052: Coaching through the lens of nature

What if the real turning point for male leaders isn't more strategy—but more love, presence, and emotional courage? In this powerful episode, leadership coach and host Helena Clayton talks with high-performance coach and men's mentor Craig White, whose work guides successful men —especially those in their 40s and 50s—towards deeper emotional connection, self-acceptance, and authentic leadership. Craig explores why many men feel disconnected from themselves, and their emotional lives and relationships, and how balancing masculine and feminine energies can dramatically expand a man's capacity to lead, relate, and thrive. Craig opens up about his own transformative journey and shares the somatic, holistic practices at the core of his coaching, helping men shift from "head to heart" and reclaim relational presence.   The conversation dives into the role of love in men's development, reframing love not as softness, but as a powerful polarity—presence, connection, trust, playfulness, celebration, and accountability and firmness. Helena and Craig explore the value of men-only spaces, the necessity of vulnerability in leadership, and the profound impact of embodied practice on emotional expression.   This episode is an invitation for male leaders—and those who coach or support them—to consider how love, in its grounded and courageous form, can fuel personal transformation and more human, impactful leadership in organisations.   You will learn:   ·       Why male leaders are discovering that success isn't enough ·       The importance of somatic coaching practices in helping men shift from head to heart. ·       How holistic inner work, balancing masculine and feminine energies, creates better leaders and healthy masculinity    "If a man loves who he is, if he is kind to himself, if he accepts himself, then he will be like that in relationship to others."   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-love-in-coaching-male-leaders-emotional-presence  

In this thought-provoking episode, host, Helena Clayton sits down with coach, supervisor and author Clare Norman to explore the transformative power of love in coaching, leadership, and organizational life. Drawing on their 15-year professional connection, they unpack how love—specifically agape, unconditional love—differs from empathy, compassion, and care, and why naming love explicitly can shift the depth and quality of coaching relationships. Claire shares real-life examples about how coaching and supervision becomes a deeply human-centred practice when viewed through the 'lens of love.'   Together, they explore the practicalities of integrating love into coaching and the ethical boundaries needed when working with themes that can intersect with trauma, mental health, and personal history. The conversation highlights how love can become a bold revolutionary force in organizations and a catalyst for improved workplace culture and humancentric leadership —while also reinforcing professionalism, ethical rigour, and psychological safety. This episode offers both challenge and inspiration for coaches and supervisors seeking to work more bravely and compassionately.   You will learn: ·       How to introduce love as a professional coaching lens ·       The importance of inner work for this work - in breaking down a coach's barriers to being loving ·       The importance of ethics and contracting when bringing love into coaching and supervision   'I notice an extra notch in myself as I'm listening with love or through a stance of love; there's just something additive in that listening.'   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-love-in-coaching-ethics-supervision  

In this episode, host Helena Clayton sits down with executive coach, supervisor and trainer Marie Quigley for a powerful conversation about bringing love—courageous presence, authenticity, and deep humanity—into coaching. Marie reflects on her own evolution from traditional, performance-driven coaching to a more holistic practice that balances high challenge with deep compassion. She shares how integrating love not only supports clients more fully but also expands a coach's own capacity to hold complexity, uncertainty, and emotion. Helena and Marie explore the shifting landscape of coaching in a world shaped by global tension, organizational pressure, and rising client needs. They discuss why clear, intentional contracting—at both the beginning and end of a coaching relationship—is an act of love, creating psychological safety, transparency, and shared responsibility. Marie also offers a glimpse into her forthcoming book, Fierce Love, and invites coaches to experiment with bringing more love into the coaching space. This episode challenges coaches to show up more bravely, embrace relational depth, and use love as an active force for transformation. You will learn: ·       How actively bringing love into the coaching space along with challenge and provocation can create deeper transformation in clients ·       Why good contracting is a foundational act of love in the coaching relationship ·       Love is coaching is part of the evolving of coaching to more holistic, relational approaches 'If we want to do brave things in our coaching practice and our clients want to do brave things, then we really have to contract for a different approach to how we have conversations with each other.'   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-love-in-coaching-coaching-contracting

In this episode of 'A Day in the Life Of' podcast series, host Maxine Bell speaks with Lucy Whitehall, a psychologically informed leadership coach whose journey from corporate life to self-employment has shaped a deeply reflective and authentic practice. Lucy shares how she's learned to love working life again by embracing balance, integrity, and compassion—while navigating the grey area between coaching and therapy.   Propelled by her fascination in what makes humans tick, she is a coaching psychologist and positive psychologist whose practice focuses on the deep work – understanding client's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Driven by her own lived experiences with mental health and the current stresses of modern life, Lucy believes that all coaches should have a basic understanding of neuroscience. She is a self-confessed 'geek' for learning and passionate about CPD, which she believes helps her work with credibility, ethics and self-awareness, enabling her to be her best self as a coach for her clients.   Lucy shares her experiences with toxic work environments, and why she believes coaching leaders is key to creating healthy, happy, supported workforces that also perform well. She shares the challenges and highlights of being a self-employed coach and running a business, emphasising the non-negotiables she has about her own self-care. Listeners will gain insights, tips and be inspired by the joy and sense of purpose Lucy has found in her career as a coach and creating spaces for genuine human connection can thrive.   You will learn:   ·       Understand the principles and practice of psychologically informed coaching ·       What coaches can support and develop good leadership ·       Why self-care is essential for good wellbeing and good coaching practice.   'I never believed I could go to work, look forward to it, and have to control my working because I love it so much.'   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-psychologically-informed-leadership

In this episode, Kate Jenkinson talks to Professor Ludmila Praslova, organizational psychologist and author of the acclaimed book The Canary Code. Ludmila shares insights from her research and lived experiences, unpacking the book's central metaphor of the 'canary in the coal mine' — as a powerful lens for understanding workplace dynamics. She explains how neurodivergent individuals, often more attuned to dysfunction, can serve as early warning signals for toxic environments: arguing these sensitivities are not weaknesses but offer organizations a vital opportunity to detect and address systemic issues before they escalate.   With refreshing frankness, Ludmila explores neurodiversity in organizational settings, from poor hiring and evaluation practices to the pitfalls of traditional diversity and inclusion efforts and the value of considering intersectionality. She discusses and demonstrates the importance of 'inclusion from the margins,' providing real examples of forward-thinking companies that have successfully implemented neuroinclusive practices.  Ludmila shares the role of feedback mechanisms, flexibility, and fair evaluation, and champions job crafting, role modelling and inclusive leadership.   Ludmila invites listeners to reimagine workplaces, where transparency, curiosity and fairness create environments where every mind and every business can thrive.    You will learn:   ·       Why sensitivity is not fragility but a signal that can aid organizations in creating high performing teams ·       Why traditional performance management, such as bell curves, do not work. ·       Why designing workplaces for those most marginalised results in healthier, more equitable and more effective systems for everyone     'You don't just bring in more of the same by adding neurodivergent people to the team. You bring in different pieces that create a much richer overall talent set.'   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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-neuroinclusive-organizational-teams-canary-code

In this insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson speaks with neurodiversity lead, Dominique Stern and scientist and coach, Nathalie Meunier about how the global healthcare company, Roche, is embedding neurodiversity inclusion into its culture through coaching, education, community, and courageous leadership. Together, they explore how understanding and embracing neurodivergent experiences can transform the employee experience. Dominique and Nathalie share real examples and practical strategies that highlight how psychological safety, active listening, and curiosity can unlock hidden potential and foster a sense of belonging and innovation across teams.   This conversation goes beyond awareness, demonstrating how neuroinclusion is a strategic advantage that enhances collaboration, innovation, and business performance. As Dominque summarises, "Neuroinclusion is not charity. Neuro inclusion will directly unlock probably one of the biggest performances reserves you have in your organization."   Gain real-world insights into how Roche's Neurodiversity Network has co-created a thriving, supportive environment where neurodivergent employees feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best work. Whether you're a coach, internal practitioner, HR leader, or senior executive, this episode offers actionable steps to champion neurodiversity and build an organization where every mind truly matters.   You will learn:   ·       How neurodivergent employees thrive in an environment of psychological safety, awareness and sense of belonging. ·       Practical strategies for leaders and coaches to cultivate a neuroinclusive culture — where cognitive diversity drives real business results. ·       How coaching skills can lead the way to healthier inclusive workplace   'We create a place of belonging and acceptance for neurodivergent people, we are neurodiversity affirming, and we also raise awareness of neurodiversity at work and advocate for neuro inclusion in every aspect of the employee 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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-innovation-corporate-inclusive-leadership

In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson talks to Fiona Plows, VP of Enterprise Innovation, for a thought-provoking conversation about neurodiversity and inclusive leadership. Fiona reflects on her career journey from a PhD in chemistry to leadership in tech and innovation and how she learned the importance of purpose-driven problem-solving over mere technology expertise.  She explains how neurodivergent traits can fuel creativity and innovation, offering both personal reflections and organizational strategies for creating inclusive spaces where diverse minds thrive. With lots of real-life examples and practical tips Fiona discusses the essence of authentic, good leadership: advocating for a gardener style leadership rooted in genuine care, active listening, and nurturing potential rather than controlling it. She unpacks the real meaning of inclusion in everyday team dynamics, from designing better meetings to supporting neurodiverse talent through coaching, mentoring, and importantly, sponsorship.   Listeners will gain actionable advice for fostering inclusion in daily team dynamics, navigating leadership challenges without overwhelm and burnout, and building networks that enable both professional and personal growth. An episode jammed-packed with nourishing insights and advice!   You will learn:   ·       How neurodiversity is a catalyst for innovation and creativity in the workplace ·       Why leadership rooted in care will help individuals, teams and organizations to thrive ·       Why purpose-driven careers are the key to success and a happy, fulfilled workforce   "Neurodiversity can be a real superpower; if you think differently, you can imagine things that don't exist yet."   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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-leadership-care-innovation

In this informative episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with neurodiversity coach and speaker, Cheryl Winter, to explore how the world of hidden disabilities has evolved since 2010 — and what this means for coaches, leaders, and organizations today. Cheryl reflects on her journey since 2011, sharing inspiring client stories and practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent employees. From dyslexia to ADHD and autism, the conversation dives into workplace needs assessments, early strengths identification, and the differences between neurodivergent coaching and neurotypical coaching approaches.   Together, they discuss the changing landscape of neurodiversity support in the workplace, the importance of using a strengths-based approaches and the implications of double empathy. Cheryl talks about some of the sensory challenges for neurodivergent individuals and highlights how empowering managers, training HR professionals, and fostering co-coaching relationships can create workplaces where neurodiversity can work to their talents with better outcomes for all. Whether you're a coach, a leader, or part of an organization seeking to do better, this episode offers both inspiration and practical takeaways for the future of workplace inclusion.   You will learn:   ·       The benefit of workplace needs assessments and strength-based approaches ·       What managers and leaders can do to provide good support for their neurodivergent employees ·       Why co-coaching can be transformative for neurodivergent employees and employers       "If organisations invested in getting their HR professionals or their occupational health teams trained in neurodiversity workplace needs assessments, I think individuals would be attended to quicker."     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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-needs-assessments-strength-based

In this warm and insightful episode, host Kate Jenkinson sits down with friend and fellow coach Mike Bedford over a comforting cup of Yorkshire tea to explore coaching neurodivergent professionals. Together, they unpack the importance of unconditional positive regard, and the everyday challenges neurodivergent individuals navigate in the workplace—such as ambiguity, masking, and burnout. Mike encourages neurodivergent individuals to be brave and open from the start about who they are and what they need: sharing the transformative role of self-advocacy, support networks, and clear communication in thriving at work.   The conversation also highlights the value of individualised approaches to well-being and professional development. Kate and Mike reflect on strategies for managing mental health, recharging, and maintaining balance, while examining how language, identity, and boundaries influence neuro-inclusive spaces. They discuss the role of technology in burnout, and how hidden agendas or vague communication can exacerbate stress for neurodivergent individuals. What emerges is a thoughtful reminder that authenticity, reflection, and respect are essential ingredients in coaching, workplace and leadership practices that truly embrace neurodiversity where neurodivergent professionals can be themselves and flourish at work.   You will learn:   ·       The complexities of unconditional positive regard at work ·       The power of self-advocacy ·       Tips and insights for supporting neurodivergent employees   'If you don't know yourself, you're never going to truly be able to get what you need to thrive.'   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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-burnout-self-advocacy-neurodivergent  

In this episode, host Kate Jenkinson interviews Anita Patel, an inclusion and intersectionality speaker, trainer, and neurodiversity coach. Anita shares her personal journey with late-diagnosed autism and ADHD, discussing the challenges neurodivergent individuals face at work and the evolution of organizational attitudes toward neuro-inclusion. She explains why intersectionality and lived experience are essential for authentic inclusion, and how businesses, leaders, and HR professionals can move beyond tokenistic gestures toward strategic, systemic change.   The conversation dives into practical strategies for embedding neuro-inclusion into organizational culture, highlighting the power of strength-based coaching, psychological safety, community support, and open dialogue. Anita offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where neurodivergent employees feel celebrated, supported, and empowered to thrive. Whether you're a coach, business leader, or HR professional, this inspiring episode provides actionable insights to foster genuine inclusion and drive meaningful impact.   You will learn:   ·       Why lived experience and intersectionality matter in shaping effective neurodiversity initiatives ·       How organizations can shift from tokenistic practices to positive systemic inclusion ·       Practical steps leaders can take to build psychological safety and support neurodivergent employees     "More recently, I've noticed a shift where people are thinking about what neuro inclusion actually means through an intersectional lens and how this can be embedded throughout the year"   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-neurodiversity-in-workplace-intersectionality-organisations-neuroinclusion