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Explore every episode of the podcast The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar

Dive into the complete episode list for The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar . Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
How to Create an Energizing Summer Learning Plan: Episode 24516 Jun 202500:23:50

In this episode, Elena tackles a challenge you're likely facing right now: the frantic race to complete year-end responsibilities while a crucial growth opportunity passes you by. Through an authentic coaching conversation, she shows you how to create an intentional summer learning plan when you're the one who always develops others. 

Notable moments: 

01:19 Context for coaching conversation

03:59 Start of coaching conversation 

07:06 Addressing Confidence and Cultural Competence

11:23 Feedback and Communication Skills

16:43 Creating a Summer Learning Plan

21:04 Conclusion and Resources

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Reflection questions: 

  • What aspects of your coaching or leadership practice felt most challenging this past year? How might intentional summer learning help you address these challenges and return to school with renewed confidence?
  • Consider your professional growth over the past few years. Where have you made progress, and what areas still feel like opportunities for development? What would meaningful growth in these areas look like?
  • What conditions help you learn most effectively? Do you thrive in collaborative settings, prefer self-directed study, or benefit from structured courses? How might you design a summer learning plan that honors your unique learning preferences while stretching you in new ways?

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

Episode Transcript 

Turn Your Triggers into Tools: Episode 24409 Jun 202500:16:42

Elena reveals how those moments when you suddenly lose composure—whether from a colleague's comment or an unexpected email—aren't signs of weakness but powerful opportunities. Discover how understanding your emotional activation points can actually be the unexpected key to greater job satisfaction and professional effectiveness.

Notable moments: 

  • 00:31 Exploring Emotional Triggers at Work
  • 01:32 Understanding and Recognizing Triggers
  • 04:22 Steps to Manage and Explore Triggers
  • 09:29 Frameworks for Analyzing Triggers
  • 11:07 Practical Examples and Applications
  • 14:33 Conclusion and Further Resources

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Reflection questions: 

  • Think about the last time you were emotionally triggered at work. What physical sensations did you notice in your body, and what emotions arose? How might recognizing these signals earlier help you respond differently in future triggering situations?
  • Consider your pattern of triggers over time. Do you notice any common themes or situations that consistently activate you? What might these patterns reveal about your core values or unmet needs in your professional life?
  • How do you typically treat yourself when you've been triggered? Do you tend toward self-criticism or self-compassion? What simple phrase of self-compassion could you develop to offer yourself in moments when you're emotionally activated?


Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast

Expansive Listening in Action: Episode 23507 Apr 202500:24:37

Coaching the problem, not the person, is the number one trap that coaches fall into. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can use expansive listening to unlock possibilities and empower your client. 

Notable moments: 

  • 01:12 The Power of Expansive Listening 
  • 02:49 Role Play Demonstration: Default Listening
  • 11:10 Role Play Demonstration: Expansive Listening
  • 22:09 Conclusion and Resources

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Reflection questions: 

  • Which of the two demonstrations felt most similar to your current approach? 
  • What underlying beliefs and ways of being contributed to the two different approaches? 
  • What is one move Elena made that you would like to try on in an upcoming conversation? 

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

Designing PD: Reflection Before the Event: Episode 17024 Jul 202300:16:17

In this first episode of a three-part series on designing and facilitating transformational PD, Elena “pulls back the curtain” and shares how she prepares to facilitate. Listen in for a detailed list of reflection questions that will help you feel confident and grounded as you walk into the next PD or team meeting you are facilitating. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us



Designing & Facilitating Team Meetings - Part 2: Episode 16917 Jul 202300:17:03

Have you ever led a team meeting that got derailed due to emotional flair-ups?

Elena shares the specific prompts she uses in these daunting facilitation moments, and what’s led to the Bright Morning Team no longer facing this common team challenge. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Designing & Facilitating Team Meetings: Part 1: Episode 16810 Jul 202300:11:13

In the first of this two-part series, Elena pulls back the “Bright Morning curtain” to give you an insider’s look into how we use purpose to drive our team meetings. From 1:1 check-ins, to monthly presenter team meetings, you’ll get the inside scoop into what we do and why we do it. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Navigating Contagious Negativity: Episode 16703 Jul 202300:19:15

In this final episode of our Hot Topics of Coaching for Equity mini-series Elena shares seven things you can do when you are in a toxic culture, one where there is contagious negativity. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us



Can I Coach Here?: Episode 166 26 Jun 202300:15:22

“What do you do if you’re coaching in a place where your values are misaligned?” 

In this episode of our Hot Topics in Coaching for Equity mini-series, Elena takes a coaching stance to help unpack this question and support you in thinking through potential options for taking action. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

When Someone Is “Too Far Gone” for Coaching: Episode 16519 Jun 202300:26:13

“Is there ever a time when we should consider that someone shouldn't be working with kids…and should we advise supervisors to let them go versus continuing to coach them?” 

Elena unpacks this question and provides four potential steps to take when you encounter this challenging reality in this episode of our new mini-series: Hot Topics in Coaching for Equity. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us

When “Equity” is Prohibited: Episode 16412 Jun 202300:35:04

This is the first of a four-episode Hot Topics in Coaching for Equity mini-series. In this episode, Elena is joined by Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains. The two discuss how you coach for equity, when even using the word “equity” is prohibited. Elena shares six steps you can take today. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Finding Your Power: Coaching Conversation: Episode 163 05 Jun 202300:41:54

How do you support a client who has “lost their mojo?” 

In this coaching conversation, Elena does so by cultivating self-compassion, engaging with curiosity, and gently challenging assumptions. You will also hear the use of trauma-informed strategies that demonstrate how a coach can support a client through an emotional experience without overstepping into the role of therapist. 

Listen in for a masterclass on holding space, remaining unattached to outcomes, and trusting the process. 

Note: This is the second part of the coaching conversation heard in episode 162. If you haven’t already listened to that episode, you’ll want to start there. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us

Coaching Conversation: ACE In Action: Episode 16229 May 202300:21:48

Coaching emotions is the key to Transformational Coaching. And our ACE tool is the key to coaching emotions. In today’s episode, Elena utilizes ACE in a coaching conversation. Listen in to hear how an exploration of emotions can unlock some profound realizations, and can be accomplished in 12 minutes!   

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Three Resilience Boosters You Haven’t Heard Before: Episode 16122 May 202300:15:02

This is the second episode in our four-part mini-series on coaching for resilience and coaching emotions. In this episode, Elena shares three resilience boosters that are sustaining her right now. Listen in to gain ideas for yourself, and approaches you can take when coaching others. 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

First 5 Minutes: “Who is a fictional character…” [Replay]31 Mar 202500:17:03

How can we bring some creativity and levity to our coaching conversations? What about helping our clients access their needs? Or connecting them to their power?   

A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. 

In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your conversations are feeling a little flat 
  • Your coachee is more compliant than actively engaged  
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

The Role of "self-care" for Educators: Episode 160 15 May 202300:15:21

This is the first episode in a four-part mini-series on cultivating emotional resilience and coaching emotions. To kick things off, Elena is sharing the four things you need to know and do if you want to talk about and coach for resilience and discussing the power of “self-care” for educators (spoiler alert: it’s not all bubble baths and trips to the spa). 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

REPLAY: Disrupting Racism in Coaching Conversations 08 May 202300:46:35

“Why don't you disrupt racist behavior more immediately? Our kids needed change yesterday…”  

We get asked a version of this question frequently, so today we’re replaying a listener favorite episode from last year where Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains, joins Elena to explore how we center transformation (and our own humanity) when disrupting racism in our coaching conversations.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

REPLAY: Why We Need Affinity Spaces 01 May 202300:35:09

What are racial affinity spaces?

Why are racial affinity spaces necessary? 

How do you respond when people are concerned about there being racial affinity spaces? 

What should I consider if I want to bring racial affinity spaces to my school or organization? 

If these are questions you’re curious about, this episode is for you. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 


Support us 

REPLAY: Microaggressions 10124 Apr 202300:35:57

What is a microaggression? 

What can you do when you hear, see or experience a microaggression? 

If these are questions you are curious about, this episode is for you. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 


Support us 

5 Ways to Normalize Emotions in Your Coaching Conversations: Episode 15917 Apr 202300:24:00

If you want to be a Transformational Coach, you must be able to coach emotions. 

If you want to coach for equity, you must be able to coach emotions. 

The first step to coaching emotions is to acknowledge and normalize them. In today’s episode, Elena shares five ways to do so in your coaching conversations. 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

What do we mean by "every conversation is an equity conversation?": Episode 15810 Apr 202300:19:47

Episode Description  | At Bright Morning, we believe every conversation is an equity conversation (or at least it should be). But what does that mean? In this episode, Elena shares the three things you can do to make this a reality.

Mentioned in this episode:
Ladder of Inference
The Art of Coaching Workbook, Exploring Identity Markers & Reflecting on Identity Markers exercises (pp.16-19) (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)

Opportunities for continued learning:
The Art of Coaching Workshop (retired July 2024 and replaced by The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop)
Coaching for Equity Workshop
The Art of Coaching (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/

Support us 

Coaching When You’re the Boss: Episode 157 03 Apr 202300:16:48

“Can I coach if I’m the boss?” 

The short answer is yes. But only if you are clear, intentional, and capable. If you are an administrator, a supervisor, or anyone who is responsible for evaluation who also wants to take a coaching stance, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Reflection questions: 

  • How clear are you—and your team—on the different stances you take as a boss and a coach?
    Where might more transparency around your role or intentions strengthen trust and clarity?
  • Think of a recent conversation with someone you supervise.
    What stance did you take? In hindsight, was it the most effective stance for that moment? Why or why not?
  • What internal shifts might you need to make to fully embrace coaching as part of your leadership identity?
    How could redefining “boss” to include coaching change the way you lead?

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Responding When Emotionally Activated: Episode 156 27 Mar 202300:24:19

You’re in the middle of a team meeting or a work conversation and someone says something that sets you off. How do you respond? 

In today’s episode, Elena provides the background information that you need to be able to understand what’s driving your response in those moments, gives you a three-step method to use to respond with intention, and shares an activity you can start using today to increase your self-awareness. If you’re looking to increase your EQ, this episode is for you! 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

How to Build Your Team’s EQ: Episode 15520 Mar 202300:25:04

If you want a team that can engage in healthy conflict, one that experiences high levels of investment and low levels of resistance, you need to focus on emotional intelligence (EQ). The first step to doing so is to grow the awareness of your own emotional landscape.  Today’s episode provides you with the knowledge and tools to get started. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 


Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

How to Close Your Coaching Conversations: Episode 15413 Mar 202300:15:44

How our conversations end matters. A lot. In this episode, Elena provides 5 tips that will allow you to close your coaching conversations in a way that elicits positive emotions, allows your coachee to tap into their sense of power, and cultivates resilience.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

First 5 Minutes: “Tell me about a challenging moment…” [Replay]24 Mar 202500:11:50

How do you kindle a sense of power and agency in your coachee when they are feeling deflated or overwhelmed?  

A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. 

In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your coachees are feeling powerless or deflated 
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

How to Determine Your Coaching Conversation Area of Focus: Episode 153 06 Mar 202300:22:54

What do you do when a coaching client doesn’t know what to focus on during your time together? 

If you want to feel confident in answering that question, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Elena shares four tips for guiding the conversation when your client has many priorities, maybe even competing priorities that will not only help them figure out where to start, but will also build their decision-making capacity in the long term. If you’re a coach, leader, parent, or anyone who wants to take a coaching stance, this episode is for you! 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

REPLAY: A Framework for Responding to Racism 27 Feb 202300:26:01

Today we’re replaying an essential What to Say When You Hear Something Racist episode in which Elena shares her simple framework for responding to racism and demonstrates how she recently put it into action while antiquing (because unfortunately, racism is everywhere). 

Mentioned on this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

Support us 

REPLAY: The Role of Your Identity in Responding to Racism20 Feb 202300:28:42

Today we’re replaying the first episode of our, “What to Say When You Hear Something Racist” series. In this inaugural episode, Elena shares the first step you must take if you want to skillfully respond to racism: deepening your understanding of your own identity. 

When you know yourself, you'll be able to better understand when you are inclined to step up and take action, or when you might be tempted to step away from something challenging. If you understand your identity experiences, you'll have heightened awareness of your own privilege and responsibility.

The concepts and tools referenced in this episode appear throughout this series, so listen in and then keep going! 

Mentioned on this episode: 

Continue your learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

Support us 

Transformational PD Part 3: Responding to Resistance: Episode 15213 Feb 202300:50:52

Have you ever faced resistance while facilitating? Us too! 

In this final episode of our Transformational PD mini-series, Elena is joined by Bright Morning teammate, Maria Dyslin, to discuss and demonstrate how you can navigate resistance as a facilitator before, during, and after your meetings and PD sessions. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

Transformational PD Part 2: Six Transformational Tips: Episode 15106 Feb 202300:20:43
  • What do I do when an activity I planned just isn’t working? 
  • How do I respond to a question that I don’t know how to respond to? 
  • My agenda is too full but everything is essential! What do I cut?

The answer to these questions and many more are answered in this second episode of our 3-part Transformational PD mini-series. Elena shares 6 Transformational Tips that she’ll pulling on in her practice these days that we bet you haven’t heard before.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Reflection questions: 

  • Which of the six strategies resonated most with you, and why?
    Reflect on a specific moment in your facilitation or planning where you could have used that strategy. What might have changed?
  • What comes up for you when you imagine being more vulnerable or less "expert" in a PD space—like sharing a think-aloud or dancing in front of participants?
    What beliefs or fears might you need to examine or release in order to show up more authentically?
  • How might you intentionally create more space in your PD design—whether that means cutting content, moving your body, or even canceling a session
    What would it look like to prioritize depth, presence, and responsiveness over content coverage?

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us

Transformational PD Part 1: What It Is and Why You Need It: Episode 15030 Jan 202300:35:17
  • What is “transformational PD?” 
  • How do we make PD joyful?
  • What are important considerations for one-time vs. ongoing PD?
  • How do we center equity in all of our PD sessions? 
  • What is Elena’s favorite tool from The PD Book? 

Today Elena is joined by Bright Morning teammate, Becky Barstein, to explore these questions and many more in Part 1 of our three-part Transformational PD mini-series. If you design or facilitate adult learning, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!  


Mentioned in this episode: 


Opportunities for continued learning: 

  • Artful Design and Facilitation (Bright Morning workshop)



Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 


Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram


Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 


Support us 


Coaching Resistance: Part 3 - Coaching Demonstration: Episode 149 23 Jan 202300:33:37

It’s been two months and the teacher you’re coaching still hasn’t implemented the strategies they agreed to. What do you do? 


In today’s episode, Elena demonstrates her approach to coaching this type of “resistance” and then pulls back the curtain to explain her coaching moves.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

 Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

 Support us 

Coaching Resistance: Part 2 - Preparing OURSELVES: Episode 14816 Jan 202300:40:06

Did you know a childhood photo or a lunch date can help you coach resistance? 

On today’s episode, Elena and Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains, discuss what they do to prepare themselves to coach resistant clients, and how they tend to themselves as coaches of color who often coach across lines of racial difference. Listen in for concrete strategies and several stories that help bring them to life. 

Mentioned on the podcast: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.  

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

 Support us 

Coaching Resistance: Part 1 - What is Resistance: Episode 14709 Jan 202300:37:55

Elena hasn’t experienced resistance in her coaching conversations in over a decade. In this episode, she shares her five step process to eliminate resistance in your coaching conversations (...and really, in any conversation). This is the first in a three-part Coaching Resistance mini-series you won’t want to miss! 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Reflection questions:

  • What behaviors have you previously labeled as “resistance,” and how might your interpretation shift if you viewed them as expressions of fear instead
    Consider what core human needs might be threatened in those moments.
  • When you feel triggered or dismissed by someone you’re coaching, what fears are activated in you?
    Reflect on how those fears influence your reactions and what might change if you explored them with compassion.
  • What would it look like in your coaching practice to stay in relationship with someone who’s showing fear—even when it’s hard?
    What words or actions could communicate curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to support?

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

Support us 

How to Set Yourself Up For a Great Year: Episode 146 02 Jan 202300:19:02

Resolutions don’t work for the overwhelming number of people, but we know what does! In this episode, Elena shares the simple, research-based, strategy she’s using to support her in making 2023 one of the best years yet. Listen in, grab your free resource, and take the first step in making 2023 a great year.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

 

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

 

Support us 

First 5 Minutes: “Tell me a story…” [Replay]17 Mar 202500:14:28

How can we instill our clients with confidence in their potential to learn and grow? 

A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. 

In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your coachees are drained and/or overwhelmed and working from limited resilience reserves 
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

Keep learning: 

Support the show:

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

An Ask: Episode 14626 Dec 202200:19:02

We’re hard at work preparing amazing episodes for you in 2023, starting with a series on resistance in early January (get excited!). So today we’re coming to you with an ask to help make all that’s to come possible. 

Help make the podcast happen: 

Become a sustaining member! 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

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REPLAY: Preparing for Break: Episode 10119 Dec 202200:12:59

In today’s episode replay, Elena once again becomes the coach in your ear, providing some guidance for how you can think about winter break to ensure it serves you and your needs. 

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REPLAY: First 5 Minutes: “Who is a fictional character…”: Episode 9812 Dec 202200:16:19

How can we bring some creativity and levity to our coaching conversations? What about helping our clients access their needs? Or connecting them to their power?   

In this replay of our First 5 Minutes series, Elena will walk you through how to do just that with one question that opens up your next coaching conversation. 

In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your conversations are feeling a little flat 
  • Your coachee is more compliant than actively engaged  
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

 Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.  

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

 Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

 

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REPLAY: First 5 Minutes: Tell Me About a Place…: Episode 9205 Dec 202200:14:38

Today we’re replaying an episode from our First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes provided you with all you need to know to incorporate one resilience-boosting question in your conversations. Listen in and consider adding these to both your work and home conversations. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your coachees are drained and/or overwhelmed and working from limited resilience reserves 
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

 Support us 

In Conversation with Dr. Dena Simmons: Episode 145 28 Nov 202200:40:18

Dr. Dena Simmons, the founder of LiberatED, a collective focused on developing school-based resources at the intersection of social and emotional learning, racial justice, and healing joins Elena in an uplifting conversation about healing, authenticity, imposter syndrome, hope and play. This is an episode for BIPOC educators who have been made to feel like they don’t belong.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

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Disrupting Racism at the Dinner Table…And Beyond: Episode 14421 Nov 202200:14:12

The winter holidays can include many things: time with family, a break from work…and maybe some casual racism over dinner. In today’s episode, Elena provides a quick overview of her What to Say When You Hear Something Racist framework. This is the content you need for the most essential holiday prep: preparing to disrupt racism. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

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Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 

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Disrupting Racism in Coaching Conversations: Episode 14314 Nov 202200:46:35

“Why don't you disrupt racist behavior more immediately? Our kids needed change yesterday…”  

We get asked a version of this question frequently, so today Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains, joins Elena to explore how we center transformation (and our own humanity) when disrupting racism in our coaching conversations.  

Mentioned in this episode: 

 Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

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 Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/  

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Why We Need Affinity Spaces: Episode 14207 Nov 202200:34:41

What are racial affinity spaces?

Why are racial affinity spaces necessary?

How do you respond when people are concerned about there being racial affinity spaces?

What should I consider if I want to bring racial affinity spaces to my school or organization?

If these are questions you’re curious about, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode: Coaching for Equity workshop The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development, by Elena Aguilar and Lori Cohen The Racial Healing Handbook, by Anneliese A. Singh, PhD, LPC
Opportunities for continued learning: Attend: Coaching for Equity (Bright Morning workshop)Read: Coaching for Equity (Book by Elena)

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show.
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Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/

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Microaggressions 101: Episode 14131 Oct 202200:36:55

What is a microaggression? 

What can you do when you hear, see or experience a microaggression? 

If these are questions you are curious about, this episode is for you. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://brightmorningteam.com/newsletter/ 


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The End of Month Routine You Need (Replay)24 Oct 202200:21:48

Here’s the secret to ending the year feeling fulfilled and accomplished: reflect and adjust along the way. 

Today we’re replaying a listener favorite episode, The End of Month Routine You Need, in which Elena shares what you can do at the end of each month to help you fulfill your goals and vision for the year. 

Mentioned on this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

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First 5 Minutes: “Tell Me About a Place…” [Replay]10 Mar 202500:15:37

A replay of our fan-favorite First 5 Minutes series. These short episodes will teach you how to incorporate one resilience-boosting question into your conversations to help your clients get through the spring slump. 

In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works, and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • Your coachees are drained and/or overwhelmed and working from limited resilience reserves 
  • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
  • You like concrete coaching tools! 

Keep learning: 

Support the show:


Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

REPLAY: Behind the Design: How to Coach Strong Emotions: Episode 14017 Oct 202200:16:21

In this replay of a 2021 episode, Elena pulls back the curtain to provide expert advice on holding spaces for transformation. Today she’s sharing the strategy you need for coaching clients who are experiencing strong emotions. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • You’re looking to strengthen your coaching practice 
  • You are tempted to go into fix-it mode when your client is struggling 
  • You don’t know what to do when a client becomes emotional 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. 

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

 Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox! Sign up at https://subscriber.brightmorningteam.com/resources 

Support us 

You Want to Coach for Equity? Start Here (REPLAY) 10 Oct 202200:16:07

Today we’re replaying an essential podcast episode from last year. In this Coaches’ Corner Elena shows up as your coach and expertly guides you through some exercises and prompts to consider if you are looking to coach for equity. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • You want to coach for equity 
  • You want to support others in discovering their why for coaching for equity 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Opportunities for continued learning: 

Podcast Transcript and Use:

Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

If you would like to support the show and enable us to invest additional resources into providing more polished transcripts, you can do so by becoming a Friend of the Show.


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REPLAY: How to ACE Your Coaching Conversations03 Oct 202200:33:14

The October slump is a real thing for educators, and a time where there are a lot of big emotions at play. To help you navigate this reality, we’re replaying a very early episode where Elena provides an overview of the ACE framework, one of the core strategies for coaching resilience. 

The ACE framework is one that has been utilized in many of the coaching conversations episodes, including episode 36: Kathrina Mendez Revisited. If you haven’t already listened to episode 36 we recommend you do so either before or after this episode to support internalizing this approach. 

This episode is for you if: 

  • You have questions about coaching emotions
  • You would like to support your clients in growing their resilience 
  • You would benefit from a framework for processing your own experience and growing your resilience 

Mentioned in this episode: 

Bright Morning Memberships (learning opportunity) 

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