Ep 254: From 300lb Bodybuilder to Mindset Coach: Lewys' Transformation Story

At his heaviest, Lewys Morgan-Smith weighed 300lb, ticked every box the fitness world told him to, and was completely miserable. It took a breathless moment on the stairs to make him rethink everything.In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I'm joined by Lewys, a mindset, physique and performance coach and founder of The Revival Coach. He shares an honest transformation story moving from a relentless search for external validation to a healthier relationship with himself and his work. We dig into what it takes to build lasting change, why quick fixes rarely stick, and how mindset and habits form the foundation of real transformation.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Meet Lewys Morgan-Smith02:35 Deep dive into bodybuilding life03:51 The dark side: eating disorder and self-critique05:18 Reaching 300lbs before the turning point07:30 Social media validation vs. self-validation13:04 Mindset: awareness, subconscious habits, self-understanding17:04 The myth of quick fixes and neural pathways19:07 Gut health's role in mood26:19 Validation loops and simple changes for mental health29:17 Matching identity, habits and a realistic lifestyle30:32 Mindset-first coaching in a physique-obsessed industry31:47 The importance of authentic role models.About Lewys Morgan-SmithLewys Morgan-Smith is a mindset, physique and performance coach, founder of The Revival Coach. After over a decade in the fitness industry, his work is shaped as much by his mistakes as his successes.Originally coming from a competitive bodybuilding background, Lewys spent years chasing extreme physiques and learned firsthand how easy it is to sacrifice health, balance, and identity in the process. That experience led him to step away from competition and rebuild his approach from the ground up.Today, he helps driven people build strong, lean bodies while creating discipline, confidence, and a healthier relationship with themselves and fitness.His coaching focuses on real, sustainable change rather than quick fixes or perfection. Through his growing Revival ecosystem, Lewys is on a mission to help people reclaim control of their health, habits, and attention in a world that constantly pulls them away from it.Connect with Lewys:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewysmorgansmith/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/therevivalcoach_/Website: https://www.therevivalcoach.com/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: BooksConnect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout 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-trainingWe also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimuscoachacademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademyProduced by Winter Audio.

With increased attention from professional bodies like the ICF, supervision is becoming more standardised and recognised as essential. One of the co-founders Coaching Catalysts Sarah Bramall and I discuss the vital role of supervision in the coaching profession, tracing their own journeys from education into coaching and how their shared backgrounds inform their commitment to ongoing development and ethical practice.Sarah highlights how supervision offers a confidential and supportive space for coaches to reflect, manage challenges, and celebrate growth - something often missing when transitioning out of the structured environment of teaching into coaching.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro05:42 How supervision provides a confidential support structure for coaches07:00 Supervision as a space for coaches to explore ethical concerns10:09 How group supervision normalises experience, offers supportive “me too” moments, and combats the unrealistic narratives seen online.13:54 Supervision isn't a luxury, but is essential for safe, ethical practice16:25 After coach training, supervision becomes the main source of non-competitive support18:08 Coaching progress can be hard to measure and is often intangible22:12 Without supervision, personal biases and experiences can “leak” into sessions.About Sarah BramallSarah Bramall is one half of The Coaching Catalysts, along with Rebecca Daniel. Rebecca and Sarah are Executive Coaches, Coach Supervisors and the co-founders of The Coaching Catalysts, an organisation dedicated to strengthening ethical, reflective and sustainable coaching cultures.Both are accredited ICF Professional Certified Coaches (PCC), EMCC Senior Practitioners and EMCC-accredited Coach Supervisors, and are currently completing their ILM Level 7 inExecutive Coaching and Mentoring.With extensive leadership backgrounds in education and experience working across public and private sector organisations, they partner with organisations to develop leaders, internal coaches and coaching cultures that are credible, ethical and sustainable.Connect with Sarah:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbramall/Website: https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com/ Coaching Catalysts LinkedIn:https://uk.linkedin.com/company/thecoachingcatalysts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingcatalysts Diploma: The double accredited professional supervision diplomaAbout 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

No elite athlete wins alone, so why do so many leaders try to?That question sits at the heart of my conversation with Robert Stephenson, a coach, mentor, supervisor and leadership facilitator. We explore the crucial role of coaching and support in modern leadership, and why it's so often the piece leaders neglect. Robert shares his unconventional route from acting and theatre into coaching, and why leaders are quick to offer support to their teams while denying it to themselves. As he puts it, no athlete ever succeeds without a strong support team behind them and leaders shouldn't have to either.Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro 00:11 The importance of coaching and interventions for modern leaders 02:09 The challenges of disengagement and loneliness among leaders 03:16 Leaders' struggles with vulnerability and carrying all responsibility 04:11 Decision-making fatigue and the benefits of engaging teams 07:27 The impact of AI on leadership roles and workplace change 09:41 The unique value of human coaches versus AI-driven solutions 12:10 Experimenting with AI in leadership and personal productivity 18:08 The ripple effect of leadership stress on organisations 21:01 The necessity for leaders to have support systemsAbout Robert StephensonRobert Stephenson is an executive coach, facilitator and Managing Partner at Zenith Leadership Ltd. He helps leaders move beyond performance into presence, so they can lead with clarity, courage and connection.Originally trained as an actor and mime artist, he began his career in physical theatre, exploring how story, movement and energy shape the way we show up. That creative lens still runs through his coaching today.With over 20 years experience across coaching, supervision, training and facilitation, Robert has worked with senior leaders in organisations such as the NHS, BT, Sony Music, Estée Lauder and Skyscanner. His work blends narrative intelligence, systems thinking, the Enneagram and embodied practice to help leaders think more clearly, navigate complexity and create environments where others can thrive. He believes leadership is not about status, it is about story, energy and presence.Connect with Robert: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-stephenson1/ Website: https://zenith-leadership.com/ 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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Something very exciting is coming to The Coaching Hub. In this special interview series, Ruth Kudzi explores mindset, leadership, integrating coaching with AI, and the humanness at the heart of great coaching. In these six great interviews, there is a common theme: how we can be the change, and how being more human changes everything. Follow and subscribe so you don't miss an episode, and share it with anyone you think might be interested.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Something exciting is coming to The Coaching Hub. In this special interview series, Ruth Kudzi sits down with six brilliant guests who use coaching in very different ways - united by three big themes: the power of human connection, mindset, and coaching as a tool for real transformation.Coming up in the series:Robert Stevenson on why every leader needs a coach or confidant and how coaching supports leaders who feel lost, lonely and overloaded, through his whole-person approach.Sarah Bramhall (The Coaching Catalyst) on the power of supervision: preventing burnout, building ethical practice, and creating a space to grow your confidence as a coach.Nick Cuthbert on how AI can support coaches freeing up our time so we can focus on what matters most: human-to-human connection and conversation.Lewys Morgan-Smith shares his personal journey and why mindset sits at the heart of everything we do. If there's a young man in your life who needs some inspiration, this one's for him.Clare Brumby on leadership as an inner game and why gumption means standing up and putting yourself forward instead of waiting for a "someday" that never comes.Crystal Small on transforming your self-talk, shifting your perceptions, and the joy of watching people transform through coaching and training. She is also a member of the Optimus Academy team.Whether you're curious about coaching, working on your mindset, or wondering how to apply it all to real-life scenarios, subscribe or hit follow, so you don't miss an episode.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Are you stuck feeling like you need to have all the answers as a leader? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I challenge the traditional command-and-control model and explain why today’s great leaders excel by asking better questions and empowering their people rather than simply giving orders.You’ll discover why embracing a coaching approach, focusing on building psychological safety, trust, and presence, leads to greater engagement, autonomy, and performance from your team.I share practical strategies you can implement right away: deeply listening, being compassionate and present, giving clear feedback, providing space for reflection and learning from mistakes, and supporting your team to find their own solutions. I highlight how creating an environment where it’s safe to get things wrong actually drives growth and innovation for everyone - including you.What’s inside:Why great leaders ask better questions rather than having all the answersHow leadership has shifted from command-and-control to a more coaching-based, relationship-driven approachWhy psychological safety and trust is essential for team engagement and performanceValuing individuals involves listening, being present, and recognising people's strengthsLeaders should use curious, non-judgemental questions to encourage reflection and improvementProviding time to think before meetings improves the quality of group discussionsTrue coaching leadership balances accountability with giving people room to make decisions and learn from failuresListening and noticing team dynamics help leaders support their teams with empathy and effectivenessKey topics covered:00:00 Intro: Why great leaders need coaching skills01:04 Coaching approaches boost engagement, autonomy, and performance.01:23 Building relatedness and psychological safety is key for leaders.02:19 Feedback, transparency, and equity help make people feel valued.03:12 Mistakes should be learning opportunities by asking questions like "What have you learned?"05:10 Presence and active listening strengthen relationships and trust.07:23 Genuine curiosity and creating space for reflection drive innovation.08:54 Autonomy allows for growth, capacity, and better decision-making.10:34 Listening well is a critical, often overlooked, coaching skill for leaders.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

Is your coaching practice truly evolving, or are unseen blind spots holding you back? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I demystify coaching supervision and share why it’s absolutely essential for any coach committed to growth, impact, and professionalism.Discover what supervision really is: a confidential, reflective space where you can process client work, identify patterns, explore ethical dilemmas, and gain fresh insight into your coaching approach. I explain how supervision goes beyond competency mentoring by focusing on your self-awareness, emotional triggers, and client dynamics, ensuring ethical standards, personal growth, and stronger results for your clients. You’ll learn the differences between one-to-one and group supervision, and why both can be transformative for your practice.Find out how regular supervision creates a habit of vital self-reflection, exposes blind spots, and keeps your coaching sharp and client-centred.What’s inside:How elite performers benefit from having supervisionWays in which supervision provides confidential support to help coaches growHow supervision helps coaches maintain ethical standardsInsight into reflective work before supervision sessionsWays individual and group supervision offer unique benefits for coach developmentWhy supervision should be a non-negotiable for coachesLooking at different supervision models and approaches can broaden a coach’s perspectiveHow vulnerability and honest reflection in supervision support authentic growthKey topics covered:00:00 Intro: Why supervision is vital for coaches00:42: Explaining and unpacking what coaching supervision is and why it's valuable for personal and professional growth01:33: Ruth’s story about early struggles with responsibility for client outcomes03:15: How supervision helps coaches recognise boundaries and maintain client agency03:50: The ethical importance of supervision05:13: Benefits of group supervision06:15: Why supervision is essential for continual growth as a coach07:23: Experimenting with different supervision formats08:00: Clarifying the difference between supervision and mentor coaching for ICF credentials09:13: All serious coaches need to engage in supervision and reflective practiceAbout 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: BooksConnect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout 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-trainingWe also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OptimuscoachacademyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademyProduced by Winter Audio.

Are you exhausted as a leader and stuck in a cycle of micromanagement? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I explore why so many passionate, goal-oriented leaders slip into micromanagement, even when they know it leads to frustration, burnout, and disengagement. Drawing on personal experience and psychological research, I share how the need for control is often driven by a desire to ensure competence and “just get things done,” especially under pressure.Relying on micromanagement to close competence gaps backfires, crushing autonomy, trust, and engagement, and ultimately hurts performance. I’ll share how to shift from control to a coaching mindset. Learn practical coaching strategies to empower your team: giving people space to make decisions, encouraging learning from mistakes, building psychological safety, and deeply listening with curiosity.Whether you’re a business owner carrying all the responsibility, or any leader ready to break the control cycle, this episode will help you lead with less stress and far more impact.What’s insideHow micromanagement comes from a desire for controlWhy taking a coaching approach helps solve micromanagementHow micromanagement often masks underlying skill or competence gapsExcessive control leads to a higher risk of burnout for leadersWhy leaders should outsource decisions where possible and focus only on choices that truly need their input.Modelling vulnerability and a willingness to learn from errors fosters a healthy, growth-oriented cultureSimple habits like allowing space between meetings and not answering emails instantly set the tone for autonomy.Key topics covered00:00 Intro: Stop Micromanaging, try coaching instead00:04 Micromanagement can be solved with coaching01:18 Business owners experience a unique layer of control and responsibility, increasing the temptation to micromanage01:54 Deci and Ryan's model: People need autonomy, relatedness, and competence to thrive02:31 Micromanagement decreases autonomy and engagement in teams 05:13 Chronic micromanagement raises stress hormones06:41 Modelling vulnerability encourages psychological safety and growth09:33 Inviting your team's input builds a more effective, empowered team.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

What’s truly holding you back as a coach? In this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I dig into why your biggest limitation isn’t your clients or your coaching tools, it’s your own self-awareness.I discuss the surprising truth that only a small percentage of people are genuinely self-aware, even though most of us think we know ourselves well. I share how self-awareness shapes every aspect of your coaching: how you relate, hold space, manage your energy, and respond in the moment.Covering why having your own coach is essential - not just for learning new techniques, but to truly see your blind spots, evoke new insights, and grow into your identity as a coach. I break down the importance of supervision and mentor coaching as opportunities to reflect, challenge yourself, and get external feedback, all crucial steps for ongoing growth and mastery.Ultimately, embracing self-awareness is the starting point, not the endpoint, of mastering your coaching practice.What’s inside:Why self-awareness is the key limitation and asset in your coaching practiceWhy almost every coach should work with their own coach to build self-awarenessHow coach training and using coaching techniques increase your self-awareness through reflectionWhy emotional and nervous system regulation are crucial for understanding your own state as a coachSupervision offers a sacred space for coaches to process their reactions and gain insightsMentor coaching and observation help reveal blind spots and further develop coaching masteryGrowth as a coach depends on holding space for yourself as well as for your clientsWelcoming challenge and difficult feedback is essential for improving coaching skillsKey topics covered:00:00 Intro: How do become more self aware as a coach?00:24 Only 10-15% of people are truly self-aware 00:52 Working with your own coach is vital for personal insight and growth.02:32 Building self-awareness helps coaches see patterns they might miss02:49 Emotional and nervous system regulation is essential 03:44 Supervision provides a sacred space to process challenges and recognise patterns04:36 Mentor coaching gives valuable external feedback through observed sessions06:26 Therapy can help coaches recognise and manage their personal triggers08:12 Self-awareness is an ongoing journey, not a destination10:04 Discomfort or defensiveness in coaching signals there are areas for further development.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

The foundation of powerful coaching isn’t tools or strategies, it’s genuine connection and trust. In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I explore how real coaching impact starts with the quality of the relationship you build with your clients, right from the very first moment.I talk about why connection and safety are non-negotiable in coaching. Clients decide early if they can trust you, and if they don’t feel truly valued or seen, it’s almost impossible to go deep. That’s why I always prioritise curiosity, genuine interest, and building emotional safety from the outset, not just choosing to work with people who are just like me, but being open and curious about differences.Deep connection doesn’t just foster better conversations; it creates the psychological trust needed for clients to go to the hard places, share what really matters, and experience real transformation. When that connection isn’t there, it’s vital to address it openly and without ego, even if that means referring a client elsewhere.What’s insideHow trust and connection are at the heart of coachingWhy it’s crucial to have an introductory call before starting a coaching relationshipThe importance of looking for red flags and positive signs in clientsWhy building connection isn’t about similarity in values or beliefsWhy difficulties in connection should be openly discussedWhen to refer the client to another coach.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: Why connection is a vital part of the coaching process00:26 The importance of a preliminary call to assess connection 01:07 Coaches should notice both "red flags" and "green flags"02:18 The SCARF model highlights the role of status and feeling valued in building connection and safety03:14 Review clients’ social profiles or websites in advance to identify potential connection points04:25 Sharing a little about oneself in the initial call can support connection, but should be purposeful and client-focused05:22 Shared neurodivergence can help build a bridge of understanding 06:28 Trust and safety are vital for transformational coaching conversations08:57 Openly addressing discomfort or a lack of connection.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 Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast 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 We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.