About the Donna Higgs-Ward:

I am Donna, a coach, mentor, facilitator and trainer and I love designing, developing and leading impactful learning experiences that achieve tangible results.

I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the ugly of workplace leadership and management, I truly understand the impact it has for everyone involved. That’s why I am so passionate about developing emotionally intelligent leaders, teams and workplaces. When we build our awareness about who we are, how we show up, and the impact we have on those around us, we open up choices to build on our strengths, embrace our challenges, and achieve our aspirations.

I think humans are pretty awesome – it’s probably why I have always been passionate about people development throughout my 25yr+ career – we have this super power we can tap into at will; the ability to learn. Through our learning superpowers we can grow, develop, achieve and succeed in even the most challenging of situations. That’s exactly what I help you to unlock!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ward-higgs-miol-mcmi-8194a969/

Website: https://learningpartnersolutions.com/

About the episode:
In this episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, Melissa and Donna Ward-Higgs explore the themes of learning, personal development, and the courage it takes to build meaningful connections in the coaching profession. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the role of personal growth in professional success, and how their shared experiences have shaped their coaching journeys.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and the impact of one's presence in the coaching space, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of courage in both personal and professional realms. In this engaging conversation, Melissa and Donna explore the intricate balance between coaching and supervision, emphasizing the importance of personal development for coaches.

They discuss the evolving landscape of coaching in the context of AI and the significance of humanity in the profession. The dialogue delves into the continuous journey of courage, the role of intentionality and awareness, and how curiosity and vulnerability are essential components of courageous acts. Ultimately, they highlight that courage is not an inherent trait but something that can be cultivated through awareness and choice.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Courageous Coaching

05:00 - The Power of Learning and Development

15:02 - The Role of Personal Development in Coaching

20:01 - Evolving as a Coach: From Theory to Practice

25:49 - The Importance of Personal Development in Coaching

27:41 - The Impact of AI on Coaching and Humanity

30:54 - Courage: A Continuous Journey

38:31 - Curiosity and Vulnerability as Courageous Acts

45:56 - Recognizing and Cultivating Inner Courage

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the Gayle Tong:

With my roots in retail, it’s the 20 years’ experience working in a retail environment that has made me the pragmatic, realistic coach I am today.

I’ve been a qualified coach since 2017, along with this, my background in learning & development, means I love understanding what makes people tick.

My style of coaching is informal, it’s conversational and it’s all about you. I’m not all about models and theory, although I do believe they have their time & place.

I’m a big believer in taking small courageous actions that move you forward to achieving your goals. And as your coach, I will always encourage you to be more courageous, to pull up your big pants to take action, because without action nothing changes.

Overall, where confidence building is concerned, I love to have an impact on those beliefs you have about what you think you can & cannot do, so that you can become the best confident, authentic version of you.

Links:

• https://www.enrichmentcoaching.co.uk/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/gayletong/
• https://www.instagram.com/enrichment_coaching/

About the episode:
In this episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, host Melissa engages with Gail Tong, a confidence-building coach, to explore the themes of authenticity, courage, and personal development in coaching. Gail shares her journey from retail to coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself to build confidence.

The conversation delves into the concept of courageous coaching, the significance of finding one's coaching style, and the ongoing journey of learning and growth in the coaching profession. They discuss the interplay between courage and vulnerability, and how these elements shape the coaching experience for both the coach and the client. In this conversation, Gayle and Melissa explore the themes of vulnerability, courage, self-compassion, and the realities of running a coaching business. They discuss the importance of support systems, the practice of self-compassion, and the continuous journey of building confidence.

The dialogue emphasizes the significance of authenticity in coaching relationships and the necessity of leaning into courage during both peaks and troughs in business. They also touch on the value of mentoring and the shared experiences that enrich these relationships, ultimately highlighting that everyday courage is essential for both coaches and clients.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Confidence Coaching

02:55 - The Journey to Confidence Building

05:49 - Courageous Coaching: Stretching Beyond Comfort

14:58 - The Role of Courage in Coaching

25:54 - The Power of Vulnerability in Courage

27:30 - Self-Compassion as a Practice

31:20 - The Importance of Authenticity in Coaching

42:30 - Everyday Courage in Coaching

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the Michelle Gooding:

Michelle is an experienced former GP turned Coach. She is a coach for the Joyful Doctor, a national Coaching organisation specialising in doctors' wellbeing and has her own coaching business, The GP Coach. Michelle now coaches and supports overworked and overstretched doctors helping them avoid burnout and do the work they love. She also works with doctors who are recovering from burnout, helping them to transform their experience of burnout into sustainable wellbeing

Website: www.thegpcoach.co.uk

The ‘Blob Tree’ tool: https://www.blobtree.com/

About the episode:

In this episode of the Courageous Coaching podcast, Melissa and Michelle discuss the journey of transitioning from a GP to a coach specializing in doctors' wellbeing. They explore the importance of courage in coaching, the challenges of marketing oneself, and the creative techniques that can enhance the coaching experience. Michelle shares her insights on personal development, intuition, and the ripple effect of courage in both her life and the lives of her clients. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing nature of courage-building and the human connection that is central to effective coaching.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Courageous Coaching

02:53 - The Journey from GP to Coaching

06:00 - Courageous Marketing and Visibility

08:57 - The Role of Courage in Personal Development

12:01 - Intuition and Courage in Coaching

14:52 - Creative Techniques in Coaching

18:08 - The Impact of Courage on Coaching Style

21:04 - Looking Forward: Future Courageous Steps

24:09 - The Ripple Effect of Courage

27:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the Kerry Laker-Frry:

Kerry Laker-Fry is a Learning & Development professional and the founder of SHE: The Success Coach, a company aimed at helping women develop the confidence and capability they need for career success.

Kerry supports people to achieve career goals and organisations to grow talent. Her mission – to challenge people’s thinking and inspire action one conversation at a time – has seen her create learning communities, publish work celebrating women's stories, and share her own ‘hero and zero’ moments to normalise the learning process. A self-confessed collector of ideas and enthusiastic list maker, you can find Kerry on LinkedIn for career development ideas and inspiration.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-laker-fry

About the episode:

In this episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, Melissa interviews Kerry Laker-Fry, a coach with a decade of experience in both corporate and personal coaching. Kerry shares her journey of embracing courage in coaching, the importance of authenticity, and her passion for empowering women.

They discuss the challenges of transitioning from internal to external coaching, the impact of historical perceptions on women's capabilities, and the courage it takes to write a book. The conversation emphasizes the significance of staying true to one's path and the discomfort that often accompanies growth and learning.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Kerry Laker-Fry

02:23 - Courageous Coaching: A Personal Journey

07:49 - Bringing Authenticity to Coaching

12:14 - Navigating Internal vs. External Coaching

21:00 - Empowering Women: The Mission Behind Coaching

24:09 - The Impact of History on Women's Perception

27:29 - The Courage to Write a Book

34:40 - Staying in Your Lane: The Courage of Comparison

38:43 - Final Thoughts on Courage in Coaching

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the Cath Longhurst:
Cath is a leadership coach and facilitator with 20 years’ experience of running a social enterprise/charity and more than 4 years’ experience working with senior leaders in a wide range of organisations. Her business, Cath Longhurst Consulting Ltd, runs leadership coaching for senior leaders. managers and teams and supports leadership teams and boards with strategy and change management. She specialises in working with organisations with a social purpose.

Cath’s approach helps leaders to find their own internal expertise, develop grounded confidence and gain insights into how their own behaviours and emotions impact on their work with others. Her experience of leading a charity and working with a wide range of people, combined with her coaching training and development, means she brings a blend of practical business acumen, combined with an ability to connect with and support others. Some of her key coaching influences include the work of Brene Brown, Susan David, Nancy Kline and Oliver Burkeman.

Cah is an Accredited Executive Coach through the Association for Coaching. She is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Portsmouth her work in the community and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Portsmouth business community.

Alongside her passion for seeing people grow and develop, Cath is a lover of the outdoors including being an all-round sea swimmer, walker and sailor.

About the episode:

In this episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, Melissa and Cath explore the journey of courageous coaching, focusing on Cath's transition from a secure job to becoming a coach. They discuss the importance of connection, vulnerability, and trust in coaching, as well as the impact of courageous actions on personal growth. Cath shares her experiences working with diverse clients and emphasizes the significance of helping clients discover their own expertise.

In this conversation, Melissa and Cath explore the themes of trust, self-compassion, personal development, and the importance of values in coaching. They discuss how understanding trust has helped them connect better with themselves and others, the journey of personal growth, and the challenges of living into one's values. The conversation emphasizes the discomfort that often accompanies courage and the necessity of embracing life's messiness as part of the human experience.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Courageous Coaching

05:55 - Diverse Coaching Experiences

12:02 - Vulnerability in Coaching

17:52 - The Impact of Courage on Personal Growth

25:21 - The Journey of Personal Development

30:31 - The Challenge of Living into Our Values

36:04 - Embracing the Messiness of Life

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the June Hogan:
With over 25 years in the people profession, June brings a wealth of experience in HR operations and career development. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in HR and is an ICF Certified Professional Coach, which she achieved in 2017. Since 2019, she has been dedicated to Career Coaching and Outplacement Support through her own successful practice.

June has collaborated with individuals across all organisational levels, from emerging managers to senior leaders, across a range of industries. She has become a trusted partner for those navigating career transitions and facing redundancy. Her clients describe her coaching style as empathetic, insightful, and transformative.

Her coaching philosophy centres around creating a safe and reflective space. With a gentle curiosity, June serves as a thought partner, helping clients uncover deeper insights and achieve clarity on their next steps. Her approach is rooted in understanding each individual’s unique situation, identifying what truly matters to them, and equipping them to thrive in their careers.

Website: https://wildwoodcoaching.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/junehogan/

About the episode:
In this episode of the Courageous Coach Podcast, Melissa speaks with June Hogan, a seasoned HR professional turned coach, about her journey through redundancy and how it shaped her coaching practice. June shares her insights on the importance of empathy in coaching, the role of courageous coaching, and the challenges faced by individuals during life-changing events like redundancy. They discuss the significance of preparing line managers for difficult conversations and the need for a human connection in coaching. June emphasizes the liberating power of courage and the importance of embracing one's identity as a businesswoman.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to June Hogan
• 02:36 - Navigating Redundancy and Life Changes
• 03:09 - The Role of Coaching in Outplacement Support
• 06:13 - Courageous Coaching: Authenticity and Vulnerability
• 10:32 - Empathy vs. Sympathy in Coaching
• 12:52 - Preparing Line Managers for Difficult Conversations
• 17:35 - Building Courage in Clients
• 21:57 - Balancing Vulnerability and Challenge in Coaching
• 31:13 - Embracing Business Identity and Growth
• 38:01 - The Liberating Power of Courage

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About the Amy Wilkinson:

Amy Wilkinson is the founder of Fearless Foodies, a coaching and training company dedicated to empowering professionals in the food industry to communicate with confidence, influence, and impact.

After more than two decades in new product development, commercial and marketing roles within corporate food manufacturing, Amy took the leap to start her own coaching business four years ago.

Drawing on her wealth of industry experience and her passion for people, she now delivers transformative workshops and coaching that inspire emotionally intelligent leadership and confident communication. Known for her engaging and relatable style, Amy helps individuals embrace their unique voice, navigate challenges with courage, and achieve their personal and professional goals by feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

Websites:

www. fearlessfoodies.co.uk

www.ohforfoodssake.co.uk

About the episode:

In this episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, Amy shares her transformative journey from a corporate career in food manufacturing to becoming a coach and founder of Fearless Foodies. She discusses the challenges of navigating vulnerability, the importance of systemic change in the coaching industry, and how her experiences with burnout shaped her approach to coaching.

Amy emphasises the significance of courage in personal growth and the necessity of setting boundaries while being vulnerable. In this conversation, Amy and Melissa explore the themes of self-belief, courage, and authenticity in the coaching journey.

They discuss the importance of community, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the necessity of self-compassion in personal growth. The dialogue emphasises that true courage lies in being oneself and embracing imperfections while navigating the complexities of life and work.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Courageous Coaching
• 06:47 - The Shift from Individual to Systemic Change
• 20:06 - The Impact of Courage on Personal Growth
• 28:29 - Embracing Change and Growth
• 41:34 - Courage in Authenticity

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with their clients, their business and their lives by:

Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches

Connect with me on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague

Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk

About your host Melissa Hague:
In the inaugural episode of the Courageous Coach podcast, Melissa Hague introduces the theme of courage in coaching. She shares her background in leadership development and her journey into coaching, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. Melissa discusses how courage is essential for both coaches and clients, allowing for real transformation. The episode sets the stage for future conversations with other coaches about their courageous journeys and the challenges they face in the coaching business.

Episode Takeaways:

• Courage is essential for effective coaching.
• Vulnerability allows for deeper connections with clients.
• Real change happens in a space of trust and authenticity.
• Coaching is about embodying leadership, not just teaching it.
• The journey of a coach involves personal growth and inner work.
• Courage in coaching also applies to building a business.
• Imposter syndrome is a common challenge for coaches.
• Honesty and realness are more valuable than perfection.
• Sharing stories can inspire bravery in others.
• The podcast will feature raw conversations about coaching journeys.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Courageous Coaching
02:58 - Melissa's Journey and the Importance of Courage
06:00 - Courage in Coaching and Business
09:09 - Looking Ahead: Conversations with Courageous Coaches

You can find out more about the work I do to help coaches be more courageous with
their clients, their business and their lives by:

• Visiting my website - https://www.melissahague.com/courageous-coaches
• Connect with me on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/melissa-hague
• Sign up to my mailing list here - https://mailinglistsignup.melissahague.com/landing-page-8347

  Or, If you’d like chat about all thing’s courage, then you can book a chat with me
  here - https://calendly.com/melissahague/let-s-talk