Ep 219: Summer Reading: Transformative Books to Read for Coaches & Clients

Ever wondered if coaching really has to happen in a home office or over Zoom? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore the creative possibilities and the evidence-backed benefits of taking coaching sessions outside or at least beyond your usual four walls. Whether you’re a coach or a client, you’ll discover why the environment matters so much to thinking, connection, and wellbeing. I share my personal experiences, practical advice, and thought-provoking questions to help you rethink your coaching setting so you can support your clients.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Rethinking the coaching environment&nbsp;01:05 Moving beyond traditional settings&nbsp;02:13 Why are we stuck on Zoom?04:07 The impact of environment on coaching presence07:47 Nature’s role in perspective and creativity&nbsp;&nbsp;08:41 The less-confrontational magic of outdoor coaching10:09 Integrating movement and outdoor elements11:13 Challenging the norms, a change in environment can serve clients in powerful, creative ways.&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 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&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...

Ever wondered how to keep momentum and deepen your impact as a coach when routines get disrupted like during summer holidays or life’s inevitable “in-between” moments? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore what it really means to maintain the coach-client relationship during periods of pause or transition.Listen to discover practical ways to empower your clients to take ownership, maintain connection without constant contact, and leverage breaks as an opportunity for deeper growth. In the coaching relationship, space to think can be just as important as time spent together.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: The power and process of coaching for change&nbsp;&nbsp;01:35 Rethinking session frequency: Why space matters for integration02:57 Navigating consistency: What happens when coaching takes a pause04:04 Empowering the client, not owning their progress&nbsp;&nbsp;05:22 Boundaries &amp; communication: Staying connected while maintaining clarity&nbsp;&nbsp;07:18 The coach’s true role: Facilitation versus fixing&nbsp;&nbsp;08:34 Building trust and client ownership beyond sessions&nbsp;&nbsp;10:08 Coaching for self-trust and autonomy&nbsp;&nbsp;12:57 Use insights from breaks to fuel future sessions14:03 Celebrate trust, space, and the connection between you and your clients.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...

Are you looking for some inspiration for your summer reading list? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I invite you into my world of summer reflection, journaling, and building your own resource library. I share how revisiting your own journals can be just as powerful as picking up the latest coaching bestseller, and how to find the books, podcasts, and tools that meet you (and your clients) where you are right now.&nbsp;Whether you’re journaling, reading, or listening this summer, let your curiosity lead the way and discover just how transformative it can be, for both you and your clients.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction: Why summer is the perfect time to read and reflect01:08 The value of revisiting your own journals for growth and insight03:31 Feeding your brain: Different ways to learn, from books to podcasts04:11 Choosing books that align with your coaching interests (I love neuroscience!)05:55 Expanding your horizons by exploring outside your usual frame of reference07:28 The balance between curiosity and protecting what you feed your brain08:21 Challenging your biases and considering different perspectives10:10 Integrating new learnings into your coaching practice11:06 Let your curiosity (and your clients’) guide your summer reading list.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/"

Are you tempted to take the entire summer off from your coaching business, hoping things will pick up in September? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I explore the realities of running a coaching business during the quieter summer season and why the popular “just chill out” advice might actually slow your growth. Join me as I share real stories, hard-won lessons, and my best strategies for making summer a season of building momentum, not losing it. Whether you’re balancing family life, feeling the financial pressure, or simply wanting to prepare for a powerful September, this episode is packed with insights to keep your business thriving, no matter the seasonHere are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction01:00 Starting a business takes time, consistency, and energy02:12 In the early years, I didn't take long summer breaks because of work and family commitments04:13 Your business context changes as your life circumstances change06:50 Use quiet summer months for outreach, building relationships, and content creation to keep growing your coaching business.10:35 Stopping business activity every holiday can kill momentum; commit to core business activities even during the summer months.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:...

How can we, as coaches and entrepreneurs, integrate deliberate rest and recovery into our lives and those of our clients without judgment or guilt? In this episode, I explore the essential role rest plays in performance, mental well-being, and long-term success.&nbsp;I share personal stories about building my business while raising two young children, address misconceptions around "hustle culture," and provide practical coaching strategies to support both ourselves and our clients in finding rest and recovery that truly works for them.Here are the Highlights:00:00 Introduction01:22 Balancing business building and motherhood02:41 Perception vs. reality in work, hustle, and rest03:58 Research on the science of holidays, stress, and cognitive recovery05:09 The double-edged sword of holidays06:27 Coaching clients on purposeful and intentional rest beyond holidays08:09 How doing a little work while away can actually support full relaxation11:34 The 7 types of rest and how to identify what you truly need13:55 The link between intentional rest and overall well-being (PERMA model)14:47 Practical tips for carving out rest in and out of holidays15:51 Creating non-negotiable uncontactable time16:47 Reflection on my own rest journey,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...

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...