Explore every episode of the podcast Practically Coaching

As we continue to work through the VUCA framework, this episode focuses on uncertainty. When things are uncertain, we can react by searching for more data, more specific details, more information to help us navigate the situation. 

But leaders have a choice. 

Rather than operate in a silo, leaders can instead foster open dialogue and draw others into the conversation. One of the best ways to address uncertainty is to build understanding. 

Join us for a discussion of practical strategies for leading through VUCA times, including: the importance of a well-placed pause, engaging others in the discussion, and fostering collective understanding to enable decision making. We conclude with a grounding exercise you can do at your desk to help tamp down the frenetic energy of uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership

03:08  Understanding the Impact of Unpredictability

06:11  Building Collective Understanding

09:09  Fostering Open Communication

11:52  Creating a Shared Experience

14:39  Finding Grounding Objects in Uncertainty

17:49  The Power of the Pause

21:23  Embracing Human Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, we talk about leading through volatility. Volatile situations are characterized by speed and force. When a change seems to come out of nowhere, the impact can feel outsized for leaders, their teams, and their organizations. 

Alex and I explore ways to foster both focus and flexibility to successfully navigate the way forward. We discuss how re-focusing on purpose, adjusting timeframes, and aligning people around near-term objectives lays a foundation for adapting to volatile conditions. We also present practical techniques, including breathing exercises, to help leaders stay grounded and effective during turbulent times.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding VUCA and Volatility

04:35  The Importance of Purpose in Volatile Times

11:50  Strategies for Navigating Volatility

15:33  Breathing Techniques for Leaders

17:55  Engagement and Reflection in Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

This episode is the first in a series focused on leading through uncertainty. Recently, we’ve been talking with many of our clients about ways to adapt their leadership to current conditions. As things become more uncertain and ambiguous, it can feel more difficult to make decisions, collaborate with peers, and provide clear guidance to your teams.

Many leaders feel the need to speed up. They feel rushed to gather information and make decisions quickly. Unfortunately, this hyper-focus on speed can reduce one’s ability to gather key information, innovate and be creative, and communicate with others. 

In this episode, we explore THE PAUSE. While it may initially feel counterintuitive, the pause is one of the best techniques for increasing resilience during stressful and uncertain times. We offer practical techniques like the psychological sigh and using images to help leaders and individuals manage anxiety and foster a calm, thoughtful approach.

Melissa and Alex reflect on their conversations with recent guests - Laura Peterson, Sue Sleigh, and Katie Redford - and offer listeners a summary of tools and techniques they can use in their own lives.

Their conversations spanned various aspects of leadership, sustainability, and collaboration in nonprofit and social justice work. Each of these women shared insights on maintaining passion, humility, and strategic agility in mission-driven organizations. And they offered practical strategies for managing stress, fostering teamwork, and driving impact in volatile environments.

Chapters

00:00  Intro to Key Takeaways from Inspirational Conversations

03:04  Leading Through Uncertainty and Gaining Alignment

05:53 The Importance of Passion and Purpose in Leadership

08:17  Sustainable Leadership: Balancing Head, Heart, and Hands

11:06  Shifting Perspectives: Humility and Short-Term Planning

13:57  Collaboration and Empowerment in Leadership

17:11  Navigating VUCA: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity

19:53  Technology's Role in Leadership and Meaningful Data

22:44  Final Thoughts and Future Directions

29:37  Embracing Human Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

Melissa Bloom and Alex Carleton welcome Katie Redford, a social justice leader, to discuss the importance of authenticity in leadership. They explore how passion drives leaders, the role of emotions in decision-making, and the significance of community support in sustainable leadership.

Katie shares her journey in fighting corporate power, particularly in the fossil fuel industry, and emphasizes the need for collective action rooted in love and joy. The conversation highlights the challenges of activism while encouraging listeners to find their inner fire and connect with others who share their passions.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Katie Redford

02:08  Katie's Journey in Social Justice

06:54  The Power of Passion in Leadership

10:51  Unlearning Legal Training for Social Justice

16:51  Sustainable Leadership and Community Support

23:02  The Head, Heart, and Hands of Activism

27:59  The Role of Community in Movements

34:26  Joy as a Source of Power in Activism

41:05  Embracing Human Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

Melissa and Alex continue their conversation with Sue Sleigh about the nuances of leadership in the nonprofit sector. They explore the motivations behind nonprofit leadership, the importance of setting boundaries, empowering teams, and the role of values in guiding decisions. The discussion emphasizes the significance of creating a culture of feedback and the impact of living one's values as a leader.

Chapters

00:00  The Call to Nonprofit Leadership

03:50  Navigating Boundaries in Leadership

06:52  Empowering Teams Through Trust

09:28  The Role of Values in Leadership

12:26  Hiring for Success

15:28  Creating a Culture of Feedback

17:49  Living Your Values as a Leader

21:17  Reflection in Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In the 2nd episode of our interview series, we welcome Sue Sleigh, a leader in nonprofit healthcare. Sue talks with us about the importance of authentic leadership in challenging times. We explore themes such as the burden of care on frontline workers, the necessity of collaboration, and the role of humility in leadership. Sue shares insights on balancing efficiency with humanity, engaging stakeholders in change, and the significance of self-care for leaders. We dig into the somatic experience of leadership and the need for leaders to stay connected to their teams and the communities they serve.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sue Sleigh and Her Leadership Journey

3:12 Understanding the Burden of Frontline Workers

5:55 The Importance of Collaboration in Nonprofit Leadership

8:36 Encouraging Humility and Grounded Leadership

11:23 Balancing Efficiency and Human Connection

14:09 Navigating Change and Managing Expectations

17:03 The Role of Physical Awareness in Leadership

19:48 Re-centering and Self-Care for Leaders

27:35 Embracing Human Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, we welcome Laura Peterson, a seasoned leader in the nonprofit sector. Laura joins us to discuss the evolution of leadership over the last few years. Laura shares insights on the need for adaptability, collaboration, and humility among leaders, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing team well-being and sustainability. The conversation explores the challenges faced by nonprofit leaders today and the necessity of shifting from a lone hero model to a more distributed and collaborative approach to leadership.

Chapters

00:00  Introducing Laura Peterson

02:23  Navigating Change in Nonprofits Post-COVID

08:21  The Importance of Collaboration and Technology

16:42  Sustainability and Care for Teams

24:32  The Shift from Lone Hero Leadership to Collaboration

25:52  Emphasizing Human Leadership

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

This episode is the first in a series featuring discussions with leaders from nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. We invited 3 people to talk with us about how they're adapting their approach and what they’re prioritizing right now.

Our intention was to provide a platform for open and honest discussion. We invited our guests to share their experiences and insights freely, and they wowed us with their authentic approaches to their work and leading others. They highlighted the significance of humility and the embodiment of leadership, encouraging others to reflect on their own experiences and the weight of their responsibilities. The episode sets the stage for upcoming conversations that promise to inspire and resonate with our listeners. 

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to our Interview Series

02:51  The Importance of Guest Perspectives

09:38  Introducing our 3 Amazing Guests

13:56  A Sampling of Themes and Insights from the Conversations

19:16  Reflecting on Personal and Professional Challenges

21:18  Embracing Human Leadership

21:40 Listener Challenge

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

People who are new to coaching often wonder what to expect. Almost everyone has participated in some type of professional training and many think coaching will be similar; however, the 2 are quite different. In this episode, we explore the fundamental differences between coaching and training. We discuss the dynamics of each environment, emphasizing the interactive nature of coaching compared to the more structured approach of training. The conversation highlights the importance of active listening, the role of the coach, and the effectiveness of coaching over time, particularly in group settings. We encourage listeners to bring their experiences into the coaching process to foster a more personalized and impactful development journey.

Chapters

00:00  Demystifying Coaching vs. Training

06:17  The Role of Experience in Coaching

12:40  Iterative Learning in Coaching

15:55  Embracing Human Leadership

16:19  Engaging with Our Audience

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, Melissa Bloom and Alex Carleton discuss one of their favorite ways of working with people - - group coaching. They explore its structure, benefits, and the unique community it fosters among participants. They share personal experiences and insights on how group coaching can support individual leadership development while emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and trusting environment. The conversation highlights the value of group coaching for organizations, making it a sustainable investment in leadership development.

Chapters

00:00  Introduction to Group Coaching

03:31  Understanding Individual Goals in Group Settings

06:12  The Power of Shared Experiences

09:11  Creating a Safe Space for Growth

12:01  The Role of Leadership in Group Coaching

14:52  Benefits of Group Coaching for Organizations

17:56  Finding and Joining Group Coaching Programs

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, Melissa and Alex discuss team coaching - - how it can foster team collaboration, performance, and the achievement of shared goals. They explore team dynamics, the role of questions in coaching, and the significance of defining clear goals and expectations. The conversation highlights several benefits of team coaching, including fostering trust, clarity, and adaptability within teams, and provides insights on when organizations should consider seeking coaching support.

Chapters

00:00 What is team coaching?

03:48 Exploring Team Functionality and Goals

06:36 The Role of Questions in Coaching

09:40 Defining Success Criteria for Teams

12:34 Creating Clarity and Alignment

15:18 Benefits of Team Coaching

18:13 Identifying When to Seek Coaching

21:05 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

26:01 Embracing Human Leadership

26:24 When and How to Engage A Coach

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode of Practically Coaching, Melissa and Alex delve into the complexities of expectations in leadership, exploring the balance between external feedback and internal motivation. They discuss the importance of aligning personal values with professional roles, the role of mentorship in navigating career challenges, and the significance of self-reflection in achieving authentic leadership. Through Alex's personal experiences, they highlight the journey of overcoming doubts and fears, fostering collaboration, and creating a fulfilling work environment.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Expectations: Birthday Parties and Professional Lives

03:41 The Dichotomy of Success: Recognition vs. Satisfaction

06:11 Personal Stories: When Success Feels Wrong

09:06 The Crossroads: Doubt and Decision-Making

11:52 The Role of Mentorship in Professional Growth

14:47 Finding Your Values: The Compass of Leadership

17:31 The Importance of Alignment: Personal Values and Professional Goals

20:50 The Shift: From External Validation to Internal Fulfillment

23:32 Conclusion: The Journey of Self-Discovery in Professional Life

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, Alex and Melissa explore the idea of readiness for coaching and ask if anyone can feel 100% ready. They dig into the recipe for success - - discussing the importance of curiosity, the desire for change, and the role of uncertainty in the coaching process. The conversation highlights that coaching is not just for those in crisis, but is also an amazing tool for personal growth and development. Ultimately, they conclude that having a question or curiosity about one's path is a key indicator of being ready for coaching.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

02:50 Understanding Readiness for Coaching

05:45 Curiosity as a Key Ingredient

08:34 The Spark for Change

11:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Coaching

14:33 Exploring Goals and Motivation

17:27 Final Thoughts on Coaching Readiness

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, Melissa and Alex discuss how their personal values of authenticity, community, and generosity shaped this podcast and impact their work as coaches. They explore their goals for the podcast, the significance of sharing experiences, and the nature of coaching conversations. The discussion highlights their desire to create a space for connection and personal growth, while also reflecting on the challenges and rewards of the podcasting journey.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Journey

2:50 Goals and Aspirations for the Podcast

5:52 The Importance of Community and Sharing

8:57 Generosity and Authenticity in Coaching

11:20 Navigating Personal and Professional Goals

14:31 The Ripple Effect of Coaching

17:25 The Nature of Coaching Conversations

20:22 Conclusion and Future Intentions

Get In Touch

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.

In this episode, Alex and Melissa explore the purpose behind their podcast, focusing on the value of coaching and how it can help individuals navigate their personal and professional lives. They discuss the importance of self-reflection, noticing changes, and the practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life. The hosts emphasize the significance of community and shared experiences in the coaching process, aiming to create a supportive environment for listeners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

2:04 The Value of Coaching and Why Listen

5:07 Understanding the Coaching Process

8:05 Practical Strategies for Everyday Life

11:01 Creating a Supportive Community

14:14 Embracing the Journey of Growth

18:56 Embracing Human Leadership

19:19 Engaging with Our Audience

Reach Out

We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have an idea for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.

Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.