Listen Now

Are you using your authentic voice? Sometimes we have to step “into the scary” to take the journey toward growth and progress. We have to lean into who we are and what we need to do to move forward. I know you will learn a lot from today’s guest. I hope you’ll join us! Dr. Lizette Warner is a business leadership coach, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. With years of executive healthcare expertise, she’s also a biomarker expert, which she explains in this interview. She is the author of Power, Poise, and Presence: A New Approach to Authentic Leadership. Lizette is also a former student of mine through the UTD program, and I’m thrilled to shine the spotlight on her incredible work.  Show Highlights: What it means to find our “authentic voice” What biomarkers are–and how they fit into Lizette’s work How Lizette formulated recipes for the elements of power, poise, and presence Why everyone’s power recipe is different–because we each feel empowerment uniquely Lizette’s personal example of her recipe for peace in her life How to discover your unique recipes for power, poise, and presence through biomarkers Why your recipe will change over time as you go through new experiences How Lizette helps clients differentiate between their recipes for power, poise, and presence–and find their authentic voice (sweet spot) How Lizette’s book gives tactical tools to use, pitfalls to avoid, and how to empower the next generation with power, poise, and presence Resources: Connect with Dr. Lizette Warner: Find her book, and Visit her website and Instagram Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!  

How do you create products and offers that your clients need? We are covering this topic in today’s episode. Let’s talk about how you can lean into your expertise and be in control of your “talent strategy.”  I’m thrilled to be joined by Susan Collins, a friend, and client of mine. She’s a former talent acquisition leader who has had a front-row seat to watching careers rise and fall, always staying curious about why some people thrive and others, though incredibly talented, never realize their potential. With her extensive experience in the corporate arena, she has guided thousands of people through career decisions. Now, as a Career Growth Coach, Susan is focused on helping leaders create meaningful goals, find their way to successful career paths, and work with no regret. She takes an innovative approach to assist people in developing personal talent strategies so they can take control of their own career journeys. Her framework, the 8 Career Narratives, guides leaders as they navigate the corporate ladder to success.  She’s here to share insights from her path into coaching and where she is now, bringing incredible value to her clients through her Career Self-Care program.  Show Highlights: Steps in Susan’s career that brought her into her current role: receiving the gift of a coaching package, a long corporate career, the pandemic/a job furlough, and a career pivot into coaching Why talented leaders don’t always get ahead in their careers—and how Susan identified where they go wrong How Susan’s path pointed toward a role as a career consultant until she discovered coaching How Susan identified 8 Career Narratives that are essential to moving a career forward How Susan built a LinkedIn community of over 19,000 people How career self-care aligns with mental health and wellness Why Susan built her program around finding balance and holding boundaries–and why she KNEW it would work An example of one of Susan’s career narratives: steps to build and manage your personal brand to get to the place of promotion Key advice from Susan: “I had to let go of proud and perfect. I learned to take action every day, be vulnerable, and never stop being curious to learn more.” Resources: Connect with Susan Collins and her Talent Strategy for One program:  Website and LinkedIn Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!  

We are diving deep into the world of emotional intelligence in today’s show, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. We will explore the many facets of emotional intelligence and how it impacts our daily lives along with the idea that emotions contain data, and they can help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us. Whether you're looking to improve your relationships, better manage stress and anxiety, or simply gain a better understanding of your own emotional landscape, I hope you’ll join us for a journey of discovery and growth in the fascinating world of emotional intelligence.  Robin Hills is a distinguished business psychologist and the director of Ei4Change, a leading organization in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience-based personal development. With a focus on education, training, and coaching, Robin has taught more than 300,000 people across 195 countries how to cultivate resilience, self-awareness, and understanding of others. In his work, Robin highlights the importance of emotional intelligence and its role in our personal and professional lives. As a member of the North West Committee of the Association of Business Psychology, Robin is the author of two books and the creator of the most comprehensive range of online, self-paced emotional intelligence courses. With a following of over 200,000 individuals awaiting his next move, Robin is a popular keynote speaker and a true thought leader in the realm of personal and professional development.  Show Highlights: How emotional intelligence can be simply defined and described in a nutshell How emotional intelligence functions in a framework of our inner awareness and the outer world of things, events, and people How to engage with someone who isn’t motivated to be emotionally intelligent internally and relationally How hearing loss helped Robin adapt in learning to engage and focus as a good listener and reader of body language How we as coaches can tune into our hidden drivers of excellence How emotional intelligence assessments (like the EQI 2.0) can identify strengths and weaknesses in measurable ways How qualities like empathy and assertiveness can be strengths and hidden drivers of excellence as part of our wholeness Resources: Connect with Robin Hills and Ei4Change: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook (Fb-My Emotional Intelligence Lab), and Courses Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

How do YOU set the stage for the value of coaching? In other words, what’s your value proposition? Since coaching is a relatively new and often misunderstood profession, many conversations are called coaching when they are something else entirely. In trying to create clarity about what we do with our clients, many coaches define their profession by saying what it is NOT, and I don’t believe that perspective brings value to our coaching. Let’s take a deeper look at how we set the stage for the value of coaching. Join me for this solo episode as I share four specific strategies for building and sharing your value proposition.   Show Highlights: Why coaching is one of many types of conversations we can have with others—but it’s the one that brings transformational change What the coaching partnership is–and what it does for your clients What the data shows about the results of coaching in moving clients forward Four strategies for building and sharing your value proposition as a coach: Be a student of the results that coaching brings. Let go of “coach-speak.” Tie in your process to let them know what to expect. Seed your value proposition into everything (every social media post, blog post, speaking engagements).  How the partnership aspect of coaching brings a unique value to the relationship Why clients will be more ready to engage when they know they know what the coaching process looks like and the results they can expect How I use the acronym RESULTS to lay out my coaching process in my value proposition: Review, Evaluate, Strengths, Understand, Leverage, Target, and Sustainability Why it is important to weave the evidence of your coaching into everything you do Resources: Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

Showing up as our best and engaging with others with the best tools and techniques are at the heart of the coaching profession. Honing these skills with mastery helps us as leaders, in our relationships, and in the ways we engage. My guest today embodies the best of these skills, and I’m thrilled that she is joining us for this rich conversation. Join us now to strengthen your coaching muscles! Lisa Dare is a multi-faceted certified and accredited professional coach who is also a management consultant and facilitator. Her expertise is leadership development, change management, organizational effectiveness, and strategic planning. She brings over 20 years of experience in different industries and roles. A former pharmacist with a degree from the University of Alberta, she still resides in Canada. Her coaching certification and advanced leadership training are through the Coaches Training Institute. Today’s conversation focuses on how to move from transactional coaching to transformative coaching, and we talk about neuroscience, the stairway to coaching mastery, and the different paths that coaches walk. We also touch on topics like visibility, social media, and holding true to your values as a coach. You’ll appreciate the insights from Lisa’s rich experience and perspective and be challenged to go deeper with your clients.  Show Highlights: How Lisa shows up on social media to get her message out into the world How impact happens through our visibility—whether we see it or not Transactional coaching vs. transformative coaching and the two paths  How neuroscience factors into coaching, behavior, and trauma What you might be holding back and afraid to say to your client Why remembering the basics of values and creating space for emotions are part of the  important work we do with clients How the coach’s growth and transformation happen along the journey What Lisa teaches leaders about using coaching skills in conversations Lisa’s parting advice about problem-solving vs. curiosity in coaching conversations Resources: Connect with Lisa Dare:  Website and LinkedIn Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

There are more different generations in today’s workforce than possibly at any other time in history.  Coaches and leaders must understand what each generation brings to the table and the special needs of each one. My guest helps us zoom in on Gen Z in today’s show. Join us to learn more! Dr. Robert Sullivan has been a university professor for over 20 years and is presently the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Dallas Baptist University. His background includes experience in political science, law, and urban planning. In today’s conversation, Dr. Sullivan helps us identify the characteristics of Gen Zers and understand different generations with perspectives of understanding and collaboration. He is the author of What’s the Plan? and hosts The Wonkyfied Podcast.  Show Highlights: Characteristics that make Gen Z unique in today’s world How Gen Z experiences and acknowledges mental health issues Why “job hopping” is common among Gen Z Why Gen Z might be missing out on building communities and making workplace connections The pros and cons for Gen Z of being digital natives Dr. Sullivan’s tips for working with Zoomers: Avoid generational condescension and connect with them.  Help them have an aptitude adjustment. Stress the process of incrementalism. Teach them to embrace sacrifice. A glimpse into Robert’s book, What’s the Plan? and his podcast, The Wonkyfied Podcast Resources: Connect with Dr. Robert Sullivan: Website, YouTube Channel for Podcast, Book, and LinkedIn Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

I hear many coaches say that they struggle to have smooth sales conversations and discovery calls. It is common to find yourself tongue-tied when it comes to naming your price and making the sales offer for someone to work with you. Fortunately for us, my guest today knows the sales process and has simple steps to help us be more confident and find sales success! Join us to learn Nikki’s sales secrets! Nikki Rausch is the CEO of Sales Maven. She has the unique ability to transform the often misunderstood and scary selling process. Her 25+ years of selling to prestigious organizations like The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and NASA have helped her shatter sales records and garner several top producer awards along the way. Nikki works today with entrepreneurs and small business owners as she shows them how to sell successfully and authentically. She has written three books, one of which (The Selling Staircase) aligns perfectly with today’s topic. Listen to Nikki’s “5 Steps” that can prepare you to have the enrollment conversations that will make a difference in your business.  Show Highlights: What led Nikki to create her signature framework for sales conversations, The Selling Staircase–and why it WORKS How to know when it’s time to dig in and learn new selling skills 5 Steps to Sales Conversations: introduction, creating curiosity, discovery, proposal, and close How to bridge the gap between the proposal and close with “close language” and NOT end up on someone’s to-do list How to build your muscle for creating curiosity (Use your “cat-calling energy.”) Why you must not coach during a discovery call How to handle the “bless and release” when the coach and client are not a good fit How to use the technique of asking permission to move from discovery to proposal without “muddying the waters” How to stand in your credibility in recommending solutions without assuming what the client can afford Why your close language is vital in a sales conversation Resources: Connect with Nikki and claim your gift for STaR Coach Show listeners: Mastering the Sales Conversation Check out Nikki’s podcast: Sales Maven Podcast Only a few spots remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

Coaching is a powerful tool for leaders to use to empower their teams and encourage others to reach their full potential. What are the benefits and impacts for leaders who apply coaching to their leadership style? We are breaking it down in today’s episode. Join us to learn more! In today’s show, I’m sharing insights and perspectives from a few of the leaders I’ve had the honor to teach and train. I’ll share with you their words about their training, how they evolved throughout the process, and what was most helpful to them along the way. I hope you’ll be inspired to explore how coaching can transform leadership and take it to the next level. Show Highlights: What makes coaching critical and beneficial for leaders The challenge: How can leaders shift from a “fixer” mindset to a coaching mindset that opens up possibility and collaboration? Common objections from leaders about using coaching in their leadership style Key results when leaders lean into the concept of empowering others to be their own creative geniuses How coaching increases someone’s ownership and ability to engage with co-creating solutions Why leaders usually find it difficult to practice active listening instead of problem-solving The biggest awarenesses I see from leaders who step into co-creating solutions with their team members Common challenges that leaders face in learning coaching skills Why coaching is an essential skill for ANY leader who wants to see results for their team Connect with Meg: Only a few spots still remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Books mentioned in today’s show: Coaching as a Leadership Style by Robert F. Hicks The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner

What are the stories you are telling yourself about how you engage with the sales process? The mindset we take is formed by our beliefs about our identity, integrity, and general view of sales. Would you like to be more magnetic in the sales process for your business and more comfortable in engaging with others? You’ve come to the right place! Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest! Meena Adnani is a business and self-empowerment coach for female entrepreneurs. She qualified as a solicitor in England and as an attorney in New York; after several years of practicing law, she took on senior leadership positions in multinational companies, overseeing their business development and sales and marketing. In 2016, Meena went from multiple six figures to zero in her bank account due to a huge financial loss. Within two years, she rebuilt herself and surpassed seven figures through her coaching business. Since then, she has been mentoring women to start and scale their online businesses so they can increase to six figures and create financial and time freedom in their lives.   Show Highlights: Why we need to figure out our “identity” around money Why there are big misconceptions around sales in the coaching business How to be more magnetic in your sales strategy through your personal brand, sales calls, and follow-ups The three pillars of success in building your personal brand: mindset, marketing, and money Why it is important to convince yourself that you are the expert How to improve your mindset by putting yourself in the position of the buyer Why taking ownership of our failures plays a part in our future growth and healing How our money mindset forms in our early childhood years How to “live what you say” around scarcity, abundance, and results—and create trust and alignment Why Meena is passionate about helping women build wealth Resources: Connect with Meena Adnani: Website, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram Only a few spots still remain for 2023 sessions! Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

Coaching and consulting are two different roles that are often misunderstood, but they can work together beautifully to maximize your business impact and results. Our topic is how coaching can grow your consulting business. Today’s expert guest shares more in this conversation. Join us! Dr. Steven Goodwin is the president and CEO of TurningWest, a national consulting firm that specializes in organization development and leadership. As a perpetual cheerleader for personal and organizational transformation, Steven has been a pastor, consultant, and coach. His life work is to enable organizations to harness the human potential embodied within each group so that they can create a more just world. He believes we all need to become better communicators through conflict and better at using that energy to make stronger relationships and better decisions. He is the author of Catching the Next Wave: Leadership Strategies for Turn-Around Congregations, along with several workbooks and articles. He is currently hard at work on a new book with the working title of Realigning Culture: Creating Organizational Transformation that Lasts.  Show Highlights: How coaching has added to Steven’s consulting business A holistic view of the coaching services that can create culture change How learning is built into team growth and development The Four C’s of Hiring: character, competency, chemistry, and capacity What Steven is learning about helping his clients flourish What has been most beneficial in providing the coaching and consulting services that his clients need Examples of positive organizational psychology in action Why the magic happens at the intersection of the outsider and insider perspective How great coaching questions can help clients see their own way forward Steven’s advice about engaging as a leader who encourages their team members to stay and grow Takeaways about having a solo practice vs. a team Resources: Connect with Dr. Steven Goodwin: Website, Podcast, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Book, and Email Find out more about mentor coaching with Meg: www.STaRcoachshow.com/mentor/   Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community!

Do you need clarity on coaching the person rather than the problem? You’ve chosen the right show to learn more masterful coaching skills from today’s expert guest. Join us! Dr. Marcia Reynolds is a Master Certified Coach who is the president of Covisioning, a leadership training and coaching firm. She is a former ICF President who is hired by organizations around the world to evoke transformation through conversations. Not only is she the author of Coach the Person, Not the Problem: A Guide to Using Reflective Inquiry, but she also wrote Outsmart Your Brain, Wander Woman, and The Discomfort Zone. Marcia was a previous guest on Episode 40, in which we talked about emotional intelligence, and I’m delighted to welcome her back to the show. Show Highlights: What is reflective inquiry? (and what it is not) Why the offer for reflection is always an invitation to the client Marcia’s three tips for coaching the person, not the problem: Set the expectation with an agreement. Maintain the belief that our clients are whole and resourceful. Know when to shift from the situation into coaching the person.  How to partner with a client for their growth in asking the right questions for transformation Why people need to be seen, heard, and valued in order to grow Why coaching the person is very different than simply asking lots of questions Why the foundation of the power of coaching is giving people the ability to observe their thinking Resources: Connect with Meg Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you! Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Marcia’s previous appearance on the STaR Coach Show: Episode 40 Connect with Dr. Marcia Reynolds Website, Twitter, and LinkedIn, Marcia’s books: Coach the Person, Not the Problem, Outsmart Your Brain, Wander Woman, and The Discomfort Zone

One of my favorite topics is learning more about mindset, thinking, and how our brains work. As much as the world’s experts already understand, we are probably just beginning to scratch the surface of the power and potential of our thinking. Today’s conversation asks and answers the question, “Is your mind lying to you?” Let’s learn more together in today’s show! Dr. Don Booz is the founder of Booz and Associates, Inc., an executive and organizational development firm. While he is educated as a marriage and family therapist, he is also an executive coach, a master coach in conversational intelligence, and a master practitioner in NLP (neuro-linguistic programming). He is best known as a conversational anthropologist. Dr. Booz is the author of two books, Your Brain is Lying: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and The Emotional Intelligence Primer for Today’s Leaders: How to be the Difference that Makes the Difference. Dr. Booz shares specific strategies that you can apply today to get out of your own way in moving forward.  Show Highlights How to understand the basics of our limiting beliefs, thinking, and self-talk How to become aware of negative self-talk in internal and external forms (the ANTS–”automatic negative thoughts”) How to use Dr. Booz’s emotional intelligence filter before you say/write something: “Does it need to be said? Does it need to be said by me? Does it need to be said by me now?” How to identify your emotional triggers and audit your thinking How women in the medical field often battle with imposter syndrome How to combat negative self-talk with tools, like affirmations, meditation, breathing, journaling, mirror work, etc. Why most people don’t realize how important inner thoughts and talk are Connect with Meg Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you! Connect with Dr. Booz Dr. Booz’s books Your Brain is Lying: How to Silence Your Inner Critic The Emotional Intelligence Primer for Today’s Leaders: How to Be the Difference that Makes the Difference

If you are a new coach just starting your career, you’ll find in today’s episode what I wish someone had taught me many years ago. We need help focusing our attention on the most productive steps in building a coaching business. Let’s learn more about strengthening the four pillars of your thriving coaching business! Lee Chaix McDonough is the founder of Coach with Clarity, a training and education company for life and business coaches. She hosts her podcast, Coach with Clarity, and is the author of an Amazon #1 bestseller, ACT on Your Business: Braving the Storms of Entrepreneurship and Creating Success Through Meaning, Mindset, and Mindfulness. While originally a clinical social worker and healthcare professional, Lee has leveraged those skills into her next career as a credentialed coach.  Show Highlights: Why Lee is passionate about working with coaches How Lee formulated the Four Pillars The Four Pillars: Identity–Who do I want to be as a coach? What do I want to be known for? Audience–Who do I most want to serve?  Approach–What is it like to work with me as a coach? Offer–What results will my client receive when they pay for my coaching services? A closer look at Identity and how to get clear about roles, core values, alignment, and expressing what matters most How the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ) can help clarify your core values (and your clients’ core values) Why we may see shifts in our identity as we grow and change over time through our lives Resources: Connect with Lee:  Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Coach with Clarity Podcast, and Lee's book Discover your coaching style and take the quiz at www.coachingquiz.com.  Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Our words are important! There is great power in the words we use, and they are the key to all spoken and written communication. Today’s show takes a look at how our word choices affect our responses, motivations, and actions we take. Our words come into play in the self-talk we tell ourselves and also in our language with others, either prompting forward movement and growth or potentially shutting down all growth. Join me as we examine our communication through the lens of two words in this question: Is it an excuse or an explanation? Show Highlights: What an excuse is–and how it’s used to bypass all accountability and ownership What an explanation is–and how it’s used to seek to clarify, understand, and learn How an excuse blocks our creativity and any path forward, keeping us in a fear-based state How an explanation sees through the lens of reason to find a path to a solution How an excuse costs us, keeps us powerless and stuck, and won’t help us meet our goals How excuses make us small and invisible, blocking our dreams from coming true How I’ve seen excuses and explanations come into play as a therapist and coach My challenge: What would shift for you if you recognize your excuses as excuses? How your excuses can turn into explanations that give choices and options How to identify the smallest thing you can do to begin to make progress and shift your words from excuses to explanations Examples of resources that can help you move forward in shifting from excuses to explanations My advice for taking the steps and making the changes in going from excuse to explanation Resources: Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Is your website bringing traffic to you? Are those website visitors being converted into clients? How do you feel about your website? Today’s guest challenges our thinking and gives his perspective on this crucial part of your business, including how we can maximize website opportunities and turn our website into a profit center. Join us to learn more! Michael “Buzz” Buzinski is a lifelong entrepreneur, digital marketing thought leader, and author who has worked with over 1200 service-centric businesses. Through Buzzworthy Integrated Marketing, Buzz teaches people how to use their websites to effectively double their revenue by following his success formula. His passion for helping entrepreneurs comes from his 15-year struggle in his business, so he is relatable and knowledgeable in helping others avoid the time drain and frustration that are common in entrepreneurship. His book, The Rule of 26 for Service-Based Businesses: Three Steps to Doubling Website Revenue, was published in 2021. In today’s show, Buzz shares how we can reach more people, bring more value, and live the lifestyle that we want in today’s digital age.  Show Highlights: How Buzz finds value in helping those in service-centric businesses understand their value and individuality  Why the starting point is Strategy The mindset shift to think of your website as an expense item to a profit center (⅔ of ALL business today is going through websites!) How Buzz’s “Rule of 26” strategy can help you use your website as a profit center Why “billing what you are worth” is a pitfall that MUST be addressed Why the next step is to create more value for your clients How to break down the math to increase your conversion rate by 26% Why your website should talk about the most important person: the website visitor (Change your “I” and “me” language to “you” and “your.”) Why most entrepreneurs make the common mistake of addressing too many problems and failing to niche down to a particular problem What your conversion rate optimization formula looks like: You must identify the problem, form a solution, and create a methodology that revolves around THEM How to use your website “About” page to make everything about you actually about THEM How to attract people to your website through SEO How to change your mindset around time and money Why you need to get rid of “PITA” clients and focus on attracting the next echelon up by raising prices and eliminating “tire-kickers” and “plate-lickers” Key takeaways about optimized websites:  Evaluate your current clients (How many are your perfect clients?), do research on why they are your best clients, make a profile of them, and figure out the commonality between them. Evaluate your website (Am I talking to my perfect clients with language focused on them?), address the clients’ problems, show them your success rate, and give them a good call-to-action/offer.  Resources: Connect with Buzz: Website, Book, and Email For STaR Coach Show listeners, email Buzz, tell him you heard this episode, and ask for your complimentary 45-minute discovery call and 30-day action plan for success! Reach out and claim this FREE resource! Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you!

As coaches, it is SO easy to get caught up in all the things we need to do to build our businesses and neglect our health. Our bodies are the foundation for every success we achieve, and if we neglect our physical health, our bodies will someday demand our attention and focus. Let’s find out more about how our health habits can affect our business’s bottom line. Join us! Alison Scott is a Certified Health and Lifestyle Coach who specializes in intermittent fasting. After Alison lost about 30 pounds through intermittent fasting several years ago, she became passionate about sharing it with others. She realized that she can help others find the keys to a healthier lifestyle that they can maintain for the rest of their lives. In her coaching business, she helps clients design the life and lifestyle that they want through health, well-being, and making good choices.  Show Highlights: What we need to know regarding our eating habits by planning ahead and making better food choices How small changes can make a big difference (Start with healthy swaps that crowd out the poor choices!) How intermittent fasting can improve a person’s health and energy level Why heavy, high-fat and high-sugar foods drain your body’s energy level How “appetite correction” occurs with intermittent fasting Why exercise needs to fit into your lifestyle and be something you enjoy doing Why it’s important to get your heart rate going, use weight training, and increase flexibility and balance  How regular exercise helps you as an entrepreneur in various ways How to break the sedentary cycle and build exercise into your day with small tweaks and changes How daily grounding practices (meditation, gratitude, stretching, mindfulness, etc.) can help entrepreneurs and make space for creativity Alison’s programs: New Lifestyle You three-month coaching program, six-month 1:1 Master’s program, and her online course on intermittent fasting that’s coming soon Resources: Connect with Alison Scott:  Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram Explore past episodes and other resources at wwwSTtaRcoachshow.com.   Explore the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you!

Are you a good communicator? Communication is key in coaching and life. Most especially, communication factors into conflict, both positively and negatively—and we all know that conflict is an unavoidable part of life as a human being. No matter how practiced and eloquent you might be at communicating, there is always room for improvement. Is your communication style as effective as it can possibly be? Join us to learn more in today’s show! Dr. Debra Dupree is known as the MINDSET Doc as she strives to make a difference in the lives of people. She does this by providing insight and vision that helps them leverage the conflict mindset to gain new perspectives and opportunities. As a Dispute Resolution Specialist, Conflict Leadership Coach, international trainer, and keynote speaker, Debra has a vast history of experience, including work as the former Director of Training for Mediation Training Institute (MTI), where she trained professionals to become workplace mediators throughout North America. She also hosts the Decoding the Conflict Mindset podcast. In this rich interview packed with resources, Debra explains how we can engage with others and use our emotional intelligence to truly communicate rather than just talk to people.  Show Highlights: How Debra became known as the MINDSET Doc How Debra’s personal story illustrates what we need to consider in “knowing ourselves” How a deeper understanding of self helps us have a greater awareness of conflict  Why it is essential to change our mindset about those who see things differently and have a different perspective How knowing ourselves helps us build confidence and be comfortable with others’ perspectives Tips for better communication:  Debra’s 360-degree Perspective (YouTube) A focus on “other” options for resolving conflict effectively What happens we are emotionally hijacked How reflection and nonverbal communication fit into the overall picture of mediation and conflict resolution How Debra uses the tool, Three Steps to Mindset Shift (Online Assessment) Why productive conversations come with increased emotional intelligence and the ability to “read the room” How emotional intelligence is based on the four quadrants of self-awareness, self-management, other-awareness, and relationship management (from Dr. Daniel Goleman’s book, Emotional Intelligence) Resources: Connect with Dr. Debra: Website, Instagram, YouTube, Podcast Resources mentioned: Debra’s 360-degree Perspective (YouTube), and Three Steps to Mindset Shift Assessments Books mentioned: Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Daniel Goleman,  Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and

Even though coaching is a great way to enhance listening and communication skills, the reality is that NOT everything is a coaching conversation. While that may sound odd on a podcast about coaching, the truth is that coaches sometimes feel confined by the coaching process. It is important to respect the coaching process while exploring the need to give enrichment in other ways beyond questions, reflection, and sharing insights. There are different types of conversations that are needed in coaching situations to communicate effectively. Join me for a deeper look at this topic! Show Highlights Why the most important thing to remember about our conversations is to use the right tool for the job The fact: Coaches and leaders need to balance the “telling” and the “asking.”  The different kinds of conversations coaches can have: teaching, mentoring, consulting, managing, and psychotherapeutic  How we can use different conversations as we determine the best fit for where clients are and what they want to achieve Why EVERY conversation we have could benefit from MORE curiosity and LESS judgment How the impact of coaching is diminished when we don’t use the most effective form of communication with our clients My tips for sharing your knowledge, expertise, and experience as a coach Why the space you give for discovery and awareness is a powerful and transformational gift Resources Explore past episodes and other resources at wwwSTtaRcoachshow.com.   Join the STaR Coach Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you!

What are you doing RIGHT NOW that’s upping your coaching game and moving you forward? Whatever your coaching field and level of expertise, this show is all about helping you grow in proficiency with the way you engage with your clients. One of the major components of successful coaching in a feedback culture is trust. Let’s take a closer look with today’s expert guest! Dr. Tom Krapu is a coach with inexhaustible curiosity, and he uses a highly collaborative, reliable, and flexible approach in the facilitation of coaching methods. He works with his clients to create an impact across their organizations that leads to lasting and meaningful results. Through executive coaching and 360 feedback, Tom is committed to helping organizations develop leadership and create powerful cultures. He has worked with individuals in their development for over 30 years and has specialized as a coach, facilitator, and trainer since 2001. His internationally-focused work has included coaching engagements in Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Europe, and the US across diverse sectors of the economy from health care, finance, publishing, government, and higher education.  Show Highlights: What lights Tom up about coaching and keeps him in this work How to understand the basics of a feedback culture How the Johari window model and its four quadrants form a framework for our awareness of ourselves Why trust is a game changer when it comes to a feedback culture Success indicators that show a high-trust environment: employee climate surveys, exit interviews, and a high retention rate compared to industry standards How to implement best practices in ratings, reports, and 360 feedback How 360 feedback surveys should be done to prevent mistrust and abuse and increase accountability Why 360 feedback results should be paired with a robust, professional debriefing to create meaning How to use the Stop, Start, Continue Method to create a culture of trust (See Resources for Tom’s blog on the subject.) Resources: Connect with Dr. Tom Krapu: Website, LinkedIn, Blog Article on Stop, Start, Continue Explore past episodes and other resources at www.STaRcoachshow.com.   Infinite Potential, Infinite Possibilities: Join the STaR Coach Member Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you! Follow us on Facebook!

What are the benefits to being in an organization that offers coaching to individuals and groups? What are the drawbacks? We are diving deep into these questions and more on today’s show. My guest and I are also discussing some of the questions we are asked most often about our profession, for example, what it means to be a coach, where to begin coach training, etc. Come join us to learn more! Ilene Schaffer is the CEO of Silicon Valley Change (SVC). As an executive leadership coach, she leverages her graduate work in life transitions counseling to engage with her clients so they can thrive amid ever-changing environments. In today’s conversation, she explains how someone should begin engaging with an organization that offers coaching, whether online or in person, along with what it means to “coach from the bench.” Through her work with senior executives in a variety of industries, she views her role as a connector to help bring positive change to her clients and the coaches on her bench. You will gain valuable knowledge from Ilene today, and be sure to listen to Episode 109, her previous appearance on the show. Ilene is one of my favorite people, and I’m excited to welcome her back today! Show Highlights: Why Ilene is energized most by the relationships her coaching work brings What has changed for Ilene since her last appearance on the STaR Coach Show How Ilene became involved with Silicon Valley Change and took on the role of CEO How Ilene’s work focuses on connecting people and organizations How different coaching “benches” have different requirements and offer different opportunities Ilene’s advice about where to begin in looking for coaching organizations in the space of your interest The biggest advantages to being part of a bench of coaches Why there is value in building and engaging in community with other coaches How a growth mindset allows you to learn and develop into a better coach Common questions about coaching: Do I need specific training? Which program should I do? Should I join the ICF or not? Parting words from Ilene about coaching in community  Resources: Connect with Ilene: Email and LinkedIn Explore the past episodes and other resources at wwwSTtaRcoachshow.com.   Join the STaR Coach Member Community! Email me at meg@afocusonresults.com. I’d love to hear from you! Follow us on Facebook!