Connection Experiment by Coach Academy

Nathalie Blais, CEO and Founder of Coach Academy
  • 4.3 (13)
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The Connection Experiment is all about human connection - and how everyday people are using connection to change the world. Join Nathalie Blais, ICF Master Certified Coach and Founder of Coach Academy as she dives into deep conversations about the importance of connection, community, and coaching with guests exploring what's possible when we are open to connection.

  1. 1D AGO

    Best of Revived | The NDA Coach, Creating Confidential Spaces for Leaders

    In this episode of The Connection Experiment, host Nathalie Blais sits down with Tarik Ali, a Toronto-based executive coach who works closely with founders, CEOs, and senior leaders. Tarik opens up about his transformative journey from climbing the corporate ladder and assuming the "next promotion" would automatically bring him joy, to completely redefining his personal metrics for success. He shares how facing his own internal barriers and partnering with his own coach allowed him to build a thriving executive coaching practice where he now creates safe, confidential spaces for leaders who are celebrated publicly but often feel deeply isolated privately.Throughout the conversation, Tarik reveals the exact frameworks he uses to help high-achieving executives step out of burnout and perform at their peak. He breaks down his "Outcome vs. Values" model for evaluating performance, explains why you should treat your fears like members of a mental "board of directors" rather than fighting to eliminate them entirely, and shares practical advice for new coaches looking to build unshakable confidence and a clear niche. Whether you are a corporate leader feeling the weight of the daily grind or an aspiring coach ready to take messy action, this episode offers a masterclass in leading with authenticity and purpose.Ready to start your own coaching journey and make a real impact? Learn more at Canada Coach Academy.

    1h 7m

  2. APR 1

    Making Work Not Suck: Not A One-Size-Fits-All Approach

    On this episode of the podcast, host Nathalie Blais sits down with Morgan Patzelt, a tech industry leader with a decade of experience in education tech, to explore her transition from a Director of Product at Shoby to an entrepreneur. Morgan shares how completing a 28-week coaching program gave her the courage to start her own business focused on team coaching and upskilling everyday people managers.Morgan recounts her journey of growing alongside an ed-tech startup, rising from an individual contributor to a director overnight. She discusses her philosophy that corporate reviews shouldn't focus on fixing weaknesses, but rather on "10X-ing" the skills that bring joy and make individuals stand out. Through her own experiences, she realized that building strong, autonomous teams requires a foundation of trust, transparency, and the vulnerability to admit when you don't have all the answers instead of simply faking it.Morgan highlights the power of team coaching in bridging the disconnect between management and individual contributors to create true alignment. She advocates for her mission to "make work not suck" by recognizing that people management is not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires active, present listening rather than a default sympathetic response. She also shares her practical insights on change management, emphasizing that while adopting new operations or tools cannot be optional, they must be fully supported with training and resources to truly succeed.Whether you are a seasoned executive, an unexpected people manager, or someone curious about the future of work and entrepreneurship, this episode offers actionable tools for building resilient teams and becoming a more authentic leader.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.This podcast is produced by Coach Academywww.coachacademy.com

    53 min

  3. MAR 25

    Actionable Tools for Slowing Down As A Leader with Educator Stephen Hurworth

    On this episode of The Connection Experiment, host Nathalie Blais sits down with Stephen Hurworth, Deputy Head Teacher of Secondary at Bangkok Prep and international educator — to explore how coaching is transforming school systems from the inside out.Stephen recounts his journey as an aspiring cricket player in Australia to becoming a leader in international education, explaining how his background in sports coaching shaped his philosophy of positive professional relationships. He discusses how his time in Beijing and Bangkok led to a realization that true leadership requires moving beyond "curing" problems to a state of deep curiosity.Stephen highlights the power of the "pause" and introduces how his school has integrated a coach-like approach into everything from staff meetings to student leadership programs. He advocates for the use of "tiny habits"—like asking open-ended questions and listening to understand—as a way to build psychological safety and agency within the school community.Whether you are an educator, a leader, or someone interested in the power of human connection, this episode offers actionable tools for slowing down to think more deeply and creating a culture where everyone feels they belong.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.This podcast is produced by Coach Academy

    1h 7m

  4. MAR 19

    The Secret To Intercultural Connection - Cross‑Cultural Coaching with John Edward McGraw

    On this episode of Coach Academy’s Connection Experiment, founder Nathalie Blais reconnects with John Edward McGraw — human connection speaker, intercultural coach, and founder of Hiyaku Coaching — to explore how coaching can bridge cultural divides.John recounts his journey from teaching English in Japan to becoming a leader in intercultural coaching and explains why true cultural adaptation requires moving beyond surface assumptions toward curiosity and psychological safety.John introduces his LEAP framework (Let go of assumptions, Engage with curiosity, Assess possibilities, Perform with insight) as a practical tool for navigating unfamiliar social dynamics.Whether you work across cultures, lead teams, or want clearer interpersonal connection, this episode offers actionable coaching tools and fresh perspectives to strengthen communication and belonging.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.This podcast is produced by Coach Academy www.coachacademy.com

    1h 16m

  5. MAR 11

    Rekindling the Inner Spark: Sex, Love and Relationships with Master Certified Coach Penny Kaplan

    On this episode of Coach Academy’s Connection Experiment, founder Nathalie Blais talks with Penny Kaplan — a Master Certified Coach (MCC), mentor, and Coach Academy Learning Leader — about the link between coaching and authentic human connection. Penny shares her personal journey and explains how her work as a sex, love, and relationship coach deepens leadership presence, joy, and intuition.Penny discusses why our economy benefits from disconnection, how habitual thinking separates us from ourselves, and the transformative power of "the pause". Whether you’re an experienced coach, a new entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to reclaim pleasure and presence, this episode offers practical insight and wisdom that can help you reconnect with your inner spark.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.This podcast is produced by Coach Academy www.coachacademy.com

    59 min

  6. MAR 4

    From High Performance to Healing: Bridging Elite Sport and Well-Being with Nirra Fields “Three-Time Olympian Turned Coach-in-Training

    In this episode of Coach Academy’s podcast Connection Experiment, Founder Nathalie Blais sits down with Nirra Fields, a three-time Olympic basketball player, WNBA player and current Coach Academy student, to explore the journey from achievement to wholeness.Nirra recounts growing up with struggle, using basketball to escape childhood trauma and reclaim control - and how reaching the pinnacle of success (including Olympic gold) left her feeling hollow rather than fulfilled. She shares the pivotal decision to pursue therapy and coaching, and how deep inner work transformed her motivation from fear-driven drive to love-centered purpose. Nirra discusses practical ways athletes and high performers can integrate healing practices to sustain mental well-being alongside peak performance.Join Nathalie and Nirra as they map the terrain between elite achievement and emotional health, offering coaches and leaders tools to hold space, foster real belonging, and help clients move from winning at all costs to thriving together.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.

    55 min

  7. FEB 26

    What is Connection to the Anxious Generation

    In this episode of Coach Academy’s Connection Experiment, Founder Nathalie Blais sits down with her daughter, Devan, to explore what connection means for Generation Z and why connection training matters now more than ever. They explore the pressures shaping young people today and how those pressures affect belonging, mental health, and the need for relational skills.Devan and Nathalie dig into how the internet has shifted our moral compass around success, the power of therapeutic conversations that center connection, and practical ways individuals and coaches can pay connection forward. They share concrete habits and conversational practices that help restore empathy, create safer spaces, and rebuild meaningful rapport across generations.Join Nathalie and Devan as they investigate connection as a teachable skill—curious, candid, and actionable.We believe coaching is a connection skill — practiced on purpose, it changes everything.

    48 min

  8. FEB 17

    Exploring the Third ICF Competency : Exploring Ethical Practice in Coaching

    In the latest episode of Coach Academy’s Podcast “What? Not Why,” Nathalie Blais, CEO and Founder, delves into the third ICF core competency: Exploring Ethical Practice in Coaching. She emphasizes how this competency is vital for fostering trust and integrity within the coaching relationship, guiding coaches to navigate ethical dilemmas with confidence.Nathalie discusses the key ethical considerations that every coach must address, highlighting the crucial role of confidentiality in maintaining a safe space for clients. She sheds light on the importance of professionalism in overcoming challenges, ensuring that coaches are equipped to protect their clients’ well-being.Exploring ethical practice isn’t just a box to check; it’s an ongoing journey of reflection and commitment to ethical standards in our work. By continuously engaging with these principles, coaches can effectively support their clients while cultivating an environment of trust and growth.Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for enhancing your ethical practices in coaching.

    12 min
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About

The Connection Experiment is all about human connection - and how everyday people are using connection to change the world. Join Nathalie Blais, ICF Master Certified Coach and Founder of Coach Academy as she dives into deep conversations about the importance of connection, community, and coaching with guests exploring what's possible when we are open to connection.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathalie Blais, CEO and Founder of Coach Academy
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Nathalie Blais, CEO and Founder of Coach Academy
  • Show Website
    Connection Experiment by Coach Academy

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