Ep 189: Five ways to build your confidence as a coach

Feeling under-confident as a coach? You're not alone, and it's completely natural. In today's episode, we're diving into an essential topic for many coaches: building confidence. Join me as I outline five powerful strategies to enhance your confidence and effectiveness as a coach. We'll explore the importance of having a flexible structure, diversifying your approaches, creating reflective spaces, fostering curiosity, and the significance of consistent practice. From setting the scene in coaching sessions to obtaining supervision and embodying the identity of a confident coach, we'll cover actionable insights to help you elevate your coaching game.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction06:02 Reflective space, especially through supervision, enhances self-awareness and professional growth.08:35 Regular coaching boosts confidence and development through practice, reflection, and flexibility in approach.&nbsp;11:23 Develop confidence as a coach through training, practice, and reflection on identity.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Hello 2025! In this episode, I’m sharing the best strategies to make 2025 your most successful year yet. I share some actionable tips on planning, goal setting, and embodying the future you want to achieve.&nbsp;Think about where you want to be by the end of this year and break down your goals into manageable steps. We'll discuss the importance of understanding your data, tapping into intuition, and maintaining a growth mindset.&nbsp;Whether you struggle with performance goals or need help strategising, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive. Stay tuned as we explore how to make those small, significant changes that can lead to big transformations.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction04:46 Continuously learn, improve, and seek resources strategically.07:33 Align vision with realistic financial planning.08:43 I hope to see all of you achieving what you want to do in 2025.&nbsp;About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/You can find out about my new business mastery course for new coaches here: &nbsp;https://www.ruthkudzi.com/businessmasteryBook:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus provide accredited coach training to support you to become a confident, credible coach who gets consistent results with their clients.&nbsp;If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

Why coaching the whole person is important in transformational coaching. In this episode, I'm sharing the holistic coaching framework we use at Optimus. I'll explore how this whole-person focused and flexible approach allows for more personalised and transformational coaching experiences.&nbsp;We'll break down the essential components - cognition, emotions, bodily sensations, behaviour, context, and identity to illustrate how you can adapt your coaching style to meet your clients where they are and go deeper in your sessions.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction05:53 Avoid judging; appreciate everyone’s individual differences.08:28 Coaching transforms identity to change behaviour.10:20 Transformational coaching enables impactful, long-term personal change.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/You can find out about my new business mastery course for new coaches here: &nbsp;https://www.ruthkudzi.com/businessmasteryBook:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus provide accredited coach training to support you to become a confident, credible coach who gets consistent results with their clients.&nbsp;If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by <a...

Have you ever wondered what steps to take if you were starting your coaching business right now?&nbsp;Today, I’m drawing from my eight and a half years of experience in this field. From building solid foundations to identifying and reaching your target audience, I'm sharing actionable insights to set you up for success.&nbsp;Whether you're a new coach or looking to refine your strategy, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you build and sustain a thriving coaching business.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction04:30 Identify valuable problems and target supportive organisations.09:43 Focus on lead generation and business mastery.12:09 Invest wisely in experienced individuals for success.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/You can find out about my new business mastery course for new coaches here: &nbsp;https://www.ruthkudzi.com/businessmasteryBook:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus provide accredited coach training to support you to become a confident, credible coach who gets consistent results with their clients.&nbsp;If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by Winter...

Today, I’m sharing an innovative coaching framework I developed called the SELFLESS model. Unlike traditional, formulaic approaches, SELFLESS is designed to be completely client-focused, emphasising the importance of building trust, creating a safe space, and forming deep, meaningful relationships with clients. We'll explore how this model highlights the critical role of a coach's preparation and mindset, and how these elements can lead to truly transformational coaching sessions. Join me as I unpack this holistic approach, aimed at empowering clients to find their own solutions and fostering personal growth.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction03:57 Focus on relationship-building for client trust.07:44 Coaching focuses on client-driven learning and reflection.09:52 This framework looks at the role that we play as a coach in terms of our preparation as well as the role that we play within sessions.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by <a href="http://winteraudio.co.uk" rel="noopener...

Can AI replace coaching? Today, we're exploring this: something which has been the subject of lots of articles and discussion online.&nbsp;So many people are asking: What will AI's impact be on coaching? Are we heading towards a future where machines replace human connection, or is AI a powerful tool that can elevate our practices? In this episode, we’ll explore the current landscape of AI in coaching, its potential benefits and limitations, and how we can embrace this technological revolution without losing the essence of what makes coaching so transformative.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction03:23 Coaching experience and AI can complement each other.07:35 AI will enhance coaching, professionalizing the industry.10:11 AI necessitates embracing professionalization and coaching skills.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by Winter Audio.Mentioned in this...

Before you make the life-changing decision to invest in a coach training course, you need to arm yourself with essential knowledge to help you make the right decision. In this episode, I explore the ethical landscape of the coach training industry, offering invaluable advice on what to look out for in accredited programs, the critical differences between various levels of accreditation, and why it's crucial to choose a course that aligns with your professional goals. Make sure you tune in to ensure you make an informed and confident choice about your coach training journey.Here are the Highlights:00:54 Why the coaching industry is not always an ethical space.03:36 When I did my initial coach training I was confused about ICF accreditation and didn’t feel I was given the full information.&nbsp;07:17 Make sure you evaluate the course accreditation before booking your training.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by Winter...

Are you considering adding in coaching skills to your corporate role? In this week's episode, I’m joined by Simon Dewis. Simon has over 35 years in the corporate world and a significant chunk of that time spent managing teams, Simon shares his journey from traditional management roles to embracing coaching and mentoring. He uncovers how structured learning and practical application shifted his approach to leadership, making him not just an effective manager but a catalyst for change. Prior to training with us at Optimus Simon had solid coaching skills which he developed through the course highlighting the power of practice, and the joy of witnessing those 'aha' moments when his colleagues and clients find their own solutions.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:01:43 As an experienced manager Simon transitioned from mentoring and training to coaching.05:33 Coaching practice develops skills, taking you beyond your comfort zone09:07 Coaching hours built confidence and credibility.15:21 Simon gained confidence and credibility by training with Optimus.19:40 &nbsp;Optimus diploma has lasting, impactful application as he uses the skills weekly&nbsp;21:39 He is building the LinkedIn profile to share insights and stimulate conversations.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

What is it really like to build a coaching business from scratch? This episode explores how I built my coaching business Ruth Kudzi Coaching Ltd and how it might have seemed like an overnight success however the truth is different.&nbsp; You're in for an honest and transparent look into my story from my early leadership roles to navigating confidence dips and mastering the balancing act of family and entrepreneurship.I share the pivots, the challenges, and the triumphs that shaped my path. You'll hear about everything from my first non-paying clients to crossing that elusive 10k a month revenue threshold and all the lessons learned along the way. Plus, I delve into how I transitioned to building a thriving training business while maintaining a coaching practice that I love.Here are the Highlights:01:12 Coaching inspired a career shift; I began properly coaching in 2008.&nbsp;05:16 Years of coaching experience and training helped my success: I was using skills I already had.&nbsp;09:29 I balanced one-on-one coaching and online courses with limited work time due to having young children, facing criticism for my schedule and realised had to focus on what worked for me.&nbsp;12:28 Launched a group program transitioning from employee to entrepreneur; faced challenges but grew, achieving a 5k revenue month by November 2016 and consistent 10k months from May 2017 onwards.&nbsp;16:09 Many people misunderstood coaching as directive, but it’s actually about empowering individuals to take ownership.My approach using mentoring and coaching offers something unique.&nbsp;18:44 Finding a supportive network has been crucial but challenging, impacting both personal and professional life.23:01 If you have any questions you want me to cover about my business or coaching journey on the podcast, get in touch: I’m running a new mastermind for established coaches from February next year.&nbsp;About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: <a href="https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

The path to coaching is different for everyone, and I love learning about each journey. I chatted to Fay Blakey, PCC who is one of our core team here at Optimus to explore how she has developed within the coaching space and her own individual journey. We discuss her passion for people development, mentorship, coaching and supervision. Discover the moments that defined her path, why she passionately values continued training and accreditation, and how she's dedicated her career to breaking down the barriers that hold people back from unleashing their full potential.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:04:40 We're more than our job roles.08:11 How she switched paths into what she does now&nbsp;12:11 Being inspired in a mastermind to learn coaching&nbsp;15:14 Coaching is about growth and realising your full potential.18:33 Connecting with purpose helps us to find meaning.23:06 Mindset shifts are crucial for coaching and growth.25:12 Enjoying coaching supervision; deeper, transformational client work.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is a MCC level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books&nbsp;Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/&nbsp;About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training&nbsp;We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...