Ep 209: Building Trust and Safety in Coaching

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"...

Welcome to a brand new miniseries here on The Coaching Hub Podcast. I’m Ruth Kudzi, and I’m excited to explore one of the most fundamental topics in coaching: ethical practice. Learn what it truly means to embody the ICF core competencies, starting with how we show up honestly, create trust, and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards.&nbsp;I’ll walk you through insights on integrity, respect, confidentiality, and&nbsp; navigating social media as a coach.&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction03:11 Ethical practice involves valuing clients' individuality06:29 As a coach commit to embracing humanity with openness and respect11:16 Coaching fosters diverse perspectives and can bridge polarised views.&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: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/&nbsp;Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy&nbsp;Produced by Winter Audio.

Have you ever found yourself wishing you could handle conflict at work or at home with a little more ease and maybe even walk away feeling good about it?&nbsp;In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I'm exploring how coaching skills can help us navigate those tricky conversations we all tend to avoid.&nbsp;Whether it's giving tough feedback, managing disagreements with a loved one, or facing a client complaint, I'll share how coaching tools like future pacing, real listening, and compassionate preparation can help us stay grounded, see all perspectives, and move toward resolutions that actually stick.&nbsp;Dive in to discover how embracing these skills can transform not only your approach to conflict but also your relationships—both professional and personal.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction03:32 Manage your emotions, listen actively, and prepare by noting key points before important conversations09:05 Prepare, seek perspectives, take responsibility, and engage in open compassionate conversations10:06 I believe the way we approach mistakes is a sign of who we are.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...

What makes leadership and executive coaching different from traditional coaching?In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, we’re exploring just that. We’ll look at how leadership coaching has evolved from outdated, transactional approaches to something much more holistic and impactful.We’ll discuss why today’s leadership coaching focuses on the whole person helping clients with self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and identity, both professionally and personally.Whether you're a coach or just curious about the power of leadership coaching, this episode is packed with practical insights you can start using right away.Here are the Highlights:​​00:00 Introduction04:36 Holistic Leadership Coaching Strategies09:44 Building the Right Skills for Leadership CoachingInterested in finding more about our Coaching Diploma? Join our Free Workshop Week starting on Monday April 28: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/workshop-week-april-2025About 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...

Are you ready to break free from the confines of "good enough" in your business?&nbsp;In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, join me, Ruth Kudzi, to talk about sitting still in the business world. We'll explore the concept of continuous improvement and how it aligns with coaching, encouraging incremental gains and innovation. I'll share insights on creating a culture of feedback, embracing flexibility, and striving for that 1% better each week - whether you're a solo entrepreneur, team leader, or business owner. Tune in to ignite your passion for growth and discover how you can encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous development in your professional life!&nbsp;Here are the Highlights:​​00:00 Introduction01:35 The power of incremental gains03:53 Embracing feedback with an open mind05:15 Creativity, innovation and avoiding complacency07:59 Nurturing strengths and collaborationInterested in finding more about our Coaching Diploma? Join our Free Workshop Week starting on Monday April 28: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/workshop-week-april-2025About 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"...