The AC Podcast

Join us for the first episode of a new podcast series: Coaching Supervision Uncovered – an 11-part series exploring the fascinating world of coaching supervision and how it shapes exceptional coaches. Each episode delves into a distinctive aspect of supervision with leading practitioners, uncovering the nuanced ways supervision enhances coaching practices, supports wellbeing and drives professional development. 

Our host, Helen O’Grady, is joined by Marie Faire, a master executive coach and supervisor, to introduce the topic and talk about the essential role of coaching supervision. Marie explains what supervision is, emphasizing trust, self-reflection and continuous learning.

The conversation explores differences between supervising novice and experienced coaches, the benefits of individual and group supervision, and common misconceptions about supervision. Marie also discusses the importance of practical experience, the supervisor’s dual role as supporter and challenger, and the evolving future of supervision in coaching.

You will learn:

·       The definition and essence of coaching supervision

·       The key benefits of regular supervision for coaching

·       How to find a good supervisor that is right for you

Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor, a coach curious about supervision, or simply interested in the dynamics of reflective practice, this series offers illuminating conversations

"I think coach supervision is just the best CPD that a coach can do because it's targeted. It's what you bring; it's your agenda. Whatever you bring, we explore it together. That's why I call myself a fellow traveller—because it's a mutual exploration."

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-introduction-benefits-reflective

In this inspiring episode of our ‘Day in the Life of’ podcast series, host Maxine Bell sits down with Helen O’Grady, an experienced coach and supervisor who brings her background in paediatric nursing into her coaching work within the health, social care, and education sectors. Helen shares her powerful journey from healthcare to coaching, shedding light on the unique challenges and opportunities in supporting professionals working on the front lines. Maxine and Helen explore how coaching can transform leadership and client care in health and social care, the emotional toll of frontline work, and how coaching supports burnout prevention and emotional wellbeing. They also discuss the persistent funding challenges and why coaching should be prioritised in high-impact environments like the NHS, social work and education.

Helen also discusses the importance of supervision for coaches and the evolving conversation around professional regulation in the coaching field. She shares honest reflections on the mindset shifts required in helping professions—from "rescuing" to empowering clients—and why self-trust and community support are vital for sustainable coaching practices.

Full of insights and tips, Helen’s passion and care for coaching and supervision light up the conversation. If you are feeling uncertain about coaching in any way or seeking a new perspective and purpose in your practice, this podcast episode is for you!

·       Discover the value and impact of coaching in the health, social care, and education sector

·       Learn how to shift from a "rescue" mindset to one that supports agency and empowerment

·       Understand the critical role of supervision in sustaining ethical, reflective, and resilient coaching

"From the moment I discovered coaching, I was like, wow, this is fantastic. I still get so much joy from all aspects of it; I feel very blessed to have found it."

Tune in next week as Helen hosts a new 11-part podcast series: Coaching Supervision Uncovered!

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-supervision-frontline-professionals-inspirational

In the final episode of our ‘Coaching as a Leader’ podcast series, Jen Kidby is joined by Linda Beatty, Senior Manager of Culture and Engagement in Bank of Ireland, to explore the growing role of leader coaches in formal coaching programs within organizations. They delve into how structured coaching engagements—distinct from day-to-day mentoring or informal support—can elevate leadership development across an organization. Linda shares her personal journey, while highlighting the practical considerations leader coaches must navigate - from contracting and the challenges of confidentiality to the importance of support systems and supervision.

You'll discover why leader coaches bring unique value through their organizational insight and how they create psychological safety when coaching colleagues and employees. Learn the impact that leader coaches can have on colleagues within their organization and the organization itself, as well as the wider impact in the day to day lives of leader coaches themselves. Linda shares the rationale for utilizing leader coaches over external coaches. She offers invaluable insights, guidance and strategies that will both inspire and inform leader coaches and organizations considering formal coaching.

We hope this series has inspired leaders, leader coaches and coaches supporting leaders. If you would like a more in-depth knowledge on this topic you can find the ‘Coaching as a Leader’ book in book shops and online.

You will learn:

·       How formal coaching unlocks leadership development across the organization.

·       How structured frameworks and boundaries are essential.

·       How support systems, such as peer networks and coaching communities fuel success.

“Formal coaching is a structured relationship between two people, the coach and the coach. And in an organizational setting, that's obviously a colleague or an employee…someone you don't know.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-formal-coaching-future-leaders

In this episode, Jen Kidby is joined by leadership development coach Tony Worgan to explore how the language leaders use shapes the culture, dynamics, and performance of their teams. Tony shares insights from his coaching practice, highlighting the power of being intentional with words and the impact of “discounting” language—subtle phrases that can unintentionally diminish a person’s contributions or confidence. He encourages leaders to shift from reactive or rescuing behaviours toward more open, curious coaching conversations. By staying present rather than striving for perfection, leaders can create psychologically safe environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

Tony also introduces practical tools from transactional analysis like the Drama Triangle which outlines the roles of Rescuer, Persecutor, and Victim in unproductive dynamics, and shows how to break out of these patterns. He explains the importance of “strokes”—small, meaningful recognitions that fuel trust and motivation—and offers advice on finding the right balance of positive and constructive feedback. The conversation emphasizes the long-term benefits of a coaching mindset, where thoughtful communication becomes a foundation for trust, growth, and stronger relationships at work.

You will learn

·       How language shapes workplace culture and either builds or breaks trust.

·       Practical advice for leaders on open communication and addressing issues directly.

·       The ideal ratio of positive to negative ‘strokes’ for building trust and resilience in teams

“Coaching transformed my whole experience of myself as a leader, my identity as a leader, and all my workplace relationships.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-language-workplace-culture

In this episode, host Jen Kidby is joined by coaches and co-authors Katy McGregor and Ross Hunter to explore the benefits and challenges of letting go of expertise as a leader coach, highlighting how identity, values, and experience shape leadership styles. They unpack the tension leaders have between offering expert advice or stepping back to empower others, and discuss the importance of self-awareness, creating a collaborative environment, as well as the need for leaders to ask insightful questions rather than provide answers.  

Katy and Ross share personal stories and tools to help leaders foster cultures of learning and encourage leaders to experiment with coaching techniques and embrace continuous learning. Listen and gain practical strategies for loosening the grip on technical expertise and embracing a more collaborative, question-led approach.

You will learn:

·       The necessity of fostering a culture of inquiry and valuing diverse perspectives within teams.

·       The role of cultural expectations and organizational backgrounds in shaping coaching styles.

·       The necessity of fostering a culture of inquiry and valuing diverse perspectives within teams.

“Once you begin to feel how great it feels to help somebody else solve a problem and find their own way through, it’s almost like switching out the dopamine and switching in the oxytocin.”

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.

For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit: 

https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-as-a-leader-letting-go-expertise-identity-shift