September 2025 Edition: Transition, Readiness and Doing It Anyway

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

There’s something about September that feels like both an ending and a beginning. This year, that duality feels even stronger. After a long and truly lovely summer, I feel ready- and I can feel that my children are ready too- to return to routine. But it hasn’t been a rush back. This summer, I gave myself permission to really be outside: to slow down, to swim, to breathe more deeply.

We’ve just come back from a brilliant camping trip filled with kayaking and paddle boarding. Before that, we spent time in Calabria, a place that holds so many memories for me. And throughout the summer, I’ve been swimming in lakes, rivers and the sea. Morning meditations in the garden. Yoga outdoors. Lazy afternoons among the flowers. I’ve been reconnecting with nature and with myself.

But this month isn’t just about my own return to rhythm. My youngest daughter is starting secondary school, and watching her navigate this transition has been unexpectedly profound. She’s young in her year and understandably hasn’t felt ready to make the leap. There’s been some denial (she’s still telling people she goes to her old school) but there’s also quiet preparation. She’s journaling to process her feelings, dressing her dolls in versions of school uniform to play through the change, and holding tightly to what makes her childhood feel safe and precious.

She’s reminded me that change doesn’t always come all at once. Sometimes we edge into it. We act as if. We take steps before we feel ready. And when we do, we learn that readiness is rarely a prerequisite, but always a byproduct.

What I’ve Learned (and What I'm Learning)

This month, the lesson has been clear:

I'm learning to let go.

As our business continues to grow, we’re expanding our team. And with that comes the need to hand over. Tasks that I used to own, and if I’m honest, sometimes clung to are now being passed into the hands of some incredibly talented and trusted colleagues. It’s a shift, and not always a comfortable one, but it’s also essential. I’m realising I can’t do everything, and I’m not supposed to. That insight was gently reflected back to me in a recent coaching supervision session, and as a result, my supervisor very kindly gifted me a book on exactly that topic.

The same learning is showing up at home too. My 17-year-old son is learning to drive, and while I found it completely terrifying at first, I’ve noticed my own shift as his confidence and competence grows. I’m slowly loosening my grip on the metaphorical steering wheel.

And with all three of my children, I’m also letting go of my role as the organiser of everything. When they were little, I was the one managing childcare, booking playdates, planning activities. But now they’re older, they’re managing their own time. Whether they make plans or not, whether they leave the house on time or not, I’m learning to let go, to trust, and to remember that their growth isn’t mine to manage.

Wins from August (Even Though It's September Now)

Although we’ve taken holiday this summer and our routines have flexed to make space for family time, I’ve continued working steadily throughout. As much as I value a complete break, and I really do love a good social media and tech detox-staying gently consistent with work this summer has made a real difference.

Instead of returning in September feeling overwhelmed and behind, we’re stepping into this final stretch of the year with focus and intention. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working on our systems and processes, refining the way we work and making space for growth. And while everything isn’t perfectly aligned (is it ever?), a lot is. And that feels really good.

This summer has been a reminder that we don’t always need to go full pelt or full pause. There’s something powerful about steady momentum, especially when it’s paired with time outside, reflection, and connection.

What’s Been Inspiring Me

One of the most inspiring parts of this summer has been something really simple:

The stillness of early mornings.

Most days, I’ve started with my meditation practice outside on the grass, and there’s something powerful about being up before the world is awake. No demands, no distractions, just space to think clearly, breathe deeply and be. That quiet time has helped me reset and reconnect, and it’s something I want to carry forward into the busier months ahead.

Being in different environments this summer has also sparked so much inspiration. Our travels to Calabria, on camping trips, and day adventures closer to home have all given me that lovely shift in perspective. Some highlights:

• Taking my daughter to see War Horse, such a moving and beautifully told story
• A trip to Fawlty Towers: The Play with my son, filled with laughter
• A day at the British Museum that reminded me of the value of curiosity and wandering.

Also inspiring me?

And when I’ve been home and winding down, I’ve been gripped by the Netflix drama Hostage. What stood out most? Seeing female characters portrayed as the Prime Minister of the UK and the President of France. There’s something powerful about seeing strong female leaders depicted on screen, not as a novelty, but as normal. It left me thinking about representation, visibility and the kind of leadership we want to model and support.

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

• This week, we kick off our next round of mentor coaching for ICF accreditation, and I’m genuinely looking forward to the journey ahead with this cohort. Over the past month, we’ve had some really inspiring conversations about the accreditation process on The Coaching Catalysts Podcast. If you’re curious about what it involves or just want a peek behind the curtain, you can tune in here: 🎧 The Coaching Catalysts Podcast
• We’re also getting ready for our next in-person Coaches Meet-Up on 14 November in London, and I cannot wait to connect with coaches face to face again. There’s something so special about gathering in real life- the energy, the conversations, the hugs. Secure your place now.
• And finally, behind the scenes, we’re preparing to launch our brand new Supervision Diploma. If you’ve ever thought about qualifying as a coach supervisor, or it’s been sitting quietly on your “maybe one day” list, I’d love for you to join our waitlist so you’ll be the first to hear when we open the doors. 📝 Sign up to the waitlist here

Question of the Month

What do I need to let go in order to move forward?

Whether it’s control, self-doubt, old habits, or the belief that you need to have everything perfectly aligned before you begin, this question has been sitting with me a lot lately.

Where might a little more surrender create space for growth?

Ask Me Anything: Coaching Clinic

How do you ask your clients about challenge during the contracting phase, and do you return to it after the initial contracting?

This is such an important part of ethical, trusting coaching. I always begin by explaining to the client that coaching is a process designed to create learning, growth and change and by its nature, that often includes a level of stretch and challenge. I’ll say something like:

“There will be times where I may offer a challenge, but it will always be with your permission.”

Then I’ll ask them directly:  

• What do you know about yourself when it comes to being challenged?
• How do you like to be challenged?
• What kind of challenge helps you move forward?
• How would you like me to interrupt or redirect you if we go off track?

But it doesn’t stop there. I see contracting around challenge as a living conversation, not a one-off. At the start of each session, I’ll check in:

• How are you today?
• What do you need from me?
• What balance of support and challenge would be helpful right now?
• How would you like me to interrupt or redirect you if we go off track?

And when it comes to actually offering a challenge in a session, I always seek permission in the moment:

“May I offer a challenge here?”

This keeps the relationship invitational, collaborative and choice-led. Challenge, when offered with care and consent, can be a deeply empowering part of the coaching journey.

Let’s Connect

If you’re a coach preparing for ICF credentialing, thinking about stepping into supervision, or simply navigating your own transition - I’d love to connect with you.

📲 Connect with on LinkedIn

📩 Send me a message on WhatsApp

🎧 Listen to The Coaching Catalysts Podcast

🗨️ Or simply comment below

Final Thoughts

The shoes are polished, the pencils are sharpened, and we’re heading into September with renewed energy and purpose. After a summer of rest, reflection and slow mornings, I’m feeling ready - ready to step back into meaningful work, to create something fabulous with The Coaching Catalysts, and to support coaches to do their best work.

So, whatever your next professional steps might be, whether it’s getting involved in supervision, committing to your development, starting mentor coaching for ICF credentialing, or finally exploring that path to becoming a coach supervisor, we’re here for it. Keep in touch, keep connected, and let me know what resonated with you.

With best wishes,

Sarah

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