What does it truly mean to be an “expert” coach?

In this reflective season finale of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, explores a profound moment from his recent conversation with Ann Fogolin, MCC — a moment that opens the door to one of the deepest paradoxes in coaching: the more we grow, the more aware we become of how much we do not know.

Drawing from the foundational coaching tenets taught at PRIME Coaching Academy, Elias reflects on the idea that coaching is both a humbling and courageous act. In a profession often shaped by expertise, performance, and recognition, what happens when the coach steps out of the spotlight and creates space for the client’s own wisdom, power, and humanity to emerge?

This episode is an invitation to reconsider the role of knowledge, certainty, identity, and ego in the coaching relationship — and to explore the courage required to truly listen, remain curious, and serve without the need to be “the one who knows.”

A thoughtful closing to Season 4, this conversation speaks not only to coaches but to anyone interested in leadership, presence, growth, and authentic human connection.

Chapters

00:11 — A Moment from “The Future of Coaching”

01:09 — What Real Experts Understand

02:06 — The Coaching Tenets

03:21 — Coaching as a Humbling and Courageous Act

05:21 — The Human Need to Be Right

06:29 — The Illusion of Knowing Another’s Experience

07:45 — When the Coach Becomes the Center

08:52 — Humility, Presence, and Empowerment

10:08 — The Courage to Truly Listen

Memorable Quotes

“Coaching is a humbling and courageous act.”

“What do we truly know about what is happening in the heart of this person in front of us?”

“That’s when we begin to truly listen.”

“Humility and courage. That’s at the core of coaching.”

In this heartfelt episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, explores one of the most overlooked realities of the coaching profession: isolation.

Behind the meaningful conversations, transformational moments, and professional growth, many coaches quietly navigate their practices in isolation. After the energy and connection of coach training programs fade, coaches often find themselves building businesses, holding complex client situations, and reflecting on ethical dilemmas alone.

This episode is a reminder that coaching was never meant to be a solitary path.

Elias reflects on the essential role of coaching communities, mentor coaching, supervision, peer reflection, and professional organizations in sustaining not only coaching excellence, but also emotional well-being, ethical clarity, and professional resilience.

From ICF communities and peer coaching spaces to mentor relationships and industry associations, this conversation is an invitation to reconnect — not only with other coaches, but with the shared humanity at the heart of the profession.

If you have ever questioned yourself as a coach, felt isolated in your work, or hesitated to ask for support, this episode is for you.

In this episode

• Why coaching can become an isolating profession
• The hidden emotional cost of working alone
• The importance of reflective practice and community
• Why “a coach needs a coach”
• Shame, vulnerability, and asking for support
• The role of mentor coaching and supervision
• Building sustainable professional relationships
• How coaching communities strengthen ethical practice
• Why volunteering and participation matter
• Finding your professional “home” as a coach

Memorable Quotes

“Humans are social creatures. We need each other — and as coaches, we need other coaches.”

“For a coach, having a coach is an ethical issue.”

“We cannot do this alone.”

“This is an opportunity for us to exercise our transparency, authenticity, vulnerability, and live the coaching mindset.”

Chapters

00:13 – The loneliness many coaches experience

01:49 – The power of coaching community

02:54 – Coaching through complex client situations

03:53 – Why coaches also need coaching

05:17 – Shame, vulnerability, and asking for help

06:34 – Reflective practice and the coaching mindset

07:50 – Finding community through professional organizations

09:07 – Volunteering, contribution, and authentic connection

10:23 – Closing reflections and season four finale preview

In this thought-provoking solo episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, explores how the human brain processes information, and why our natural tendency to label and categorize the world can quietly interfere with powerful coaching.

Scientists estimate that the brain processes around 11 million bits of information per second, yet we can consciously hold only 40–50 bits at a time. To cope with this overload, the brain relies on shortcuts: labels, assumptions, and categories.

But what happens when those shortcuts shape how we listen to our clients?

Through a playful reference to the Netflix show Is It Cake?, Elias invites coaches to question the certainty of what seems obvious. Just like a hyper-realistic cake disguised as an everyday object, the stories and labels we attach to situations—and people—can easily fool us.

This episode explores a central tension in coaching: the balance between knowledge and curiosity. While training, frameworks, and experience are essential, the real power of coaching lies in the willingness to question what appears clear and remain open to what has not yet been seen.

What assumptions are shaping how we hear our clients?
What labels are quietly narrowing our perception?
And how can coaches cultivate the humility and courage required to move beyond them?

For professional coaches who want to deepen their presence, expand their listening, and challenge their own certainty, this episode is an invitation to look again.

Because sometimes the question isn’t what is happening.
It’s what are we missing?

Memorable Quotes

“Labels help us navigate the world—but they can also quietly limit what we are able to see.”
"Knowledge is cheap these days. If I am too attached to my own knowing, I cannot fully support my client’s exploration.”
“Sometimes the most powerful coaching question is simply: What else might be here?”

Chapters

00:13 — 11 Million Bits vs. 40 Bits
How the brain filters overwhelming information and why we rely on labels.

02:42 — “Is It Cake?” and the Illusion of Certainty
A playful example of how easily perception can be fooled.

04:17 — What This Means for Coaching
How assumptions and labels influence the coaching relationship.

05:47 — The Power of Labels
How identity markers and categories instantly shape perception.

09:40 — The True Mindset of Coaching
Why humility, openness, and courage matter more than technique.

⭐ Subscribe to PRIME SPACE for more advanced conversations on the craft and mindset of professional coaching.

What if listening in coaching isn’t just a skill… but a system?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, explores the multidimensional nature of listening in professional coaching. While most coach training programs introduce listening as the first skill, Elias shares why at PRIME Coaching Academy it comes later—after covering coaching mindset, distinctions, and even framework.

Why? Because skills without foundation stay mechanical. True listening emerges from identity, awareness, and discernment.

This episode challenges coaches to move beyond capturing details. It introduces the idea that a coaching conversation is a *system*—one that includes the client, their story, what’s beneath the story… and the coach.

You’ll explore:

• The difference between hearing details and listening for identity
• Why self-awareness is the gateway to masterful listening
• How your own values, fears, and biases inevitably enter the coaching space
• The evolution from ACC-level listening to PCC/MCC-level systemic listening

If you're a coach committed to mastery—or simply someone who wants to listen more deeply in your relationships—this episode will shift how you think about presence and partnership.

Chapters

00:14 – The need for foundational learning before listening
04:33 – Capturing details vs. understanding context
06:01 – Listening to what the client says vs. who the client is
08:45 – Coaching as a living system
10:14 – When your story interferes with listening
11:41 – Self-awareness as advanced listening (PCC/MCC level)

Memorable Quotes

“In coaching, we don’t only listen to what the client is saying — we listen to who the client is.”
“Details are data. Identity is the bottom line.”
“I enter the room, and everything that I am comes with me.”
“The question is not how to eliminate who you are — but how aware you are of who you are.”

This Episode Is For You If:

• You’re working toward ACC, PCC, or MCC credentials
• You want to deepen your coaching presence
• You’re curious about systemic and reflective practice
• You value evidence-based coaching *and* inner development

If this conversation resonates with you:

• Follow the show on Spotify & Apple Podcasts
• Leave a 5-star review
• Share this episode with a colleague
• Subscribe on YouTube for more conversations on coaching mastery

What does *partnership* really mean in coaching?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC explores one of the most foundational ideas in coaching – the assumption of equal partnership between coach and client.

Using the official ICF definition of coaching as a starting point, this episode challenges a core belief in our profession:

Is coaching truly a meeting of equals?

Elias unpacks:

• Why “partnering” is everywhere in coaching—and why that matters
• The hidden power dynamics created by labels like coach and client
• How hierarchy can subtly enter the room despite our best intentions
• What becomes possible when we strip away roles and meet as human beings
• How language shapes mindset, presence, and ethical practice

This episode is especially relevant for ICF ACC, PCC, and MCC coaches, mentor coaches, and anyone committed to embodying the coaching mindset with depth, humility, and integrity.

Chapters
00:12 – Partnering is everywhere
04:00 – Is equal partnership realistic?
05:24 – Labels, roles, and power dynamics
06:38 – Challenging the partnership assumption
08:12 – Beyond masks: two human beings in conversation
09:52 – Redefining partnership in practice

Subscribe for weekly reflections on coaching mindset, presence, and mastery

Across the coaching industry, there is an increasing emphasis on being evidence-based.
And it matters. A lot.

In this solo episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC explores why evidence-based coaching is a vital foundation for the credibility and sustainability of our profession.

From there, the conversation opens into what evidence makes possible—how strong research and standards create the conditions for innovation, adaptability, and deeper presence in real coaching conversations.

This episode is an invitation to honor the science, respect the standards, and use them as a springboard for continued growth.

You’ll hear reflections on the pioneers of coaching, the responsibility we carry today, and why you, in every coaching conversation, contribute to shaping the future of our profession.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps
00:13 – Why “evidence-based” matters more than ever in coaching
02:15 – Coaching pioneers: building the airplane while flying it
03:57 – Why waiting for evidence would have killed innovation
05:55 – The sustainability of coaching depends on research and rigor
09:33 – When evidence alone makes us obsolete
12:48 – Coaches as creators of the next wave of evidence

Memorable Quotes
“Evidence-based is not the finish line. It’s the starting point.”
“If the pioneers had waited for evidence, coaching would never have existed.”
“Innovation is at the core of the coaching mindset.”
“It’s not the ICF staff that sets our standards—it’s you, in every coaching conversation.”

What does it take to remain steady when everything around us feels uncertain, loud, or chaotic?

In this powerful episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with Patricia Risch, MCC, a coach, edgewalker, and global citizen, to explore the lived experience and coaching implications of moving from chaos to coherence.

Drawing from her time living through geopolitical crises in Pakistan and Jordan, Patricia shares how navigating global instability shaped her capacity for grounded presence, energetic coherence, and conscious choice. Together, Elias and Patricia unpack how coherence is not just a mindset but a practice, one that allows coaches and leaders to hold space without being hijacked by fear, reactivity, or overwhelm.

This conversation is especially relevant for coaches, leaders, and change-makers who work with clients facing uncertainty, emotional dysregulation, or complex systemic challenges. You’ll hear how coherence becomes a generative force that supports clarity, emotional regulation, leadership presence, and forward movement—even in the midst of chaos.

✨ Key themes

• The concept of the *edgewalker* in coaching and leadership
• Moving from reactivity to intentional choice
• Coherence as an energetic and embodied practice
• How coaches can stay grounded when clients arrive in chaos
• Coaching as a catalyst for the evolution of human consciousness

Episode Chapters

01:49 – Living in Global Chaos
Patricia reflects on experiencing embassy bombings, 9/11 abroad, and cultural liminality.

04:25 – Choosing Steadiness in Crisis
Detachment, awareness, and the power of internal anchoring.

05:42 – Coaching as Integration
How coach training helped Patricia bring meaning and coherence to her experiences.

08:47 – How Do We Move from Chaos to Coherence?
Values, recalibration, and intentional presence.

11:50 – “Do I Have Thoughts, or Do My Thoughts Have Me?”
Awareness, detachment, and choice in moments of crisis.

14:12 – The Core Message of Coaching
Movement, momentum, and evolution.

14:46 – Practical Guidance for Coaches
Pause, breathe, ground, listen, and create space.

15:25 – The Power of Choice
From global crises to everyday moments—coherence is always available.

Memorable Quotes

“Reactivity doesn’t have to be the choice.” — Patricia Risch, MCC
“Regardless of the chaos, there is always a choice.” — Elias Scultori, MCC
“Do I have thoughts, or do my thoughts have me?” — Patricia Risch, MCC
“To support our clients, we must first bring coherence within ourselves.” — Elias Scultori, MCC

Subscribe to PRIME SPACE for conversations at the edge of coaching, consciousness, and human potential.

In this solo episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, invites coaches to rethink one of coaching’s most essential tools: **questions**. How can we enhance the dimension and range of our coaching questions?

Elias explores how questions shape awareness, expand perspective, and unlock client potential. He introduces a clear, practical distinction between questions that explore the present (“what is”) and those that push clients beyond their current thinking (“what could be”). Together, these two categories create clarity, challenge assumptions, and open the door to possibility and transformation.

The episode is full of practical examples and sample questions that can inspire you to craft even more powerful questions.

Episode Chapters

00:02 – The Power of Questions
Why questions are more than a technique—they’re a gateway to awareness, clarity, and choice.

01:24 – Beyond Open vs. Closed Questions
Exploring the wide landscape of question types and why awareness of them matters.

02:57 – Questions of the Present: “What Is”
How present-focused questions help clients clarify meaning, values, emotions, and reality.

04:11 – Questions That Stretch Beyond
Inviting new perspectives through imagination, intuition, and future-oriented inquiry.

06:11 – The Value—and the Limit—of Staying in the Present
Why clarity alone is powerful, but not always sufficient.

06:45 – Opening the Door to Possibility
Using questions to disrupt current thinking and reveal what else might be possible.

08:05 – Challenging with a Whisper
How the most transformative challenges are often gentle, subtle, and expansive.

Memorable Quotes

“Through the power of curiosity, so much can be unearthed and discovered by the client.”
“The best challenges are often those that come with a whisper.”
“In that moment, my knowledge becomes irrelevant—and the coaching becomes transformative.”

What does it actually look like to build a successful coaching practice grounded in a true coaching mindset—not theory, not ideals, but real, day-to-day application?

In this PRIME SPACE episode, Elias Scultori, MCC, is joined by master coach Amy Donovan, MCC, to answer the question many coaches quietly struggle with: How do we do this? How do we stay aligned with the coaching mindset when clients want solutions, answers, and quick fixes

Together, Elias and Amy unpack the practical realities of coaching at a masterful level—clarity of role, courage in client relationships, and the discipline required to resist slipping into consulting or problem-solving. They explore how coaches unintentionally compromise the coaching mindset out of fear, scarcity, or pressure to please—and how that compromise slowly erodes joy, impact, and sustainability in a coaching practice.

This episode is a powerful invitation for coaches to recommit to the transformational power of coaching, to educate clients through presence (not explanation), and to build practices rooted in integrity, confidence, and long-term change.

If you’ve ever wondered how to embody the coaching mindset—not just understand it—this conversation is for you.

Chapters

02:04 – The Core Question: “How Do We Do This?”
What it truly means to build a practice aligned with the coaching mindset.

02:16 – The Coach’s Identity and Role
Amy on self-perception, expertise, and informing clients how to use coaching effectively.

03:10 – Clarity About the Proposition of Coaching
Why confusion about coaching leads to compromise and misalignment.

04:20 – Resisting the Seduction of Giving Solutions
How solution-giving quietly undermines transformation.

05:37 – “They Think They Know”
Exploring client expectations and the coach’s responsibility to go deeper.

07:37 – Educating Clients Without Explaining Coaching
The power of silence, presence, and well-placed questions.

08:40 – Is It Really Possible to Do This?
Why a mindset-driven practice *does* work—and thrives.

10:48 – Scarcity, Fear, and the Courage to Say No
How fear drives misalignment—and how integrity creates opportunity.

12:58 – A Call for Coaches to Pause and Reflect
Reclaiming joy, presence, and commitment to the mindset.

Memorable Quotes

“Once we are clear about the proposition of coaching, there is no other way to practice.” — Elias Scultori, MCC
“When we slip into solutions, we choke off the opportunity for real transformation.” — Amy Donovan, MCC
“Education doesn’t happen when we explain coaching—it happens when clients *experience* it.” — Elias Scultori, MCC
“We are the stewards of our profession, and stewardship requires courage.” — Amy Donovan, MCC
“The coaching mindset is the source of your success.” — Elias Scultori, MCC

What does it *really* take to build a sustainable, ethical, and successful coaching practice?

In this powerful episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with executive coach and HR consultant Michelle Tajudeen, PCC, Managing Director of MetaCC Incorporated, to explore one of the most challenging and defining moments in a coach’s journey: having the courage to say no.

Michelle shares a candid story from early in her coaching career, when a lucrative corporate opportunity required her to compromise the very principles she was trained to uphold. Faced with pressure to guarantee outcomes, impose agendas, and prioritize short-term results over client autonomy, Michelle made a decision that would ultimately shape her reputation, integrity, and long-term success.

Together, Elias and Michelle unpack the realities of coaching in revenue-driven environments, the risks of “voluntold” coaching, and why honoring the client’s process is non-negotiable—even when it feels financially or professionally risky.

This episode is essential listening for new coaches, experienced coaches, mentor coaches, and leaders navigating the intersection of ethics, business, and authenticity.

🎧Episode Highlights

• Why saying yes too quickly can cost you your integrity as a coach
• The hidden dangers of outcome-driven, agenda-based coaching
• What happens when coaches compromise their values—and when they don’t
• How saying no led to an 8-year corporate partnership and coaching 250+ executives
• Trusting intuition as a core professional competency
• Building a coaching brand rooted in credibility, ethics, and authenticity

⏱️ Chapters

00:29 – Meet Michelle Tajudeen, PCC
04:06 – The biggest lesson of Michelle’s coaching journey
08:41 – The cost of compromise in coaching
09:51 – Finding the courage to say no
12:52 – How integrity created unexpected long-term success
14:47 – Reputation, trust, and coaching without compromise
17:13 – Final advice for coaches at every stage

🔑 Key Takeaway Quotes

“It takes real courage to say no as a coach.”
“Integrity will always cost you something upfront—but it pays dividends long term.”
“Trust your intuition. It will lead you back to why you became a coach in the first place.”

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and share PRIME SPACE with fellow coaches and leaders who care about excellence, ethics, and humanity in coaching.

Let’s get real about coaching in the real world.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, tackles a common tension coaches face: the gap between the coaching mindset we’re trained in and the results-driven reality our clients demand.

“Clients want results—and they want them fast.”

But does that mean coaching doesn’t work in high-pressure, executive, organizational environments?

Building on last week’s conversation about coaching mindset, Elias explores why problem-solving, quick fixes, and jumping into expert mode often create the illusion of effectiveness while quietly undermining real transformation.

This episode is a candid invitation to rethink what clients are really asking for, how coaches unintentionally dilute their value, and why holding space, not providing answers, is often the most impactful work we can do.

You’ll hear a clear, grounded exploration of:

• Why coaching is not utopian theory, but a practical, real-world discipline
• The difference between coaching, consulting, mentoring, and training, and why ethics matter
• How “emergencies” can pull coaches out of presence and into performance
• What it truly means to embody a coaching mindset under pressure

This episode is essential listening for coaches who want to stop negotiating their mindset, deepen their skills, and build sustainable, impactful practices—without abandoning the core of coaching.

⏱️Episode Chapters
00:14 – Coaching Mindset Meets Reality
02:58 – Is Coaching Mindset Just Utopia?
05:07 – The Illusion of Effectiveness
06:19 – When Coaching Isn’t the Right Modality
08:35 – Emergencies and the “Building on Fire” Moment
0:02 – The Real Reason Coaches Rush to Solve
12:10 – Educating Clients 13:34 – The Road Less Traveled

In the Season Four premiere of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, explores one of the most essential and misunderstood foundations of professional coaching: the coaching mindset.

With the evolution of the ICF Core Competencies, coaches around the world continue to ask: What does it really mean to embody a coaching mindset? In this solo episode, Elias offers a clear, experience-based perspective that goes beyond definitions, checklists, and skill execution.

This episode unpacks five core principles that define the coaching mindset, including why coaching is client-centered rather than solution-driven and is rooted in the belief that clients are capable, resourceful, and whole. Elias also examines power, hierarchy, partnership, and why coaching must be lived—not turned on and off during sessions.

More than a professional framework, this episode positions coaching as a transformational movement—one that has the power to reshape individuals, organizations, and how we relate to one another as human beings.

Whether you are a new coach, an experienced practitioner, or preparing for ICF credentialing, this episode invites deep reflection on who you are being as a coach—and why mindset is the foundation from which all coaching skills emerge.

Quotes
“Solutions are not the goal of coaching; they are the consequence of awareness.”
“The client is always the expert—our expertise is the coaching process.”
“Mindset is the hardest part of coaching—and the foundation of every skill.”

Chapters
01:04 – Why “Coaching Mindset” Still Feels Unclear
Reflections on the evolution of the ICF Core Competencies and why the concept remains elusive.

04:47 – Coaching Is Client-Centered
Why coaching focuses on the *who*, not the *what*, and prioritizes transformation over transactions.

06:17 – Coaching Is Not Solution-Based
How solutions emerge naturally as a byproduct of awareness, not the goal of the process.

07:32 – Clients Are Capable, Resourceful, and Whole
The foundational belief that there is nothing to fix—and how this shifts the entire coaching relationship.

08:49 – Coaching Is Client-Led and Adult-to-Adult
Ownership, responsibility, and the coach’s commitment to “not knowing.”

09:57 – Partnership, Equality, and Power Awareness
Why minimizing hierarchy is essential—and why the client is always the true expert.

11:11 – Coaching as a Way of Being
Why mindset can’t be turned on and off, and how coaching becomes a lived set of values.

13:51 – A Call to Embody the Coaching Mindset
An invitation to reflection, practice, and contribution beyond the coaching conversation.

What does it mean to move a profession forward without losing its essence?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, is joined by Ann Fogolin, MCC, for a thoughtful exploration of where coaching is heading and what may be at stake along the way. Drawing on decades of experience in coaching, mentor coaching, and assessment, they reflect on key inflection points in the profession, including the introduction of competency markers, the evolution of credentialing, and the growing influence of AI.

Rather than predicting trends, this conversation examines the deeper questions shaping the future of coaching: How do we preserve the human core of the work? What distinguishes coaching from adjacent practices? And what responsibility does the profession carry as it continues to define itself?

The dialogue invites coaches to consider not only where the industry is going, but how each practitioner participates in shaping that direction.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and welcome
02:08 – The evolution of coaching standards and the impact of PCC markers
07:08 – Credentialing, assessment, and the shift toward developmental evaluation
10:40 – AI in coaching: opportunities, tensions, and limitations
15:37 – The role of knowledge and shifting interpretations of coaching competencies
17:37 – Identity, maturity, and the ongoing definition of the profession
20:42 – Belonging vs. fitting in: a reflection on the profession’s future

Key Themes

• The unintended consequences of standardization in coaching education
• The distinction between demonstrating competencies and embodying them
• Evolving approaches to mentor coaching and assessment
• AI as both a tool and a mirror for the profession’s values
• The importance of human connection in coaching conversations
• The ongoing need to define a clear and shared coaching mindset

Memorable Quotes

“There are recordings where every box is checked—and there is no coaching happening.”  
“Coaching is not just about the solution. It’s about being seen, valued, and understood by another human being.”  
“AI can support the process, but it cannot replace the human connection that defines coaching.”  
“We are still trying to define our identity as a profession.”  
“You want to belong, not just fit in.”

Sometimes the most powerful coaching lesson comes from the person who never called themselves a coach. In this deeply candid and vulnerable season finale, host Elias Scultori, MCC, opens his heart and invites listeners into a meaningful moment with his mother — a lesson that shaped his coaching, his leadership, and his very understanding of presence and excellence.

In My Mother’s Legacy, Elias reflects on a moment from his teenage years in Brazil, when a simple request from his mother became a lifelong teaching on intention, commitment, and showing up fully. With honesty and emotional clarity, he shares how her wisdom continues to guide his work as a Master Certified Coach and how it can inspire your own journey—especially as the year comes to a close.

Whether you're a coach, a leader, or someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode is an invitation to pause… to breathe… and to recommit to giving your best—not for perfection, but for presence.

✨ Honest storytelling
✨ Coaching wisdom
✨ Reflective year-end guidance
✨ A reminder of what truly matters

00:14 – Introducing My Mother’s Story
A glimpse into the woman whose wisdom shaped a lifetime.

04:35 – The Heart of the Message
Presence, commitment, and the essence of excellence.

05:35 – A Year-End Invitation to Reflect
Questions to guide your personal and professional introspection.

09:39 – Closing Reflections & Looking Ahead
Honoring legacy, appreciating listeners, and a preview of what’s next.

What happens when an internal corporate coach with a decade of experience steps away from a secure leadership role to open an independent practice—named It’s Not About the Name?

In this inspiring conversation, Ali Cengiz, ACC, joins Elias Scultori, MCC, to explore the courage, clarity, and deep humanity behind becoming a coach who leads from the inside out.

Ali shares what it truly means to center the person—not the problem, not the system, not the process—and how his years as an internal coach shaped the way he now supports leaders and teams through meaningful transformation. From redefining his professional identity to parenting with a coaching mindset, Ali shows us that coaching isn’t something we do—it’s who we are.

⭐ Quotes

“It’s really not about the name. It’s about the person on the other side.” — Ali Cengiz, ACC
“If you want to inspire others, walk the journey yourself first.” — Ali Cengiz, ACC

01:18 — Finding a name for his coaching practice
02:45 — Ali’s courageous transition from corporate to independent coaching
03:38 — Lessons from five years as an internal coach
05:11 — Remembering the people behind the systems
08:47 — Three powerful learnings from PRIME Coaching Academy Level 1
10:52 — Listening as a fundamental human skill
13:47 — Advice for coaches: start with your own inner work
15:03 — Courage: choosing to do work that energizes you

When everything feels like it’s shifting beneath our feet, who do you choose to become?

In this powerful episode of PRIME SPACE, the official podcast of PRIME Coaching Academy, host Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with his fellow Academy’s co-founder, Amy Ruppert, MCC, to explore her thought-provoking article “The World Is Reassessing—What’s Your Role Going to Be?”

Together, they unpack the accelerating disruptions that have reshaped our global landscape—from social upheaval to technological leaps—and what these shifts are asking of us as human beings and as professional coaches. Amy and Elias offer a clear and inspiring lens on why coaching as a profession is uniquely positioned for this moment in history and how coaches can expand their impact far beyond the one-to-one session.

This is an episode about consciousness, courage, societal evolution, and stepping into a much bigger game.

⏱️ Chapters

00:50 — Why “The World Is Reassessing”
Amy explains the global disruptions shaping human behavior and social norms.

03:51 — Technology, AI, and the Human Distinction
Elias and Amy discuss the acceleration of tech, the meaning of wisdom, and humanity’s unique role.

05:05 — Norms Dissolving & Consciousness Rising
How societal norms are shifting—and why collective awareness is expanding.

08:31 — Why Coaching Is Built for This Moment
Coaching as clarity, consciousness, and courageous action during uncertainty.

10:04 — The Call for Coaches to Think Bigger
Elias and Amy reflect on coaching beyond business building—toward societal impact.

What does it mean to be a coach, not just do coaching? In this inspiring episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with Travis Gislason, ACC—Director of Field Coaching and Development at Breakthru Beverage Group—to explore how coaching principles show up in leadership, parenting, teamwork, and self-development.

From applying a coaching mindset at home to leading teams in corporate America, Travis shares how his experience at PRIME Coaching Academy transformed the way he works, connects, and lives. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of coach training, the importance of inclusion, and the often-overlooked self-care behind powerful coaching presence.

01:04 – The Role of Field Coaching
Travis explains how coaching shows up in leadership and learning development at Breakthru Beverage Group.

04:23 – Being a Coach vs. Doing Coaching
Exploring how a coaching mindset transforms both personal and professional life.

05:15 – The PRIME Coaching Experience
Travis reflects on his ACC journey and how PRIME Coaching Academy shaped his clarity, confidence, and presence.

06:43 – From Training to Transformation
The difference between training, consulting, and coaching—and why language matters in leadership.

09:21 – Coaching Results and Inclusion
Real-world impact: how inclusion and empowerment are emerging as core outcomes of coaching.

12:37 – Living Values and Self-Awareness
How identifying personal values and prioritizing self-care make coaching sustainable and effective.

15:37 – The Power of Reflection and Community
Elias and Travis discuss how cohort learning and community accelerate transformation.

In this *Culture in Coaching* episode, Elias Scultori, MCC talks with Rachel Vandenberg, executive coach and founder of Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel, about what it means to coach women through the lens of identity, context, and community. Together, they explore belonging, agency, and how cultural awareness deepens every coaching relationship.

Chapters

01:10 - The Many Facets of a Leader — Rachel shares her unique professional and personal journey.
07:07 - Women in Leadership: What Coaches Should Know — Insights into belonging, voice, and agency.
10:27 - Coaching Through Shared and Different Lenses — What male coaches might miss when coaching women.
13:50 - Context and Culture in Coaching — Seeing the client within their broader world.
15:29 - The Leadership Perspective of Women — Collective leadership and empathy in action.
18:03 - Closing Reflections & Invitation** — Lifelong learning and community through PRIME HOUR.

“Connection. Celebration. ICF Converge 2025.”

In this special episode, Elias Scultori, MCC, takes you straight to the heart of ICF Converge 2025 in San Diego, California — the ICF global gathering of professional coaches. Experience the energy, wisdom, and warmth of this worldwide community through a lively collage of interviews with coaches, leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of our profession.

From emotional reunions to deep reflections on learning, presence, and diversity, these voices remind us of the power of connection that defines coaching — beyond screens, beyond words.

Episode Highlights

• 00:50 - Lyssa deHart, MCC – On connection beyond Zoom and the beauty of the “wonder of words.”
• 01:46 - Robin Stueber, ACC – Finding global unity and inspiration in her first Converge.
• 04:16 - Dan Freehling, PCC – Elevating word choice and staying at the cutting edge.
• 05:27 - Claire Bamberg, PCC – Exploring “Ubuntu” and the heart set of coaching.
• 07:44 - Carrie Abner – ICF leadership reflections on community and connection.
• 09:31 - Cheryl Procter-Rogers, MCC – Honoring in-person energy and shared journeys.
• 11:04 - Brian Grisso, ACC – From virtual to real: the magic of meeting fellow coaches.
• 11:58 - Robert Garcia, ACC – The legacy of ICF presidents and the call to leadership.
• 14:13 - Aikyna Finch, PCC – Championing diversity, inclusion, and belonging at ICF.
• 16:20 - Khyla Freeman – The joy of hearing coaches support core competencies.
• 17:29 - Mariela Tirado Rivera – Putting faces to the accreditation process.
• 18:41 - Stan Ajemian, ACC – Finding confidence as a new coach and embracing flexibility.
• 20:32 - Camila Cesari, MCC – Celebrating 30 years of coaching from Bologna to San Diego.
• 21:54 - Paul Sanbar, MCC – The art and science of language in coaching.
• 22:57 - Ann Fogolin, MCC – Lessons from the mastery panel: “The less I say, the more profound I am.”

Elias closes the episode with a heartfelt reflection on the spirit of the ICF community — a reminder that coaching thrives when we gather, listen, and grow together.

A lot is happening in the coaching world right now. In this episode, host Elias Scultori, MCC, breaks down the latest ICF updates that every coach should know about — including a new pilot credentialing exam for PCC and MCC levels, and the release of the Minimum Skills Requirements across all credential tiers. More than just reporting, Elias challenges us to think beyond compliance and strive for excellence in our craft.

🔹 Episode Highlights

01:27 - ICF’s pilot credentialing exam – What’s changing, who qualifies, and how it could reshape the testing experience.
03:27 - Minimum Skills Requirements explained – What these new documents cover for ACC, PCC, and MCC levels.
08:55 - Beyond the minimum – Elias’s invitation to see the new standards not as a goal but as a starting point.

🎧 Tune in for

• Insider updates from the ICF
• A powerful reflection on professional excellence
• A call to elevate your coaching practice beyond standards

Links

• PRIME SPACE - Episode 56 - ICF Core Competencies 2025 - What's Changed?
• PRIME SPACE - Episode 8 - "ACC, PCC, MCC in a nutshell"
• New Pilot Credentialing Exam
• ACC Minimum Skills Requirements
• PCC Minimum Skills Requirements
• MCC Minimum Skills Requirements

In this episode, host Elias Scultori sits down with leadership coach Joe Miller, ACC, to unpack a challenge many coaches regularly face — what to do when a client shows up in self-doubt.

Joe describes noticing two distinct “modes” in his clients:
✨ Mode One — confident, prepared, full of faith.
🌧️ Mode Two — insecure, resistant, and uncertain.

As the conversation unfolds, they realize that these “modes” may reveal just as much about the coach’s own mindset as they do about the client’s. Together, Elias and Joe explore how to stay genuinely curious, let go of personal definitions of success, and keep believing in the client’s wholeness — no matter what “mode” they’re in.

This is a vulnerable, reflective conversation about the inner work of coaching — and the growth that happens when we’re willing to look inward.

⏱️ Chapters
00:27 – The Coaching Challenge: Two Client Modes
02:58 – When Confidence Fades: Working with “Mode Two” Clients
05:38 – When Coaching Feels Stuck: Referral or Recommitment?
09:17 – Turning the Lens Inward: The Coach’s Growth Opportunity
13:06 – Simplicity, Curiosity, and the Power of Reflection
13:30 – Final Takeaway: Staying Curious with Every Client

💬 Notable Quotes

"...how real are these modes and do they really or as much at least reflect my own growth and learning opportunities and shifting opportunities, thinking opportunities as a coach." [09:17]

"...sometimes you have to start with something simple. Maybe spotting the simplicity of a couple of modes and then letting that drive the curiosity." [13:06]

🎧 Listen now to reflect on your own assumptions, reconnect with curiosity, and rediscover your belief in every client’s potential.

Behind every powerful coaching question lies something quieter—but far more essential: trust.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, shines a light on an often underestimated ICF Core Competencies: Cultivating Trust and Safety. While many coaches focus on powerful questions, agreements, and action planning, the foundation of effective coaching rests on something more fundamental—trust.

Elias explores how trust shows up in everyday life, why it is indispensable in coaching, and how coaches can intentionally nurture it from the very first impression they make. He also introduces the powerful distinction between safe space and brave space, inviting coaches to reimagine trust-building as a shared responsibility between coach and client.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deepen your coaching relationships, this episode will remind you why trust isn’t just another competency—it’s the very ground on which coaching stands.

Is a coach automatically “good” just because they follow the rules? In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori continues the Coaching Myths Uncovered series by challenging the belief that flawless technique alone defines coaching excellence.

Elias explores why rules and competencies, while essential, are only the framework—and not the essence—of coaching. He introduces the balance of Form and Flow, explains the Japanese concept of Shu-ha-ri as a path toward mastery, and highlights the risks of relying solely on technique without depth.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Why coaching is a balance between art and science
• How to move beyond “checking boxes” to embody the essence of standards
• The importance of reflective practice in balancing form and flow
• Common habits and excuses that derail growth
• The ongoing journey of mastery every coach must commit to

If you’ve ever wondered whether playing strictly “by the book” makes for a great coach—or if there’s something more—this conversation will challenge your thinking and deepen your practice.

Watch the "Coaching Myths Uncovered" event on YouTube.

What if the key to transformation isn’t changing our thoughts—but changing how we think?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, is joined by Aaron Listhaus, ACC, for a thoughtful conversation exploring the distinction between individual thoughts and the patterns of thinking that shape them.

Together, they explore how clients often become trapped not by what they think, but by how they habitually think—patterns that quietly shape behavior, decision-making, and ultimately, life outcomes. Drawing from real client examples and the concept of “immunity to change,” Aaron reveals how coaches can help clients identify and shift the underlying cognitive habits that keep them stuck.

This episode moves beyond surface-level mindset work and into the deeper architecture of awareness—where lasting change actually occurs.

For professional coaches, this conversation sharpens the distinction between content and process—between what clients say and how they generate what they say. It reinforces a core truth of coaching: transformation is less about solving problems and more about evolving the system that produces them.

Chapters

02:56 – Why Thinking Patterns Matter More Than Thoughts
07:06 – Immunity to Change: Why We Stay Stuck
11:59 – Coaching the Pattern, Not the Content
14:27 – Shifting Perspective: Expanding the Client’s Lens
16:20 – The Marble Staircase: How Change Really Happens

Memorable Quotes

“It’s not the thought—it’s the thinking behind the thought.”
“Awareness gives you choice—and choice changes everything.”
“We don’t coach the problem; we coach the pattern that sustains it.”
“Lasting change isn’t a breakthrough moment—it’s a worn path, created over time.”

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, explores one of the most common and delicate questions coaches face: “How personal can I be with my clients?”

Drawing from ICF Core Competency 4: Cultivates Trust and Safety—specifically sub-competency 4.6—Elias reflects on the role of transparency, vulnerability, and authenticity in coaching. He unpacks what it means to share appropriately, how to balance openness with professional boundaries, and why the guiding question should always be: What is the benefit for the client’s process?

Through this lens, Elias challenges the long-held image of the “flawless leader” and emphasizes the courage it takes for a coach to show up authentically. When coaches embrace vulnerability—not as oversharing, but as a way of being—they empower clients to drop the masks of perfection, embrace their own humanity, and tap into their resourcefulness.

Whether you are a new coach navigating boundaries or an experienced practitioner deepening your presence, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to be transparent, vulnerable, and authentic in service of your clients.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, unpacks the brand-new 2025 update to the ICF Core Competencies—a milestone that affects every professional coach.

Elias explores the ICF’s rigorous review process, the global collaboration behind the revisions, and the nuances introduced in this new version. From refined language choices to important sub-competency additions, he highlights how these changes impact coaching practice.

But not everything is cause for celebration. Elias also raises concerns about the added complexity and the use of controversial word choices. Through his analysis, he invites listeners to reflect critically on what supports clarity, alignment, and integrity in our profession.

Whether you’re a seasoned coach or new to the field, this episode offers insight, perspective, and an invitation to engage with the future of coaching practice.

🎧 Tune in, review the updates for yourself, and join the conversation.

📥 Download the ICF Core Competencies - v.2025
📥 Download the Comparison Chart

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, welcomes back his friend and colleague Amy Donovan, MCC, for a powerful return to the fundamentals of coaching.

Together, they revisit the timeless question: What is coaching? While it may sound simple, the conversation reveals the depth, nuance, and evolving understanding behind the practice. Elias and Amy explore why coaching is about discovery rather than solutions, the importance of true partnership, and how professional coaching stands apart from mentoring, consulting, or therapy.

Whether you are brand new to coaching or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers clarity, reminders, and fresh insight into what makes coaching a unique and transformative process.

For years, coaches have embraced the mantra "there is no coaching without action.” But what if the word *action* no longer captures the depth of what truly happens in a coaching conversation?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, challenges the traditional view and introduces a more expansive concept—movement. From subtle shifts in mindset to intentional pauses, Elias explores how transformation can take many forms beyond tangible tasks.

Discover why reframing action as movement honors the richness of human development, keeps coaching aligned with its core purpose, and empowers clients to carry their insights forward in intentional, life-shaping ways.

Tune in and reimagine what it means to support your clients as they step into their next chapter.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, welcomes Rory Courlander, ACC—an Irish-born coach and international educator now serving as Director of Instructional Coaching at GEMS Education in Dubai. Together, they explore the unique dynamics of coaching in Arabic and Muslim contexts, where culture, education, and coaching intersect in powerful ways.

Rory shares his journey from Ireland to Thailand and ultimately to Dubai, offering personal stories and professional insights that illuminate how culture shapes coaching conversations. From experiencing a full Ramadan fast alongside a colleague to discovering the Arabic word “Ershad” (meaning guidance), Rory shows how genuine cultural immersion, language adaptation, and trust-building are essential in creating meaningful coaching partnerships.

Listeners will also gain practical strategies for navigating hierarchical structures, fostering reflective practices, and flexing coaching approaches to align with cultural values while maintaining authenticity. At its core, this episode highlights how coaching, when rooted in respect and cultural sensitivity, transcends boundaries to create an authentic human-to-human connection.

Perfect for coaches working with diverse populations, international educators, and anyone interested in cross-cultural communication, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for building trust and impact across cultural lines.

Delivering the perfect coaching session—hitting all the markers, checking every box, and meeting every standard. Is that really what perfection looks like?

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori unpacks the myth of the technically flawless session and reframes what makes coaching truly powerful. From the unpredictability of human connection to the balance of form and flow, Elias explores why “perfect” isn’t about precision—it’s about presence, flexibility, and creating lasting value for the client.

Tune in to discover how to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the kind of session that transforms—messy, human, and perfectly imperfect.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with conflict resolution coach and author Dana Bernstein, PCC, to explore how our deepest values shape the way we experience—and resolve—conflict.

Dana’s new book, It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of You vs. You, reveals a powerful truth: most conflict begins inside ourselves. Together, Elias and Dana unpack how identifying your core values, emotional triggers, and “best self” can transform indecision, tension, and misunderstandings into clarity and purposeful action.

Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or simply navigating life’s daily challenges, this conversation offers practical tools to:

• Recognize when your values are in conflict
• De-escalate your own reactions before they escalate situations
• Make decisions with more confidence and alignment
• Help clients (and yourself) uncover the “why” behind emotions and choices

Listen in for an inspiring, actionable conversation that will help you master the art of you vs. you—and further support your clients in their decision-making process.

Connect with Dana at danalynnbernstein.com

In this thought-provoking episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori challenges one of the elusive coaching myths: “If I'm an MCC, my sessions are always at MCC level.”

Drawing from personal experiences, powerful metaphors, and insights from the PRIME Coaching Academy programs, Elias explores the dynamic, human, and imperfect nature of coaching—and why certification alone doesn't define the quality of a coaching session.

Whether you're working toward your ICF certification (ACC, PCC, or MCC), deepening your coaching presence, or supporting clients at all levels, this episode invites you to reflect on:

• Why coaching is more than just checking competency markers
• How to serve your clients with authenticity and skill
• The real purpose behind coach training and credentialing
• Why being present is more powerful than being perfect

📌 This episode is part of the “Coaching Myths Uncovered” series, expanding on a PRIME EVENT now available on YouTube.

👉 Tune in to discover how coaching excellence is not about flawless sessions—but about serving clients with intention, adaptability, and heart.

🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with fellow coaches, and explore our upcoming Level 1 coach training cohort at www.primecoachingacademy.com.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, we explore the powerful space between insight and action—a space where true transformation begins. Amy Rupert Donovan joins host Elias Scultori for a rich conversation on the importance of helping clients reflect on and solidify the key learnings from a coaching session.

Together, they unpack how this moment of reflection can deepen awareness, reveal new insights, and empower clients to take meaningful, aligned action. They emphasize the importance of examining both the external environment and the internal shifts occurring within the client, and how this fosters sustainable growth and confidence over time.

This episode invites coaches to slow down before action planning and fully partner with clients in the discovery of their own wisdom. This vital step empowers the client to design meaningful and powerful actions based on the new awareness generated during the session.

Welcome to Season 3 of PRIME SPACE. In this powerful opening episode, Elias invites us to explore coaching not just as a profession—but as a philosophy for living.

Using a real student conversation as the starting point, Elias challenges the idea that coaching is limited to 1-on-1 sessions. Instead, he proposes that the core principles of coaching—respect, trust, belief, self-worth, humility, and authenticity—are universally applicable and profoundly transformational.

You’ll hear how embracing this mindset can shift the way we view others, ourselves, and every human interaction. More than a technique, coaching is a way of being—one that honors humanity at its core.

If you’re on a journey to become a better coach, this episode offers a foundational lens for growth and practice.

💬 Want to continue the conversation? Reach out to Elias on LinkedIn. We’re in this together.

There are some changes coming to the ICF Certification process.
What does that mean to you?
What does it say about coach training and development?

Beginning January 1, 2027, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) will eliminate performance recordings for ACC and PCC portfolio applications. In their place? A more robust, relationship-based, and developmental approach centered on mentor coaching.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, unpacks what this change really means—not just procedurally, but philosophically. This is more than a policy update. It’s a redefinition of how coaching mastery is cultivated, assessed, and embodied.

You’ll explore the shift from one-time performance evaluation to ongoing formative development, the introduction of the Mentor Coaching Qualification (MCQ), and why this evolution elevates—not dilutes—the integrity of ICF credentials.

More importantly, this conversation challenges a deeper question:
Are you pursuing certification… or development?

This episode invites you to reconsider your relationship with growth, standards, and what it truly means to become a great coach.

Chapters

00:00 — A Major Shift in Coaching Certification
01:39 — From Performance to Formative Development
04:39 — The Rise of Mentor Coaching (Done Right)
06:00 — Introducing the MCQ: Accountability for Mentors
10:32 — Beyond Technique: A Holistic View of Coach Development
13:06 — The Real Question: Why Certification at All?**

Quotes

“The spotlight is no longer on a moment—but on a lived developmental process.”
“Mentor coaching is not a requirement to complete. It is a process to inhabit.”
“You cannot separate skill development from the human being who is developing.”

In this thought-provoking episode of PRIME SPACE, hosts Elias and Amy—both master-certified coaches from the PRIME Coaching Academy—tackle a critical and sometimes controversial question in the coaching profession: Can someone truly be an effective coach without formal coach training?

Drawing from years of experience and deep knowledge of the industry, Elias and Amy explore the nuanced realities of coaching with and without formal preparation. While they recognize that some individuals may have natural coaching instincts, they strongly advocate for the transformative impact of structured coach training. They delve into the tools, ethical frameworks, and professional standards that formal training provides—and why these elements are essential for creating meaningful, sustainable transformation for clients.

Whether you're a coach, aspiring coach, or simply curious about what separates a good coach from a great one, this episode offers valuable insights into:

• The risks of coaching without training
• Why natural talent alone isn't enough
• How ongoing learning shapes coaching excellence
• The ethical responsibilities of professional coaches
• The importance of distinguishing coaching from mentoring or consulting

📌 Notable Quote:
"When people coach without formal training, they don't know what they don’t know." – Amy

📌 Kicker Quote:
"Why are you not investing in yourself? Why aren't you considering yourself a professional and doing what professionals do?"

🔍 Themes Explored:
✔️ Coaching vs. Mentoring/Consulting
✔️ The hidden gaps in untrained coaching
✔️ Ethical standards and ICF best practices
✔️ Lifelong learning in coaching

🎧 Tune in and reflect on your own coaching journey—and what it means to show up as a true professional in this evolving field.

#PRIMESpacePodcast #CoachTraining #ProfessionalCoaching #ICFStandards #EthicalCoaching #CoachingExcellence #OngoingDevelopment #CoachingProfession #MentorVsCoach #TransformationalCoaching

In this solo episode, Elias shares the exciting news of earning his ESIA accreditation from the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), a coaching supervision certification. But more than a personal milestone, this episode is a deep reflection on the value of supervision in coaching and how it complements mentor coaching, personal growth, and business development.

Elias unpacks the evolving distinctions between mentor coaching and supervision, explores their psychological roots, and makes a strong case for a holistic, integrative approach to supporting coaches. With nearly 15 years of experience as a mentor coach and supervisor, he invites coaches to see supervision as “super-vision”—a bird’s-eye view of their practice that deepens self-awareness, ethical clarity, and professional impact.

Whether you're new to the concept or already using supervision, this episode offers powerful insights and practical encouragement to embrace reflective practice as part of your ongoing development.

📌 Plus: Elias previews the final episode of Season 2 and shares exciting updates from the PRIME community.

🔗 Learn more at primecoachingacademy.com
📺 Check out our latest coaching demo on YouTube
💬 Follow us on LinkedIn
👥 Join our next PRIME HOUR!

#CoachingSupervision #MentorCoaching #HolisticCoaching #CoachDevelopment #ReflectivePractice #EMCC #ICFCoaching #CoachingStandards #PRIMESPACE #EliasScultori #CoachingPodcast

🎙️ In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias welcomes Dorisse Shakir-Ullah, ACC — accomplished coach, award-winning leader, and founder of Career Forward Coaching — for a compelling conversation focused on coaching within the BIPOC community.

Drawing from over four decades of service at the FBI, where she became the first Black Muslim woman to lead as an administrative officer and hiring manager in a top field office, Dorisse now dedicates her life to helping others rise. Through her coaching, she creates spaces of trust, empowerment, and growth for her clients.

💡 In this episode, Dorisse offers essential insights for coaches who want to work more effectively with BIPOC clients:

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding a client’s core identity — their values, strengths, and sense of self — is foundational to meaningful coaching.
• How to help BIPOC clients navigate systemic barriers while nurturing a strong internal compass.
• The importance of intentional strategy and helping clients think expansively about career possibilities.
• Why creating a space of spiritual, emotional, and cultural safety matters in every coaching conversation.
• How mentorship, service, and lived experience can inform a powerful, equity-centered coaching approach.

Dorisse's coaching is deeply guided by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring question: “What are you doing for others?” Her response: coaching that uplifts, affirms and expands what’s possible — especially for those historically left out of the conversation.

🔗 If you’re a coach seeking to serve diverse clients with authenticity and impact, this episode is essential listening.

Connect with Dorisse at Career Forward Coaching and on LinkedIn.

#PRIMESPACE #BIPOCVoices #InclusiveCoaching #CareerCoaching #DorisseShakirUllah #CoachingForEquity #StrengthsBasedCoaching #DiversityInLeadership #EmpoweredCoaching #CoachingCommunity #CareerForward #CoachingWithPurpose #EliasScultori #CoachingTips #CoachingMatters

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of PRIME SPACE, the official podcast of PRIME Coaching Academy, hosted by Elias Scultori, MCC.

In this episode, Elias continues the series "Coaching Myths Uncovered"—a deep dive into common misconceptions that circulate in the coaching world. Today’s focus: the myth that in coaching, we should never talk about the past.

Elias challenges the oversimplified idea by exploring how the past is intricately woven into the present—and how understanding it can be a powerful tool in developmental coaching. Discover how honoring a client’s full journey (including past experiences, beliefs, and values) can enhance awareness, growth, and transformation.

🔍 Topics covered:
* Why the past naturally informs the present
* The importance of holistic and developmental coaching
* Real-life client stories that illustrate this distinction
* When it's appropriate to refer a client to another professional

📺 Watch the full "Coaching Myths Uncovered" event on our YouTube channel!
💬 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more coaching insights.

🔗 Stay Connected:
Subscribe to the podcast | Follow us on YouTube | Share with fellow coaches

#CoachingMyths #EliasScultori #ICFCoaching #ProfessionalCoaching #CoachingPodcast #PRIMESPACE #CoachingDevelopment #PastInCoaching #MindfulCoaching

In this insightful episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, founder of PRIME Coaching Academy, unpacks a vital coaching distinction: the difference between an "outcome" and "evidence" in a coaching conversation. Drawing on a recent debrief from a Learning Lab session, Elias explains how coaches can sharpen their session agreements by helping clients not only define what they want (the "outcome") but also how they’ll know they’ve achieved it (the "evidence").

Using practical examples, including his signature "road trip" analogy and concepts from his exclusive PRIME MODEL and PRIMEplus MODEL, Elias helps coaches navigate the nuances of the ICF Core Competencies—particularly standards 3.6 and 3.8. Whether you're a new coach or deep into your professional development, this episode offers actionable insight into setting clearer, more effective session goals.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

* The difference between coaching "topics," "outcomes," and "evidence"
* Why clarity at the start of a session transforms the whole conversation
* How to handle clients who provide everything upfront—and how to acknowledge it

🎧 Tune in to refine your session agreement skills and deepen your client impact.

#Coaching #ICFCoreCompetencies #CoachingSkills #PRIMEMODEL #SeriousLearner #LeadershipCoaching #CoachEducation #PRIMECoachingAcademy #CoachingPodcast #EliasScultori

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, is joined by co-founder of PRIME Coaching Academy Amy Ruppert Donovan, MCC, for a deeply inspiring conversation that calls coaches to something greater.

💡 Episode Highlight:
Amy returns to the PRIME SPACE podcast to explore the transformational power of coaching—not just as a profession but as a global movement. Together, Elias and Amy reflect on the 30-year evolution of coaching since its earliest days and discuss the deeper meaning behind coaching competencies, presence, and service. Inspired by Amy's latest blog post, “In Service of Something Greater,” they invite coaches everywhere to reflect on their role not only in their clients' lives but in the world at large.

🌍 What You'll Hear In This Episode:

• Why the first 30 years of coaching was just the "dress rehearsal"
• How coaching is uniquely positioned to impact social change
• The importance of seeing coaching beyond the 1:1 session
• What it means to move from profession to movement
• A call to scale your vision and connect your inner purpose with outer impact

🗣 A Quote to Remember:
"We are not just practitioners—we are stewards of potential. We are not just business owners—we are agents of transformation. The first 30 years were practice. Now it’s opening night." — Amy Ruppert Donovan

👉 Whether you're a new coach or a seasoned MCC, this episode will challenge and uplift you. Be prepared to think bigger, go deeper, and rise to your full potential as a coach in service of something greater.

🔗 Read Amy's Blog Post: In Service of Something Greater

📢 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow coaches and changemakers. The world is watching—not to see our performance but to feel our presence.

#PRIMESPACE #CoachingPodcast #AmyRuppertDonovan #EliasScultori #ICF30Years #InServiceOfSomethingGreater #CoachingMovement #TransformationalCoaching #CoachForChange

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias dives into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of building a successful coaching practice. Whether you're a new coach just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to refine your business, this episode is relevant to you.

Here, Elias explores the two foundational questions that must be answered before any marketing strategy can truly work:

1. What is your case for coaching?
2. Why should clients choose you over others?

Learn how to articulate your value, define your unique presence in the coaching space, and build your practice on authenticity and alignment.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• Why traditional marketing falls flat without inner clarity
• How to position yourself with confidence and purpose
• The mindset shift from chasing clients to attracting them

💡 Plus: A sneak peek into PRIME Coaching Academy’s Level One program and how it can help you lay this essential foundation.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow coaches!

👉 Register now for our Level One program

#CoachingPractice #ICFCoaching #MarketingForCoaches #CoachMindset #AttractClients #PRIMECoachingAcademy #EliasScultori #CoachingSkills #BuildYourPractice #AuthenticMarketing

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias dives into the common coaching myth that "coaches don't interrupt clients." While it is generally true that coaches should avoid interrupting clients to allow them to process their thoughts fully, Elias explains that there are times when an intentional and appropriate interruption can help support the client's thought process. He outlines the distinction between clients who are reflecting productively and those who are getting lost in repetitive or circular thinking. [10:10] In the latter case, a thoughtful interruption to refocus the client can be warranted, as long as the coach's intention is truly to support the client rather than impose their own agenda. [13:45] Elias provides tips on how to interrupt in a constructive way that maintains trust and safety in the coaching relationship. [13:50]

#PRIMESPACEPodcast #CoachingMythsUncovered #EliasScultori #CoachingMyths #ProfessionalCoaching #CoachingSkills #ActiveListening #CoachingTips #CoachDevelopment #BuildingTrust #CoachingInterruptions

In this insightful episode of the Culture in Coaching series, we sit down with Master Certified Coach Camilla Cesari to explore how Italy’s rich cultural tapestry and experiences can help us see how culture, in general, influences any coaching relationship. By unpacking the Italian lifestyle's regional diversity, expressive communication style, and emotional depth, we shed light on culture's power over every client's context. Rather than relying on stereotypes, we emphasize the importance of approaching every client as a unique individual—while remaining sensitive to the cultural narratives that may shape their worldview.

Listeners will gain practical insights on navigating creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as strengths and recognizing when those qualities might become challenges in the coaching process. This episode encourages coaches to experiment, stay curious, and see cultural differences as opportunities for learning and growth.

💬 Notable Quote
"We coach the person, not the culture." – Camilla Cesari

📌 Topics Covered

• The diversity and cultural richness of Italy
• Strengths and challenges Italian clients bring to coaching
• Balancing cultural context with individual focus
• The importance of global coaching perspectives

🎧 Perfect For
Coaches working internationally, those curious about culturally responsive coaching, and anyone interested in the intersection of culture and personal development.

Connect with Camilla at https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillacesari/

#CultureInCoaching #ItalianCulture #CulturalIntelligence #GlobalCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #CoachingPodcast #DiversityInCoaching #ICF #MasterCoach #PRIMECoachingAcademy

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori explores the crucial distinction between coaching and simply using a coach approach. Through various scenarios—such as a manager leading a conversation, a trained coach in a personal discussion, or a professional offering advice—Elias clarifies what sets coaching apart from other approaches. He dives deep into the structured process of coaching, which involves clear agreements, a specific framework, and an equal partnership with the client. The episode challenges both coaches and other professionals to reflect on their approach and ensure they are aware of their stand and represent themselves ethically and with integrity.

#Coaching #CoachingMindset #ProfessionalDevelopment #CoachingFramework #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #PRIMESPACEPodcast #CoachApproach #Distinctions

Empathy is often named as a core coaching skill.
And yet… its depth continues to unfold the more we practice.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC, moves beyond definitions and into the nuanced terrain where coaching excellence lives. While empathy is often cited as a foundational competency (ICF Core Competency 4.4), its definition remains vague, even among experienced coaches.

Drawing on the well-known distinction popularized by Dr. Brené Brown, this episode expands the conversation to include sympathy, emotional resonance, and compassion, revealing how each subtly but significantly impacts trust, partnership, and client agency.

Through precise language analysis and real coaching examples, Elias challenges coaches to examine not just what they say, but the internal stance from which their words emerge.

Recommended Video
• Brene Brown on Empathy vs Sympathy

Chapters

00:00 — The Question Beneath the Competency
03:06 — Empathy in Practice: Beyond Words
06:19 — Sympathy: The Subtle Break in Partnership
08:17 — Emotional Resonance: Instrument or Interference?
11:04 — Compassion: The Hidden Urge to Fix
14:25 — Applied Distinctions: Real Client Moments

Memorable Quotes

“The moment you create distance, you weaken partnership.”
“Emotional resonance becomes powerful only when it stops being about you.”
“Compassion, unmanaged, is the gateway to fixing—and fixing breaks coaching.”
“It’s not the words you use—it’s the position you take.”

Empowering Career Transformation through Coaching Description In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC, sits down with Mary Burns, ACC, a career coach with over 15 years of experience empowering professionals to achieve more fulfilling and rewarding careers. Mary has coached clients across various industries, guiding them through career shifts, transitions, and leadership development. Her work spans from private coaching at AdviseU to advising Executive MBAs at the prestigious Kellogg School of Management.

Mary shares her journey into coaching, from her early exposure to the industry in the late 90s to becoming passionate about supporting professionals, particularly Millennials, as they navigate their careers. She opens up about the evolution of career coaching in the wake of the 2008 recession, how the job market has shifted, and the exciting opportunities emerging in tech, healthcare, and other innovative sectors. Mary also discusses the crucial role of the ICF Core Competencies and coaching mindset in her practice, emphasizing trust, confidentiality, and ethical practice as the foundation for meaningful transformation.

With insights into how AI is reshaping the job market and a personal touch on what brings her joy in coaching, Mary offers invaluable thoughts for those coaching clients striving for career advancement, balance, and overall satisfaction.

Key Takeaways

• The role of coaching in professional growth and career transformation
• How the ICF Core Competencies guide career coaches in their practice
• Balancing advice with a coaching mindset to foster client autonomy
• Navigating career shifts, transitions, and leadership development in today’s job market
• The impact of AI and innovation on the workforce

Connect with Mary
LinkedIn

#CareerCoaching #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ICFCoach #CareerTransformation #ExecutiveMBA #CoachingMindset #CareerDevelopment #AIandCareers #MillennialsAtWork #CareerShift #WorkLifeBalance #KelloggSchoolofManagement #MarketingAcademy #CareerSuccess #CoachingWithMary

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias delves into the transformative power of "not-knowing." What happens when we let go of control and embrace uncertainty in the coaching process? Elias explores how this mindset opens up a space for clients to tap into their own insights, discover deeper possibilities, and ultimately engage in profound self-exploration. Not-knowing is more than just a coaching technique; it's a courageous invitation to trust the process and explore the reasons behind how we relate to our challenges. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about how stepping away from the need for answers can lead to powerful transformation.

#Coaching #NotKnowing #Transformation #ClientInsight #SelfExploration #PRIMESPACE #EliasScultori #CoachingMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #PersonalGrowth #CoachingTools

In this week’s episode, Elias sits down with Garry Schleifer, PCC, publisher of Choice Magazine, the go-to resource for professional coaches. Garry shares the inspiring story behind the creation of Choice, revealing the moment he saw a gap in the coaching industry and decided to fill it with a publication dedicated to coaches. Launched 22 years ago, Choice Magazine is an unbiased publication available both digitally and print publication offering valuable insights on various coaching topics. Garry also reflects on the evolution of the coaching industry over the years, discussing both the changes and the core principles that have remained constant. Plus, if you've ever thought about contributing to Choice Magazine, Garry shares how you can submit your articles for this influential publication. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

Visit Choice Magazine Website.

#Coaching #ProfessionalCoaching #ChoiceMagazine #FreedomFridays #CoachingCommunity #DiversityInCoaching #ArtificialIntelligence #CoachLife #CoachingJourney #CoachingInnovation #ChoiceForCoaches

In the first episode of the series Coaching Myths Uncovered, Elias challenges the perception that coaches only ask questions by exploring some of the other diverse tools we have at our disposal. He emphasizes that coaching is a dynamic conversation and highlights the importance of broadening our toolkit to create a fertile ground for awareness to surface. Elias delves into several essential coaching tools, such as Acknowledging, Complex Reflections, and Sharing Information. Additionally, he discusses how the quality of the questions coaches ask can be refined to improve the coaching experience and drive more profound client breakthroughs. Through this episode, listeners are encouraged to diversify their coach approach by deepening their understanding of the tools offered by our Coaching Core Competencies.

Links mentioned during this episode:
Coaching Myths Uncovered
Deeper Reflections
Episode 14 - Deeper Reflections

#CoachingMythsUncovered #CoachingTools #CoachingConversation #CoachingCoreCompetencies #CoachingInsights #EffectiveCoaching #ComplexReflections #CoachingAwareness #EliasScultori #SeriousLearner #Podcast #CoachingSkills