Ep 257: Bridging Worlds: Crystal Small's Path from Policing structures to Coaching Futures

Ruth Kudzi introduces her SERVE framework for coaching leadership, explaining how a leader’s state shapes their team and why trust, reflection, and valuing people are key to building a coaching culture. She shares practical ways to move from being the decision-making bottleneck to helping team members build autonomy, ownership, and confidence.Timestamps00:00 Introducing the SERVE framework01:18 Why a leader’s state affects the team02:15 Managing your state before coaching others03:11 Pausing before responding in anger04:08 Why stressed leaders need this work05:01 Building trust by engaging with people as humans06:30 How relationships can reduce workload over time07:00 Reflecting, reviewing, and asking better questions07:59 Showing people they’re valued08:59 Learning from mistakes without making them personal09:28 Embedding coaching into everyday leadership10:26 Giving people time to make decisions11:21 The impact of building a coaching cultureAbout 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 an 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.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:We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here:https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/https://ruthkudzi.com/https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcasthttps://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/Book:https://www.ruthkudzi.com/Coachingleaders https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917623453https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HJRYJRKH

From the structure of policing to a coaching career built on her own terms, Crystal Small's story is one of stepping into the unknown and choosing to design a life with intention.I loved this conversation on the Coaching Hub. Crystal is a brilliant coach and supervisor, part of the Optimus team, and someone who's genuinely walked the path she now helps others navigate. We talk about her years in policing, the juggle of leadership and family, and the moment redundancy became less of an ending and more of an open door. That leap led her to coaching, and a real passion for helping others (especially women in leadership) find their own way forward.Crystal shares how letting go of perfectionism and leaning into vulnerability shaped her as both coach and trainer. We also get into the quietly transformative side of coach training - so much more than a qualification, and often a journey of self-discovery in its own right.If you've been sitting with self-doubt, or sensing there's a more intentional, joyful path waiting, this one's for you.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Meet Crystal Small03:31 How living intentionally increases compassion in coaching06:03 Developing a "why not me?" mindset08:32 Gradually building confidence through repeated small actions11:46 Embracing imperfections as part of creativity and growth12:33 Letting go of the pressure to know everything19:00 Laughter as a tool for connection during coaching mishaps22:27 The privilege and joy of supporting coaches' growth26:20 The seesaw analogy for balancing process and presence as a coach About Crystal SmallCrystal Small is a coach, trainer and professional development leader working at the intersection of coaching excellence, wellbeing and leadership growth. She is Director of Professional Development at EMCC UK, where she supports the advancement of standards, learning and member development across the coaching and mentoring profession. Crystal is also a trainer with Optimus Coach Academy, contributing to the development of coaches through accredited programmes and practical skills training.She is the Founder and Director of Intentional Steps Ltd, a coaching and training organisation that partners with leaders, coaches and organisations to strengthen performance, confidence and workplace wellbeing.Connect with Crystal:Website: https://www.intentionalsteps.co.uk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalstepscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentionalstepsuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-smallAbout 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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

What if nearly losing your life became the catalyst for reinventing how you lead? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I'm joined by Claire Brumby to talk about living and leading with M.A.G.I.C., mindset, awakening, gumption, intuition and charisma.Claire is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker and accredited leadership coach. She built the healthy snacking brand Scrubby Crisps from a kitchen table idea into an internationally recognised product range, pitched it on Dragons' Den, and now coaches ambitious leaders to unlock confidence, clarity and high performance.She shares her "sliding door moment", a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that reshaped everything, and why she believes leadership needs to prioritise humanness, psychological safety and authenticity. It's an invitation to forget "normal" and lead in a way that's human-first and uniquely your own.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Meet Claire Brumby03:13 The role of growth mindset in facing challenges04:01 Cultivating a mindset to learn and grow from adversity09:12 Breakdown of the M.A.G.I.C. acronym10:25 How leaders can cultivate a growth mindset11:05 Innovation and positive disruption in mindset12:13 Changing leadership styles and influence of past role models13:29 Drawing out and transforming limiting beliefs in coaching16:08 The discomfort and value of self-reflection17:40 Removing the mask: authenticity in leadership and life21:08 Human skills as competitive advantage in the age of AI28:04 Urgency of authenticity, living and leading with conviction29:11 Progress over procrastination: addressing fears that hold us back About Claire BrumbyClaire Brumby is an internationally respected motivational and leadership speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, Dragons’ Den alumna and creator of the leadership MAGIC Framework™. Having built award-winning FMCG brand Scrubbys, Claire combines hard-earned commercial experience with a bold, human approach to leadership. She works with organisations including Bupa, L’Oréal, Amazon and Kellogg’s, challenging outdated leadership and helping leaders become more human, intuitive, and courageous, without sacrificing commercial performance. Connect with Claire:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebrumby/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theclairebrumbyAbout 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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

AI is reshaping the business landscape at speed, but can a machine ever do the one thing coaching is really about, truly seeing another person? This week on the Coaching Hub, Nic Cuthbert and I explore where the line falls between what AI should handle and what only a human can.Nic co-founded Happy AI, and he's refreshingly clear-eyed. AI is brilliant at repetitive operational tasks, but the heart of coaching, genuine connection and human understanding, stays out of its reach.We tackle the fear that AI is here to "take jobs," then flip it. Coaches and business owners who embrace automation win back hours for the work that matters, avoid admin burnout, and scale faster, especially those just starting out.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Meet Nic Cuthbert00:03 Introduction to Happy AI and integrating AI into coaching01:26 Nic’s background in recruitment and transition to coaching03:27 Common fears and misconceptions about AI and automation04:34 Practical applications of AI for new coaches05:41 The reality of AI impacting jobs and the shift in job markets06:52 Mindset shift: Embracing and proactively adapting to AI09:00 AI-generated content vs. authentic human connection in coaching11:39 Using AI to automate repetitive operational and marketing tasks20:12 Removing operational friction is the "secret sauce" for business growth.About Nic CuthbertNic Cuthbert is a founder, AI and automation scaling partner and father of six, (“seven in my blended world”).Nic started in recruitment in the late 90s and has spent the last 20 plus years building and scaling businesses, from executive search firms to venture backed tech companies. Today he co-runs The Happy AI, where the team helps growing companies scale with clarity rather than chaos.Nic says: “I believe most businesses don’t need more tools. They need clearer thinking. When you identify the real bottleneck, automation becomes powerful. Without clarity, it just accelerates noise. I trained as an ICF accredited coach through Optimus because I became fascinated by the human side of leadership. Founders carry pressure. Fathers carry pressure. Identity shifts quietly as businesses and families grow. I’m interested in building ambitious businesses that actually fit the person building them. Expect honesty, humour and a refusal to pretend it’s all perfectly balanced.”Connect with Nic:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccuthbert/Website: https://www.thehappyai.com/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 an 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: BooksConnect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout 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-trainingWe also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimuscoachacademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademyProduced by Winter Audio.

At his heaviest, Lewys Morgan-Smith weighed 300lb, ticked every box the fitness world told him to, and was completely miserable. It took a breathless moment on the stairs to make him rethink everything.In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I'm joined by Lewys, a mindset, physique and performance coach and founder of The Revival Coach. He shares an honest transformation story moving from a relentless search for external validation to a healthier relationship with himself and his work. We dig into what it takes to build lasting change, why quick fixes rarely stick, and how mindset and habits form the foundation of real transformation.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Meet Lewys Morgan-Smith02:35 Deep dive into bodybuilding life03:51 The dark side: eating disorder and self-critique05:18 Reaching 300lbs before the turning point07:30 Social media validation vs. self-validation13:04 Mindset: awareness, subconscious habits, self-understanding17:04 The myth of quick fixes and neural pathways19:07 Gut health's role in mood26:19 Validation loops and simple changes for mental health29:17 Matching identity, habits and a realistic lifestyle30:32 Mindset-first coaching in a physique-obsessed industry31:47 The importance of authentic role models.About Lewys Morgan-SmithLewys Morgan-Smith is a mindset, physique and performance coach, founder of The Revival Coach. After over a decade in the fitness industry, his work is shaped as much by his mistakes as his successes.Originally coming from a competitive bodybuilding background, Lewys spent years chasing extreme physiques and learned firsthand how easy it is to sacrifice health, balance, and identity in the process. That experience led him to step away from competition and rebuild his approach from the ground up.Today, he helps driven people build strong, lean bodies while creating discipline, confidence, and a healthier relationship with themselves and fitness.His coaching focuses on real, sustainable change rather than quick fixes or perfection. Through his growing Revival ecosystem, Lewys is on a mission to help people reclaim control of their health, habits, and attention in a world that constantly pulls them away from it.Connect with Lewys:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewysmorgansmith/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/therevivalcoach_/Website: https://www.therevivalcoach.com/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 an 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: BooksConnect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout 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-trainingWe also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimuscoachacademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademyProduced by Winter Audio.

With increased attention from professional bodies like the ICF, supervision is becoming more standardised and recognised as essential. One of the co-founders Coaching Catalysts Sarah Bramall and I discuss the vital role of supervision in the coaching profession, tracing their own journeys from education into coaching and how their shared backgrounds inform their commitment to ongoing development and ethical practice.Sarah highlights how supervision offers a confidential and supportive space for coaches to reflect, manage challenges, and celebrate growth - something often missing when transitioning out of the structured environment of teaching into coaching.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro05:42 How supervision provides a confidential support structure for coaches07:00 Supervision as a space for coaches to explore ethical concerns10:09 How group supervision normalises experience, offers supportive “me too” moments, and combats the unrealistic narratives seen online.13:54 Supervision isn't a luxury, but is essential for safe, ethical practice16:25 After coach training, supervision becomes the main source of non-competitive support18:08 Coaching progress can be hard to measure and is often intangible22:12 Without supervision, personal biases and experiences can “leak” into sessions.About Sarah BramallSarah Bramall is one half of The Coaching Catalysts, along with Rebecca Daniel. Rebecca and Sarah are Executive Coaches, Coach Supervisors and the co-founders of The Coaching Catalysts, an organisation dedicated to strengthening ethical, reflective and sustainable coaching cultures.Both are accredited ICF Professional Certified Coaches (PCC), EMCC Senior Practitioners and EMCC-accredited Coach Supervisors, and are currently completing their ILM Level 7 inExecutive Coaching and Mentoring.With extensive leadership backgrounds in education and experience working across public and private sector organisations, they partner with organisations to develop leaders, internal coaches and coaching cultures that are credible, ethical and sustainable.Connect with Sarah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbramall/Website: https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com/ Coaching Catalysts LinkedIn:https://uk.linkedin.com/company/thecoachingcatalysts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingcatalysts Diploma: The double accredited professional supervision diplomaAbout 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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

No elite athlete wins alone, so why do so many leaders try to?That question sits at the heart of my conversation with Robert Stephenson, a coach, mentor, supervisor and leadership facilitator. We explore the crucial role of coaching and support in modern leadership, and why it's so often the piece leaders neglect. Robert shares his unconventional route from acting and theatre into coaching, and why leaders are quick to offer support to their teams while denying it to themselves. As he puts it, no athlete ever succeeds without a strong support team behind them and leaders shouldn't have to either.Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro 00:11 The importance of coaching and interventions for modern leaders 02:09 The challenges of disengagement and loneliness among leaders 03:16 Leaders' struggles with vulnerability and carrying all responsibility 04:11 Decision-making fatigue and the benefits of engaging teams 07:27 The impact of AI on leadership roles and workplace change 09:41 The unique value of human coaches versus AI-driven solutions 12:10 Experimenting with AI in leadership and personal productivity 18:08 The ripple effect of leadership stress on organisations 21:01 The necessity for leaders to have support systemsAbout Robert StephensonRobert Stephenson is an executive coach, facilitator and Managing Partner at Zenith Leadership Ltd. He helps leaders move beyond performance into presence, so they can lead with clarity, courage and connection.Originally trained as an actor and mime artist, he began his career in physical theatre, exploring how story, movement and energy shape the way we show up. That creative lens still runs through his coaching today.With over 20 years experience across coaching, supervision, training and facilitation, Robert has worked with senior leaders in organisations such as the NHS, BT, Sony Music, Estée Lauder and Skyscanner. His work blends narrative intelligence, systems thinking, the Enneagram and embodied practice to help leaders think more clearly, navigate complexity and create environments where others can thrive. He believes leadership is not about status, it is about story, energy and presence.Connect with Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-stephenson1/ Website: https://zenith-leadership.com/ 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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Something very exciting is coming to The Coaching Hub. In this special interview series, Ruth Kudzi explores mindset, leadership, integrating coaching with AI, and the humanness at the heart of great coaching. In these six great interviews, there is a common theme: how we can be the change, and how being more human changes everything. Follow and subscribe so you don't miss an episode, and share it with anyone you think might be interested.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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Something exciting is coming to The Coaching Hub. In this special interview series, Ruth Kudzi sits down with six brilliant guests who use coaching in very different ways - united by three big themes: the power of human connection, mindset, and coaching as a tool for real transformation.Coming up in the series:Robert Stevenson on why every leader needs a coach or confidant and how coaching supports leaders who feel lost, lonely and overloaded, through his whole-person approach.Sarah Bramhall (The Coaching Catalyst) on the power of supervision: preventing burnout, building ethical practice, and creating a space to grow your confidence as a coach.Nick Cuthbert on how AI can support coaches freeing up our time so we can focus on what matters most: human-to-human connection and conversation.Lewys Morgan-Smith shares his personal journey and why mindset sits at the heart of everything we do. If there's a young man in your life who needs some inspiration, this one's for him.Clare Brumby on leadership as an inner game and why gumption means standing up and putting yourself forward instead of waiting for a "someday" that never comes.Crystal Small on transforming your self-talk, shifting your perceptions, and the joy of watching people transform through coaching and training. She is also a member of the Optimus Academy team.Whether you're curious about coaching, working on your mindset, or wondering how to apply it all to real-life scenarios, subscribe or hit follow, so you don't miss an episode.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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Are you stuck feeling like you need to have all the answers as a leader? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I challenge the traditional command-and-control model and explain why today’s great leaders excel by asking better questions and empowering their people rather than simply giving orders.You’ll discover why embracing a coaching approach, focusing on building psychological safety, trust, and presence, leads to greater engagement, autonomy, and performance from your team.I share practical strategies you can implement right away: deeply listening, being compassionate and present, giving clear feedback, providing space for reflection and learning from mistakes, and supporting your team to find their own solutions. I highlight how creating an environment where it’s safe to get things wrong actually drives growth and innovation for everyone - including you.What’s inside:Why great leaders ask better questions rather than having all the answersHow leadership has shifted from command-and-control to a more coaching-based, relationship-driven approachWhy psychological safety and trust is essential for team engagement and performanceValuing individuals involves listening, being present, and recognising people's strengthsLeaders should use curious, non-judgemental questions to encourage reflection and improvementProviding time to think before meetings improves the quality of group discussionsTrue coaching leadership balances accountability with giving people room to make decisions and learn from failuresListening and noticing team dynamics help leaders support their teams with empathy and effectivenessKey topics covered:00:00 Intro: Why great leaders need coaching skills01:04 Coaching approaches boost engagement, autonomy, and performance.01:23 Building relatedness and psychological safety is key for leaders.02:19 Feedback, transparency, and equity help make people feel valued.03:12 Mistakes should be learning opportunities by asking questions like "What have you learned?"05:10 Presence and active listening strengthen relationships and trust.07:23 Genuine curiosity and creating space for reflection drive innovation.08:54 Autonomy allows for growth, capacity, and better decision-making.10:34 Listening well is a critical, often overlooked, coaching skill for leaders.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 an 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.