The Coach's Journey - build a coaching business with integrity

Robbie Swale
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Coach’s Journey founder Robbie Swale and a team of hosts interview coaches about how they created a successful business and how they create impact for their clients. Through these conversations, you can learn how each coach came to coaching, grew their coaching practice and found their way to the successful business they have today. Each interview, like each journey, is different. But each is also packed with insights, tips, suggestions and ideas to grow your coaching business and have even greater impact creating change in the lives of your clients. Past guests include life coaches, business coaches, executive coaches, career coaches, leadership coaches and more. Some are household names; some are coaches you’ve never heard of. All of them share ideas on the key topics for creating a coaching business: money, fees, impact with clients, training and more. About Robbie: Robbie Swale is a leadership coach, podcaster and the author of four books. He has trained with masters in the field of coaching and building coaching businesses, including Rich Litvin, Robert Holden and guests on the podcast like Katie Harvey and Myles Downey. He is the creator of The Coaching Business Flywheel, which attempts to boil down everything he has learned from many years supporting coaches to grow their businesses and interviewing amazing coaches on this podcast, into one simple, actionable model. Subscribe and read more about the podcast, The Coach’s Journey Community and get the free ebook An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel at www.thecoachsjourney.com

  1. #117 - When Your Coaching Business Feels Too Hard (Part 2): Self-Doubt, Money, and Staying in the Game

    FEB 5

    #117 - When Your Coaching Business Feels Too Hard (Part 2): Self-Doubt, Money, and Staying in the Game

    When your coaching business feels too hard, it’s rarely just about strategy. In this conversation (a follow-up to Episode #115), Ruth Saville, Alex Whitton and Robbie Swale explore three of the biggest pressure-points coaches face as they try to stay in the work for the long game: self-doubt, money, and the quiet temptation to question everything when things feel wobbly. Together, we talk about: Self-doubt: how it shows up, why it’s so persistent, and what helps you stay grounded (including building your own evidence bank of impact) Tactics and alignment: the difference between “hard because it’s growth” and “hard because it’s avoidable suffering” Money pressure: why financial scarcity affects how we think, and how simple, practical actions can bring steadiness back Staying in the game: creating systems that help you keep moving even when you’re tired, overwhelmed, or questioning your path This is an episode for coaches who want to keep going - without pretending it’s easy, and without needing to take themselves quite so seriously along the way. And if you’d like support with all of this - building the business and staying human while you do it - you can explore The Coach’s Journey Community here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/community Listen to Part 1 of this conversation: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/115-what-do-you-do-when-your-coaching-business-feels-too-hard Download Robbie’s ebook, An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel, here. For more information about Ruth, visit https://www.ruthsaville.co.uk/ For more information about Alex , visit http://www.exploregrowbe.com/ For more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS WE MENTIONED THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN Free Ebook: An Introduction to the Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel The Coach’s Journey Community: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/community Get to know Ruth better: Robbie’s interview with Ruth on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-66-ruth-saville-how-to-be-a-rebel-misbehave-more-and-set-your-sights-on-being-a-master-coach Get to know Alex better: Robbie’s interview with Alex on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-64-alex-whitton-balancing-the-being-and-the-doing Part 1 – What Do You Do When Your Coaching Business Feels Too Hard https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/115-what-do-you-do-when-your-coaching-business-feels-too-hard The Power to Choose by Robbie Swale: https://geni.us/powertochoose The Power to Choose in conversation on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-114-robbie-swale-the-power-to-choose-calm-complexity-and-the-courage-to-be-fully-yourself The Coach’s Journey – Writing: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing The Coach’s Journey – Videos: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/videos Joseph Campbell quote from the Power of Myth and Alex’s blog on it: https://www.exploregrowbe.com/blog/what-are-the-rules-we-hold-ourselves-to-where-did-they-come-from-and-how-are-they-serving-us-nownbsp  Campbell and Bill Moyers talking about Myth, Sacrifice and Bliss: https://billmoyers.com/content/ep-4-joseph-campbell-and-the-power-of-myth-sacrifice-and-bliss-audio/  Philosophise this - Silence, Obedience and Joy https://www.philosophizethis.org/podcast/episode-158-the-creation-of-meaning-nietzsche-the-ascetic-ideal-f8k5h-k8xfx Ashana Crichton on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/98-ashana-crichton-the-potential-for-true-partnership-if-we-pay-attention-to-power Chloe Garland on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-65-chloe-garland-the-jam-donut-principle-quarter-life-crises-and-the-philosophy-of-coaching Jenny Bird on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/109-jenny-bird-the-joy-of-sparkly-new-things The ICF’s Global Coaching Study report - https://coachingfederation.org/resources/research/global-coaching-study/  Patrick Quinton-Smith on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/107-patrick-quinton-smith-clarity-is-revealed-in-momentum-so-build-momentum-and-clarity-will-come Henrietta Nelson on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-46-henrietta-nelson-nobody-else-can-put-a-feeling-in-you Rebecca Norton  on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/96-rebecca-norton-how-coaching-walks-can-guide-us-to-new-pathways-through-life Robbie’s book How to Keep Going When You Want to Give Up: https://geni.us/justdoit Dan Pink – “When” (timing & energy rhythms) https://www.danpink.com/books/when/ Elizabeth Gilbert - Big Magic - https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/books/big-magic/ Ellie Scarf on The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/102-ellie-scarf-our-stories-and-scars-can-be-points-of-connection Ellie Scarf’s podcast episode, The Funds are in the Follow Up - https://www.elliescarf.com/podcasts/the-business-of-executive-coaching/episodes/2148989827 James Clear, Atomic Habits - https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits Atomic Habits – Business appendix (PDF) https://s3.amazonaws.com/jamesclear/Atomic%2BHabits/Business%2BAppendix.pdf The Art of Possibility (Zander & Zander) https://www.benjaminzander.org/the-art-of-possibility/ Robbie’s Zone of Genius blog - https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2022/2/3/the-zone-of-genius-the-most-powerful-thought-experiment-for-personal-transformation The Prosperous Coach (Rich Litvin & Steve Chandler) - https://richlitvin.com/book/

    1h 9m
  2. #116 - Why Hiring a Coach Is the Most Important Investment You’ll Make in Your Coaching Business

    JAN 1

    #116 - Why Hiring a Coach Is the Most Important Investment You’ll Make in Your Coaching Business

    Why is it that so many coaches support others to grow… but hesitate to invest in support for themselves? In this episode, Robbie reflects on a simple but powerful belief: if there’s one thing that consistently makes the biggest difference to the success and sustainability of a coaching business, it’s having a coach of your own. Drawing on his own experience - including working with many coaches over the years - Robbie explores what really changes when you stop trying to do this alone and allow yourself to be supported… And how it has surprisingly wide-reaching impacts on your business. This isn’t a pitch. It’s an honest account of what happens when a coach becomes a client. Robbie shares: What you learn about enrolling clients by being on the other side of the decision How working with different coaches shaped his values, style, and way of leading conversations Why hiring a coach accelerates your development as a coach - not by copying, but by trusting your own style How being coached helps untangle money stories, pricing doubts, and questions of worth What it’s like to experience the middle of a coaching journey as a client - including doubt, fear, and the urge to quit Why being coached deepens your belief in coaching in a way nothing else can How having a coach helps you stay on the path when the work - and the business - gets hard At its heart, this episode is about commitment: to coaching, to your own development, and to the long game of building a practice that can sustain you. If you’re serious about coaching as a livelihood - and as a way of contributing to the world - this conversation offers a grounded, human reflection on why investing in yourself may be the most important move you make. For the transcript of the episode and loads of links, visit: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/6-reasons-why-hiring-a-coach-is-the-most-important-thing-for-you-to-do-if-you-want-a-successful-coaching-business If you like this episode, you’ll love Robbie’s ebook, An Introduction toThe Coaching Business Flywheel,visit https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel For more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: The Coach’s Journey Community: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/community The Coaching Business Flywheel Booster Pack: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel-booster-pack The writing section of The Coach’s Journey: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing My interview on the Coach Write Podcast: https://coachwrite.co.uk/robbie-swale-the-12-minute-method-series/ The full transcript of the episode, including lots more links: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/6-reasons-why-hiring-a-coach-is-the-most-important-thing-for-you-to-do-if-you-want-a-successful-coaching-business

    29 min
  3. #115: What Do You Do When Your Coaching Business Feels Too Hard?

    12/18/2025

    #115: What Do You Do When Your Coaching Business Feels Too Hard?

    What do you do in the moments - or seasons - when your coaching business feels too hard? In this episode, Ruth Saville, Alex Whitton, and Robbie Swale explore the emotional reality behind building a coaching business: the doubt, comparison, financial pressure, cancellations, unpredictability… and the unexpected beauty that sits alongside all of it. This episode began with a simple observation: every coach goes through periods when the business feels heavy. From there, the three of us look at what helps, what doesn’t, and what it means to keep going in a work we care deeply about. Together we talk about: The many moments that make coaching feel hard - and why they surprise us every time Comparison, LinkedIn spirals, and the relief of remembering other coaches struggle too Cancellations, no-shows, reschedules - and how to respond without collapsing inside The very personal nature of coaching, and how easily confidence gets entangled with identity Why ‘you have everything you need’ is easier to say to clients than to ourselves How to navigate hard seasons with more steadiness, self-respect and perspective What we each reach for when we hit the ‘break glass’ moment Why the challenging parts of the journey are often where the growth is This is an episode for coaches at every stage - whether you’re right in the middle of a difficult moment now, or you want to feel more resourced the next time you hit a wobble. As always, we hope it helps you feel less alone and more grounded in your own path as a coach. Oh, and if you like this, there’s a Part II coming in the new year. Download Robbie’s ebook, An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel, here. For more information about Ruth, visit https://www.ruthsaville.co.uk/ For more information about Alex , visit http://www.exploregrowbe.com/ For more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS WE MENTIONED THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN Free Ebook: An Introduction to the Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel Get to know Ruth better: Robbie’s interview with Ruth on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-66-ruth-saville-how-to-be-a-rebel-misbehave-more-and-set-your-sights-on-being-a-master-coach Get to know Alex better: Robbie’s interview with Alex on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-64-alex-whitton-balancing-the-being-and-the-doing Robbie’s Subject–Object Move Blog https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2025/4/25/the-subject-object-move-how-we-grow Alex’s blog post on the impact of how we see difficulty - https://www.exploregrowbe.com/blog/what-is-the-impact-of-when-and-how-we-see-difficulty Alex’s blog post on what feelings of inadequacy may be telling us - https://www.exploregrowbe.com/blog/what-can-inadequacy-tell-usnbsp The article Robbie wrote when someone cancelled on him - How I Became a Full-Time Coach Less Than Two Years After Starting My Training: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/how-i-became-a-full-time-coach-less-than-two-years-after-starting-my-training The same article as a podcast episode: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/100-how-i-became-a-full-time-coach-less-than-two-years-after-starting-my-training The Coaching Business Flywheel Booster Pack https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel-booster-pack Jordan Peterson’s book 12 Rules For Life, and a blog Robbie wrote about it: https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2022/4/8/failure-is-relative-and-heres-how-to-deal-with-that Robbie’s blog: No One Can Compete With You at Being You: https://www.robbieswale.com/writing/2024/9/22/authentic-personal-branding-no-one-can-compete-with-you-at-being-you Robbie’s new book, The Power to Choose: Finding Calm and Connection in a Complex World: https://geni.us/powertochoose The video series Robbie mentioned on Mastering Your Personal Brand: https://www.robbieswale.com/mastering-your-personal-brand Joel Monk on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-6-joel-monk-conversations-at-the-cutting-edge-of-coaching James Clear – Atomic Habits https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_Habits Phil Bolton on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-2-phil-bolton-from-forensic-accountant-to-the-go-to-career-coach-in-london-and-on-to-work-with-ceos-mds-and-founders The Coach’s Journey Intensive is part of The Coach’s Journey Community – learn more here: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/community Julie Starr on The Coach’s Journey Podcast: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-58-julie-starr-the-world-works-from-the-inside-out TCJ Short: Jennifer Garvey Berger on Comparison: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/93-how-comparison-sets-us-up-to-feel-awful-about-ourselves-tcj-short-with-jennifer-garvey-berger The Coach’s Journey Podcast episode #99, where Joey stumps Robbie with his own question: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/99-robbie-swale-the-secrets-of-meaningful-productivity-honourable-leadership-and-tilting-the-world-towards-heaven Joey Owen on The Coach’s Journey Podcast: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-59-joey-owen-you-never-know-when-the-value-of-a-coaching-session-ends Sydney Banks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Principles_Psychology The 3 Principles feature in this episode with Jamie Smart on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-16-jamie-smart Polyvagal Theory: https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2022/9/2/are-you-above-or-below-the-line Robbie’s article about creating a steady stream of clients https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/the-step-by-step-guide-to-finding-coaching-clients-without-feeling-icky Joseph Cambell’s Hero’s Journey: https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2021/12/17/the-heros-journey-of-growth Patrick Quinton Smith on The Coach’s Journey Podcast: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/107-patrick-quinton-smith-clarity-is-revealed-in-momentum-so-build-momentum-and-clarity-will-come

    1h 10m

  4. 12/04/2025

    #114: Robbie Swale - The Power to Choose: Calm, Complexity, and the Courage to Be Fully Yourself

    In this special episode, Alex Whitton and Alex Swallow take the reins to interview Robbie about the release of his new book, The Power to Choose: Finding Calm and Connection in a Complex World. What unfolds is a warm, honest and surprisingly vulnerable exploration of choice, mindset, relationships, and the inner work that helps us meet complexity with more skill and less fear. Across the conversation, Robbie shares the nine-year journey behind the book - from a powerful coaching question asked by Joel Monk in 2016 through to the resistance, the rewrites, and the emotional cost of releasing something deeply personal into the world. Together, the three of them explore themes at the heart of both the book and coaching itself. In this episode they explore: Why in almost every moment, there’s more choice available than we think. The idea of the Higher Self - and why we all have moments where we forget it. How curiosity becomes an antidote to reactivity and contraction. What really happens when we assume others are doing their best. Why connection and calm matter so much in a complex world. How writing a book becomes its own developmental journey. The castle metaphor for working with shadow parts of ourselves. The stories that shape us - and the ones we get to rewrite. Why none of this work is ever really finished. Robbie also shares two stories that bring these ideas to life in very human ways: a tense exchange with a neighbour, and a moment on a crowded train that turned into a masterclass in choosing calm rather than escalating conflict. This episode is thoughtful, grounded and full of practical wisdom - for coaches, and for anyone navigating the complexity of modern life. For more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/ To buy The Power to Choose, visit http://geni.us/powertochoose For more information about Alex Whitton, visit http://www.exploregrowbe.com/ For more information about Alex Swallow, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexswallow/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Get Robbie’s ebook for coaches, An Introduction to The Coach’s Journey Flywheel at https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: The Power to Choose: Finding Calm and Connection in a Complex World http://geni.us/powertochoose Joel Monk on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-6-joel-monk-conversations-at-the-cutting-edge-of-coaching Gay Hendricks’ idea, The Zone of Genius https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2022/2/3/the-zone-of-genius-the-most-powerful-thought-experiment-for-personal-transformation Robbie interviewing Alex Swallow on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-62-alex-swallow-life-is-better-when-we-choose Jennifer Garvey Berger on The Coach’s Journey Podcasthttps://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-42-jennifer-garvey-berger-the-answer-to-either-or-is-both Philip Crocker on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/88-philip-crocker-coaching-is-the-most-natural-thing-in-the-world Minor Arias on The Coach’s Journey Podcast https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-3-minor-arias-living-by-design-glz56 Robbie on Neil Mackinnon’s podcast, Creative Practice https://creative-practice.net/2021/01/29/robbie-swale-coach/ Rising Strong — Brené Brown (referenced re: “everyone is doing their best”) https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/ Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1033737/man-s-search-for-meaning Useful Not True — Derek Sivers (idea referenced about beliefs & utility) https://sive.rs/useful Robbie’s article about Harry Kane https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2021/12/15/sometimes-it-doesnt-matter-if-what-you-believe-is-true-it-matters-whether-it-is-useful Meaningful Productivity Blueprint (Robbie’s framework mentioned in the conversation) https://www.robbieswale.com/meaningful-productivity An Introduction to The Coach’s Journey Flywheel https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel “It’s Not About the Chicken” — Fred Kofman story referenced in the episodehttps://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2023/2/3/its-not-about-the-chicken-harry-its-about-the-last-20-years The early Choose Your Own Adventure reference https://www.cyoa.com/ David Gemmell (author referenced) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Gemmell How to Start When You’re Stuck (12-Minute Method Book 1) https://geni.us/startwhenyourestuck

    1h 42m

  5. 11/20/2025

    #113: Gareth Davies – Making Celebrities Shine (and What Coaches Can Learn!)

    What can coaches and leaders learn from the people who have mastered the art of appearing on stage and screen? And what can coaching give back to the creative industries? Answering these questions through his work at the intersection of coaching, corporate leadership and on-screen presentation skills is Gareth Davies, renowned executive television producer of shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Top of the Pops, who is now one of the industry’s leading presenter coaches. Gareth co-founded The Presenter Studio with fellow executive producer Leon Campbell in 2013, and since then the company has honed and nurtured talent at every level of the TV and film industry, working with the likes of Hugh Grant and Madonna, all the way through to aspiring actors and presenters just starting their careers. In this episode of The Coach’s Journey Podcast, Gareth shares insights from a glamorous world that he believes has everything to gain from a coaching approach, and he reflects on what it takes to help people embody their authentic selves and communicate to audiences of all sizes. With media skills being something every business needs in an era dominated by screens, Gareth works with corporate businesses to help them find their voice, and he can still be found practising what he preaches in his ongoing work as a presenter and public speaker. Gareth and episode host Alex Swallow also talk about: How to identify the aspects of your personality that reflect who you are in a relatable, interesting way The concept of hustle and the benefits of going the long way round How to leverage the power of Instagram to build your audience and grow your business Presentation skills, tips and approaches that can help you communicate with authenticity and impact Gareth reveals the huge gaps that exist in creative industries, highlighting the opportunities there are for coaches to help nurture skills and develop talent. THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: -  The MOE Foundation coaching programme https://moefoundation.com/certified-coach-training-course/ - The Presenter Studio http://www.presenterstudio.com/ - The Presenter Studio on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thepresenterstudio - Gareth’s LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethdavies2408/ - Gareth’s business partner, Leon Campbell https://www.linkedin.com/in/leon-campbell-58bb583/

    2h 7m

  6. 11/06/2025

    #112: Sam Isaacson – The Challenges Facing Coaching in the Age of AI

    Sam Isaacson saw the rise of artificial intelligence coming, and he was ready for it. With his background in managing technology risk and change, he could see the impact that rapid AI development would have on his current profession as a coach, and in this episode of The Coach’s Journey Podcast he addresses some of the most pressing issues facing coaches all over the world. Very few people are as well placed as Sam to speak about the threats and the benefits AI holds for human coaches. After all, he has developed his own AI coaching product, AICoach.chat, which provides its clients with a “distraction-free space for thinking, challenging and reframing, not reacting”. In conversation with episode host Neil Mackinnon, Sam addresses questions of ethics, efficacy and economy that have been brought to bear on the coaching industry by the rise of products like his. The coach, author and founder of The Coachtech Collective offers his perspective on the qualitative difference between being coached by a human and an AI, and the crucial question of what role relationship plays in successful coaching engagements. Sam, who was the first person to ever coach people in virtual reality, describes this and many other remarkable achievements in vivid detail, painting a picture of the limitless possibilities held by emergent technologies. Sam and Neil also talk about: The AI-enabled coaching products and facilities that are available now The work Sam has done to align the world of coaching with the world of apprenticeships The pros and cons of content creation as a coach The coaching conferences Sam recommends (including his own!) In this deep-dive into cutting edge coaching technology, Sam picks out the products that can be of most benefit to your coaching practice right now, and explains the transformative impact they can have. THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: - Transforming Coaching with AI and Technology with Sam Isaacson – Delenta podcast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa3q3KqXzhc - Myers Briggs https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/myers-briggs-overview/  - Sam Isaacson – Coach, author, founder of The Coachtech Collective https://isaacson.uk/ - The Coachtech Collective – community exploring coaching + tech https://isaacson.uk/buy/the-coachtech-collective/ - EMCC – European Mentoring and Coaching Council https://www.emccglobal.org/ - ILM – Institute of Leadership & Management https://www.institutelm.com/ - Apprenticeship Trailblazer (UK coaching apprenticeship framework) https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/ - Patrick Lencioni – The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, founder of The Table Group https://www.tablegroup.com/ - Challenging Coaching by Blakey & Day https://www.amazon.co.uk/Challenging-Coaching-Transforming-Performance-Organisations/dp/1857885753 - “High Support, High Challenge” https://www.maier.co.uk/insights/high_support_high_challenge/ - Toku McCree – Coach, author of “Love on the End of a Sword” https://coachingmba.co/about/ - John Whitmore – Coaching for Performance, GROW modelhttps://www.performanceconsultants.com/grow-model - Nancy Kline – Time to Think model https://www.timetothink.com/ - Nicholas Janni – Leader as Healer https://www.nicholasjanni.com/book-leader-as-healer/ - Video session by Nicholas Janni (theme: presence-based coaching) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuXDCUcDsu4 - WBX / Coaching.com Summit – Global coaching & leadership summit https://www.coaching.com/summit/ - Coaching.com – Coaching management platform https://www.coaching.com/ - Alex Pascal – Founder of Coaching.com (in memoriam) https://www.coaching.com/about/ - Coach Is Rising – Coaching organisation & training platform https://www.coachisrising.com/ - Digital & AI Coaches’ Conference (founded by Sam Isaacson) https://isaacson.uk/digital-and-ai-coaches-conference/ - Jonathan Passmore – Coaching psychologist, author, academic https://www.henley.ac.uk/people/dr-jonathan-passmore - Sandra Diller – Editor / academic in coaching and leadership (co-editor with Passmore & Isaacson) (No central site; academic publications: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8793-1946) - Max Blumberg / Max Brantle (likely Max Blumberg, co-editor of coaching texts) https://www.maxblumberg.com/ - Joel Monk – Host of Coaches Rising podcast (sometimes written as Munch in transcripts) https://www.coachesrising.com/podcast/ - Robbie Swale – Coach & author (How to Start When You’re Stuck) https://robbieswale.com/ - The World Humanoid Robot Games https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cvg3mv3rz60o - AICoach.chat – Sam’s AI coaching product https://www.aicoach.chat/ - Make.com https://www.make.com/en - The CoachTech Collective http://coachtech.uk/ BIOGRAPHY FROM SAM Sam Isaacson is a coaching thought leader and consultant whose work leans into technology as an enabler for revolutionising coaching strategies and approaches. He has been writing about cutting-edge technologies, including AI, blockchain and the metaverse, for many years and now works with organisations and coaches around the world on their use of technology. Sam's books include several on the impact of technology on the coaching profession, and others on the use of coaching as a strategic tool within organisations. He has regularly contributed to Choice magazine and Coaching at Work, and frequently speaks at respected coaching conferences. Sam lives in West London in the UK, in a home made noisy by his four sons. In his spare time he is deeply involved in the world of tabletop miniature wargaming, where he co-hosts a podcast.

    2h 20m

  7. 10/16/2025

    #111: Ruth Rochelle –The Future of Coaching: Trust, Simplicity, and the Wisdom of Humanity

    What does the future of coaching look like… and what can we learn from those who helped build it? Ruth Rochelle returns to The Coach’s Journey Podcast to reflect on how the coaching world has evolved over the past four decades and where it might be heading next. Prompted by a listener’s question, Ruth shares stories from the early days of coaching - when it was more movement than industry - through the professionalisation of the 1990s to today’s fast-changing, tech-enabled landscape. Alongside the history, she offers her vision for what’s emerging now: deeper work, greater humanity, and a renewed sense of trust. Ruth and Joey explore how coaching has shifted from performance to presence, from achievement to wholeness, and from certainty to curiosity. They discuss scepticism in the early days (and now), the rise of coaching bodies such as the ICF and EMCC, the impact of technology and AI, and why compassion and simplicity remain at the heart of great coaching. In this episode, Ruth talks about: Why the earliest coaching approaches focused on the inner game and self-belief How the field grew from informal practice to global profession The evolution from performance and achievement to whole-person coaching Why trust, compassion, and presence still matter most for coaches today Ruth also invites every coach to listen inwardly and lead the way forward for the profession. If you’ve ever wondered how the coaching profession began - or where it’s going next - this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and hope for coaches building meaningful, sustainable practices in a fast-changing world. For more information about Ruth, visit https://www.ruthrochelle.com/ For more information about host Joey Owen, visit http://www.joeyowencoaching.com/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: FREE Ebook: An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/thecoachingbusinessflywheel Ruth Rochelle on The Coach’s Journey Podcast (previous episode) https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/78-ruth-rochelle-insight-seminars-systems-theory-and-the-path-to-our-current-truth International Coaching Federation (ICF) https://coachingfederation.org/ European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) https://www.emccglobal.org/ Tim Gallwey – The Inner Game of Tennis https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inner-Game-Tennis-Classic-Performance/dp/1447288505 Robert Kegan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kegan Suzanne Cook-Greuter https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-cook-greuter-60056322b/ Bill Torbert https://gla.global/team_member/professor-bill-torbert/ For more on Adult Development on The Coach’s Journey, see our interview with Jennifer Garvey Berger https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-42-jennifer-garvey-berger-the-answer-to-either-or-is-both Sir John Whitmore – Coaching for Performance https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coaching-Performance-Principles-Personal-Professional/dp/1473658128 The Coach’s Journey Podcast with Ruth Rochelle and Joey (video version) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kby9-D_5JwA BIOGRAPHY FROM RUTH For more than 25 years Ruth has been a coach – an executive and team coach, workshop facilitator, transformational coach and coach supervisor – with private clients and with organisations. Ruth is an Accredited Master Executive Coach with APECS, an IFS (Internal Family Systems) Practitioner with the IFS Institute and a Coaching Constellations Practitioner, and her clients have included creative professionals, start-up founders, senior managers, young emerging leaders, celebrities, coaches, and many more. Ruth supports her clients to create and achieve their visions, enrich their relationships, navigate changing circumstances, embark on new life directions, start and grow businesses, address specific challenges, experience greater wellbeing and connect to a meaningful purpose.

    32 min
  8. #110: The One Thing That Solves Most Coaching Problems: Contracting Well

    10/02/2025

    #110: The One Thing That Solves Most Coaching Problems: Contracting Well

    What if almost every coaching challenge you face in your practice could be solved with better coaching contracts and clearer agreements? That’s what Robbie dives into in this short episode. Drawing on his own coaching practice, experiences in supervision, and lessons learned from mentors and peers, Robbie explains why contracting with clients is one of the most important skills a coach can develop… and how better contracting could have solved almost every challenge he’s ever brought to supervision. He shares how he builds contracting into every part of his work: from the very first client conversation, through re-contracting midway, to closing an engagement with clarity. Robbie explores the written coaching agreements he uses, the questions he asks clients, how he contracts with stakeholders while keeping confidentiality intact, and why he has stopped sending written coaching notes. Along the way, he also reflects on ICF ethics, the role of supervision, and what really matters for coaches who want to build a meaningful, sustainable business. In this episode, Robbie talks about: Why most coaching challenges come back to contracting and agreements The questions he asks to set up effective coaching contracts How he re-contracts with coaching clients partway through an engagement The importance of private goals when coaching within organisations Why he stopped sending coaching session notes and what he does instead How ethics, supervision, and simplicity shape his coaching practice If you’ve ever wondered how to contract in a way that supports your clients, strengthens your coaching practice, and makes your work more impactful, this episode offers plenty to take away. Download Robbie’s ebook, An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel, here. Buy The Coaching Business Flywheel Booster Pack - including all the emails Robbie sends to his clients at every stage of his business, plus a flowchart, coaching agreements and his favourite emails for creating clients. For more information about Robbie, visit https://www.robbieswale.com/ Read more about The Coach's Journey at www.thecoachsjourney.com. Music by My Good Man William: listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQg To support the Coach's Journey, visit www.patreon.com/thecoachsjourney and to join the Coach's Journey Community visit www.thecoachsjourney.com/community. THINGS ROBBIE MENTIONED THAT YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN The Coaching Business Flywheel: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel Robbie’s article about starting coaching sessions well: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/writing/how-to-start-your-coaching-sessions-so-they-practically-run-themselves The Coaching Business Flywheel Booster Pack: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel-booster-pack Robbie’s Meaningful Productivity workshops: https://www.robbieswale.com/meaningful-productivity-workshop-series The video version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhjuhKWx9iA Episode #8, containing this and lots more nuts and bolts of coaching: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/robbie-on-structure-first-conversations-marketing-price Simon Feldman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonfeldman/ Robbie’s video with ways of talking about coaching: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/106-how-to-lead-a-powerful-first-conversation-with-a-potential-coaching-client Robbie’s video about endings and reflecting on coaching: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/91-how-to-create-a-powerful-ending-to-a-coaching-engagement Miles Downey – Effective Modern Coaching - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Modern-Coaching-Developing-Professionals/dp/1441186102 Robbie’s conversation with Miles Downey on The Coach’s Journey Podcast - https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/ep-14-myles-downey BetterUp https://www.betterup.com/ 64 Million Artists https://64millionartists.com/ The ideas of Zone of Genius and Zone of Excellence: https://www.robbieswale.com/the-12-minute-blog/2022/2/3/the-zone-of-genius-the-most-powerful-thought-experiment-for-personal-transformation Mike Toller on The Coach’s Journey Podcast: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-32-mike-toller International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics https://coachingfederation.org/ethics Free Ethics Training from the ICF https://learning.coachingfederation.org/products/ethics-training

    19 min
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About

Coach’s Journey founder Robbie Swale and a team of hosts interview coaches about how they created a successful business and how they create impact for their clients. Through these conversations, you can learn how each coach came to coaching, grew their coaching practice and found their way to the successful business they have today. Each interview, like each journey, is different. But each is also packed with insights, tips, suggestions and ideas to grow your coaching business and have even greater impact creating change in the lives of your clients. Past guests include life coaches, business coaches, executive coaches, career coaches, leadership coaches and more. Some are household names; some are coaches you’ve never heard of. All of them share ideas on the key topics for creating a coaching business: money, fees, impact with clients, training and more. About Robbie: Robbie Swale is a leadership coach, podcaster and the author of four books. He has trained with masters in the field of coaching and building coaching businesses, including Rich Litvin, Robert Holden and guests on the podcast like Katie Harvey and Myles Downey. He is the creator of The Coaching Business Flywheel, which attempts to boil down everything he has learned from many years supporting coaches to grow their businesses and interviewing amazing coaches on this podcast, into one simple, actionable model. Subscribe and read more about the podcast, The Coach’s Journey Community and get the free ebook An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel at www.thecoachsjourney.com

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