252. The Hidden Cost of Success: Navigating the Vulnerability Tax

This disconnect between how we think clients should behave and how they actually show up is something I see coaches struggle with constantly - whether they're brand new or have been coaching for years. We create these unspoken rules and expectations for our clients, then feel disappointed when they don't follow them.   The truth is, your clients' behavior isn't about you - it's about them being human. And the good news? You have way more influence over how your clients show up than you think. Through the four simple strategies I share in this episode, you can help your clients become better at being clients while also examining your own patterns and assumptions.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/254

Sometimes coaching sessions just don’t go the way you expect. Your client might show up overwhelmed, jump between topics, or even tell you, “I don’t have anything to coach on.” In those moments, it’s easy to doubt yourself, and wonder how to steer the session without losing your confidence or momentum.   That’s why I'm sharing a simple coaching skill I call the 3 Question Reset. It's part of my new podcast series, Coaching Tools, where I teach practical frameworks and methods you can start using in your sessions right away to get real results. The 3 Question Reset helps you refocus the conversation and turns tricky, confusing moments into actionable insight - no matter the client or situation.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/253

You know that feeling when you hit a milestone in your business and suddenly everything feels different? In this episode, I'm exploring what I call the "vulnerability tax" - the hidden cost of success that makes established coaches close off just when they need openness most. The more success we create, the more we feel we have to lose by admitting we don’t have all the answers.   Through my own experiences – like that first $100k year when everything suddenly stopped working – I’ve learned that the most successful business owners are actually the most open to being wrong. Discover why the vulnerability tax exists and how to break out of the performance cage that's keeping you from the strategic support and authentic connections you need to keep growing.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/252

There's a common pattern I see with many coaches, especially when they hit a roadblock in their business. They dive into introspection and mindset work instead of asking, “How do I solve this?” But relying solely on self-concept work can sometimes keep you stuck.   In this episode, I’m going to share why self-concept work isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution and when it might actually be holding you back. You'll also learn how to balance mindset work with practical, actionable steps that lead to tangible results in your business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/251

My entire business is built on helping coaches find their own way of doing things. But the more coaches ask me for permission to do things their way, the more I realize just how many “rules” we’ve picked up along the way about the “right” way to do things.   In this milestone 250th episode, I'm giving you full permission to trust yourself and your evolution as a business owner. You'll discover why outgrowing your current model isn't failure but evolution and why sitting in the unknown without forcing the next step might be exactly what you need. This episode is your permission slip to come back to whenever you need to hear that your way of doing business is valid, even if you've never seen it modeled before.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/250

In this second part of my conversation with sales expert Justine Beauregard, we explore how to sell with authenticity. Justine, who helps scale businesses to as much as $300 million, shares more of her proven approach to sales, focusing on how to secure the right clients without relying on manipulative tactics.   You'll learn to see sales as a natural extension of your work of supporting others by offering them something they need, rather than pushing a sale. If you're still grappling with discomfort around sales, this episode will help you rethink your mindset and give you the confidence to step into sales with clarity and ease.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/249

If you’ve ever struggled with the idea of selling or felt uncomfortable with it, this episode is for you. Justine Beauregard, an expert sales coach who has helped scale businesses to as much as $300 million, will challenge everything you thought you knew about selling and show you how to approach it in a way that feels authentic and natural.   In this episode, Justine simplifies sales strategies that might otherwise feel complicated or overwhelming. She breaks down common misconceptions, like the belief that you need complex funnels to succeed. Instead, she shares the essential elements of a straightforward, effective sales process that you can start using immediately to connect with potential clients.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/248

Have you ever felt frustrated because your coaching business isn’t where you want it to be yet? In this episode, I’m sharing a story about the wildflower field behind my house that will transform how you approach growth. Cultivating a field is just like building a business: it's messy, it takes time, and it doesn’t always look pretty. But every step, even the 'ugly' ones, are part of the process.   If you're stuck focusing on the end result, this episode will challenge you to shift your mindset. I’m diving into why it's crucial to embrace the messy middle and enjoy each stage of your business growth. I’ll also show you why appreciating each step, and not just the final picture, will actually speed up your success and make the journey more fulfilling.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/247

Over the next three months, I'm embarking on a complete transformation of my brand, messaging, and offerings. And I'm documenting the entire process in real-time through a new program called Coach Unfiltered.   In this week's episode, you'll learn all about Coach Unfiltered and why you want to be in this container. Through this behind-the-scenes documentary experience, you'll see exactly how business transformations happen: the strategy sessions, the expert consultations, the pivots, and yes, even the moments of doubt. Tis isn't just about watching; it's about learning how to apply these same strategies to your own business while seeing the real, unfiltered journey of entrepreneurship.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/246

Do you ever find yourself thinking, “No one can know I’m struggling with this”? I’ve been there. But this thought might be one of the most dangerous beliefs you can carry as a coach. It’s normal to think you can’t show vulnerability, but what I’ve learned over time is that transparency doesn’t make us less of a coach. It makes us more human and more relatable to our clients.   In this episode, I dive into why trying to hide our fails from our clients only isolates us, increases pressure, and ultimately weakens our ability to serve them. I’ll also share how my own struggles with transparency have shaped my approach to coaching, and how embracing vulnerability has created deeper connections with my clients. Perfection is a myth, and it’s time we start normalizing the messy parts of coaching and business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.lindsaydotzlafcoaching.com/245