Ep 209: Building Trust and Safety in Coaching

How can coaches and clients stay on track when summer brings shifting schedules, holidays, and the so-called “summer slump”? In this episode I share practical strategies for maintaining coaching momentum both for yourself and your clients through the unique challenges and opportunities the summer season presents.I explore how summer doesn't always have to mean a slowdown, and how you can reframe quieter periods into opportunities for reflection, growth, and preparation for a strong September. I share my own experiences juggling family life with coaching, and offer up actionable ideas for harnessing the energy of the season while keeping your business (and clients!) moving forward.Here are the Highlights:&nbsp;&nbsp;00:00 Introduction01:02 The impact of holidays whether you have kids or not&nbsp;&nbsp;02:10 Rethinking routines: What really serves you year-round?&nbsp;&nbsp;04:47 Creating momentum for September (even if you take a break)&nbsp;&nbsp;07:32 Supporting clients to stay accountable and realistic&nbsp;08:57 The myth of “quiet summers”: How rest leads to powerful decisions&nbsp;&nbsp;10:59 Reframing space, joy, and reflection as part of long-term success.&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: 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 really makes a coach successful beyond strategies and business plans? Is there a “secret sauce” to building a thriving coaching practice? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore why self-connection could be the most overlooked, yet essential, ingredient for success as a coach.I unpack the journey from learning coaching skills to building a sustainable business and explore why knowing yourself, your strengths, values, preferences, and even your quirks, matters more than any external strategy. If you’re wondering why some coaches thrive while others get stuck, it often comes down to how authentically you show up and how well you understand yourself.Join me as I share my own lessons from transitioning into coaching, letting go of the “professional coach mask,” and embracing what truly resonates with clients. Make sure you listen for some practical ideas about developing self-awareness and integrating your unique experiences into your coaching presence.Here are the Highlights:&nbsp;00:00 Introduction: Rethinking ‘success’ as a coach01:26 What ‘successful ‘really means and why language matters02:28 The essential but not secret business strategies every coach needs03:41 Why strategy isn’t enough: The real challenge coaches face05:34 The true ‘secret sauce’: Knowing who you are as a coach08:06 Moving beyond rules: Standing in your own preferences and values09:32 Ditching the ‘coach mask’: How authenticity builds trust and results10:32 How self-connection improves your coaching and business11:33 Why building your inner foundation is the most sustainable pathAbout 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...

How is AI really impacting the coaching profession and what sets human coaches apart? Is there room for both and how can coaches future-proof their practice as AI tools continue to develop?In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore the evolving relationship between coaching and artificial intelligence. As the field rapidly changes, I share how coaches can differentiate themselves from AI-driven solutions and why deep human connection, intuition, and a holistic approach remain at the heart of transformational coaching.Join me as I unpack what AI can and can’t do, why relational skills are more important than ever, and what coaches need to focus on to stay relevant and offer true value, now and in the future.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction 01:23 The evolution of coaching models: why we need to move beyond GROW02:58 Where AI can help and where it falls short04:18 The irreplaceable power of deep human connection05:34 Holistic coaching: intuition, energy, and noticing what AI can’t06:26 The importance of diverse tools and whole-person support07:47 Differentiating yourself as a coach in an AI-driven world09:30 Future-proofing your coaching practice with empathy and emotional intelligence10:35 Why human-centered coaching remains essential.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/"...

What does true client growth look like in coaching?&nbsp;How do great coaches help clients take those all-important insights from a session and turn them into real transformation in their lives?&nbsp;In this final episode of our Coaching Hub Podcast mini series on the ICF core competencies, we’re exploring Competency 8: Facilitates Client Growth, which is at the heart of impactful coaching.Join me, Ruth Kudzi, as I break down why coaching is about so much more than having a great session; it’s about nurturing autonomy, sparking action, and helping clients integrate their learning into daily life.&nbsp;We’ll look at how coaches can partner with clients to design their next steps, encourage autonomy (not dependency!), and navigate obstacles along the way. If you want your clients to leave not just inspired, but truly equipped for growth, this episode is for you.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction&nbsp;01:12 Why insight alone isn’t enough—embedding change through action&nbsp;&nbsp;01:58 Autonomy vs. accountability in coaching&nbsp;&nbsp;03:03 The client’s responsibility in their own development&nbsp;&nbsp;04:08 Designing next steps and applying learning&nbsp;&nbsp;07:55 Celebrating progress and closing sessions powerfully&nbsp;&nbsp;10:23 Why coaching is about transformation, not rigid modelsAbout 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...

What does it really mean to evoke awareness as a coach? How do we move beyond simply asking questions and help clients unlock deeper insight and transformation?&nbsp;In this seventh episode of our Coaching Hub Podcast miniseries, I’m exploring ICF Core Competency Seven: "Evokes Awareness."&nbsp;I share why evoking awareness sits at the very heart of powerful coaching and how it’s built on the layers of presence, trust, and active listening. You’ll hear why insight alone isn’t enough, and why skilled coaches help clients embed that learning, take it into their own lives, and move toward meaningful change.Discover practical tools and techniques, from skilful question-asking and silence, to metaphor and reframing, all while maintaining a true partnership and deep respect for client autonomy. I’ll be sharing real-life tips on balancing the use of tools, gently challenging thinking patterns, and always adapting your approach to meet the client right where they are.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction06:17 Help clients shift from their current state to desired future by increasing awareness08:42 Focus on empowering clients to explore perspectives by helping them reframe situations without imposing views10:53 We help our clients to go from where they are to where they want to be, evoking new awareness.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...

Have you ever found yourself wondering what it really means to listen as a coach not just to words, but to emotions, body language, and even what’s left unsaid? For me, active listening is at the core of every transformative coaching relationship, creating the foundation for trust, clarity, and true understanding.In this sixth episode of our mini series on The Coaching Hub Podcast, we’re diving deep into the ICF core competency of "listens actively." I’ll be exploring why being fully present is so much more than just hearing your client. It’s about tuning into the nuances, noticing subtle shifts, and engaging with empathy and curiosity.&nbsp;Together, we’ll look at how you can harness all your senses and intuition to support your clients, help them get clarity, and foster a space where their authentic selves can truly emerge.Are you ready to hone your listening skills and unlock the real magic of coaching conversations? Let’s dive in.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction04:54 Active listening and reflecting help challenge biases and enhance understanding for both coaches and clients10:31 Coaches act as detectives, identifying behavior and emotion patterns over time&nbsp;11.15 Be fully present with your client and listen without an agendaAbout 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...

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to be fully present as a coach?&nbsp; For me presence is at the heart of the coaching relationship, and it cements the other competencies.&nbsp;In this fifth episode of our mini-series on The Coaching Hub Podcast, I'm exploring the ICF core competency of "maintaining presence."&nbsp;We'll explore how being grounded, open, flexible, and genuinely attentive can completely transform your coaching relationships and ensure you’re able to go deeper with clients.&nbsp;Are you ready to discover what it takes to truly put your client at the heart of every session? Let’s get started.Here are the Highlights:0:00 Introduction04:52 Focus on empathy and a client-centred response06:56 Why emotional regulation is crucial in coaching10:44 Stay present and focused to support clients effectively; presence enhances conversations and relationships.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...

Have you ever wondered how truly transformative coaching relationships are built?&nbsp;In this fourth episode of our mini-series on the ICF competencies, we’re exploring the heart of what makes powerful coaching possible: trust and safety. I’ll be sharing why putting the client at the centre of coaching isn’t just a best practice, it’s essential for creating a space where real change can happen.&nbsp;Join me as we unpack practical ways to foster mutual respect, empathy, and openness. Let's help you create even more impactful sessions with your coaching clients.Here are the Highlights:0:00 Introduction00:59 If we do not have trust and safety with a client, we're not going to be able to have those deeper, transformative conversations.&nbsp;06:23 Create a safe, open space free of biases to foster trust&nbsp;08:12 Create a tailored, safe, and supportive coaching environmentAbout 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...

Have you ever wondered what it really means to establish and maintain strong agreements in coaching? In this third episode of my mini-series exploring the ICF Core Competencies, I’m talking about the vital role that clear agreements play in creating impactful coaching relationships.&nbsp;I’ll be sharing why boundaries, clarity, and co-creating the coaching journey are so essential, not just for the coach, but for the client as well. This episode will give you actionable insights on setting up every coaching session and relationship for success, all while keeping the client truly at the heart of the process.&nbsp;Let’s explore what it takes to establish trust, measure progress, and honour the coaching partnership from start to finish.Here are the Highlights:0:00 Introduction03:06 Clarify responsibilities in a written contract to prevent future issues&nbsp;06:14 Explore clients' needs thoroughly before planning,8:54 Staying on track, supporting the client, giving them autonomy, and being clear about what coaching is and coaching isn't.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"...

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a great coach not just in the session, but in the moments before and after? In this second episode of our mini-series here on The Coaching Hub podcast, I take you deeper into one of my all-time favourite topics: the coaching mindset (the ICF competency 2)&nbsp;What do we as coaches need to cultivate ‘outside’ of our sessions so we can show up fully present and open for our clients?&nbsp;I’m sharing practical ways to foster ongoing self-awareness, curiosity, and emotional regulation, along with why lifelong learning (and even a little dance or meditation before a session!) is key to our evolution as coaches. Join me to explore how embodying a coaching mindset shapes not only our work but also the way we approach life.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction01:02 What do we need to do outside coaching sessions?06:05 Supervision is a reflective space to look at coaching through different lenses09:24 Be present, seek outside support and embody a coaching mindset for deeper relationships and effective coaching.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"...