Coaching Conversations with the AoEC

In this episode of Coaching Conversations with the AoEC, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Philip Atkinson, Global Partner for the AoEC in Switzerland, executive coach, leadership consultant and founder of Hive Logic. Together, they explore Philip's journey from leading teams in some of the world's largest pharmaceutical organisations to building a career focused on coaching, learning and leadership development. Having spent more than two decades working in organisations including Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis and Roche, Philip reflects on the questions that first sparked his curiosity about people, teams and leadership: why do some teams thrive while others struggle, despite operating in the same environment? That curiosity ultimately led him towards coaching and a deeper exploration of human behaviour, change and development.  Philip shares his experience of discovering the AoEC, progressing through its coaching programmes, and the profound impact that community, vulnerability and reflective practice had on his own personal and professional growth. Together, Neil and Philip discuss why coach training is about far more than gaining a qualification, and how meaningful development often happens through the relationships, conversations and self-discovery that emerge along the way. The conversation also explores the challenges and opportunities that come with major career transitions. Philip speaks candidly about leaving corporate life, letting go of long-held professional identities, and what he describes as “taking off the corporate coat” before stepping into a new chapter as an entrepreneur, coach and educator. Along the way, the pair discuss topics including leadership, systemic team coaching, building a coaching business, AI, organisational complexity and the importance of creating space to think more deeply in an increasingly fast-moving world. Philip also shares insights from his work developing AoEC Switzerland and helping leaders and teams navigate change with greater awareness, intention and impact. At its heart, this is a conversation about identity, growth and the power of coaching to help people think more clearly about who they are, how they lead and the difference they want to make in the world.You can connect with our speakers here:·  Neil Mackinnon, faculty, the AoEC – host·  Philip Atkinson, co-head of AoEC Switzerland, executive coach, founder of Hive Logic and author of Bee Wise - guest speaker

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Louise Nicholson, head of AoEC Ireland and Northern Ireland, executive coach, faculty member and AoEC alumna, to explore her journey into coaching and the experiences that have shaped her professional practice.  Louise reflects on how her early years competing in equestrian eventing fostered a deep interest in performance, resilience and human potential. She shares how these formative experiences, combined with a successful career in leadership consulting, eventually led her to discover executive coaching and undertake the AoEC’s Practitioner Diploma. The conversation explores the value of coaching as both a professional discipline and a personal development journey. Louise discusses the impact of self-awareness, reflective practice and challenging coaching conversations, as well as the importance of finding a coaching approach that aligns with both coach and client. Neil and Louise also examine the evolving coaching landscape, including the growing role of AI, professional accreditation, mentor coaching and the importance of staying connected through learning communities. They discuss how coaching continues to develop as a profession and why its human, relational nature remains as important as ever.This is an episode about growth, self-discovery and the transformative power of coaching, both for those who practise it and those who experience it. You can connect with our speakers here:·  Neil Mackinnon, faculty, the AoEC – host·  Louise Nicholson, head of AoEC Ireland and Northern Ireland and Taylor Clarke, faculty member, executive and team coach - guest speaker

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Sharon Tan, head of AoEC Asia, executive coach and organisational development practitioner, to explore her journey from finance and auditing into leadership development, coaching and systemic change. Sharon shares how her experience of building teams across global organisations sparked a fascination with organisational effectiveness and ultimately led her into coaching. Along the way, she discusses the powerful role of Gestalt coaching, embodiment and awareness in helping leaders and teams see challenges from fresh perspectives. The conversation explores the intersections between organisational development, systemic team coaching® and leadership, including why facilitation is not the same as team coaching, the importance of stakeholder awareness and how coaches can support organisations in increasingly complex environments. Neil and Sharon also discuss coaching in the age of AI, the growing importance of self-awareness for leaders and why mentor coaching and supervision are becoming essential elements of professional practice.  This is an episode about transformation, awareness and coaching the whole system, not just the individual.You can connect with our speakers here:·  Neil Mackinnon, faculty, the AoEC – host·  Sharon Tan, Head of AoEC Asia and Besonder Consulting, faculty member and executive coach - guest speaker

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member Joan van den Brink to explore the experiences and influences that have shaped her coaching practice over more than two decades. Joan reflects on an eclectic career journey spanning chemistry, marketing, operations, consulting and leadership development before discovering coaching. She shares how formal coach training transformed her approach, helping her move away from providing answers and towards creating space for deeper reflection, growth and change.  The conversation explores the importance of relationships, authenticity and presence in coaching, as well as the theories and practices that continue to inform Joan's work today. She also discusses her contributions to the AoEC's Professional Practitioner Diploma, including sessions on identity and self-compassion that encourage coaches to think more deeply about themselves and the people they work with. Joan also shares insights from her work as an author and advocate for neuroinclusion, highlighting the growing need for coaches and organisations to better understand neurodiversity and create environments where people can thrive.  This is an episode about connection, curiosity and creating the conditions for meaningful change, both for individuals and the systems they are part of. You can connect with our speakers here: ·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host·       Joan van den Brink, faculty, the AoEC and founder of Araba Consulting- guest speaker 

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member John Gray to explore the experiences, beliefs and influences that have shaped his approach to coaching over the past decade.  John reflects on a career spanning mediation, consultancy, international development and community work, sharing how these experiences led him towards coaching and continue to inform his practice today. He discusses the role of silence, self-awareness and curiosity in coaching, as well as the challenge of letting go of being the expert with the answers.  The conversation also explores systems thinking, existential coaching and the question at the heart of coach development: "Who am I as a coach?" John shares his hopes for the future of the profession and why coaching has an important role to play in helping people and organisations navigate an increasingly complex world. This is an episode about presence, purpose and the potential for coaching to create change that goes far beyond business as usual.  You can connect with our speakers here: ·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host·       John Gray, faculty, the AoEC and founder of Castle Crag - guest speaker

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member Sudhir Daya for a lively conversation about his journey into coaching and what continues to shape his approach today.Sudhir shares how his background in healthcare – working with trauma, pain and performance – sparked a deep interest in human behaviour and the mind–body connection. That curiosity now sits at the heart of his coaching, alongside a strong drive to make a meaningful difference.He reflects on how his practice blends non-directive coaching with insights from across disciplines, and why supervision played a key role in helping his coaching really ‘click’.Sudhir also offers an inside view of the AoEC Practitioner Diploma, highlighting its experiential design, the emphasis on self-awareness, and why the questions “who am I?” and “how do I coach?” are so powerful for developing a personal coaching style.Looking to the future, the conversation explores where coaching is heading – from growing client expectations and the role of supervision to AI as a useful partner rather than a replacement.This is an episode about curiosity, growth and showing up as yourself – whatever stage you’re at in your coaching journey.You can connect with our speakers here:·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host·       Sudhir Daya, faculty, the AoEC and founder of The Life Architect - guest speakerUseful LinksFind out more about some of the resources mentioned in the discussion here: The Eliza effect: The AI trick we’re still falling for

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Madeleine Dunford, founder of Career Connections and head of AoEC East Africa, for a rich and personal conversation about her journey and the evolution of coaching in the region.Madeleine shares how she built her business over nearly three decades, from introducing psychometrics to East Africa to developing executive search and, later, pioneering executive coaching in response to shifting client needs and the 2008 financial crisis. Her story reflects a deep entrepreneurial spirit and a strong belief in developing local leadership talent. She also reflects on her long-standing partnership with the AoEC, highlighting its role in bringing accredited coach training to East Africa and supporting the professionalisation of coaching in the region. Together, they explore the impact of its programmes and the diverse mix of leaders and aspiring coaches who undertake them. Madeleine offers insight into her coaching philosophy, blending creativity, reflection and a focus on action, as well as her purpose of “lighting a thousand candles” through both coaching and developing others.The conversation also explores her passion for systemic team coaching®, the realities of working across diverse and emerging markets, and her perspective on AI as a useful complement - rather than a substitute - for human coaching. This episode will resonate with coaches and leaders interested in purpose-driven practice, global perspectives and the human impact of coaching.You can connect with our speakers here: ·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host·       Madeleine Dunford, head of AoEC East Africa and founder of Career Connections - guest speaker

In this episode, the format is reversed as Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education at the AoEC, interviews senior faculty member Neil Mackinnon in a reflective and candid conversation about his journey into coaching and his philosophy of practice. Neil shares his unconventional path from a career in music and the arts into coaching, exploring how creativity, listening and presence have shaped his approach. He reflects on the pivotal coaching experience that transformed his career direction and the process of building a practice grounded in relationships, self-awareness and continuous development.Together, they explore what it really means to “be” a coach, moving beyond models and techniques to consider coaching as a relational and creative act. The conversation also highlights the role of coach education in developing reflective practitioners, the impact of faculty, and what differentiates meaningful learning experiences.Looking ahead, they discuss the evolving coaching landscape, including the rise of AI, the importance of ethics and human connection, and the opportunities for coaches to create lasting impact through deeper, more conscious work.This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone curious about the deeper human work behind effective coaching and coach education. You can connect with our speakers here: ·       Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – host·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – guest speaker

In this episode, Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty at the AoEC, is joined by Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education – global, AoEC, for an open and reflective conversation about coaching practice, coach education and what truly makes coaching transformational.Lucy shares her journey from a 20‑year corporate career into coaching, the realities of building a coaching business, and how her approach has evolved over time. Together, they explore what good coach training really requires, why standards and ethics matter, and how coaching is adapting to an increasingly complex world. They discuss: • Lucy’s path into coaching and the courage of a second‑career transition • How coaching practice deepens beyond models, structure and “good questions” • The role of faculty in creating safe, experiential learning environments • Why challenge, boundaries and ethics are central to effective coaching • What differentiates high‑quality coach training in a competitive market • The future of coaching, including AI, team coaching and collaboration This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone interested in the human craft behind excellent coaching and coach education. You can link with the speakers here:• Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host • Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – guest speaker

As climate pressures intensify, leaders across every sector are being asked deeper, more urgent questions about the role of their organisations and the values guiding their decisions. In this special Climate Coaching Action Day episode, Professor Katie Bailey and Dr Katie Manning - co‑editors of The Purpose‑Driven Organisation in Times of Climate Crisis - join host George Warren to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in a climate‑changed world.This episode offers an honest, human‑centred conversation about organisations and leadership in the climate era - balancing practical organisational insight with the inner work leaders must undertake to show up with clarity, compassion, and conviction.For coaches and leaders alike, this is an essential exploration of how purpose can help reshape business for a regenerative, responsible future.You can link with the speakers here:George Warren, Associate Faculty, the AoEC and executive coach, the Edge of Coaching – hostProfessor Katie Bailey, Emerita Professor of Work and Employment, Kings College London - guest panellist Dr Katie Manning, Lecturer in Climate Change, Business, and Society, Kings College London - guest panellist