Originally released on Tim Cynova’s podcast, Work Shouldn’t Suck, this episode of FARSIGHT Chats, delves into the significance of coaching in fostering leadership skills, particularly through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppression (EDIA). Host of FARSIGHT Chats, Farah Bala, shares her personal and professional journey, emphasizing the importance of values-based coaching. The conversation includes insights on the distinctions between coaching, mentoring, and therapy, as well as the role of identity in coaching relationships. Farah discusses the necessity of continuous self-care for coaches and the impact of a diverse perspective in coaching. She also provides guidance on selecting and interviewing potential coaches and highlights the value of coaching skills for leaders. Resources and certification programs are recommended for those interested in developing coaching skills. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand, engage in, or grow through coaching as a powerful tool for inclusive and conscious leadership

| KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED |

COACHING PHILOSOPHY & PRACTICE

• Definition: Coaching is present- and future-focused, helping clients reach their goals through thought partnership and self-discovery.
• Distinction:

1. Therapy: Past-focused, aims to heal.
2. Mentorship: Mentor shares experiences; coach centers on the client.
3. Management: Often task- and agenda-driven; coaching is person- and growth-driven.

• Who It’s For: Not limited to executives. Anyone seeking personal or professional development can benefit.

VALUES-BASED & INCLUSIVE COACHING

• Core Lens: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Oppression (EDIA) are not add-ons—they are integral to leadership and coaching.
• Personal Perspective: Farah draws on lived experience as a Persian-Indian American woman to inform her equity lens.
• Cultural Competency: Coaches with diverse identities or experiences can bring vital nuance, but shared identity isn’t always required—it depends on client needs and goals.

CHOOSING A COACH

• Interview multiple coaches to assess alignment.
• Ask about background, approach, certifications (preferably ICF-accredited), and relevant experience.
• Consider identity, but prioritize connection, trust, and expertise.

TEAM & ORGANIZATIONAL COACHING

• Coaching supports trust-building, conflict resolution, strategic alignment, and inclusive leadership development.
• A coach can help cultivate “healthy conflict” and provide objective, outside perspectives to improve team dynamics.

COACHING SKILLS FOR LEADERS

• Leaders can adopt coaching practices without certification:

1. Listen deeply
2. Ask open-ended questions
3. Reflect back
4. Resist problem-solving too quickly

• Core skills foster psychological safety and team empowerment.

TRAINING & RESOURCES

• Recommended coach training programs: iPEC, Co-Active (CTI), Columbia University, all ICF-affiliated.
• Suggested activities: Take improv or storytelling classes to build presence, empathy, and communication.
• Explore Coaching for Everyone, a nonprofit offering subsidized coaching and training for BIPOC individuals.

SELF-CARE & ETHICS

• Coaches must maintain boundaries and care practices to stay effective and avoid harm.
• Every coach should have a coach and engage in continual reflection and learning.

| SHOW NOTES |

00:00 Intro to FARSIGHT Chats

02:00 Introducing Farah’s Background

04:00 What is