August 2025 Edition: Spaciousness, Stillness, and Recalibration

Welcome to this month’s edition of Beyond the Coaching Room with Sarah Bramall!

As we enter the final full month of summer, I’ve found myself embracing more pauses. Whether it’s a slower pace at work, long walks with the dog, or watching my kids truly soak up the season, I’m giving myself space to recalibrate. Stillness has a way of bringing clarity, doesn’t it?

In this month’s letter, I’m reflecting on what’s emerging when I stop filling every moment with doing and start leaning into being – as a coach, a business owner, and a human.

What I’ve Learned Over the Past Month

When I create white space in my calendar, true space, not just buffer zones, I make better decisions, I listen more deeply, and I reconnect with why I started this journey in the first place.

I’ve learned (again!) that busy isn’t a badge of honour. Spaciousness fosters insight. It reminds me that holding space for others requires me to first hold it for myself.

Wins from July (Even Though It's August Now!)

That said, July was a whirlwind. And quite literally on the beach in Italy, we witnessed a waterspout, a kind of mini-tornado that forms at sea. The beach cleared very quickly!

Professionally:

• We began our new supervision cohorts, supported by an incredible team of supervisors, each bringing their own flavour and depth.
• We’ve welcomed coaches preparing to start mentor coaching for their ICF credentialling in September. If you’re planning to begin the credentialling process, our Mentor Coaching Programme could be the perfect next step.
• I delivered a learning and development session exploring the complexity of tripartite contracting relationships: such rich, nuanced discussion.
• And we shared something close to my heart: the upcoming launch of our Supervision Diploma this autumn. If you feel this might be the next step in your journey, you’re warmly invited to register your interest by completing the form.

Personally:

• A huge milestone - my daughter finished primary school. A big deal for her and a huge wrench for us. Our eldest started at the same school in 2012, so it truly felt like the end of an era.
• Speaking of our eldest: he had the most amazing time on his rugby tour in Canada. Incredible for him, very quiet for us, and the longest and furthest he’s ever been from home.
• We had a beautiful family holiday in Calabria, the far south of Italy. I lived there in my 20s and hadn’t been back since 2004, so it was emotional and joyful in equal measure. We embraced the simplicity and slow pace of life - the warmth of the locals, quiet strolls through the pine trees to the beach, and yes, I brought my yoga mat

• A real highlight was taking a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands, just north of Sicily, and witnessing Stromboli erupt under the night sky. Absolutely unforgettable.
• My mum also organised a family party: she’s one of five, so it was incredibly special to have everyone from babies to 80-somethings all together in one space.

• I’ve been reading a lot, and now, on day two of the school holidays, I’m officially juggling work, kids and the dog. Just don’t ask me what’s for dinner.

What's Been Inspiring Me

I’ve been carving out more time for reading lately- and it’s been such a tonic. I made  a commitment to showing up to the Book Club, and I’m really enjoying it. Three books that really stayed with me this month:

• A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes: a powerful retelling of the Trojan War through the voices of women. Fierce, lyrical and beautifully written.
• The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza: the perfect holiday companion: rich in family secrets, sunshine and a touch of mystery.
• How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes: part research, part refresh, part curiosity. A reminder that connection is an art and a skill we can keep learning.

Also inspiring me?

• That unforgettable boat trip to Stromboli. Watching the volcano erupt against the night sky reminded me that awe still has its place.

• Recent conversations on The Coaching Catalysts Podcast, especially Episode 38, where we chat with two of our brilliant coaches who have successfully gained ICF credentials through our mentor coaching programme. Their insights are gold for anyone on the journey to credentialling. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

And finally, the quotes I’ve been sitting with this month:

“Coach and coachee are travelling companions; the coach’s listening and questions are the light by which they travel.” – Julie Starr

“Your children are not your children….. They come through you but not from you. And though they are with you, they belong not to you.” – Khalil Gibran, The Prophet

Both offer reminders of what it means to walk alongside others, whether in coaching or parenting, with love, respect and deep trust in their path.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Up in August and Beyond

• Onboarding new mentees who are beginning their ICF credentialing journey – whether working towards ACC or PCC. If you’re interested and ready to get started in credentialling, join our Mentor Coaching Programme designed to support you every step of the way.
• Behind-the-scenes planning for our Supervision Diploma, which launches in November. If you’d like to express your interest in the programme, you can do so by completing the form.
• A little more time offline, soaking up the summer and giving myself permission to slow down before September arrives with its full momentum.

Question of the Month

I’m struggling to find clients for my new group coaching programme. I feel like I’ve put so much into it. Any advice?

Here’s what I shared:

"You’re not alone. Many coaches find this part tough. My advice? Start with conversations, not campaigns. Speak to people individually. Ask what they need right now. Your programme may be brilliant- but connection always comes first. It’s never wasted effort when you slow down and listen."

Let’s Connect

If you're a coach seeking supervision, a leader navigating change, or someone who just wants to chat about making coaching more human, I’d love to hear from you.

📲 Connect with on LinkedIn

📩 Send me a message on WhatsApp

🎧 Listen to The Coaching Catalysts Podcast

🗨️ Or simply comment below

Final Thoughts

August always feels like a month in-between- a pause before the rush of September. Let’s not wish it away. Let’s honour the slow days, the warm evenings, the moments of stillness. Because often, that’s where the clarity lives.

Wishing you presence, peace and just the right amount of momentum.

Until next month,

Sarah

Co-Founder | The Coaching Catalysts | ICF PCC and EMCC Senior Practitioner Executive Coach | EMCC Coach Supervisor | Mentor Coach | Coach Trainer