The Art Of Coaching

“Today’s the day!  Time to sit down and hammer out that project I’ve been needing to get done for the last month…    But first, let me get a cup of coffee and pick a playlist to get my mind right.  Ok.  I know I already have this started in excel, but I kinda want to make it in powerpoint instead. Let me transfer that file over. Oh, wow look at all these new effects they added- I wonder what they all do?! Dang, I need a coffee refill….”   If this routine sounds familiar, don’t fret- procrastinating is part of being human.    It’s also precisely why in today’s episode, I’m diving deep into what procrastination really is, what it looks like (in all of its various manifestations), and a variety of simple strategies to overcome it so it doesn’t create additional stress and impede your ability to make real progress.   Some specific points covered include:  How can I tell if I’m procrastinating? (1:20) The difference between procrastinating and intentional delay (3:20) The 6 most common reasons we procrastinate (5:

“Human beings under pressure are wonderfully unpredictable. Their nature is a puzzle to us all. When human beings are placed in an arena, and their hopes and fears are exposed in front of 1000s, they're likely to do extraordinary things. This is especially true if somebody has told them, “don't let us down.”  - Pat Moore   When faced with one of life's biggest moments- whether that's giving a speech at a loved one's wedding, interviewing for your dream job, or performing in front of a crowd of hundreds of strangers, the last thing we need to worry about is choking or freezing up.    And yet, for many that's a very real concern.    But freezing in big moments is not only avoidable, it's something that even the most seasoned of professionals deals with. And it's definitely not a reason to say no to these opportunities in the first place...  In this episode we discuss: What choking is and why it happens (07:00) How to reframe your thoughts about your physiological responses (12:30) What a sound, realistic routin

Have you ever found yourself struggling to know how to build trust with a decision maker who’s limiting your autonomy and control?   If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated and not sure what to do in these situations, we have you covered.  In today’s episode, we’ll dive deep into the fascinating world of what it takes to build trust in an authentic and adaptable way, all while providing you with practical strategies that can help you gain traction with even the most stubborn of individuals.   I specifically cover: 4 core requirements to build trust (9:40) Why building trust is essential to getting results (37:45) Common challenges in gaining trust and how to handle them (throughout) Why just being a strong communicator isn’t enough for strong leadership (58:00) All of this will help you regain control, achieve your goals, and help more people.  Whether you’re a new leader looking to make an impact, or a seasoned professional seeking to sharpen your skills, you won’t want to miss this deep dive. Referenced Reso

“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask… for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.” - Albert Einstein  A good question might just be the most powerful tool you have in your communication arsenal. Why? Well to start, questions are the vehicle through which we understand ourselves, exchange information, build rapport in relationships and persuade others.  But asking great questions isn’t as easy as always starting with “why.” In today’s episode, my colleague Ali Kershner and I dive deep into the research behind the power of great questions, how to hone your skill, and improve your social agility by knowing how and when to use these skills appropriately in everyday life.  Some of the specific pieces we talk about include: What makes questions so powerful, and why it’s important to ask better questions in the first place (12:10) Specific tactics and examples

What it means to be fit and healthy has been distorted for far too long. So many of us know that feeling of confusion and hopelessness as we try to sort through the endless black hole of fitness trends, tricks and hacks making impossible promises. The truth is that we need more straightforward and realistic solutions to our questions - Which diet will actually work?  What type of exercise is right for me?  How do I balance all of this and work a full-time job/ raise a family?!   As health and fitness professionals, Kelly and Juliet Starrett have been asked these questions over and over again.  In an effort to make these answers more accessible, they’ve created a movement and nutrition strategy for entire families to apply that’s flexible, fun, sustainable, and most importantly GETS RESULTS.   Dr. Kelly Starrett is a coach, physical therapist, two-time New York Times & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of The Ready State, the world's most comprehensive collection of guided mov

After weeks of failed attempts, and 20 hours in to the final 26 hour piece of the climb, Jacqueline realizes that she’s FINALLY going to reach the top of Mt. Aconcagua.  Tears of joy start welling up in her eyes as she thinks of what she’s about to overcome. Then, in an instant, chaos hits and circumstances change. In her quest to achieve “The Explorer’s Grand Slam” - when somebody reaches the North Pole, South Pole, and climbs the highest peak on all 7 continents - Jacqueline is learning that her physical, emotional, and spiritual limits are so much greater than she ever thought possible. Jacquline Kasen, creator of Get JacQd, Senior Director of Group Fitness at Anataomy (Miami, FL), Certified Coach, and mountaineer, has been immersed in the world of fitness from a young age.  From winning a Junior Olympic title to excelling as a collegiate athlete, and now cultivating an elite fitness experience for her audience, Jacqueline believes strongly that people are capable of so much more than they give themselves

There's no such thing as finding your voice.  Why? Because it's impossible to have just ONE. As leaders, educators, coaches, etc. our ability to adapt to our audience, context and even ourselves is what allows us to be most effective.  Today’s episode explores the misconception that we should try to fit into a universal mold, and give a step-by-step process of how to find your unique and genuine voice.  Specifically, I cover:   Where to start looking for your voice (10:20) Root causes for why you might be struggling in this area (13:00) How to find your voice AND be socially agile (28:00) Strategies to develop, explore, and practice your voice (32:00) If this is an area you’re looking to grow in, if you want to be challenged to expand your range of influence, if you want constructive feedback on the areas you may have space to improve, you’re in the right place.  At Art of Coaching, we offer deliberate and specific practice, experimentation (in a safe place), and actionable feedback in a variety of ways.  Ch

What happens when you walk into a situation and quickly realize it isn’t what you expect?  How do you respond and learn to adapt?   How do you know where you need to change and where to stand firm? Currently Head of Performance with US Soccer, Darcy found himself asking these questions after he and his family moved overseas, to a country where they couldn’t speak the language and they were largely unfamiliar with the surrounding culture.  In the midst of navigating the lonely moments that he and his family were experiencing, Darcy’s willingness to reflect deeply on his values and level of self-awareness propelled him into the leader he is today in all scopes of life. After working over 25 years in the Human Performance industry in multiple Director positions, Darcy has spent the past 10 years focused on creating and implementing methodologies and applied data, building strategic relations, hiring, training and managing performance staffs at the highest level.  Having lived and worked in four countries with sc

Early in his career, Matt Morrison - Integrated Logistics Support Manager at Lockheed Martin - was given the best leadership advice he’s ever received:  “You LEAD people and you MANAGE money and processes.” And lead he has.  In addition to his role at one of the world’s largest organizations, Matt has a military background and plenty of experience navigating the intersection between systems and people - most of whom he has no authoritative power over. In today’s episode, he talks about how to lead people up and down the chain of command, as well as develop the skills necessary to do so effectively.  In addition, Matt and I cover a variety of other topics, including: How to practice and develop the skill of saying the right thing at the right time (13:50) The science behind why admitting your faults has a positive effect on a relationship (34:00) Tips for exercising emotional control in high stress situations (35:50) Ways to stand out in a large organization (43:00) Connect w/ Matt: If you would like to learn

The leadership world has run rampant with the misconstrued idea that self care, thinking more sustainably, or fighting for yourself as hard as you fight for others is selfish. I’m here to tell you - IT’S A MYTH. And from relationships and work outcomes to mental health, the consequences of this kind of thinking can be devastating.   So while today’s episode doesn’t give you any mind-blowing or ground breaking information, this advice and awareness can save people a lot of hurt - socially, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.  We specifically cover: The mindset & habits that tempt us to fall into this line of thinking (7:00) What self-care means and some simple strategies to apply it in your life (18:40) How self-care relates to leadership (20:30) Reflection questions to help you recognize where you might be falling short (26:30) Referenced Resources: VALU(ED) - Our online course covering the science behind burnout and how to avoid it for yourself and those you lead E237: Celia Hodent - What the

Think back to your very first job - whether it was a full time 9-5, a nights and weekends cash based gig, or the daily chores you had as a child.  What lessons did you learn or habits did you develop in that job that contribute to your current role? For Don, working in his family’s catering business as a child taught him the value of hard work, social adaptability, and a “do what it takes to get the job done” mindset. A keynote speaker and fitness entrepreneur, Don has coached actors, athletes, & musicians for over 20 years.  He opened his first NYC Gym, Drive 495, in 2005. After operating brick & mortar gyms for 15 years, Don expanded to a global online fitness business and has developed a reputation for training some of the biggest names in Hollywood for the big screen. Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Annie Hathaway, Sebastian Stan, Liev Schreiber, Hugh Jackman, & David Harbour are among his roster of clients.  He has been tapped as a fitness expert in

Imagine this: You’ve just finished a meeting with your boss.  It wasn’t as much of a conversation or discussion as much as it was a sharing of information.  They’ve made a decision, and whether you agree with it or not, that’s what’s gonna happen.  And if you don’t agree to go along with it, you’ll be let go.   You exit the room and walk back to your office in a state of confusion, shock, and disgust.  What the heck just happened?! Not only do you not agree with their decision, but you view it as unethical and potentially harmful to the wellbeing of the people involved.   What should you do?  How do you figure out the best response to this situation?   Today’s episode walks you through the conflict resolution tool we use at our ApprentieshipTM workshops; a blueprint that will help you think strategically about your response to the situation.     Afterall, when your job is on the line - just “winging it” or taking your best guess might not be enough to get the outcome you want.   In today’s episode, I cover:

What do you think of when you hear the term “non-verbal communication?”   The first things that usually come to mind are body language, facial expressions, posture, and the like.  But the reality is that it’s not that simple.  Communication is a complex and inclusive process, and goes far beyond a smile or frown, crossed arms and slumped shoulders.   Today’s episode is all about the true science behind non-verbal communication and why it matters in our daily lives.  Specifically, I’ll go over:   How the research surrounding non-verbal communication has advanced (8:45) The 5 categories of non-verbal communication and how to evaluate them (11:25) Specific examples of how to apply this information in your daily life (25:30) The #1 most important question you should be asking yourself (33:15)   Referenced Resources:   The Apprenticeship - Our next Apprenticeship Communication workshop is being held in beautiful Sydney, AUS, and it’s coming up FAST!  On February 25-26, we are partnering up with Athlete’s Authori

DONE. You’ve finally finished the big project you’ve been agonizing over. But as you prepare to hit send, print, submit - whatever - all you feel is doubt.  Despite the preparation and time you’ve put in, you can’t help but think about all the ways this “finished product” isn’t good enough. This is just one example of how perfectionism can manifest in our day-to-day lives; how it can hold us back, make us feel anxious - even depressed - and how it can keep us from making the type of progress we so desperately seek within our personal and professional lives. In this episode, we’re going to explore the topic of perfectionism in depth.  Specifically, we will dive into:   The various definitions and “symptoms” (8:40) It’s origins, including the 5 Factor Model of Personality (23:15) The difference between perfectionism and healthy striving (29:30) Non-traditional strategies for overcoming it (44:00)   If you enjoy topics like this- some great previous episodes that pair nicely with this include: E49: Productivity

We’ve all had times we’ve needed to be blunt with someone. But it doesn’t matter if it was with your boss, a peer, subordinate or loved one- it’s never easy.  Either way, this is a skill that cannot be avoided.  Whether you’re managing messaging across your team, problem-solving, or making decisions, striking a balance between being blunt and respectful must be mastered because effective communication is the foundation for successful leadership. So where does one start on this journey to master the art of being blunt? Today’s episode is all about the specific factors to take into consideration as you decide the best approach to your situation, and how to use them to your advantage. These factors include (but are not limited to): Specific delivery-oriented strategies you can immediately apply to your messaging (9:30) Paraverbals – what they are and how to practice them (12:00)  How to actively listen without coming off as passive aggressive (14:15) The particular components of context that you MUST be mindful

In today’s episode we talk all about artificial intelligence and more specifically, Chat GPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformer). But before you judge the topic and skip to the next episode, let me set you straight - this isn’t a review of some futuristic, out of reach, or unrecognizable technology. Chat GPT is (currently) a completely free website that answers questions in a human-like way.  To answer the questions it receives, it scans the available information, picks out the most common and relative threads, and gives the outlined information in a conversational manner. However, just like anything else, it has its limitations. In this episode, we discuss pros, cons and several practical use cases, including:  What exactly Chat GPT is and what it does (00:00) Specific examples of it’s wide range of uses (9:10) How we can leverage this as a tool for efficient creativity (28:10) and to check our blindspots (41:00) What we should NOT be expecting tech to do for us (48:30) The most important thing to remember

If you’re like me, you often reflect on the things your parents, grandparents, or mentors have taught you.   But have you ever asked them what they’ve learned from you?  The answer may surprise you. The life of Marsha Bartholomew has been no cakewalk.  From the challenges she faced growing up with a no-nonsense family, to a young female professional in a male dominated work-force, to motherhood, and beyond - the lessons she’s learned along the way provide insight and value to people in every walk of life. In today’s episode, my mom expands on her life experiences, including a 38 year career with the Social Security Administration.  She speaks about: The leadership secret that AI will never be able to replace (27:00) How she overcame challenges she faced as a woman in the workforce in the ‘70s (35:00) The tactics she used to create an achievement driven culture in an extremely diverse department (49:00) The best and worst advice she’s ever received (1:18:45) Referenced Resources: What Drives You Quiz Simply

Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast, you already have one or you’re just interested in knowing what it takes to create one, this is the episode for you. But before getting to the bells, whistles, tools and tricks you need to be successful, know this: If you’re not willing to commit to doing it consistently, don’t do it. As with everything else in life, consistency is the most essential ingredient in a successful podcast journey. This episode outlines exactly what you need to be consistent with, and provides several tips, tricks, and resources for you to utilize along the way.  I specifically cover: The factors you must consider when planning your podcast strategy (10:00) How to differentiate your podcast as “elite” amongst competitors (17:30) Our “go to” resource for affordable, yet quality, audio equipment (26:20) How to leverage the title of your podcast and individual episodes (40:30) Referenced Resources: Our Favorite (& Trusted) Tools & Products Ask Us a Question! How to Stand Out

“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” I’ll credit Tom Hanks and The Polar Express with this quote.  And although it’s a children’s Christmas movie, it couldn’t hold more true in the real world today. In today’s episode, Dr. John Kiely explains how our beliefs impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and gives us several tactical takeaways for success in any realm. Well known for his role as a performance coach, Dr. Kiely has worked with athletes of all ages, in a variety of settings, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the 2008 Olympics, and the 2004 Paralympics, as well as both junior and senior IAAF World Athletics Championships. He’s a prolific writer, speaker, and presenter with more than 60 articles to his name and currently supervises professional doctorate candidates pursuing practice-based doctoral-level qualifications while working in professional multi-disciplinary performance environments. To help u

Did you know there is NO POSITIVE CORRELATION between time spent trying to become self-aware and actually becoming more self-aware? (Eurich, 2017)   In short, additional self-reflection doesn't necessarily make you more self-aware.    This surprising finding has since fueled the career and research of Tasha Eurich, and inspired her to teach others how to enhance the quality of their introspection.   Tasha Eurich is an organizational psychologist, researcher, and New York Times best-selling author.  Globally recognized as the #1 self-awareness coach, communication, and organizational culture expert, she uses science to help leaders achieve positive, measurable change.   In today’s episode, she shares several insights about the science and strategy of self-awareness, including:   A tactical definition of what self-awareness is, and what it is NOT (12:20) The benefits and consequences of introspection (26:00) How to get GREAT feedback by asking the right questions (39:20) The seven types of self-knowledge that s