258: Navigating the Complexities of Identity, Power, and Inclusion in Coaching Supervision

Welcome back to another episode of our Day in the Life podcast series, where we meet real coaches living real lives. In this inspiring conversation, host Maxine Bell sits down with Conny Weyrich, an arts-based and trauma-informed coach from Melbourne, Australia. Conny shares her remarkable mid-life journey from a corporate career in marketing and consultancy to art therapy, and ultimately into the world of coaching. Her story offers valuable insights for coaches and supervisors who are curious about weaving creativity, compassion, and trauma-awareness into their practice.   In this episode, Conny shares what art-based coaching really means, the significance of being a trauma-informed coach, and how curiosity and compassion guide her client work. She reflects on her typical workweek, memorable coaching moments, and the deep importance of supervision and self-care. Whether you’re an experienced coach or just beginning your journey, Conny’s wisdom and practical tips will encourage you to reflect on your own practice, become clear of the scope of your own practice, focus on the development of relational skills and embrace creativity as a pathway to growth. A highly recommended listen for coaches, supervisors, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, healing, and coaching.   You will learn:   ·       The role of creativity and arts-based methods in helping clients grow ·       Why being trauma-informed is invaluable for sustainable, ethical coaching ·       Why self-care, self-awareness and supervision make you a better, more effective coach     “I would say the skills around, being in relationship, being present, being attuned to the client and to the process are probably always more important than any skills around a particular coaching framework or coaching tools.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel_day-in-the-life-of-coaches-art-based-trauma-informed  

Can we truly make coaching spaces inclusive? This powerful closing episode of our Coaching Supervision Uncovered series invites you into a dynamic panel conversation on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in coaching supervision. Host Helen O’Grady is joined by master coaches Shruti Sonthalia, Dumi Magadlela and Claire Pedrick as they unpack how supervision can become a sacred space for reflection, authenticity, and growth.   Together, they explore how supervisors can model courage, examine safety, shame and co-design spaces where vulnerability becomes a strength rather than a risk. The conversation dives deeply into identity, systemic, cultural and continental context - highlighting the ways power dynamics and intersectionality shape supervision relationships. By weaving personal insights with practical reflections, the panellists show how re-humanisation, presence, and recognition of interconnectedness can unlock truly inclusive coaching spaces. As the series finale, this episode is both a celebration of what has been uncovered and an open invitation to continue the dialogue on inclusion as a living, co-created process.   You will learn:   ·       How to hold supervision as a sacred space that enables authentic reflection and growth ·       Why vulnerability, courage, and cultural awareness are essential to inclusivity. ·       Practical ways supervisors can co-create inclusive environments that allow coaches to come as they are     'We can’t declare that a space is safe. We also can’t declare that a space is inclusive because as the supervisor, that’s not our decision.'    Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-identity-power-inclusion

How does power truly manifest in coaching supervision? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady sits down with executive coach and supervisor, Shruti Sonthalia to unpack the often overlooked but critical dimension of power in supervision. Together, they explore how power is an inherent element of all human relationships and why acknowledging its presence is essential for supervisors, coaches, and leaders. From "power over" and "power under" to cultivating shared power, this episode dives deep into the ways identity, privilege, and cultural context influence supervision relationships.   Listeners will hear what red flags indicate power imbalance, and practical strategies that foster shared power in supervision. The conversation also sheds light on systemic dynamics, the challenges supervisors face in balancing relational warmth with ethical responsibility, and the transformative potential of curiosity and humility. If you’re a coach, coaching supervisor, or leader coach seeking to navigate complex dynamics with greater self-awareness and impact, this episode offers a rich and thought-provoking guide to embodying shared power.   Key Learning Points: ·       Why power is an unavoidable and essential element of all coaching supervision relationships ·       How supervisors can consciously foster shared power dynamic within the coaching supervision relationship ·       The impact of broader systemic and identity issues on a shared power relationship      “When you are able to name what needs to be named and really listen to the unspoken, you are in service to both the coach and the larger systems they serve and the power dynamics that might exist in the systems.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-power-privilege-identity  

What if coach supervision wasn’t just about reflecting—but about completely rethinking how you grow? In this episode, host Helen O’Grady speaks with Dr. Elizabeth Crosse about how coach supervision can foster real coach development – a dynamic, critically reflexive practice that meets coaches exactly where they are. Drawing on her research, Elizabeth introduces a practical typology for growth through three distinct lenses: the craft of coaching, self-work (the internal work) and the art of coaching (the external learning that comes through coaching). Together, they explore the non-linear, cyclical nature of coach development, and how supervision encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and self-awareness for more effective, holistic coaching.   Elizabeth also shares insights from her Developmental Mindset Inventory— a tool designed to help coaches and supervisors assess and expand their developmental approach. She explains how supervision can meet coaches where they are, balancing professional capability with personal capacity, and turning learning into meaningful growth. This episode is both a framework for practice and an invitation to slow down, notice what resonates, and engage with your own evolving developmental path.   You will learn:   ·       Why supervision must support both professional capability (knowledge and skills) and personal capacity (navigating complexity). ·       That development is not about adding more apps — it’s about upgrading your system ·       How to be critically reflexive instead of just reflective    "For me, development is something like happiness; you cannot guarantee you'll be happy, but you can do things that are more likely to enhance your ability."   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coach-development

In this episode, host, Helen O’Grady is joined by Michelle Lucas, an accredited Master Executive Coach and Supervisor, who explores the vital role of reflective practice in coaching supervision. She clarifies the definition of reflection and reflexivity in coaching; it’s iterative nature and application in various contexts. Michelle discusses the three methods of reflection: self-supervision, peer supervision and professional supervision and the challenges coaches face in engaging reflective practice.   She explains how to recognise individual reflective practices and addresses the common barriers. Michelles stresses the value of experimentation with different reflective methods and examines the difference between supporting new and more experienced coaches, highlighting the need for intentional, regular practice. Listeners gain practical insights and resources to deepen their reflective habits and enhance their coaching effectiveness.    You will learn: ·       The importance of taking a diversity of approaches when reflecting ·       How supervisors can encourage coaches to broaden their reflective repertoire ·       How to tailor reflective activities that work for you - there are no "shoulds" here!   'For me, reflection is a really iterative process; it doesn't stop, it just evolves and often comes back several times before we feel resolved.' Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-reflective-practice-reflexivity

In this insightful episode, host Helen O’Grady and guest Jo Birch, an award-winning supervisor and executive coach, explore the complexities of mental health in coaching and supervision. They discuss the importance of clear contracts, boundaries, and competence when addressing mental health issues, the challenges of confidentiality, and the need for self-awareness and reflection on personal beliefs about mental health. The conversation highlights the value of supervision as a safe and reflective space, the misunderstandings around mental health, and the necessity for coaches and supervisors to develop confidence and fluency in these sensitive conversations. Jo shares the challenges of maintaining confidentiality and navigating sensitive disclosures, as well as the interplay between coaching and therapy, and provides strategies for developing skills in noticing and responding to mental health concerns. This conversation offers easily applied actions you can take, as well as encouraging further enquiry, ongoing learning and open dialogue to better support clients and yourself. You will learn: ·       How to hold the contract for the work, while being human and compassionate ·       How to develop competence – skills and knowledge ·       How to grow in confidence You can find further resources on mental health here. ‘Fluency in being able to talk about mental health issues is it's a skill for life, not just in our professional work.’   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-mental-health-essential-skills  

In this fascinating episode, host Helen O’Grady is joined by executive coach and coach supervisor Neel Arya to talk about developmental artistry - a creative, embodied approach to coaching and supervision and its relevance in times of significant change. Neel explains how this philosophy, co-developed with Carissa Bub, encourages practitioners to embrace uncertainty, experimentation, and the exploration of liminal spaces – the ‘messy middle’ of growth - and their significance in the developmental process. Neel explains cultural dimensions and individual personality's influence on the openness to developmental artistry, and they discuss using creative techniques, such as works of art and poetry, to foster deeper awareness and learning.   The conversation highlights the importance of presence, playfulness, and courage, challenging traditional reliance on structured models and inviting coaches to explore emergent, experiential ways of knowing. Neel also shares his experience using the dark and invites listeners to join his Dark Workshop series this autumn, using the discount code found on the AC website below.   You will learn:   ·       The concept of ‘developmental artistry’ in coaching and supervision ·       How to apply developmental artistry for both experienced and novice coaches ·       How the dark can be used to explore liminal spaces     “What we're trying to do with development artistry is, is to say, well, actually, how might we go about the art of development by really focusing in on the embodied, the experiential, the emergent things which are entangled…to move out of, out of our heads into a deeper, more natural felt sense and embodied intelligence. And to learn and to develop through experience.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-developmental-artistry-emergent

In this episode, host, Helen O’Grady interviews ADHD coach and trainer Katie Friedman about coaching supervision through a neurodivergent lens. Katie explains the concepts of neurodiversity and neurodivergence, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights the importance of psychological safety and inclusivity in coaching. The conversation explores the challenges neurodivergent individuals face in identity integration, the need for humility and awareness of positionality, and the value of specialized training. Katie also discusses the evolving landscape of ADHD coaching and her belief that specialist coaching will replace the medical models and continue to grow, and the transformative power of community and ongoing self-discovery. This episode offers a nuanced and compassionate look at building inclusive coaching practices that truly support all minds.   You will learn:   ·       The difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence ·       The many misconceptions about neurodiversity ·       The role of supervision and specialized training in creating and supporting inclusive coaching spaces   'The assumption that you can coach anyone is really lacking in humility. It erases my difference and is not respectful.'   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-neurodiversity-adhd-inclusion  

In this episode Claire Pedrick, master coach and co-author of ‘The Human Behind the Coach,’ joins host, Helen O’Grady to explore the vital role of humanness in coaching supervision. They discuss the importance of authenticity, vulnerability, and why the supervisee, rather than supervisor, decides if a space is safe or not. Claire shares personal insights on power dynamics, the value of self-reflection, and the ethics of supervisors bringing their humanity to their sessions. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of supervision, the need for continuous growth, and the courage required to foster genuine human connection within coaching relationships.   You will learn:   ·       What humanness in supervision means ·       The benefits of being human and vulnerable as a supervisor ·       The concept of self-supervision and the significance of reflection   “If you're asking me to disclose, explore, and dig, but you're acting like a robot because you know all your great questions and you're not being human, I can't show up either."   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-humaness-vulnerability-authenticity

In this episode, we take a deep dive into coaching readiness and coachability, as host Helen O’Grady is joined by Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach and author of two key coaching books. When coaches come to supervision doubting themselves, because their client is not engaged, Clare encourages supervisors to go beyond asking what the contract says, asking a second question, ‘Was the client and their organization coaching ready?’   With this question in mind, Clare explores the difference between ‘coaching readiness’ and ‘coachability’. She emphasizes the crucial role of organizational ‘coaching custodians’ in aligning coaching with strategic goals and the importance of specific compatibility calls that focus on four key questions to assess whether coach and client are a good match. Clare also discusses the misconception that coaching is universally beneficial for everyone. This episode offers clarity and practical tips for coaches and organizations, highlighting the need for supervision to unpack coaching readiness issues, ethical practice and a systemic approach to successful coaching outcomes.   You will learn:         ·       The definition and differentiation of "coachability" and "coaching readiness”. ·       Ethical considerations and complexities in coaching relationships ·       The value of supervision for coaches to reflect on their experiences with coaching readiness.    “Discussing coaching readiness is a key area for supervisors to explore with their supervisees.”   Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more valuable content.   For the episode resources and guest bio, please visit:  https://www.associationforcoaching.com/page/dl-hub_podcast-channel-coaching-supervision-uncovered-coachability-readiness-custodian