Four Conversations I’m Most Grateful For
As yesterday for many was Thanksgiving, I feel the energy to give my thanks. The Edge of Coaching podcast is knocking on the door of 15,000 downloads. I feel immense pride at the conversations that are out there. And within myself for pushing through the discomfort with this creative project. And compassion for the different parts of me who felt that discomfort.
Nobody is an island. Creativity is social. And I wouldn't be doing the work I do without the wisdom, love, trust and challenge of many, many others. Indeed, many of you reading this message.
So, I will share the four most impactful podcast conversations for me as an executive coach, and as a supervisor. The episodes I go back to again and again, each time learning more.
To all involved in these, I give my thanks 🙏:
#1 - Jim Dethmer , How to Shift from Victim Consciousness, Reduce Drama, Practice Candor, Be Fully Alive, and More
Without knowing it, Jim has been shaping how I show up before I started coaching. The team at Conscious Leadership helped me deeply navigate the challenges and opportunities as a leader.
When I'm working with leaders or with coaches themselves, it is all grounded in presence. Presence is 'the thing'. It is the more important core competency. The foundations upon which all others are built. Alongside the theories, Jim's turn of phrase, his lived experience and his heartfelt care and warmth are an irresistible combination.
Jim, himself inspired by the work of Gay Hendricks and Kathlyn (Katie) Hendricks , whose work around Conscious Loving and taking 100% responsibility I have also deeply appreciated, and recommended widely.
I could pick any of Jim's podcast appearance, but perhaps the strongest medicine is found here with Tim Ferris:
#2 - Jo Birch & Andrew Reeves , Supporting Clients with Suicide Ideation in Coaching and Supervision
Essential listening for anyone who coaches. Too few coaches - ranging from trainee to qualified, accredited or unaccredited, are clear on how to ask their about suicide or what to do about it.
Hosted beautifully by MAXINE BELL and produced beautifully by the Rob Lawrence for the Association for Coaching (AC) , this conversation reaches a delicate balance of sharing their own experiences, practical advice and love.
Many of you reading this, like myself, will have lost friends, family, colleagues of peers to suicide. In my view, the coaching profession does not do enough to prepare coaches for the possibility that a client may be struggling beyond the limits of coaching. And that coaches themselves may be overstretched and operating unsustainably for their wellbeing.
#3 - James Hollis, How to Find Your True Purpose & Create Your Best Life
Although sceptical of the title and a little fatigued by the overuse of 'best life', listening to this episode for the first time was as if Life itself tapped me on the shoulder and then threw a bucket of cold water over me.
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James Hollis is a Jungian analyst and writer, and speaks with such profundity and beauty. He models both the wisdom and reflection of a Jungian approach, with several wallops of deep, core, existential enquiries.
A podcast episode I have shared with many clients and many fellow coaches. Hollis models depth, humility, inner work and reflection as well as anyone I've encountered. Thanks to Neil Mackinnon for sending it my way.
#4 - Simon Cavicchia , Exploring Gestalt and Relational Approaches to Coaching
A good podcast will make you remember where you were when you listened to it. A great podcast will make you stop what you're doing so you can focus on it fully. I was cycling to the office when I first heard this, but stopped by a lake to finish it.
In conversation with Robert Stephenson for Animas Centre for Coaching 's podcast, the clarity of thought and the depth of reflection are a beautiful thing to experience. This conversation helped shift the course and trajectory of my coaching journey into a more relational - more 'me' approach. Comfort with self, coaching in a natural style is a challenge for many, many practitioners today.
Simon was the 9th guest on my own The Edge of Coaching podcast, and I remain grateful for the work he does and the ways he has informed my approach to coaching.
These four conversations remain touchstones in my practice. If you have interviews or episodes that have influenced your coaching, I’d value any recommendations, links, tags and shout outs below: 👇
With gratitude,
George
My work centres on developing coaches and leaders in the deeper, more nuanced edges of practice. Resources and upcoming offerings:
Edge of Coaching Podcast - Click Here
Coaching with Challenge Webinar, Dec 4th - Click Here
1:1, Group Supervision or Organisational Supervision - Click Here
Leadership Connect Solutions…•2K followers
3moThanks for sharing George! I love James Hollis’s works. He has also done a great podcast on how to be resilient.
Neil Mackinnon Coaching…•4K followers
4moI know the first three of these well and they are packed full of wisdom and insight. Having heard Simon Cavicchia on The Edge of Coaching podcast I'm confident his conversation with Robert Stephenson will also be excellent and it's now on my listening list. Thanks George!
University of Chester•5K followers
4moThank you so much George for your support of the podcast I did with Jo Birch. I'll enjoy following up on the others you highlight too.