking coach training available.

The Coaching Guild is a program specifically designed to nurture dreamers, artists, creatives, outsiders, rebels, and good troublemakers. It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

Is Your Coach Investing in Education?

Tue, 30 May 2023 19:45:45 GMT

More and more training on marketing isn't going to make you a better coach.

If you are a coach, what are you currently studying or have recently studied that you consider continuing education?

I will go first:

I recently finished a course on Cultural Psychology

I just started a course on science-based suicide prevention

I am also expanding my experience and knowledge base about Somatic movement and breath-work in my personal practice.

Feel free to ask me that question at any time. I should always be able to tell you how I am expanding my skills and knowledge.

If you are a client, you might want to inquire about what continuing education your coach is doing? Most coaches spend a lot of money on training, and almost all of that is marketing related. Marketing is important. We have to learn how to thrive financially.

That said, if your coach is not consistently continuing to grow their skills as a coach in a meaningful way, you might want to ask yourself how long it will be before you outgrow their work.

In almost any other helping profession, continuing education is required in order to maintain a license. That is a good thing. It ensures practitioners are up-to-date with current info and research while expanding their skills. Coaches have no such requirements because there are no licensure requirements to meet. That doesn't mean we shouldn't be doing it.

The Coaching Guild is a certification program. However, many of our students and graduates are not newbies. In fact, some of them have had years of experience before beginning their training with us BECAUSE they are coaches who are dedicated to becoming better at what they do as an investment in themselves, their business, and their clients.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches AND help coaches build deeper and more functional skills. Our program is designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the coaching industry. We cover a wide range of topics, including brain science, behavioral science, identity shifting, science-based deliberate creation, and more. Additionally, our we teach organic sales and marketing skills every step of the way so our students have the tools they need to succeed.

If you are just starting your coaching journey, you should check us out.

If you've been coaching for a decade and want to be better, you should check us out too.

Statement from The Coaching Guild regarding the ICF Conference in Orlando, FL

Tue, 23 May 2023 17:41:54 GMT

At The Coaching Guild, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowering space for individuals seeking coach training. We understand the importance of representation and recognize the unique challenges faced by students of color and in the LGBTQIA communities within the coaching industry.

Our organization is committed to providing high-quality training that not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Although training requirements at The Coaching Guild exceed ICF program certification standards, we have made a conscious decision not to pursue ICF certification for our program. On many core issues, we are not values-aligned with ICF.

The Coaching Guild believes in embracing diversity, inclusivity, and social justice, and we strive to create a training environment of inclusion that fosters these principles putting diverse individuals in trainer and leadership positions. We have tailored our program to address historically marginalized communities' specific needs and experiences as best we can and to provide non-marginalized students a deeper understanding of the experiences of others and how to serve historically marginalized clients better.

It has come to our attention that the International Coaching Federation is holding its annual 2023 conference in Orlando, Florida. We note that on May 20, the NAACP announced a travel advisory for Florida, citing concerns over safety and racial justice issues.

That statement reads in part: "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."

Despite this advisory, the ICF has chosen not to consider changing the location of its event, citing its classification as a non-partisan organization, inferring ICF believes the safety of some of its members is nothing more than a political issue.

We find it deeply concerning that the ICF's decision not to acknowledge the travel advisory and consider the safety concerns of its members may indicate a lack of prioritization regarding the well-being and safety of all its attendees. Such attitudes are dangerous not only to our coaches but also to coaches from all walks of life who may not identify as straight or white.

These types of attitudes perpetuate harm within the coaching profession, and all coaches are caught in the shadow of that bigotry.

We realize The Coaching Guild is one smaller training program, and our convictions might seem irrelevant on this issue in light of the reach and scope of the International Coach Federation. However, we believe that speaking out is required of us, of all of us, and that systemic change always starts somewhere that seems small. We firmly believe that every voice and every action matters in creating a more equitable and diverse landscape within the coaching profession.

At the Coaching Guild, our commitment to providing training to students of color and in the LGBTQIA communities remains unwavering. We actively seek to create a diverse and inclusive community where all individuals can thrive and bring their unique perspectives to the coaching profession. However, more than anything, we must prioritize the safety of our marginalized students above all else. If ICF will not do this, it is simply one more reason they do not represent us.

We encourage our students not to attend the ICF event and hope all coaches will join us and boycott it. If one of us is not safe, none of us are. We are strongest when we stand together. We hope all coaches dedicate their work to creating a more equitable and diverse landscape in coaching.

Thank you,

Lisa M. Hayes, Founder, The Coaching Guild

But my life is not perfect

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 18:43:09 GMT

No one else's life is either.

"But my life is not perfect. So, who am I to give people advice about their lives?"

I hear that more often than you could imagine.

I hear it from people who want to be a coach but haven't found the nerve to pursue it.

I hear it from new students who wandered into coach training excited but anxious.

I hear it from students on the verge of graduating who are beyond ready but still tentative about being visible.

I hear it from new coaches who are not showing up for their businesses because they are juggling shame for being human.

I hear it from veteran coaches whose lives have taken unexpected twists and turns they feel shouldn't have happened to someone who "has it together."

And whenever I hear this, I wonder what we think coaching is about. Our relationships with our clients should NOT be about us.

Our relationships with our clients are 100% about them, and feeling any kind of need to center ourselves as the hero/shero with the perfect aspirational life in our client's stories does not bode well for doing heart-centered work.

Thinking your life is not tidy enough to be a coach is a whole lot of ego-driven self-centering wrapped up in self-deprecation.

I am an open book. My clients know me. Most of them know details about my life. They care about me the way they care about other humans in their lives - in a general way. However, make no mistake, what they are paying the big bucks for is my expertise, not my model-perfect drama-free life.

And for the record, yes, there is drama.

I argue with my kid. Sometimes I completely lose my shit.

Sometimes I feel anxious or depressed.

My husband and I don't always agree on everything. Sometimes we handle that better than other times.

Some days I feel insecure.

I have it in me to go weeks without any meaningful self-care.

Last week, during a client session, I opened a window and screamed profanities at someone working on our property outside - I'd just fucking had it with this person doing their work right outside the front door, causing my dogs to bark continuously and acting like they didn't notice. I failed to mute myself and yelled in my client's ear. Do you know how hard it is not to be agitated after forty-five minutes of five dogs barking non-stop?

A couple of weeks ago, I wasn't managing my stress well and didn't get good sleep. I sobbed on the phone with a client who had a parent going to hospice. I was just too tired to be all calm, cool, and collected. I had to admit to my client my lack of sleep was probably making me more emotional than was appropriate for that moment.

This week I was meandering leisurely through the grocery store when a client I'd confirmed with the night before texted, wondering if I was going to show up for our session. Obvious oops... Our refrigerator went tits up last week. We'd been functioning out of a tiny loaner frig. We finally had a new our new refrigerator delivered, and all I could think about was buying food.

Today my schedule was back-to-back. I had way too many calls scheduled to be sane. By mid-day, I had only eaten a fist full of vitamins. My stomach was wrecked, and I had to message my client for a delayed start time so I could eat. I legitimately thought I might puke during the session if I didn't.

I do not "have it all together."

However, what I do have is a lot of training, experience, and plenty of clients who know my life, like their lives, often feel like the fragile balancing act of being fucking human.

The reason coach training is so important is this:

When we learn solid, functional, practical, and effective coaching theory, skills, and strategies, we no longer have to put ourselves, our successes, and our failures on center stage. Our training elevates our work above the marketing dumpster fire of selling a perfect life.

A well-trained coach can serve clients who don't have any use for our personal stories but will find massive value in the hands of a skilled coach. This makes client markets way more diverse than people who are just like us or want to be just like us.

If you attempt to sell your branded perfect fantasy life, you will only appeal to potential clients who are inspired by or want that life. That is like building a practice on quicksand. No one is always perfect, and eventually, that news will leak out somewhere.

If you freeze and fail to even start down the road on your journey to becoming a coach, you will be giving all your power to your very fragile ego, who's always going to tell you you're not enough. That part of your ego is a lying bastard.

I know your life is not perfect.

In fact, I know your life is messy, and stressful most of the time, with lose-ends and unresolved nonsense you're juggling on the daily. I know this because you are human.

If you're feeling the love for it, you absolutely should get some training under your belt, let yourself be human, and be a great coach.

The Coaching Guild trains rebels, misfits, artists, and creatives. We work with the wild ones who will make a difference on their own terms. If you are a good trouble-maker, who wants to change the world, one client at a time, check us out.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Our program is designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the coaching industry. We cover a wide range of topics, including brain science, behavioral science, identity shifting, science based deliberate creation, and more. Additionally, our we teach organic sales and marketing skills every step of the way so our students have the tools they need to succeed. We believe that with the right training, anyone can become a successful coach. Join The Coaching Guild and start your journey to becoming a certified coach today.

It's graduation season and it's a very big deal!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 17:17:26 GMT

This group of coaches is exceptional.

It's graduation season at The Coaching Guild! This group of graduating students is remarkable. You'll hear me bragging about them a lot in the coming weeks. They are bold, masterful, and beautifully human. They kind of restored my faith in what coaching can be.

This is the third group to navigate through The Coaching Guild. Groups four and five are still in the pipeline, and we are enrolling students for group six now.

As the group three students complete their panel interviews, which is the final certification requirement, we will graduate them individually. Each of them is probably a better coach than I am in many ways.

This group has had almost two full years of training. We worked the curriculum at a measured pace to keep the group together. One of the many benefits of small group training is we can do what works best for everyone involved regarding the schedule and a myriad of other things.

These students have put in probably 700 hours of call, study, and homework time.

They have trained in:

Foundational Coaching Skills

Active self-love and self-worth

Science-based Deliberate Creation Principals

Working with belief systems and helping clients break limiting beliefs

Identify Shifting

Brain Science

Behavioral Science

Emotional literacy

Trauma Response and Decoding Triggers

Understanding Mental Health in the Coaching Process

Coaching Ethics

Understanding Sexual Identity and Gender Identity

Cultural Competency

Compassion Fatigue

Business Basics and Practice Management

Your identity as a coach

Setting Your Life Up to Support Your Success

Organic Marketing and Client Acquisition

And A LOT more.

They have spent more than fifty hours training with various experts who are the best of the best in their respective fields. They have also done at least one university course on positive psychology - which has exactly nothing to do with toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing.

Most of these students have had paying clients on the books long before graduating. Many of these students thought seriously about quitting at least once during the process. In fact, at the current average between all the classes, just over 40% of the students who start will NOT finish.

The commitment is real. Money is the least significant thing they invest.

The commitment of time and energy is the big spend. All of the students in the program have jobs and real-world other responsibilities they navigate while they are training.

These students are:

Brilliant

Determined

Engaged

Diverse

Deeply soulful

Most of all, they are ready to coach, and each of them is very, very good at what they do. I know this because I have heard them coach, and they are exceptional.

My goal for all of our coaches is that when you see them out and about doing their coaching thing, you will have no idea they were Coaching Guild Students. I want them to shine in their uniqueness, rocking their own genius backed up by the skills they learned in our program.

This group of graduating coaches will have no trouble doing just that. They all came in genius and are leaving with that genius intact, fortified by more confidence. They aren't trained to be cookie-cutter approach coaches on any level. They are fabulous and highly unique in their approaches and philosophies, and they are the real deal in their individuality. This program celebrates that.

What Corey says about The Coaching Guild

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:48:05 GMT

Corey Dobyns is a powerhouse

"The Coaching Guild was the program I was looking for. I am nearly 6 months into it. I followed Lisa Marie Hayes for about a year prior to signing up. Some baseline requirements for the coaching program that I would come to choose included; a rootedness in deep honesty, does not put focus on pain point marketing, a learning environment that does not engage in false spiritual positivity, and holds a commitment to dismantle white supremacy in the coaching industry.

I was looking for a foundational program that challenged me and asked me to be a better human. I found it here."

Look, humans are really complicated. Life is unpredictable. Coaching is not always all the good vibes - sometimes, maybe most of the time, the real magic of transformation and change is in the mix of a lot of mess.

At The Coaching Guild, we are not afraid to talk about the really hard stuff. In fact, we require it.

We talk about the fragility of being human and the joy of radical self-acceptance. We also talk about what it's like to be human in systems of oppression.

We talk about the beauty and true honor of being a coach.
Coaching changes lives.

We also explore an honest assessment of how our industry shows up in ways that harm people and the predatory marketing tactics that lurk around every corner in this space.

If you are looking for a program that is all sunshine, rainbows and feel-good fairy glitter, The Coaching Guild will not be your happy place.

If you are looking for a program that will send you down the rabbit hole of your own evolving and teach you to stand safely with clients as they do the same, then you are our kind of people.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches. Our program is designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the coaching industry. We cover a wide range of topics, including brain science, behavioral science, identity shifting, science based deliberate creation, and more. Additionally, our we teach organic sales and marketing skills every step of the way so our students have the tools they need to succeed. We believe that with the right training, anyone can become a successful coach. Join The Coaching Guild and start your journey to becoming a certified coach today.

BEFORE YOU HIRE A COACH, YOU MIGHT WANT TO ASK THEM WHAT KIND OF CONTINUING EDUCATION THEY HAVE DONE IN THE LAST YEAR.

Chabdulrehman4u@gmail.com (Abdul Rahman) — Sun, 12 Mar 2023 02:12:00 GMT

Janette Dalgliesh is a very well-trained coach with a lot of experience AND she showed up for training at The Coaching Guild anyway. Having her has been a huge blessing for me and for all the students. Janette's expertise and wisdom is invaluable.

So, what is a previously-trained, highly experienced coach doing in a coach training program? She's doing the right thing, that's what. Coaches should be committed to ongoing training. Continuing education is required in other adjacent helping professions but because coaches aren't regulated it's not required for us - and most coaches don't do it.

Too many coaches spend too much money and time taking expensive courses and trainings on how to make more money as a coach. Not enough coaches are asking themselves how to grow their skills to better serve more clients.

Here is why you hire a coach like Janette: If you were to ask Janette Dalgliesh about what she's done to grow her skills as a coach, she can easily answer that question. She has spent the past YEAR working on expanding her skill set. This is what she says about The Coaching Guild.

"I've been in the coaching industry for over a decade, and this is hands-down the best training program I've seen. Diverse, multi-faceted, trauma-informed - and all gathered together by the brilliant brain of Lisa Hayes. Lisa has gone out of her way to prevent some of the issues which arise in other coach training programs - for example, the 'cult' status of the 'leader' (she deliberately brings in experts in their field to ensure a wider experience); or the focus on just one coaching approach (students experience a wide range, all underpinned by good science).

I particularly love Lisa's insistence upon having the student body be as diverse and inclusive as possible.

This program is run for excellence rather than profit, which means class sizes are deliberately kept small (no competing for attention with 200 other students!). As a result, no student gets to qualify without close attention to their own journey, and whatever coaching and teaching support THEY need in order to hold space for their clients, walk their talk, and be the best (and most successful) coach possible.

Whether you're looking to start a coaching career, embark on some excellent professional development, or hire a very well-trained and well-rounded coach for yourself - this is the best place to start.

Highly, highly recommended. Like literally - don't go anywhere else!"

** We are pulling together the Spring cohort right now. It will probably start in April. If you want to talk about getting in on that, shoot me a message. ** Click Here

The Coaching Guild: Where Certification Means Excellence and Preparation for Real-World Results

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:09:41 GMT

Standards matter because clients matter

For those looking to become certified life coaches, the Coaching Guild offers the highest level of certification available. That’s because the training program is designed to be at a University level, and we take extra care to ensure our requirements for certification meet the highest industry standards.

Certifications are not required to be a life coach. However, a lot of people think getting a piece of paper will make them feel more legitimate. Many programs hand out certifications in six months or less. At The Coaching Guild, training will take a year, maybe a little more. If you're looking for a certificate with your name on it to make it look to others like you're qualified, The Coaching Guild is probably not your best choice.

This is not just about prestige—it’s also about protecting clients. Shortcuts in certification processes can lead to lower-quality professionals who cannot truly help their clients as much as they should. It puts both coaches and clients at risk. It is why we have chosen not to follow the “easy way out” when it comes to certifying life coaches.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that trustworthy and qualified professionals are vital to helping our clients reach their ultimate goals. We also know that training standards are necessary to protect the integrity of our profession. We strive for excellence in every certification process we undertake so that each of our certified students is fully prepared to support their clients with unparalleled expertise and knowledge.

The Coaching Guild takes certification seriously—so much so that it takes a full year for students to complete the program. However, this doesn’t mean that our certified life coaches aren't able to begin working with clients prior to graduating. Many of them have already achieved real-world results while still in the program—something which reflects both the dedication of our students and the quality of their training.

At The Coaching Guild, we are committed to ensuring that each and every one of our graduates is fully equipped with all the skills they need to help their clients reach their goals. We understand that this can only be done if they undergo rigorous training which covers all aspects of coaching, from managing difficult conversations to helping clients set measurable targets. Only then can our certified life coaches truly become trusted partners supporting clients in building lives with more success, joy, and ease.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Diversity in Coaching Needs to Be More than a Tagline

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 20:23:24 GMT

Coaching in a haze of whiteness is not good for anyone.

The Coaching Guild is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for our coaches and students. We believe that diversity is essential to providing an effective learning experience, and we prioritize not just including diverse instructors but putting them in leadership roles in our program.

Diversity brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and ideas to the table. It encourages creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. When people from different backgrounds come together, they can learn from each other and create something greater than what any one person could have achieved alone.

At The Coaching Guild, we recognize that diversity is more than just skin color or gender identity. It includes age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, physical ability, education level, life experience, and more. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected regardless of their background or identity.

We also understand that diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about giving people from all backgrounds equal opportunities to succeed. That’s why we prioritize putting diverse instructors in leadership roles within our program. We want to ensure that everyone has access to the same resources and support so they can reach their full potential as coaches.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that diversity is essential for creating an effective learning environment. We are committed to creating a safe space for everyone to share their unique perspectives and experiences while developing their coaching skills.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

It's can be more than just one on one coaching sessions

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 20:42:27 GMT

There are almost unlimited ways to make money as a coach.

Are you looking for ways to make money as a life coach? You may be surprised to learn that there are many unexpected ways to bring in income. With the right training, you can tap into multiple streams of income and create a successful career as a life coach.

At The Coaching Guild, we provide comprehensive training that prepares our students to make money in creative and innovative ways. Beyond single client work, here are a three ways our students have found success:

1. Create an Online Course

Creating an online course is one of the most popular ways for life coaches to make money. With the right training, you can create an engaging course that teaches your clients valuable skills and helps them reach their goals. At The Coaching Guild, we provide our students with the tools they need to create an effective online course. We teach them how to develop content, market their course, and use technology to deliver it.

2. Offer Group Coaching Sessions

Group coaching sessions are another great way for life coaches to make money. By offering group sessions, you can reach more people and help them achieve their goals faster. At The Coaching Guild, we teach our students how to structure group sessions, manage different personalities, and keep everyone engaged throughout the session.

3. Become a Speaker

Speaking engagements are a great way for life coaches to make money while also building their reputation in the industry. At The Coaching Guild, we provide our students with the skills they need to become successful speakers. We teach them how to craft compelling presentations, engage with their audience, and build relationships with event organizers.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that every student should have access to comprehensive training that prepares them for success in the field of life coaching. Our program provides our students with the knowledge and skills they need to make money in unexpected ways and create a successful career as a life coach.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Why 2023 Is the Right Time to Start Your Journey to Becoming a Life Coach

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:32:40 GMT

If you've been on the fence, it's time to get off it.

2023 is an ideal year for aspiring coaches to begin their training and start building their practice. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

Accessibility of Training

The Coaching Guild offers comprehensive coach training programs that are accessible from anywhere in the world. With online courses, webinars, and virtual workshops, you can get the training you need without having to travel or take time away from your current job.

Growing Demand for Coaches

The demand for coaches is growing rapidly as more people recognize the value of coaching in their lives. With more people seeking out coaching services, now is the perfect time to start building your practice and taking on clients.

Increased Support for Coaches

The Coaching Guild provides extensive support for its members, including access to resources, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs. This support will help you build your practice and ensure that you have the tools you need to succeed.

If you're looking to start your coach training and build a successful practice in 2023, The Coaching Guild has everything you need to get started. With comprehensive training programs, growing demand for coaches, and increased support for members, it's never been easier to become a successful coach.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Our program is designed to teach the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the coaching industry. We cover a wide range of topics, including brain science, behavioral science, identity shifting, science based deliberate creation, and more. Additionally, our we teach organic sales and marketing skills every step of the way so our students have the tools they need to succeed. We believe that with the right training, anyone can become a successful coach. Join The Coaching Guild and start your journey to becoming a certified coach today.

Coaching AND Therapy Might Be the Best Approach

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 22:15:19 GMT

It doesn't have to be one or the other.

Coaching and therapy are two distinct approaches to helping people improve their lives, but they can also work together in powerful ways. By combining the strengths of both disciplines, clients can benefit from a more holistic approach to mental health and personal growth.

Therapy is focused on healing past wounds and addressing underlying issues that may be causing distress. It helps people gain insight into their behavior and develop healthier coping strategies. Coaching, on the other hand, is more future-oriented. It focuses on helping people identify goals and create action plans to achieve them.

When coaching and therapy are used together, clients can benefit from the best of both worlds. They can gain insight into their behavior while also developing the skills needed to make positive changes in their lives. This combination of approaches can help people become more self-aware and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

For example, a client who is struggling with anxiety might benefit from both therapy and coaching. In therapy, they could explore the root causes of their anxiety and learn how to manage it more effectively. With coaching, they could set goals for reducing stress and develop an action plan for achieving those goals.

The combination of therapy and coaching can also be beneficial for those who want to make major life changes but don’t know where to start. A therapist can help them understand why they want to make these changes and what might be holding them back. A coach can then help them create an actionable plan for achieving their goals.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that coaching and therapy can work well together to help people reach their full potential. Our experienced coaches are trained in both disciplines so that they can provide clients with a comprehensive approach to personal growth. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

The Benefits of Small Group Training with The Coaching Guild

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 19:27:52 GMT

When a training program packs all the students they can get into a class, the program might benefit, but students do not.

Small group training is a great way to get the most out of your learning experience. At The Coaching Guild, we specialize in small group classes of no more than ten students, allowing for an intimate and personalized learning environment. Here are some of the benefits of small group training:

Personalized Attention

When you're part of a small group, you get more personalized attention from your instructor. With fewer students in the class, instructors can provide more individualized feedback and guidance to each student. This helps ensure that everyone is getting the most out of their learning experience.

More Engaging Learning Environment

In a smaller class setting, it's easier for everyone to stay engaged and participate in discussions. With fewer people in the room, there's less distraction and more opportunity for meaningful dialogue. This makes it easier for students to ask questions and get involved in the learning process.

Increased Collaboration

Smaller groups also foster collaboration between students. With fewer people in the class, it's easier to form relationships with other classmates and work together on projects. This encourages teamwork and helps build strong bonds between students that can last long after the course has ended.

Relationships that last a lifetime

When students train in small groups, they tend to form stronger bonds and connections with the other students in the groups. The space is more intimate and lends itself to more vulnerable experiences. Students at The Coaching Guild form friendships that last well beyond the training. They also leave the program with a well established network of colleagues excited to help each other grow.

At The Coaching Guild, we believe that small group training is the best way to maximize your learning experience. Our classes are limited to no more than ten students, allowing us to provide personalized attention and create an engaging learning environment where collaboration is encouraged. Sign up today and start taking advantage of all the benefits that small group training has to offer!

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Life Coach Training Might Be the Most Intensive Personal Growth Experience You Will Ever Have

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:32:33 GMT

At The Coaching Guild We Learn by Doing

Training to be a life coach can help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to make positive changes in your own life. At the Coaching Guild, students learn by doing. They work with the tools, and through the processes they will use in their client work. Most students are shocked at the level of personal growth they experience during coach training.

Life coaching is a helping modality that is therapy adjacent. It focuses on helping individuals identify and achieve their goals, connect more fully to their purpose, and find more ease and flow. Through this process, clients learn how to take control of their lives and make meaningful changes. So, it stands to reason that in the training process, students, becoming coaches, will experience massive shifts and growth.

The Coaching Guild offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring life coaches. The program covers topics such as identity shifting, goal setting, emotional literacy, and self-awareness. You'll also learn about the ethical considerations of being a life coach and how to create an effective coaching practice.

In The Coaching Guild's training program, you'll gain valuable insight into yourself and your relationships with others. You'll learn how to recognize patterns in your behavior that may be holding you back from achieving your goals. You'll also gain the tools necessary to make positive changes in your life.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

The More Instructors the Better

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:36:02 GMT

Points of perspective matter - and one point of perspective is not enough.

A lot of coach training programs are built on the knowledge base or theories of one coach.

One expert programs often leave students lacking core and diverse skills. No one is an expert on everything.

Those programs also tend to breed guru communities with dynamics that put the instructor on a pedestal and create unhealthy dynamics in the group. The Coaching Guild was designed intentionally to ensure our students learn in an environment that a diverse experts teaching what they love.

A multiple instructor approach to coach training is superior to a one expert instructor approach for a number of reasons.

Diversity of perspectives: With multiple instructors, trainees are exposed to a variety of perspectives, teaching styles, and approaches to coaching. This allows them to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the field and develop their own unique coaching style.
More personalized learning: A multiple instructor approach allows for more personalized learning as trainees have the opportunity to work with multiple coaches. They each bring their own expertise and experience. This can be profoundly helpful for those who may have specific areas of interest or areas they would like to focus on.
Greater access to resources: With multiple instructors, there is a greater pool of resources and expertise to draw upon. This can be really important for coaches who may have questions or need additional support.
Networking matters: A multiple instructor approach also provides an opportunity for trainees to network with multiple coaches and build relationships that can be valuable in their career for years to come.
Increased accountability: A multiple instructor approach can also increase accountability for trainees as they are being evaluated by multiple coaches rather than just one. It is especially helpful in ensuring that our students are meeting the necessary standards and are on track to become successful coaches.

Maybe even more importantly, the rare opportunity to learn from someone who is passionate about the subjects they teach can be transformational for a number of reasons.

Natural engagement: Passionate teachers are often more engaging, which can make the learning experience more fun. This keeps students motivated and interested in what they are learning.
Greater enthusiasm: When a teacher is passionate about the subjects they teach, they are often more enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and experience with their students. That joy is contagious. It helps to spark creativity and curiosity.
Increased knowledge retention: Passionate teachers are more effective at communicating on their subject matter. Students are more likely to understand and retain the info. Students who learn in this environment are more likely to take the information they are learning and be able to apply it in real-world situations.
Greater enthusiasm: Finally, passionate teachers are often more enthusiastic about helping their students succeed and are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure that their students understand the material at a deeper level without complicating the topic. Experts are able to communicate complex info with simplicity making it much easier to learn with enthusiasm.

Overall, learning from someone who is passionate about the subjects they teach can greatly enhance the learning experience and lead to better knowledge retention and success for students. The Coaching Guild is dedicated to providing our students with the best experts on the market. Because of that our dynamic learning experience is always growing and expanding with our experts.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

It's Never Been Easier to Build a Coaching Practice

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:03:10 GMT

The virtual tools of the trade of big business are on the table for everyone.

Almost everyone who thinks about becoming a coach has serious concerns about whether or not they will find enough consistent clients. However, marketing a coach training program has never been easier, thanks to the proliferation of digital marketing tools and strategies.

One key factor that has made it easier to market a coach training program is the rise of social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow coaches to reach a large and targeted audience quickly and easily. These platforms also offer a range of advertising options, from sponsored posts to targeted ads, which can help coaches reach the right people at the right time.

Another factor that has made it easier to market a coach training program is the availability of online marketing tools. From email marketing software to marketing automation tools, numerous options are now available to help coaches reach their audience and drive engagement. These tools can help coaches build their email lists, send targeted messages, and track the success of their marketing efforts.

Social media and online marketing tools, the proliferation of online content, has also made it easier to market a coaching practice. Blogging, podcasting, and creating videos can help coaches establish their expertise and reach a wider audience. By creating valuable and informative content, coaches can attract potential clients and demonstrate the value of their training program.

At The Coaching Guild, we teach new coaches how to be the best coaches they can be. We also teach them how to leverage a digital marketplace to make it possible to grow their businesses organically in a digital world. The Coaching Guild wants our students to thrive. Without marketing skills, they will not. So, the instructors at The Coaching Guild always have their eye on what it will take a new coach to succeed at marketing.

The rise of social media, online marketing tools, online content, and online learning has made it easier than ever to market a coaching practice. By leveraging these resources, coaches can reach a wider audience and deliver their training to students all around the world.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

The Economics of 2023 Make this a Great Year to Become a Coach

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:01:47 GMT

By the end of the year, your life could look very, very different.

The current economic situation is creating uncertainty and instability in many industries, but the field of coaching is growing and in demand, making 2023 the perfect time to start training to be a coach with The Coaching Guild.

One of the main reasons why coaching is a good career choice right now is that it is relatively recession-proof. People are always looking for ways to improve their personal and professional lives, and a coach from The Coaching Guild can help them do that. Even in tough economic times, there will always be a need for coaching services.

In fact, the demand for coaching is only expected to increase in the coming years. As more people become aware of the benefits of coaching, and as the field becomes more regulated and professionalized, the demand for qualified coaches from The Coaching Guild will likely rise.

There are also many different niches within the coaching industry, so you can focus your training and career on an area that interests you with The Coaching Guild. Our expertise can meet your expertise wherever you are.

If you're passionate about helping others and are interested in personal and professional growth, becoming a coach with The Coaching Guild could be a fulfilling and lucrative career choice. And with the current economic situation, now is a great time to start training and positioning yourself for success in the growing field of coaching with The Coaching Guild.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

Coaching on Personal Experience Alone is Probably Bad for Clients

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:57:02 GMT

Just because it is similar doesn't mean it is the same.

There are real limitations to coaching on life experience alone. Personal experience is a valuable source of knowledge and insight, but it's important to remember that every client is unique and may have different needs and challenges. Relying solely on personal experience, coaches risk imposing their own beliefs and values on their clients rather than supporting and guiding them toward their objectives. This can be particularly dangerous if the personal experiences are limited or narrow in scope. It can limit the ability to provide diverse perspectives and approaches.

The potential risk of relying on personal experience is introducing bias into the coaching process. Personal experiences will shape beliefs & perceptions in ways that may not apply to your client. It can lead to coaches making assumptions that are not relevant or helpful to the client's unique situation. By seeking additional training and resources, coaches can help ensure they provide unbiased and effective support possible.

The most effective coaches can use diverse experiences and resources to inform their practice. This includes personal experience, professional training, continuing education, and a deep understanding of the latest research and best practices in the field. Prioritizing ongoing learning and development, coaches can ensure that they can effectively support their clients. The Coaching Guild offers a range of training and resources to help coaches continuously improve and grow in their practice.

The Coaching Guild offers a comprehensive coach training program to help individuals become certified coaches.

No. You don't have to quit your full time job

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:25:20 GMT

Many successful coaches never quit their day job.

Are you looking to supplement your traditional income and make a positive impact on others? Becoming a life coach could be the perfect career for you. Here are a few reasons why:

Flexibility: As a life coach, you can work as much or as little as you want, making it a flexible way to earn extra money without committing to a full-time job. This allows you to pursue your passion while still maintaining your current income.

Convenience: You can coach clients from anywhere, as long as you have a phone and an internet connection. This makes it a convenient way to earn extra money and allows you to work from the comfort of your own home or even while traveling.

Impact: Being a life coach allows you to make a positive difference in the lives of others. You will have the opportunity to help people overcome their challenges and reach their goals, which can be incredibly rewarding and give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, becoming a life coach with The Coaching Guild also gives you access to our expert instructors. Our instructors are experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping you succeed as a life coach. They will provide you with the guidance, support, and training you need to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in this career. With the help of our expert instructors, you can become a confident and successful life coach who is able to make a positive impact on the lives of your clients.

The Difference Between Coaching and Therapy Isn't as Simple as We Think It Is.

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 18:14:45 GMT

Welcome to the grey area.

Life coaching and therapy are both forms of support that aim to help individuals improve their lives and achieve their goals. However, there are some key differences between the two that are important to understand.

One of the primary differences between life coaching and therapy is the focus of the work. Life coaching is typically focused on the present and the future, helping individuals to set and achieve specific goals in their personal or professional lives. Therapy, on the other hand, is more focused on the past and its impact on the present. Therapy often involves exploring difficult experiences and emotions, and working to understand and overcome them.

Another important difference between life coaching and therapy is the role of the practitioner. Life coaches are often seen as more of a partner or collaborator, working with their clients to identify their goals and develop action plans to achieve them. Therapists, on the other hand, are often seen as more of an authority figure, providing guidance and support as their clients work through challenging experiences and emotions.

Additionally, the approach to treatment can also be different in life coaching and therapy. Life coaching often uses more practical and action-oriented techniques, such as goal-setting and accountability, to help clients achieve their objectives. Therapy, on the other hand, may use more psychological or emotional techniques, such as counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients understand and work through their experiences.

Overall, the key differences between life coaching and therapy are the focus of the work, the role of the practitioner, and the approach to treatment. Life coaching is focused on the present and future, is collaborative in nature, and uses more practical techniques, while therapy is focused on the past, involves a therapist as an authority figure, and uses more psychological and emotional techniques.

If you're considering seeking support for personal or professional growth, it's important to understand the differences between life coaching and therapy, and choose the approach that best fits your needs and goals. The Coaching Guild is a great resource for learning more about the benefits and techniques of life coaching, and can help you connect with qualified life coaches who can support you on your journey.

Starting Your Coaching Practice While Working a Full Time Job Might be Your Best Bet

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:16:53 GMT

You might want to keep that full time job longer than you think you do

Starting a coaching practice with The Coaching Guild can be a daunting task, especially if you're still working a full-time job. But with a little planning and some hard work, it's possible to make the transition from employee to business owner while still maintaining a steady income.

One of the biggest challenges of starting a coaching practice with The Coaching Guild is finding the time to do it. If you're working full-time, it can be tough to find the time to invest in building your business. But with a little creativity, you can make it work.

One option is to start your coaching practice on the side, while you're still working your full-time job. This allows you to build your business slowly and steadily, while still having the security of a regular income. This also gives you the opportunity to test the waters and see if coaching is the right fit for you before making a full-time commitment.

Another option is to use your full-time job as a way to gain experience and build your coaching skills. Many jobs, especially in the fields of education, human resources, and social work, can provide valuable experience that can be applied to coaching. By leveraging your existing skills and experience, you can start building your coaching practice while still working your current job.

In either case, it's important to have a clear plan and set goals for your coaching practice with The Coaching Guild. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and will ensure that you're making progress towards building a successful business. It's also important to network and connect with other coaches, as this can provide valuable support and advice as you start your coaching practice with The Coaching Guild.

Overall, starting a coaching practice with The Coaching Guild while still working a full-time job is a great way to make a safe and steady transition into entrepreneurship. By taking it slow and being strategic, you can build your business and gain experience, while still having the security of a regular income.

Why you shouldn't worry about alienating potential clients.

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:18:54 GMT

Who you are matters

On people having opinions about things I should never say out loud or publicly as a coach...

ALL COPS ARE BASTARDS-

and until the "good cops" will consistently report, actively investigate, and participate in the prosecution of killer cops, do not talk to me about

"not all cops".

Yeah. I said it, and I say it in various forms, publicly and otherwise, frequently BECAUSE I believe it. I am a proud owner of an ACAB sweatshirt and wear it often.

Anyone who knows me personally knows how I feel about this issue. However, for some reason, a lot of people in the coaching space who do not know me have told me I shouldn't say things like that publicly because a statement like that will alienate potential coaching clients or students.

Truth.

It will, in fact, alienate people, and that does not impact my zen one bit.

I do not expect people to agree with me. Most people won't, especially people who fall within the demographic of people who look like me.

That's ok.

Recently, I had a coach with self-proclaimed "significant marketing experience" DM me after a post of political nature, offering his services to help me build a seven-figure biz. He told me if should I choose to work with him, I would have to agree to stop posting things that would obviously be offensive to large portions of my potential market. He said my opinions on things like that aren't relevant to my work.

He was not the first, nor will he be the last, person I don't know who will feel the need to tell me my biz would be better served if I'd pipe down and stop sharing my unimportant personal or political opinions.

I remember talking to a potential client looking for relationship support. She was married to a cop. Her daddy was a career police officer. Her granddaddy was a retired Sheriff. I think my opinions might have been relevant in our potential work together -

and while that is an extreme example, I think my clients should know who they are hiring.

Suggesting that I sanitize my public-facing self to be palatable to everyone feels innately dishonest BECAUSE it is dishonest. The people who pay to work with me are not buying a widget. They are hiring a person. I am the product. Who I am, matters.

And for the record, keeping a full client schedule is not an issue for me.

I have plenty of work, not despite my strong opinions but because of them.

Even for people who do not share my beliefs, because of my posts they know I am the kind of coach who:

Fights for things and people I care about
Is willing to say hard things other people will not
Shows up in public and private as one person, so you know who you're going to be working with, without pretense or bullshit

I don't think personal hot takes should be a marketing strategy. I have watched people try that. It's smarmy at best.

I do think hiding who you are is a kind of bait and switch that creates potential harm for our clients. It also makes being a coach feel like living up to impossible standards of appropriateness and perfection is the only way to be worthy.

Be you - or be someone else if you want to, but really, it's easier, and frankly better for the world, for you to just to be you.

New Graduate Alert - Sandrine L. Gee is in the House!

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 18:26:15 GMT

At the beginning of The Coaching Guild, when it was just me and an idea, I imagined ONLY working with students I would love to spend a year with. I have been blessed enough to make that a reality.

There are some students, some of them now graduates, I pursued. These were people I knew would be incredible coaches AND people who would bless the group just by being there. Selfishly, I knew I would enjoy spending a year with them :)

Sandrine is one of those students. I recruited her. Sandrine, in many ways, was born to be a coach. Like so many of our other students, she was also born to be a handful of other things too. However, in the center of her core essential self, Sandrine is a uniquely present listener with old soul wisdom. She loves people deeply.

Sandrine recently completed all the requirements for certification. It felt more ceremonial than necessary because she has been working with clients all along. We are both proud of her and grateful for her.

Congratulations, Sandrine!

What Sandrine says about The Coaching Guild:

"It's sometimes hard to put a feeling into words. You can pinpoint exactly how something enlivens your senses, challenges your normal, and expands your belief system, but it can still be tricky to describe it. That's because it's not something you're expected to explain; rather it's something you're meant to experience. That's what the Coaching Guild is. It doesn't matter if you are or thinking about being a coach - or not. You might even just be on a personal quest to learn a new skill - that of consciously living life rather than by default. If any of the aforementioned resonated, this might be the course for you.

Joining the Coaching Guild is a unique journey of clarity. You will be exposed to hard science. You will have to dig deep into yourself to figure out the stuff that pulls you down or lifts you up, triggers you or entices you into greatness. You will have some difficult conversations sometimes and might even feel exposed, and vulnerable despite being in the safest circle you've ever encountered. No topics are taboo, if anything they're welcome. YOU are welcome regardless of what label society has pinned on you or what idiosyncrasies you believe stand in your way.

The version of you that begins this journey if you choose to get on it will be overwhelmed with gratitude for going through it because when the trip is over, a mentally, emotionally and physically awakened version of you will have revealed itself."

Get more info about Sandrine here:

https://linktr.ee/thebadassmanifestor

Hustle, flow, and showing up for your business in coaching

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:27:53 GMT

Becoming a coach is not a get rich quick program

I am going to drop the most unpopular opinion in the coaching industry.

You are going to have to work to build a client base.

Coaching is not a get-rich-quick program.

It will take more of your time than you want it to.

Too many coaches fail. They fail because they've been led to believe it is possible to build a coaching practice from scratch on a few hours a week and some positive vibes.

There is this weird conversation in our coaching universe around effort as if effort is bad. Many people come to coaching in a second or third career as refugees from other professions where they were painfully overworked. Working for yourself and setting your own hours sounds like a dream, especially if the hours you want to work are an hour, three days a week, and then a lot of scrolling the social media feeds pretending you're doing something productive.

That kind of headspace creates what I like to call coaching hobbyists.

These coaches will spend six months getting a website up and almost no time working on building a business. Playing on Facebook and chatting with your coach buddies is not working your marketing plan (assuming you even have one). No one wants to hear they failed because they didn't actually work on building a practice, but it happens too often.

Usually, when a coach fails, the coach in question will say they gave it everything they had and don't know why it didn't work. Probably what they mean is they spent money they didn't have on marketing programs and then did not implement what they learned consistently enough.

News flash: The most amazing post ever, with expertly crafted copywriting, that you share once or twice on FB, with an email or two, is probably not enough.

I have seen too many coaches create life-changing products or programs who look at me like I am speaking mandarin when I ask them how they plan to sell it. Most people do not have a plan. Many don't want a plan because they like the feeling of being in freefall. They may not even realize it's a freefall because they confuse it with free time.

Side note - I have a friend building her real estate business right now. Her business is doing really well. She got her license at the beginning of the year. For the first six months, she had no clients, not one. She sold nothing. That did not stop her from working on her business five hours a day for five days a week. At twenty-five hours a week for six months, she built a business that will make more money this year than she did at her 60+ hour a week corporate job last year.

When I tell a new coach five hours a day should do it, many of them roll their eyes to the back of their head like I am asking them to run a marathon they didn't train for.

Look, I do not believe in hustle culture.

I do not think you should quit a career that burned you out, just to force yourself to work even harder.

Boss babe bullshit is mostly about looking busy and pretending to be a lifestyle influencer. That is not building a coaching practice.

You can have ease and flow in your business without taking a nosedive into hustle BUT you won't have a business if you don't market, probably more than you want to.

I spoke with a woman last week who wanted to join the next cohort at The Coaching Guild. She was all fired up and ready to go. Last year she spent more than 20k on training programs, most of them related to marketing. When we spoke, she told me she had only coached three clients in the last fourteen months. One of them signed up for her signature 4k three-month package. She was positive our program was what she needed to get her business off the ground.

Also, in the last fourteen months, she's gone on four amazing vacations totaling ten weeks of international travel. She had taken most of the summer off to reset her vibe. She spends her mornings at her health club, chatting with her friends and watching her daughter play tennis.

She'd just finished a six-month mastermind program that cost her more than 10k. Her marketing coach told her she needed to examine her beliefs around worthiness.

I did not accept her application.

She doesn't need another training program.

She needs to show up for herself and her business.

For the record, she knows I am sharing this story. She has agreed to create a schedule for herself and her business and work it for six months before she takes any other training. If she does, I don't think she'll need another certification program.

At The Coaching Guild, we are always going to tell you the truth.

The truth about building a business is both more challenging AND easier than you probably think it will be. That said, plenty of programs will be happy to take your money if you're hoping clients will drop out of the sky or banking on riches that you meditated in from the mountaintop - it just won't be us.

The Coaching Guild teaches an entire module on marketing. We weave marketing in through our curriculum. We hold eachother accountable when it's necessary. Our plan is no coach to be left behind, but in the end, it will be up to you.

Our next cohort starts in a couple of weeks.

If you want to create more money and FREEDOM in your life, maybe you should join us.

www.thecoachingguild.com

New Grad Alert - Jodi Cleghorn is in the House!

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 19:13:08 GMT

Published author, soulful poet, genius tarot ready, and brilliant coach

A few days ago, Jodi Cleghorn completed her graduation panel, the final requirement for graduating from The Coaching Guild.

Jodi is brilliant, bold, gifted, and soulful. Her coaching style is brave but distinctively human, in a no fluff, nothing but the truth, yet uniquely gentle kind of way.

Jodi calls herself a word witch. She is an author and poet. You can feel her poet's soul when you talk with her.

Jodi is a gifted tarot reader and intuitive. She is a perfect blend of practical and esoteric in one package. Sessions with her feel raw and uniquely supported at the same time. I know because I have been privileged to sit with Jodi on the client side of the virtual table.

Jodi lives in Australia. The time slots for our classes were ridiculously early in the morning in her time zone. Despite having to be on the phone, often before sunrise AND despite both health challenges and some pretty big personal evolution, Jodi kept coming to class, week after week, month after month.

Jodi made me question all my excuses for not showing up.
She inspired me to stop caving into my own bullshit as often as I wanted to.

Jodi made our program better because, despite it all, she just kept going and demonstrated what commitment looks like - she made me want to deliver something worthy of that kind of dedication.

I am so honored to have spent all these months with Jodi.
I am proud deeply proud of her.

Click here to visit Jodi's virtual home.

If you are an artist, creative, intuitive, rebel, outsider, nonjoiner, mystic, or good-trouble-maker, and you're curious about life coach training, you should check us out at The Coaching Guild. Four spots are left for the group starting the last week in October.

You can find us here .

5 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Coach Training Program

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:16:46 GMT

Five things to consider before choosing a coach training program:

Will you learn from one person, or is the curriculum taught by a group of instructors? Single point of view training programs risk becoming guru-driven social cliques that do not provide a deep enough foundation of skills. Guru-led programs tend to cultivate very loyal followers and a trail of students disillusioned and left behind, with not much in between.
Does the program offer marketing support or marketing training? All the shiny training in the world won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to market your practice. Marketing is an essential element for every successful coach. You want a program that does more than dropping you off at the curb with a certificate, wishing you good luck.
How large is the group you will be training in? Too many coaching programs pack the classes with as many students as possible because the more students, the more money. That said, coach training is intimate and complex. Knowing how many students you will train with will tell you a lot about how much instructor time, one-to-one time, and intimacy you will get in your training. It matters.
Can you afford the training? Will you have to go into debt? Does the program offer a payment or financing plan? If you are going to be left with debt at the end of the program, that may impact how much pressure you feel to build a practice – financial pressure is not fun. There are a lot of high-pressure to-buy tactics in the coach training universe. However, taking on debt is a serious decision. Do it knowing it could be months or even years before you recoup your investment.
What happens if you can’t keep up? Life is unpredictable. You don’t know what the future is going to throw at you. If something goes down in your life and you fall behind or even need to take a leave from your studies, does the program have policies to support you?

Coaching By the Actual Income Numbers

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:14:41 GMT

Not the hyped up wishing thinking marketing smoke and mirrors numbers

If you’re wondering if you can make a living as a coach, the honest answer is somewhere between maybe and absolutely. There is a lot of territory between those two answers. So, let’s talk real numbers –

but before we do, we need to acknowledge the dirty workings of the Coach 2 Coach marketing machine that likes to brag about short work days, lavish vacations, and massive profits.

As a coach with two decades of experience in this industry, I make really good money. I work relatively short work days, four days a week. However, the part of that sentence some might want to skim over is that “two decades” tidbit. Too many programs, both coach training and marketing related, either directly promise or heavily hint at massive hourly rates and shiny lifestyles fueled solely by the audacity to “charge what you’re worth.”

For the record, the whole “charge what you’re worth” thing is nebulous nonsense. Too many coaches die on that hill of smoke and mirrors bullshit.

Building a practice that reliably puts enough clients on your calendar takes time and dedication.

Both training and experience (life experience and client experience) impact income in ways get rich quick programs cannot by-pass.

A lot of coaches fail.

A few coaches get super-rich.

Some coaches make a lot of money early in their career but then progressively make less and less because the marketing tactics they used initially are not sustainable.

Most coaches make a very comfortable living doing work they love, having total control over their schedules, and reporting to no one.

Here are the real, no hype numbers:

According to the International Coaching Federation, a typical life coach in North America makes $62,500 with an average hourly rate of $244.00 and 11.7 clients per week, on average twelve client hours per week.

Working coaches with sustainable practices spend approximately 40% of their time on marketing or community-building activities. They also allow and invest in consistent administrative hours for their business. That twelve client hours a week only tells part of the story – the rest of the story will predict your success or failure.

Years in practice and your niche will significantly impact your potential hourly rate. The average hourly fee for coaches with less than a year of experience in the United States is $130. Many new coaches set their initial rates between $50 to $75 per hour. The average for practitioners with more than ten years in the field is $300.

It is not uncommon to see rates for seasoned coaches much higher than that. Corporate and business coaches usually earn higher rates than generalized life coaches because the company often foots the bill for those services vs. an individual who pays for coaching.

You can only barter time for dollars for so long before you hit an energy and income ceiling. Most coaches making a consistent and sustainable income will develop multiple revenue streams within their business like membership groups, service packages, and product sales.

On average, Life Coaches out-earn other professions like:

Marriage and Family Therapist = $50,090
Human Resource Specialist = $48,410
Fitness Trainer = $57,370
Real Estate Sales Agent = $56,290

In many ways deciding to be a coach is a choose your own adventure kind of game. There are infinite ways to make or not make money. However, when you look at the actual data, making it as a coach and making money is a doable thing, and many people succeed. It’s not a long-shot if you’re willing to put in a realistic amount of time and effort to get there. This is not my opinion; it’s just a fact.

If you are a dreamer, artist, creative, rebel, outsider, or good-trouble-maker who wants to change the world one client at a time, check out The Coaching Guild. We can help you close the gaps to getting where you want to be as a thriving, skilled, successful coach.

Charolotte Sanville is in the house!

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:11:46 GMT

Graduate Alert!

My favorite days as of late are the days on which a student at The Coaching Guild wraps up all the requirements and finishes on the day they do a panel interview for graduation. Last Friday was that day for Charlotte Sanville . Charlotte is bold, brilliant, and fierce. She will do work as a coach that changes the way we think about what coaching can be.

In Charlotte’s own words:

“Challenging

Eye-opening

Supportive

Joyful

Scary – pushed out of my comfort zone

Affirming

Exceptional

All these and more describe the feelings that come up for me when I look back at my experience in the Coaching Guild. Becoming a coach had been a far-off (maybe someday) fantasy for me until this program came into my life. Before the Coaching Guild, I knew I didn’t feel inspired to look into any available programs, but I couldn’t have explained why.

Now I realize it was because none of the ones I knew about openly addressed the disparities in the field of coaching, or an intention to address it as a cornerstone of their program. The Coaching Guild is designed to be a space where ethnicity, religious background/beliefs, sexual orientation, race, etc. are not just acknowledged as necessary for the field to succeed, they are represented within the instructors of the program.

Adding to that, the program has set course materials, but it also grows organically as needed. Meaning, as new and relevant information becomes available regarding any marginalized group or subject it gets incorporated into the curriculum. All of this is vital, but the cherry on top for me was the people who made up the program; both the instructors and my cohort classmates.

Although we were all virtual, there was a closeness and sense of belonging that got established early on and it enabled me to feel safe being open, vulnerable, and my whole self in ways that before now have been rare for me with people I don’t personally know.

Last but not least, Lisa Hayes has the ability to present herself like a scholar, confidante, guardian who takes no mess, and comedian all at once (among other skills) that became the perfect mix to bring it all together for us. You’ll be surprised by how much you will learn and how much you already know by the end, and although it will take more than you think you have at times it will be more than worth it.

3 Reasons I Chose to be a Life Coach

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:08:28 GMT

It's probably not what you think.

When I tell people I am a life coach, it’s always a conversation starter.

People understand the concept a lot more than they did ten years ago. However, still, the idea of life coaching seems mysterious to most who are working traditional 9-5 jobs. So, I get questions, and the most common question is, “Why?”

Most people expect me to say I do it because I enjoy helping people – which is true. However, I wouldn’t put that in the top three reasons I chose to be a life coach. My motivations are more personal, maybe self-serving than that.

I chose to be a life coach because I didn’t want to put my children in daycare. This decision wasn’t without a unique set of challenges. Building a business and doing client sessions with a kid in the house is not easy. However, with some in-home childcare support, it has been possible in a way working a traditional 9-5 would not have allowed. Both of my boys have grown up with mom in the house. Both of them had to learn to respect my work boundaries. Both of them have a deep understanding of entrepreneurship in ways most adults do not. Every member of my family, including my husband, has had to make sacrifices to support my career. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t do it any other way. The payoff has been 1000% worth it.
Location independence is essential to me. I never wanted to be tied to working in place. However, the ability to work remotely outside of the U.S. has been a gift I can’t put a price on. My ability to support our family living in Mexico has profoundly changed our quality of life. Without coaching, we would still be living in Washington State, dependent on my husband’s traditional employment. We can live anywhere we want to because as long as I have an internet connection, I can work while we roam the planet.
I make my hours and set my salary. I will be honest, I value time more than money. However, as a coach, I have more control over both than I ever did in traditional employment. I work four days a week. I set my hours and rates. I have time for myself and my family most working mothers simply do not. I also have the financial freedom to enjoy that time.

Bonus: Most established coaches will tell you this profession is uniquely recession-proof. It’s true. Many people assume coaching is a budget luxury. However, for most clients, it is the opposite. Many people will prioritize coaching when the financial waters are wavier because they know from experience the investment pays off.

A lot of coaches benefit from what clients do not know.

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:06:23 GMT

Yes, we need to talk about lack of regulation and oversight.

Let’s talk about regulation in the coach

ing industry BECAUSE it is one of the most confronting topics of conversation in any group of coaches behind closed doors.

To be 100% clear – no state in the US and no country globally provide any oversight for or requires any licensure of coaches.
AND to be honest, most clients don’t know that.

Most clients assume their coach is bound by confidentiality requirements and must have met some basic training standards to work with clients. The lack of training requirements or oversight is an insider secret most coaches do not want to talk about in a public space.

A lot of coaches benefit from what clients do not know.

Full transparency: I run a coach training program. We are relentless about training requirements for graduation.

It is a year-long program with multiple faculty instructors and a panel of brilliant veteran guest instructors. We require hundreds of hours of instruction and out-of-class work. Additionally, students must complete many hours of documented client sessions for certification.

So, based on that, you might guess, I believe we need to set standards to call ourselves qualified coaches. The bar isn’t just low. It literally does not exist. In private conversations between coaches, the thought of regulation or standardized requirements for coaches is taboo. Coaches do not want to even discuss it.

There are at least a dozen reasons coaches say they do not want our industry regulated. The most common of those reasons is coaches thrive on the freedom to practice as they see fit. I get that. I love the freedom I have in my practice to work with clients as I see fit.

That said, I believe, secretly, many coaches want to avoid any conversation about training requirements or oversight because they are silently afraid they would not make the cut. A lot of practicing coaches shouldn’t be practicing because they are not qualified. Yep, I said it.

And let us be clear on why so many coaches juggle imposter syndrome:
It can be damn hard to justify our rates based on nebulous qualifications and optional training.

The cost for therapy ranges dramatically regionally. The average is between 100-200 per session. It takes upwards of eight years of college to become a therapist. Coaches charge a lot more than therapists do.

There is a disconnect – especially when a coach is riding on life experience only and banking on lack of regulation.

In a profession that has a wide birth of space to do harm, with no regulation, we have no choice but to regulate ourselves.

In a professional culture that celebrates big money above all else, we are going to have to look ourselves in the mirror, tune out the hyperbolic cheerleading and million-dollar promises and figure out what we need to do to be worth the money we want to charge.

If you are a creative, a rebel, an artist, a misfit, a disrupter, or an outsider,
who wants to change the world one client at a time, check out The Coaching Guild. We will provide the training you need to charge what you want to and feel good about it when you look in the mirror.

You Know You Might Be in a Coach Training Cult When...

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 00:01:40 GMT

1. The training is based only on the teachings of one guru-leader. Questioning the guru leader is discouraged or not allowed.

2. The tools of the guru are weaponized against you when you have questions about the process, or something isn’t working.

3. You feel guilty for not having a “perfect life” when you have learned everything you need to know about having it all in your training.

4. You are afraid of being made an example of in the group, so you do your best to follow the rules and blend with the group as much as possible.

5. Most, if not all, of your support system is made up of people from inside the training group.

6. You are encouraged to invest in yourself by going into credit card debt or borrowing money from friends or family.

7. You continue to spend more money for ongoing training to stay in the group. If you hesitate, you are shamed for not investing in yourself or your business.

8. Leaving the program is scary because you know you’d lose most of your friends.

9. You are brainwashed to believe your program is the ONLY best program and that coaches from outside the program aren’t nearly as good.

10. You would only refer friends looking for training to the program you took.

I was in discussion with someone recently who told me that any training program in the coaching space would ultimately turn into a coaching clique because people are program loyal, and coaches love strong connections. It will surprise no one when I say I strongly disagree.

As someone who trains coaches, we have designed our program intentionally with a variety of genius experts instructors in diverse coaching groups. The Coaching Guild not only allows discourse but encourages it. We encourage our students to pursue continuing education from outside our community to develop their skills and peer circles further.

The Coaching Guild is priced intentionally with an equity-based tuition structure designed to lower the barriers to training. We are highly committed to structures that embrace diversity. We may not always get it right, but we are working on ourselves and our program all the time. If you are interested in coach training vs. a high ticket social club, please check out The Coaching Guild.

If you are a coach deeply embedded in one methodology or coaching philosophy, I highly encourage you to come up for air and look around. Ask yourself how you can expand your knowledge and your circles of influence to better serve your clients.

You Cannot Outsource Your Own Security

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:59:45 GMT

I am bored to death with all the talk in the coaching industry about making all the huge dollars. Sure, that is a thing. I am getting myself some of that big money every month. However, there is more to life and coaching than making mo money.

Conversations about money are dull as fuck because money itself is not really the damn goal. Most people think they want big money. However, here is a little secret: As much as you believe money is what you’re after, it isn’t.

I want to talk about freedom. If you want to talk about freedom, I am here for it all damn day. Freedom is giving me all the feels.

I think it is the only thing worth discussing right now. Life is weird these days. It is unpredictable and unsettling. The wilder the ride gets, the more people typically clamor for as much predictability as possible. The uncertainty usually drives people to run in the direction of security.

But here is the thing: You can’t outsource your security. We all need to learn how to make it for ourselves.

Everyone understands that on a visceral level in ways we didn’t before. The great quitting of all the jobs proves many of us are seeking something that feels more spacious AND solid than just a 9-5 with two weeks of vacation and a 401k.

Coaches like to sell a lifestyle – you know the drill: pretty perfect lives with lots of cash stacking up in the corners of the kingdom. However, I bet you know what is sexier than stacks of money and a picture-perfect zoom background:

Freedom.

Without freedom, all that cash you can make might be nothing more than another prison of your own making.

Now to be one hundred percent clear, I am not in any position to sell an illusion that my life is perfect. It’s not. In fact, at times, my life is messy as fuck – literally and metaphorically. I have a lot of moving pieces in my life. I am working, homeschooling, and caretaking elderly parents. I have five dogs that run my entire world. This whole scene does not always look like a well-oiled machine.

However, I often underestimate how much freedom I actually have.

I forget what it is like to be stuck in the daily grind.

I live about a mile from the beach in Baja, Mexico where the weather is ideal, the internet is usually stable, and the living is fine.
We own our home. We are not juggling debt.

I make a very, very comfortable full-time income working about half-time hours.
I do work I love with clients and students I choose.

This is the kind of freedom most people dream of but will not plan for because they are working their asses off to retire.

We made hundreds of small decisions for a very long time to get us here.

However, the most important of those decisions I made was becoming a coach.

I have the freedom to be there for my aging parents in ways most people do not.
I have the freedom to homeschool my child, which made moving out of the states way easier decision than it would have been otherwise.

I have the freedom to set my hours, hap in the afternoon, and enjoy the sunset as I please.
I have the freedom of location independence and can work, travel, and live anywhere.

I own my own time.
I make my own rules.
I answer to my dogs when they need to go out, and that is about it.

Show me someone who wants to talk about building more freedom in their lives, and I am going to want to tell them about the joy of being a coach.

The Coaching Guild is a training coach training program specifically designed to nurture artists, creatives, rebels, and good trouble makers.
It is a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to training that prioritizes learning innovative foundational coaching skills and marketing training.

If you want to create more money and FREEDOM in your life, maybe you should join us.

www.thecoachingguild.com

What Students are Saying About the Coaching Guild: Graduate, Christina Hayes

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:56:45 GMT

In 2017 I had the opportunity to take a coaching course which left me feeling completely unprepared for my journey as a coach.

Now, I am proud to say that I am a recent graduate of The coaching Guild. The coaching Guild offered me science-based tools that I can utilize daily, the courage and support to move into my role as a coach, and challenged me to think outside of the box of who I am and what I want to do as a coach.

I began seeing clients before graduation and am happy to say that I feel strong in the tools I have gained in this last year.

Emotional Literacy with Kevin Anthony James

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:55:16 GMT

What's happening at The Coaching Guild

Our instructor is bold and brilliant. Kevin Anthony Johnson is the best of the best, and we are blessed to have him. Emotional intelligence is one of those things we tend to take for granted. Ask pretty much anyone, especially a coach, and they will tell you, they both understand emotional intelligence and are naturally highly emotionally intelligent – and while that might be true, the rare opportunity to study with someone who masters this body of work is priceless.

Kevin is that someone.

Kevin has decades of experience as a coach. He has a highly successful career in both personal and corporate coaching spaces. He has a unique depth of knowledge in emotional intelligence. His life and professional practice are a daily demonstration of that expertise.

Kevin’s contribution to our program at The Coaching Guild demonstrates our commitment to a multi-instructor, multi-disciplinary approach to coach training. The Coaching Guild is not a guru-driven singular approach to coaching. We work around a core curriculum with a diverse group of expert instructors who bring their unique genius and skills with a generous approach to learning.

We know there isn’t one way of coaching that is a magic wand for every client. We know that depth in coaching skills is what makes a great coach.

We know that depth in coaching skills is what makes a great coach.

We know that a multi-instructor approach to training creates a foundation of skills that can’t be learned any other way.

This is our second round of student training with Kevin. Kevin is a gift to our students. I learn things from him every time I hear him speak, the kinds of things I can put to work in my practice and my life immediately. You could be learning this stuff too.

If you are an artist, a creative, an outsider, a rebel, a rockstar, a misfit, a non-joiner, or a good trouble-maker, and you think you might want to change the world, one client at a time, check us out.

40% of Students Who Start The Coaching Guild Will Fail AND That is Exactly Why You Should Join

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:51:49 GMT

Sometimes things don't turn out the way you thought they would.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about the students graduating from The Coaching Guild and their investment in getting there. For the record, they invest a lot, the least of which is the money because the time and energy commitment is significant. It is why I shared more than 40% of the students who start do not finish.

I admit I paused and thought about that number long and hard when I wrote that.

At the beginning of the program, I agonized when a student left or was invited to leave the program. I am deeply invested in the success of our students, all of the instructors are.

Despite that level of commitment to students, some fell too far behind to catch up. Others had personal issues that required more of their attention. Through the process, some ultimately left because they realized coaching wasn’t their calling or our program wasn’t the program for them.

I have received a small handful of messages from marketing folks and potential students who noted the 40+% failure rate. Some strongly felt sharing a drop-out or failure rate in a promotional post was a catastrophically bad idea.

This is a quote from one of those messages: “ Your program’s lack of success rate is nothing to brag about. The fact that you are taking money from unsuspecting students and failing to pass them through your program is unconscionable. The secondary fact that you’d admit it publicly only reinforces my belief that you know nothing about coaching or how to market a program. Coaching isn’t rocket science, and students should not be failing a well-constructed program. You need to get them to completion and hand them the certification they paid for.”

First of all, we have appropriately handled the money stuff. I am confident every student who has left the program felt financially whole.

More importantly, the real side-eye in that message, the lie we need to unpack is: Coaching is easy enough anyone can do it.

Obviously, coaching is not rocket science. That said, coaching is nuanced, complicated, and at times highly technical and challenging.

Coaches work in the hearts, souls, and heads of their clients.

Coaches need the training to be the professionals our clients have a right to expect us to be. We need more skills than the things we learned in the life-classroom of hard knocks.

Yes, you can get a weekend certification to be a coach. You can take an online course for $90 in ninety days and get a paper to hang on your wall that says you are a master coach. You can coach with NO training at all and no apologies.

Just because you can does not mean you should.

We do not need to lower the standards to accommodate more people who want to call themselves a coach. We do not owe anyone certifications or membership cards. We need to eliminate more than we embrace BECAUSE being a coach is more than just a calling. It is a responsibility.

The Coaching Guild is not a social club.

It is not a cookie-cutter coach-making machine that teaches one way of working with clients, and it is most certainly not a place where you can buy a certification without putting in the work –

and that work takes hundreds of hours over the course of about a year.

I am not ashamed of a 40% program failure rate. It is what it is. In fact, I think it is probably about what it should be.

I am very, very proud of the nearly 60% who have graduated or are on track to graduate. Those coaches are rocking it.

Graduate Maria Thompson Corley

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:48:30 GMT

What Students are Saying About The Coaching Guild

We couldn’t be more proud of, inspired by, or grateful for this woman than we are. Maria is amazing. This beautiful woman is a composer, performer, author, incredible mother, and overall wildly brilliant human.

Now she is a fully graduated, highly skillful coach.

“Transparency and vulnerability are two of the pillars on which good coaching rests. For this reason alone, Lisa Hayes is a superlative instructor for life coaches who truly want to make a difference, rather than just charging a high hourly rate.

That said, Lisa also possesses a secure knowledge of both the technique and the business side of the industry, demonstrating expertise in both the Law of Attraction side and brain science. This means that she can teach people who are more “metaphysical” and those who are more “practical” equally well. Added to this, she enlists other instructors who have expertise in particular areas–such as cultural competency, LGBTQIA issues, trauma and ethics–to augment her already vast store of information, absorbed from diverse life experiences and over two decades in the field.

Coaching is dominated by white women; Lisa is dedicated to training and empowering people from across the broad spectrum of humanity. She provides this much-needed service while continuing to demonstrate the humility needed to be the life-long learners all of us should strive to become. All that, and she remains accessible for her students’ needs, not only those related to their coaching practices, but also their lives.

I give her, and her course, 5 enthusiastic stars.”

We are graduating students at The Coaching Guild, and it is fabulous.

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:46:23 GMT

Something is happening at The Coaching Guild right now, and by something, I mean the single most important thing. We are graduating students.

The first group of students has finished the program. As they complete their panel interviews, which is the final requirement for certification, we are graduating students, one at a time.

These students have invested a little more than a year in training.

They have put in probably 500 hours of call, study, and homework time.

They have trained in:
Foundational Coaching Skills
Active self-love and self-worth
Science-based Deliberate Creation Principals
Working with belief systems and helping clients break limiting beliefs
Identify Shifting
Brain Science
Behavioral Science
Emotional literacy
Trauma Response and Decoding Triggers
Understanding Mental Health in the Coaching Process
Coaching Ethics
Understanding Sexual Identity and Gender Identity
Cultural Competency
Compassion Fatigue
Business Basics and Practice Management
Your identity as a coach
Setting Your Life Up to Support Your Success
Organic Marketing and Client Acquisition
And A LOT more.

They have spent more than fifty hours training with various experts who are the best of the best in their respective fields. They have also done at least one university course on positive psychology – which has exactly nothing to do with toxic positivity and spiritual bypassing.

These students have done at least 40 hours of client sessions; most have done many more than that and have paying clients on their schedules.

Many of these students thought seriously about quitting at least once during the process. In fact, at the current average between all the classes, just over 40% of the students who start will NOT finish.

The commitment is real. Money is the least significant thing they invest. The commitment of time and energy is the big spend. All of the students in the program have jobs and real-world other responsibilities they navigate while they are training.

These students are:
Brilliant
Determined
Engaged
Diverse
Deeply soulful

Most of all, they are ready to coach, and each of them is very, very good at what they do. I know this because, with client permission, I have reviewed dozens of hours of coaching sessions as yet another requirement for their certifications.

My goal for these coaches is that when you see them out and about doing their coaching thing, you will have no idea they were Coaching Guild Students.

These coaches were aren’t trained to be cookie-cutter approach coaches on any level. They are fabulous and highly unique in their approaches and philosophies, and they are the real deal in their individuality. This program celebrates that.

Cultural Competency with Iyabo Onipede

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:44:05 GMT

What's Happening at The Coaching Guild

We are just wrapping cultural competency training with Iyabo Onipede .

These conversations are challenging, dare I say even confronting at times. They are confronting because you can’t talk about cultural competency without addressing white supremacy culture. Let’s face it; the coaching industry has a whiteness problem.

Coaching directories are packed from top to bottom with people who look like I do. Generally speaking, the poster child for a successful coach will look like a perky white woman doing life coaching or a grey-haired old white man in corporate coaching. In 2020 the coaching industry went through a whiteness reckoning of sorts.

Some of our biggest names were called out for some very public missteps regarding race and equity. Equity and accountability became hot-button issues. We were forced to talk about it openly for the first time. It wasn’t always graceful. A lot of people who work in this space had some changes to make. However, for all the public posturing, more importantly, the white coaching industrial complex had some private soul-searching to do.

Why?

White supremacy culture is systemic, inside coaching, and in society at large. Talking about that feels awkward and innately uncomfortable, especially for white people. Words like race and racism make white people dare I say, white coaches, quake. That said, as coaches, personally and as a collective, we have to learn differently. Those attitudes of white supremacy, especially the ones we don’t see, are harmful to clients of color and, frankly, dangerous to our profession as we move forward in a very multicultural world.

White coaches need to learn to see their whiteness. They need to know how to decenter whiteness in their work.We need to be taught to accept other cultures as valuable, embracing differences instead of unintentionally enforcing white norms on our clients and audiences. Learn and taught are key and critical words. On the macro-level, in a society, and the micro-level, in a profession that is built systemically on white is right culture, white people can’t see themselves in a system of oppression without being educated – and make no mistake, the coaching universe is built within a system of oppression.

Whew…

If you just read all of the above and you’re overwhelmed and confused, or maybe offended, you are pretty likely white. If you read it and thought to yourself, yep, that makes sense, you probably aren’t white. Enter Iyabo…Iyabo’s work has changed my coaching practice and, frankly, changed my life. She has influenced and impacted the creation of the entire curriculum at The Coach Guild.

Iyabo knows her way around this work. I have never met an expert with such a depth of knowledge on these very complicated issues who has such profound compassion. Additionally, Iyabo is a coaching “insider”. She understands coaching from the perspective of both coach and client. She knows how coaches and clients interact with the potential of deep influence a coach can have on a client, which can be a source of profound harm or powerful transformation. Iyabo provides the kind of training I didn’t realize I needed when I started my coaching practice.

Having the opportunity to get this kind of training from the beginning of a coaching practice, or frankly at any point along the way, is both practice shifting and life-changing.

If you are a rebel, outsider, creative, or good trouble-maker who is interested doing coach training differently, check us out at: www.thecoachingguild.com

Ethics, Which Might Just Be the Most Important Part of Our Training

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:41:43 GMT

What's happening at The Coaching Guild

The dirty little secret of the coaching industry is that coaching and ethics are at times uncomfortable bed-fellows. Many potential clients have no way of understanding coaching is an entirely unregulated field of work.

We do not have any licensing requirements.
We do not have to meet any standards of training.
We do not have any professional oversight.

Clients make assumptions about things like confidentiality requirements and ethical scope of practice standards that do not actually exist.

No one can tell us what to do or what not to do. While most coaches are good people with big hearts in all the right places, we don’t always see ethical practice through the same lenses.
Clients get hurt by the ambiguity.

Most coaches don’t get any ethics training.

Behind the scenes, the conversations we should be having about ethics get lost in the deafening noise about marketing, more marketing, and even more and bigger marketing. It is hard to admit how often a coach will compromise evident ethical standards, rationalizing it however they can, to make more money.

At times, this means that our profession’s ethical and moral compass might be questionable, and we know it.

We have to do better.

It is why every student at The Coaching Guild must do ethics training with the best, Tracy McNeme Carrothers.

Tracy is a coach, facilitator, creative, former attorney, ex-pat, mom, and adventurer living in Taipei, Taiwan. Tracy is bold and uncompromising. She is a brilliant coach. Tracy is the person every coach should learn coaching ethics from. Her legal experience, matched with her years as a coach, make her insights invaluable.

Without a moment of hesitation, I will concede Tracy will teach ethics better than I could. She is the best. The Coaching Guild is a collection of the best of the best. We are doing things differently at The Coaching Guild. We are training to a higher standard.

If you are a wild one, a creative, a rebel, or a good trouble-maker, who wants to make a living making the world a better place, check us out.

The Coaching Guild is so much more than a life coach training program. It has truly changed my life.

theomzone@gmail.com (theomzone@gmail.com ) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:39:30 GMT

What Students are Saying About The Coaching Guild

“The Coaching Guild is so much more than a life coach training program. It has truly changed my life.

It required me to look deep inside myself, get clear on what I REALLY wanted, and make the shifts in beliefs, thoughts, habits, and identity to become who I want to be in life.

Having done all that personal inner work I feel fully set up to guide clients to whatever they want, and I am able to truly relate to them because I’ve been there too. That kind of client-coach connection is magical.

I know, inner work sounds intense, but the best part of The Coaching Guild is its creator, Lisa who will guide you every step of the way. She’s a master coach who will train and mentor you into the coach YOU want to be. As she told me in our “is this right for me?” call, “I’m not interested in training cookie cutter coaches.” Over the last year, she’s given me the most solid foundation I could ever ask for, but I know that I’m free to build the coaching house of MY dreams, not hers. I will stand out from the coach crowd, not just add to the noise.

Long story short, get into this program. You will love it.”

P.S.
Check out Amy Schloerb, The Aligned Actor, HERE .

This may be an unpopular sermon on money

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:37:18 GMT

Money is maybe the smallest part of success.

Now hear me all the way through before you roll your eyes.

This post is more than a #humblebrag . My life is not perfect. Anyone who knows me will tell you things aren’t always super-easy and social media shiny around here. As a family, we have had some major league ups and downs. Everyone goes through those. That’s life.

However, on the daily, I’m living the life most people don’t think is possible for them. It has a lot to do with the money I make as a coach – but not in the way you might think. Yesterday was a pretty typical day. I woke up to a cup of mocha mushroom coffee (yes, it is a thing.). Then my husband and I meditated for about half an hour. I took a long-ish bath before getting dressed and prepped for the day, which frankly doesn’t take much more than getting dressed because my husband does most of my prep.

I worked four hours. I will usually do another hour in the evening. Generally speaking, I work about 5 hours a day, four days a week. I always take three-day weekends. After I finished my client calls, I took a nap. Then we went to the beach, swam in the ocean, and soaked up a picture-perfect Mexican afternoon. We picked up to-go sushi and sat outside at our favorite place to watch the sunset and eat on the way home. Honestly, it had been too long since we’d been to the beach. But generally speaking, most afternoons, I have a lot of time to do with what I please.

My elderly parents live on our property. In the evenings, I spend time with them and get a little bit of work done. After they go to bed, I have time to watch a show or do some yoga before I shower and climb into bed with my Mr. Perfect to call it a day.

For the record, I am the income earner for our family right now. We moved to Mexico in part so my husband could work at a free clinic without having to worry about the dollars and cents of treating patients for the first time in his professional life. COVID has put a wrench in that, so he treats patients where he can and has taken over most of my parents’ caregiving. He works more than I do every single day-

but it is worth noting; I am not living the life because someone else is making the mortgage. Truth be told, we don’t have a mortgage payment anymore.

Life is good. I could work more, and if I did, I would obviously make more money, BUT you know what? I don’t want to. Nor do I need to. Life isn’t always about the hustle. Maybe there is a season for the hustle, BUT wealth is about more than money. It is also about having the time, energy, and health to enjoy the people and things I love. Money is not the only resource that is important when planning a business.

By any measure, I am a successful coach. I have been coaching for more than two decades. I have an impact on the lives of the people I work with every single day. I make good money doing it.

That said, in a world of coaches who are busting their asses to have more clients, make more money, and build bigger and bigger coaching machines, I am delighted to take my afternoons off to nap and go to the beach. I have the life most people are working on getting to someday. Coaching made that possible now, and I didn’t have to manufacture an empire and turn myself into a commoditized machine to make that happen.

The driving drum-beat in the coaching industry right now is if you’re not a six-figure coach, you’ve got a lot of work to do. At this point, the sales pitches for many “fill your practice at the highest price point possible in record time” training programs are set at a frantic seven-figures or bust tone. Big money hype is intoxicating and, in the end, often painfully disorienting and disappointing.

I might suggest that if all those five, six, or seven figures don’t buy you freedom, the money has no meaning. A lot of coaches are working themselves into six and maybe seven-figure traps. Trapped is a crappy place to be, no matter how much money you’re stacking.

Here is the thing no marketing or money coach is going to tell you:

DO NOT SET INCOME GOALS.

Income goals will betray you. They will make you compete with yourself and everyone else. The finish line is never enough, and no amount of income will buy the life you think you want if you’re chasing a number while believing you can win that race. I am not suggesting money isn’t essential. You should have your eye on that ball and treat money with the respect it deserves. A coaching practice has to be profitable to be sustainable.

That said, money shouldn’t be the driving force of your business. Saying that is not revolutionary. However, suppose you were an outsider looking into the coaching industrial complex and all the bazillion classes and groups related to marketing and millions-making. In that case, you’d probably think we are hungry, maybe starving for money and coach fame. It isn’t healthy, and it smells like desperation and rotting dreams.

Additionally, there is nothing wrong with NOT making service your compass point. Helping people and being of service is literally the name of the game. It is the product of our work as coaches. However, we don’t have to pour ourselves into our clients in the name of sacrifice and altruism. Ultimately, that is an excellent way to turn your coaching business into an expensive hobby.

Your compass point should be creating the life and freedom you crave. Decide how you want to live and who you want to be. Orient every decision you make in your business around that – period – full stop.

I am bored with talking about money. I want to talk about freedom. They are not the same thing.

The Coaching Guild offers soul-centered, science-informed coach training taught by experts. Students are compassionately and supportively held through their education and evolution.

If you are a coach or would-be coach who thinks big money is going to heal you, solve all your problems, fix your life, or innately make you a bigger and shinier version of yourself, The Coaching Guild is not for you.

Money is not medicine. It is energy. Our coaches are trained to make money without worshipping it. If you are an outsider, artist, creative, rebel, or misfit, who wants purpose and freedom, The Coaching Guild might just be your home. Check us out: www.thecoachingguild.com

We are unpacking, unlearning, and re-examing The Law of Attraction

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:33:59 GMT

Maybe we've been getting it wrong all along.

What is happening at The Coaching Guild this week?

We are shaking some shit up. You should read this post because it may explain why some would-be coaches might NOT want to choose The Coaching Guild for training. We are unpacking, unlearning, and re-examing The Law of Attraction.

It is a lot.

Law of Attraction, as most people learn it is a dogma that comes out of a “spiritual community”. At this point, that “spiritual community” is a damn dumpster fire. The LOA community is riddled with fallout from toxic positivity. It harbors a lot of elitism that provides shaded cover for attitudes of veiled or not so veiled white supremacy. The law of attraction community hides in the haze of victim-blaming and mood-shaming.

It is led by a cadre of gurus who can’t find a place in their “follow your feel-good” work for difficult conversations about privilege and social justice. Putting it lightly, it is a bad look. Going deeper, most of those law of attraction teachings that come out of the “spiritual” community are bad science taught as fact out of the mouths of teachers, authors, and coaches who have questionable ethics in pursuit of profit.

Yes, I said it.

But it is not a secret. It’s been pretty apparent because the LOA community has made no attempts to clean up its values or reputation. If you disagree with the “all smiles all the time” approach to creating your own reality, it’s because you’re focused on something negative. You just need to work on your alignment. Am I right?

And if you know me, this might sound hypocritical. I built my career as a law of attraction coach. I’ve made good money as an LOA coach.

It has taken longer than I like to admit to extract myself and my coaching practice from the spiritual LOA industrial complex. That said, despite it all, solid science proves out deliberate creation principles. This is why deliberate creation might be very important for coaches to understand.

Science-based deliberate creation isn’t an opinion. It is a set of facts. Most people won’t want to devote themselves to understanding the science. So, I will give you the Cliff Notes: We live in a focus-driven field. Period. End of Story.

When a coach can help a client harness the power of their focus things change in ways that feel miraculous but are actually quite predictable.We know enough from the science side to know better than to throw the proverbial baby out with the guru-infested bathwater.

We are doing things differently at The Coaching Guild. There are no channelers, no gurus, no conspiracy theories, no big-name Hay House authors, and no bullshit. If you are looking for a program that will rehash Abraham Hicks teachings, look elsewhere. The Coaching Guild is teaching deliberate creation from a solely science-based perspective and it is glorious.If you’re curious about where artists, rebels, creatives, and wild ones are getting the best coach training, you should check us out.

Jacqueline Gates – The Queen of Living as If

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:31:31 GMT

This woman is genius.

What’s happening at The Coaching Guild this week?

Jacqueline Gates .That’s what’s happening.

We are neck-deep in the magic/science of deliberate identity shifting. Identity shifting is EVERYTHING. That said, it is tricky work because most people think the next shiny thing or goal they are chasing will make them happier forever. We instinctively know that rarely works as well as we want it to, but that doesn’t prevent us from chasing the next new thing anyway.

Trying to get someone who has shiny object syndrome to understand happiness isn’t about getting that next new thing or to that next new place is real hard. Sustainable change is always about BEING someone different.

Beliefs=Identity=Behavior=Outcomes

Identity shift=ultimate alignment

There is no way around that. However, embodying the shifts required to become the intentional next version of yourself can feel challenging. A chunk of that work is a mental game that doesn’t seem as if it’s producing tangible change fast enough to be satisfying. It takes daily sustained effort, and at first, that effort doesn’t feel all that rewarding.

This is where the genius of Jacqui’s work shines. Jacqui has this intuitive way of helping clients turn every aspect of their environment into a living vision board. She coaches clients to bring their future next-self into the present in concrete ways, making becoming your next self immediately gratifying. Under Jacqui’s wing, clients get the payoffs of who they want to become on day one in the most minor and most significant ways.

Identity shifting isn’t about the big jumps or quantum leaps. Instead, it is an unfolding and expanding that allows a client to own their evolution. This work is nuanced and intuitive. Jacqui’s magic is tangible, incremental, sustainable, and joyful. That is precisely what genius coaching looks like. It is an art.

She makes it look effortless. It isn’t. The work of identity shifting can feel very formulaic in the toolbox of a coach who doesn’t have the foundational coaching skills to back it up. This is why The Coaching Guild takes a multi-disciplinary approach, training coaches with deep roots in both the practical and the practically magic aspects of coaching that go beyond the personal experience they bring to the work.

If you want to learn how to be a coach or be a better coach learning from experts like Jacqueline Gates, you should check out The Coaching Guild.We are doing coach training differently.

Drama-free marketing is what’s happening at The Coaching Guild this week

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:29:17 GMT

Marketing doesn't have to be ick

Karen Hawkwood, (otherwise known as KJ Sassy pants) is taking center stage at The Coaching Guild this week. She is our marketing and visibility instructor. Karen is brilliant, soul-centered, both magical and practical. She is a force of nature.

Karen Hawkwood is a deep-diver into the human soul who also helps people make pragmatic and lasting changes. She is a certified Master Life Coach through Martha Beck, having taken coach training in 2012 and Master Coach training in 2015, and has had a client practice since 2013. She has been an ardent student of human nature since before she could walk, and paired that with a deep interest in Jungian/archetypal astrology in the late 1980s, which is a key component of her individual and group work.

Karen is also somewhat of a geek, and in addition to her private practice, she runs a small tech-set-up business to help entrepreneurs get the tech they need in ways that are neither scary nor ruinously expensive. She is funny, fierce, quirky, eloquent, insightful, and deeply devoted to helping people know who they really are and build lives and businesses around that.

Karen is teaching marketing genius at The Coaching Guild that flows straight through the heart of your business without any cringe-worthy marketing nonsense or formulaic copycat plans. More than anything else, she is helping our students find themselves in their work in meaningful, potent, and visible ways. When you structure your business in a way that reflects your soul, inviting people into your world to pay you money feels joyful instead of anxiety-inducing – additionally, it is effective.

A lot of coaches, both new and seasoned, have some very scary big feelings about the marketing process. Most coaches spend more money on marketing training than they do training to be a great coach and do it because they feel like they have to.

Complicated sales funnels

Carefully scripted “discovery calls”

Contant drips of social media sales posts

Webinar upsells that bait people into paying the big money

Search engine optimization and keyword-laden web copy

Emails, ezines, blogs, vlogs, longform posts, short-form video

I could go on.

If all this doesn’t have you hearing the base drop for the song Under Pressure, you are probably way younger than me. Even if you don’t know the song, you probably know the feeling.

I know some brilliant humans who bailed on their coaching businesses before they ever really got started because when you peek behind the scenes of our industry, a lot of the marketing practices look like a dumpster fire and smell like desperation. Although they wanted to coach, they just could not swallow what they thought would be required to fill a sustainable practice.

Fear of not being able to market and sell is the number one reason I hear potential coaches cite when they have decided not to pursue their dream of becoming a coach. Would be coaches are walking away from their true passion because they do not want to have to put themselves out there like bait and trick people into paying them money. They are afraid of failing, not because they wouldn’t rock it for their clients, but because they are terrified of the selling process.

Fear-based marketing is a double-edged sword. When a coach is terrified they will fail, they are very likely to engage in marketing that drills deep into pain points and capitalizes on the desperation of would-be clients looking for a savior, not coaching.

The problem with fear is you can smell it, and no matter how well-intentioned, it does not smell good to anyone. Ultimately it is not attractive. Trust me; you do not want to live in a business that feels like anxiety and will ripen into regret if you are not trying to trick people into falling onto your calendar day in and day out.

There is another way. There is a way of making yourself visible and available with intention and purpose. There is a way to market your coaching practice that feels like a welcoming invitation instead of hunting prey. There is a way to be so present for your people that welcoming them into your universe or ecosystem feels as natural as inviting someone you really like over for coffee to talk and deepen your relationship.

The bottom line is: There is a way to market that feels warm, honest, and build on relationships instead of feeling transactional or worse yet, predatory. Marketing a coaching practice should be nothing more than deep relationship building over time. Coaches are typically the kind of people who love to build meaningful relationships.

KJ Sassy pants is the kind of mentor that can help our students build a practice that feels organic, alive, engaging, both for the coach and their clients. She is setting our students up for the kind of ease most coaches who have been in the game for years only dream of. Like I said before, she is both magical and practical, and although this module has just started, I can already feel how powerful this work will be.

The bottom line is: If you do not love your marketing, you will not love your coaching practice. You are going to have to create pathways and bridges that people can find so they can work their way into your practice. That said, marketing doesn’t have to look and feel the way you think it does. If you start from the beginning building marketing rituals that are deeply satisfying, you will find your way to success as a coach without all the stress and strain most coaches force themselves to endure.

At The Coaching Guild we know the statistics. We know a lot of coaches start and fail. That is why we have included marketing as a part of our essential core curriculum. We are invested in the success of our students AND we know if you build the right foundation you don’t have to struggle to make your money. When you’re not struggling to make your money, it frees you up to love the work you’ve chosen.

If you are interested in coach training that sets you up for that kind of joy and ease, check us out at www.thecoachingguild.com.

Joy Zalzala-Soyka

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:25:03 GMT

n case you’re wondering what’s happening at The Coaching Guild this week, our students got to meet and interview mentor coach Joy Zalzala-Soyka. It was a treat because Joy is amazing.

Joy’s home base is Berlin, Germany. She is currently traveling the world with her wife and kids without skipping a beat in her coaching practice. This isn’t a once-of-a-lifetime trip for her family. It is the way they have designed their lives. Joy and her wife take their family on the road internationally frequently, often for months at a time. Joy has grown a very successful and portable coaching practice. I know a lot of people who have the dream to live that way. Joy and her family have made that dream a living reality.

Personally, one of my primary motivations for becoming a coach was location independence. I am a woman who loves to roam. I wanted to be able to travel and coach. I didn’t want to be constrained by a job that gave me three weeks a year to experience life while traveling. I always said my sweet spot was going to be coaching on a sunny beach somewhere year-round. I think I have done a pretty good job of taking advantage of the freedom of being a coach. I live in Mexico now. I can coach from a sunny beach whenever my heart desires. It is a thing of beauty.

That said, Joy is the master of living the freedom dream with her family. She is raising her family with the world as a backdrop. Her kids aren’t just learning about other cultures in textbooks. They are living and learning globally. To say it is aspirational is an understatement. I am always inspired by where her inspiration takes her.

Joy Zalzala-Soyka may be the most interesting and successful coach you haven’t heard of BECAUSE statistically Joy probably is not marketing to you.

Joy specializes in working with people in biracial / multicultural relationships and people from various lesbian , gay, bisexual, trans* and inter* communities. The work Joy does is a living example of the power of intentional diversity in coaching practice. Her highly developed skillset working in minority and disenfranchised communities opens doors for a greater audience who might never find their way to coaching if not for work like hers.

The coaching industry has a diversity problem, both on the provider side and on the consumer side. There simply are not enough minority coaches. That is obvious to anyone who takes more than a few seconds to check out any given coaching directory. However, there are also not as many clients from minority communities as there should be. Our industry as a whole provides very little outreach to them.

There are very few obvious ways for people from disenfranchised and minority communities to engage in qualified coaching support. Almost all life coaches are straight white women. As a general rule, we have not prioritized building bridges or doors to support for people who don’t look like us and/or have lives like ours. It is short-sighted and costly for everyone.

Coaches like Joy make it possible for potential clients from more diverse life experiences to see themselves getting support from a coach who can meet them where they are. As a whole, when we focus on diversity, everyone wins. First and foremost, clients win. For the record, when the system is set up for what is best for clients, coaches make money. Client-first-based marketing is the only strategy that is sustainable if you want to build a practice that lasts longer than a few months.

I think there is a subtle, sneaking, unspoken belief that working with diverse communities isn’t where the money is. That is factually not true. In fact, diverse client markets are emerging and often untapped. While most coaches focus on marketing, (pandering), to straight white clients they perceive as having money, other pools of potential clients remain untapped and wondering where and how they can plug into coaching support.

I wish we had just as many conversations in coaching circles about purpose, meaning, and service as we do about money and profit. However, let’s face it, for a coaching practice to be sustainable, you have to make a living doing your work.

Joy’s work embodies what is possible in a coaching practice that centers and elevates diversity. Let’s face it, in more ways than one; Joy is living the dream while working her calling. Joy proves that a focus on diversity can be meaningful AND profitable. Joy changes lives and makes money, all while NOT selling herself or her soul with traditional marketing to a conventional audience.

Like I mentioned at the top of this post. Joy may be the most successful coach you don’t know. She isn’t blasting the masses on social media. Her clients are not buried in the fray on Facebook. In fact, for political reasons, many of them might avoid Facebook and other social media outlets altogether. Joy markets organically, through relationship building and referrals. Joy has built her dream her way on a platform of her making.

The opportunity to learn from coaches like Joy Zalzala-Soyka is just one of the many reasons The Coaching Guild is doing coach training differently. We are doing comprehensive multidiscipline training AND we are learning from the best of the best WITH a focus on intentional diversity.

The wisdom and experience of a coach like Joy engages a kind of learning experience that goes beyond what you can read in a book or learn in a single-point-of-view training program. The nuances of learning from people who coach from different perspectives make the Coaching Guild learning experience unique and powerful.

Learning from the best of the best in a variety of disciplines and a variety of backgrounds helps a coach build a foundation of skill and knowledge that is unsurpassed in our industry. The Coaching Guild isn’t just making a space for diverse coaches. We are committed to moving them to the front of the room and learning from them. We are better off for it, every time, without exception.

Toxic Thought-work

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:19:34 GMT

When thought-work goes terribly wrong

This story is being shared 100% with my client’s permission. Names and specifics have been changed to protect client identity.

We will call her Amanda.

Amanda is a bright, gorgeous, accomplished woman. She is professionally successful. She lights up a room when she walks in.

Amanda was madly in love with her husband and worked hard to be fully present in her marriage. She was training for a half-marathon and planning a month-long trip to Europe to see Mike’s family after the first of the year. Life was precisely the way she’d hoped it would be…

until she started noticing something inside her bubbling up. Amanda and Mike were married for almost five years when Mike changed jobs. At his new company, a woman who was probably ten years younger than him immediately laid claim to Mike as her mentor. Amanda felt it instantly. She didn’t like this woman. However, Mike seemed to like her quite a bit. He was flattered by her attention.

Amanda didn’t like feeling the way she did. So she put those feelings to bed after discussing it with her coach. Her coach helped her see clearly that her thoughts about this woman and the situation made her feel the way she did. Her thoughts were making her feel jealous and insecure. Amanda needed to take responsibility for her thoughts and adopt a different way of thinking about Mike and this woman.

Amanda started practicing new thoughts like, “Mike is smart and talented. He is professionally in demand. That is good news for our future together. I have nothing to be worried about because this man loves me.” She continued planning that European vacation to see family and added in a couple of extra very romantic stops.

Eventually, the noise in her head calmed to almost nothing, and Amanda’s anxiety wained. Even as Mike started spending more time with this woman, occasionally taking calls from her in the evenings, and every once in awhile meeting her in the office on the weekend to work on projects, Amanda did her thought work and didn’t let herself get off the rails…

until one day, when Amanda was going through credit card statements, she realized Mike was buying lunch for two regularly. At first, he played it off like he was lunching with clients. However, eventually, he admitted he was having lunch with his mentee quite frequently.

Mike was offended that Amanda was upset. He couldn’t understand why she didn’t trust him. Work is work and nothing more. He was simply trying to be professionally supportive to her. Mentorship was a part of his job. Amanda wanted to believe him. She later admitted to me he pushed her to the floor that night when he was angry. She told herself it was her fault for pressuring him too much. She knew she seemed irrational.

Amanda discussed the lunches with her coach. Her coach told her she was choosing thoughts that made her feel bad. The coach helped her understand Mike could not be responsible for her feelings.

It took some time, but eventually, Amanda realized it was her thoughts about these lunches, causing her pain. There was no concrete reason to think he was unfaithful. Amanda realized once again, her thoughts, at times, made her feel, and act insecure. She loved Mike and didn’t want to do damage their relationship by acting out with her insecurity. She needed to take responsibility for the thoughts that were causing her pain.

It took a lot of effort, but Amanda did the thought work. She felt better about herself after adopting some newly minted thoughts that brought her into her power. Amanda got her haircut and bought some new lingerie. She up-leveled her game in several key areas. She got back on track. Amanda got a promotion at work and felt closer to Mike than she had in a long time…

until three months later, Amanda realized the lingerie had been a smashing success. She was pregnant. She was excited to tell Mike. She felt like it was the right time to start a family. However, over dinner, when Amanda shared the joyful news, Mike was less than thrilled. He was angry and accusatory. While it wasn’t true, he believed she’d gotten pregnant on purpose. It wasn’t in Mike’s plans at the moment to become a parent.

He said he needed to clear his head. Mike got up from the table and stormed out of the house. He was gone for several hours. Amanda had a feeling, and it gnawed at her. In her gut, she just knew he was with that woman. However, when he came home after midnight and climbed into bed with her, she decided not to confront him. Amanda knew what to do. She needed to do her thought work.

So she did.

She worked her thoughts like a pro.

The next morning Mike kissed her before leaving for work and said, “We will make great parents. I know it.” She knew it too…

Until four weeks later, Amanda was walking out of her office to head home when her phone rang. She didn’t recognize the number but assumed it was business-related, so she paused in a dark parking lot and took the call.

“Is this Amanda Sterns?” A woman tentatively asked.

“Yes. How can I help you?”

“This is Christine. I work with your husband, Michael. He doesn’t know I’m calling you.” Amanda froze. “Michael has told me you are expecting a baby. I think you deserve to know I am also expecting a baby.” Her voice broke a bit before she continued. “I guess I should say, Michael and I are expecting a baby.”

Amanda drove home. Without hesitation or fanfare, she confronted Mike. He didn’t deny the accusation. They spent the next six hours hashing it out, talking about how to save their marriage.

Mike told her he didn’t believe her baby was his. He explained Christine was also married. Mike claimed they’d only slept together a few times. Mike told Amanda he tried to call off the affair for good the night he learned she was pregnant.

It was only a few days after that Christine also announced she was expecting. He thought this was a desperate attempt to keep him in the affair. Mike believed if she was pregnant at all, undoubtedly it was her husband’s baby.

Mike sobbed. He begged for forgiveness. He told Amanda he was committed to their marriage and child. Amanda was devastated. However, she couldn’t imagine bringing her baby into the world as a single mother. She wanted to fix her marriage.

The next day, Amanda found herself heart-broken, two months pregnant, and talking to a new coach. The first thing she said to me was, “Please help me do my thought work about my husband’s affair. My thoughts are causing me a lot of pain. I guess I’m choosing to feel betrayed. However, I’m having a hard time shifting. I’m afraid the way I’m thinking about this will make it difficult for me to forgive Mike and have the marriage I want.”

“No,” I answered, “Your thoughts aren’t the problem. Your husband and his choices are the problem.” The rest of our conversation that day was bumpy at best. She wasn’t ready to let go of thinking she should overcome her feelings of disappointment and betrayal to save her marriage.

Some might say she was spot on with her assessment. Some might say that blaming someone else for your feelings is giving away all your power.

At The Coaching Guild we teach more than one tool for helping a client reclaim their power. In this case, boundaries were the right way to create powerful outcomes. You have to learn you can trust yourself not to take shit if you want to feel safe.

The thought work model is powerful.

Circumstances → Thoughts → Feelings → Actions → Results

It is game-changing and course-shifting. Thought-work can set you free from a prison of your own making in your head.

However, dogmatic thought-work is a problem. It becomes instantly toxic if it is taught as the only path to liberation.

When thought-work is a bypass around your intuition or when it disrupts boundary-setting, it is profoundly disempowering. When thought-work disarms your instincts or makes you think abuse is all in your head, it becomes a dangerous sidestep of reality.

Much like the more radical teachings of deliberate creation suggest you are responsible for every-single-thing you experience in your life because you attract it with your thoughts – radical thought-work, mindset coaching teaches you are responsible for how you experience every-single-thing that happens in your life because your thoughts determine your emotional outcomes.

I want to be completely clear. I am not saying all thought-work or thought-work coaches are radical. Nor am I suggesting all deliberate creation concepts or LOA coaches are radical. The human experience is way more grey than it is ever black and white. Most people instinctively know that.

The bottom line is there is no one magical way of thinking that fixes everything in your life all the time. Anyone who wants to make you believe that might be desperately underestimating the complexities of being human. Not everything you experience can be controlled by your thoughts. Not all of your pain is in your head.

More importantly, sometimes pain is a signal that you’re in danger, and the painful thoughts should be heard instead of re-worked. It’s not always healthy to assume discomfort should be eradicated with a shiny new set of thoughts. Maybe we shouldn’t always be seeking a breakthrough. Sometimes we should be looking for a safe exit.

Thought-work wasn’t going to fix Amanda’s marriage. Nor did she create her husband’s infidelity with her thoughts. However, thought-work does make it possible for Amanda and Mike to create a new relationship that allows them to co-parent in a very healthy way. A deliberate creation practice is helping Amanda move on from her marriage intentionally with a lot more joy and ease than she had in her marriage.

Sometimes the best coaches know when NOT to use a specific tool. When you only work one tool in your coaching practice you run the risk of hurting a client with your expertise. Humans do not fit in one size fits all boxes.

Our coaches might use thought work or deliberate creation in their client sessions. However, they are never going to weaponize it or use it as a tool to bully a client because it is the only tool they have or the only tool think is valid.

The Coaching Guild teaches a multi-discipline foundation of coaching skills based in solid coaching mechanics, identity shifting, neuro, and behavioral science, and science-based deliberated creation. We feature experts and mentor coaches who bring both diversity and diverse expert skills like emotional literacy, mental health, trauma-informed coaching, and coaching ethics. We elevate training on cultural competence and sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Coaching Guild believes great coaches are fluid in a variety of coaching skills. Our coaches are nimble and skilled. They are better able to meet a greater variety of clients where they are. We believe that will make it easier for them to both be profitable and to serve their clients.

Self-care vs. Community-care

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:08:01 GMT

Believe it or not self-care is not always the answer

I am a coach who preaches self-care.

Lessons on self-care are a cornerstone in almost all of my work.

However, I am profoundly aware we need to rethink our relationship to the idea of self-care because it is way more nuanced than thinking a weekly mani-pedi is going to save you from the insanity of being human. It is also more complicated than nailing a daily yoga or meditation practice.

Self-care is often the opposite of nurturing. Sometimes ¨self-care¨ is a disguise for self-loathing. We hit the gym, train for a 5k, get our lashes, nails, brows, and hair done, all too frequently, it is an attempt to improve ourselves because we do not like who we are without all the upgrades.

Other times self-care is done in the spirit of refueling so you can stay in the game or get back to the game of a self-punishing pace. When self-care is used as a tool to extend the lifespan of habits of living that drain us, self-care becomes a form of self-punishment. In that pattern of self-care, the care given is not a gift freely gifted. That kind of self-care comes with a lot of strings attached.

First of all, self-care isn’t the answer to everything. It is a cure for a lot of things. However, self-care will never fix anything when what is needed is community-care. Sometimes things break that one person, no matter how committed they are to their independence, can fix alone. On any given day, a person may need a village instead of meditation or a cold-pressed juice.

The problem is, many of us have become so disconnected from the roots of our communities that we no longer have a network we can go to for support. Even when we do, more times than not, we don’t know how to ask for help.

An over-reliance on self-care as a cure-all breaks down the very fabric of what makes a community. A generational heritage of community caregiving is being erased in one generation with the notion that self-care is always the antidote to what ails us.

Community-care is almost always gifted from a place of generosity with no hidden agenda. Community care doesn’t isolate the receiver from the herd. Community-care wraps a soul in the center of generosity. It is the kind of care that is freely given when a human cannot reach for what would be required to heal on their own.

If you don’t have the resources (often, the resource in question is energy) to truly be with your process, no amount of yoga will heal you like a casserole from a neighbor might.

When we lost our house in a wildfire;

When I for real needed physical rescuing from a highly abusive relationship;

When I was in denial about having been raped;

Self-care was not the medicine I needed because I was genuinely unable to heal on my own. By the grace of community-care, I was able to pull the pieces together and move forward.

Secondly, self-care is almost always a privilege AND the privileged rarely understand that.

Try talking to a single mother working two jobs to put food on the table and a roof overhead about carving out meaningful ¨me¨time. After you pitch that idea at her, let yourself be available to be schooled by someone who would donate her right kidney for an hour alone to take a bath by candlelight but isn’t going to get it.

No matter how necessary it might seem, too many people cannot take that week-long getaway to clear their minds and reset from stress. A lot of people truly cannot get out on the weekend for a restorative walk in nature.

Recently, I took over caretaking my elderly parents who moved on to our property. We might have been naive, but we didn’t know it was going to be a 24×7 kind of job. The weight of that reality set in very quickly after they arrived. Due to the pandemic, hiring help seemed unwise. It was less than a week before every routine we had in place as a family crumbled under an impossible schedule. I started to fall apart.

I can’t tell you how many people told me I needed to improve my self-care to compensate for the stress. What is frustrating is I know I have made the same demand of clients in equally impossible situations. I simply could not improve my self-care. I quite literally had no time to do anything. I was monitoring a remote camera of my parents apartment while I showered and slept with an intercom in both locations so I could hear if they started to stir. It isn’t always about money. I could afford the trappings of top notch self-care, but there was no give in my situation that would accommodate the time for it.

Almost everyone wants to be able to give themselves proper care. However, for many, the traditionally held notion of self-care is just ultimately out of network, by no failure of their own –

and yet we often blame and shame people for not ¨loving themselves enough¨ to take care of themselves.

When self-care itself has become an industry fueled with product sales, sometimes the only self-care that might be available would be something like learning better thought management or a practice of deep-breathing.

When those kinds of basic and elemental types of self-care are all that’s available for someone, it is easy to think that’s not enough. I know, as a coach, I have asked clients to give more than they could to a self-care practice. I have also been on the client end of that kind of coaching. It is infuriating and falls painfully flat.

Self-care might be the most important life skill we can master. It has been for me. However, what separates a great coach from a good one is a great coach knows when NOT using the life-changing tools that work for most people. Nothing works for everyone all the time. No tool is absolute enough to be weaponized as a pass or fail test – not even self-care.

Traditional Employment Might be the Least Secure Way to Make a Living

Chabdulrehman4u@gmail.com (Abdul Rahman) — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 06:09:44 GMT

Being on someone else's payroll isn't the ticket to security you might want it to be.

I used to live directly across the street from the Washington State Capitol building. I would look out my window and watch the state workers coming and going.

People loved working for the state for one reason and one reason only. They believed if you were lucky enough to get a state job, it would be a "forever job".

It did not matter if you enjoyed the work or not. They thought they would have job security until they retired or died.

Maybe that was true until the state had fiscal issues just like almost every other employer in the 2008 recession. The state implemented massive layoffs.

I remember how the scene out my window shifted. There were a lot fewer of them coming and going to and from their offices. Every Tuesday afternoon I would see lots of them treading down the sidewalk again, carrying casserole dishes and bags of chips. They were not going to work anymore.

They came weekly for a support group for state workers who had lost their "forever jobs". As I sat in my office, happily coaching clients, watching the former state workers comfort each other on the sidewalk outside my office, I was never more grateful to be self-employed.

I used to think some people are born to carve their niche in the world, self-employed, and others who were born to work for someone else. I used to believe you had to have a little more risk tolerance to decide you do not need a "regular" paycheck to feel secure.

In 2008, I realized it is quite the opposite. The truth is you have to have a certain amount of risk tolerance to depend on anyone or anything other than yourself for a paycheck.

Here we are, in 2020 and it has never been truer than it is now. When the unthinkable happened and all hell broke loose in the job market and the world, I did not have to worry about losing my job.

I n case you are wondering, I did not lose any clients either. My client calendar is busier than it has ever been - and while I'd like to think it's because I'm super-special, truth is a lot of coaches have more business now than they did before the world started spinning sideways.

Why?

Because people will prioritize coaching when uncertainty hits.

Coaching works.

Coaches are important.

When you ask most coaches why they chose their profession they will say it's because they want to help people - and don't get me wrong, I deeply love knowing that my work positively impacts the lives of the people I work with and the people that surround them.

As for me?

I chose to coach because I wanted to work from home and raise my children on my terms. I also deeply craved income freedom and location independence in my life.

To be clear, coaching is not a get rich quick proposition. Anyone who thinks it is will be painfully disappointed. However, good coaches who are willing to show up consistently and be of service to their people can find a kind of freedom in this work that is rare and precious.

If you ever dreamed of being a coach, now might be the single ideal time in the history of ever to take those first steps.

Get your training,

Master your craft.

Market like you mean it.

Then, make some money while doing some rock star level transformational work with your very own cool clients.

There has never been a better time to be a coach.

In case you are wondering where to start, I have got that part handled for you.