The Coaching Hub Podcast

Ruth Kudzi
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

Are you a coach or coaching curious? The Coaching Hub is the place for you to explore coaching, use coaching methods and experience powerful coaching techniques. If you are wanting to change the way you think and feel about your life this is the place for you to listen!

  1. 2d ago

    Ep 260: How AI is Elevating Human Coaching

    Ruth Kudzi explains why the rise of AI coaching is increasing demand for human coaches. She explores how AI lowers the cost of coaching support and opens it up to more people, acting as a gateway to deeper work rather than an alternative to it. Ruth looks at what only a human coach can bring, including intuition, emotional connection and a whole-person approach. She also describes the growing split in the coaching industry between transactional coaching that AI can replicate and deeper, transformational coaching, and what that means for how coaches train. Timestamps 00:00 Why AI coaching is increasing demand for human coaching 00:33 How AI lowers the cost and widens access to coaching 01:23 AI as a gateway, not an alternative 02:11 Where human coaches fill the gap 02:45 Why human connection is becoming more prized 03:15 What a human coach brings that AI can’t 04:13 Why human coaches need to be different 05:13 Why Ruth set up Optimus differently in 2019 05:39 The split in the coaching industry 06:37 What this means for coaches: train in deeper coaching 07:01 Training with Optimus Coach Academy About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ https://ruthkudzi.com/ https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917623453 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HJRYJRKH https://www.ruthkudzi.com/Coachingleaders

  2. Oct 21

    Ep 259: Navigating the New ICF Mentor Process

    Ruth Kudzi explains what happens in an ICF-style mentor session and how the ICF’s new mentoring process, required across accredited programmes by April 2027, changes coach training. She shares why working with an ICF-accredited mentor matters, how five one-to-one sessions replace the final observation, and how strengths, growth edges and your own coaching style shape your development. Timestamps 00:00 Introducing the ICF-style mentor session 00:17 What the ICF is and how the new process is changing 02:41 Working with a mentor accredited at your level 05:05 Turning growth edges into goals across sessions 07:26 Tailoring your coaching to clients and your own style 09:49 Strengths, personalised development and mentoring as a sacred space About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ https://ruthkudzi.com/ https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917623453 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HJRYJRKH https://www.ruthkudzi.com/Coachingleaders

  3. Oct 15

    Ep 258: Embracing the SERVE Framework for Coaching Leadership

    Ruth Kudzi introduces her SERVE framework for coaching leadership, explaining how a leader’s state shapes their team and why trust, reflection, and valuing people are key to building a coaching culture. She shares practical ways to move from being the decision-making bottleneck to helping team members build autonomy, ownership, and confidence. Timestamps00:00 Introducing the SERVE framework 01:18 Why a leader’s state affects the team 02:15 Managing your state before coaching others 03:11 Pausing before responding in anger 04:08 Why stressed leaders need this work 05:01 Building trust by engaging with people as humans 06:30 How relationships can reduce workload over time 07:00 Reflecting, reviewing, and asking better questions 07:59 Showing people they’re valued 08:59 Learning from mistakes without making them personal 09:28 Embedding coaching into everyday leadership 10:26 Giving people time to make decisions 11:21 The impact of building a coaching culture About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ https://ruthkudzi.com/ https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Book:https://www.ruthkudzi.com/Coachingleaders https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1917623453 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HJRYJRKH

  4. Oct 8

    Ep 257: Bridging Worlds: Crystal Small's Path from Policing structures to Coaching Futures

    From the structure of policing to a coaching career built on her own terms, Crystal Small's story is one of stepping into the unknown and choosing to design a life with intention. I loved this conversation on the Coaching Hub. Crystal is a brilliant coach and supervisor, part of the Optimus team, and someone who's genuinely walked the path she now helps others navigate. We talk about her years in policing, the juggle of leadership and family, and the moment redundancy became less of an ending and more of an open door. That leap led her to coaching, and a real passion for helping others (especially women in leadership) find their own way forward. Crystal shares how letting go of perfectionism and leaning into vulnerability shaped her as both coach and trainer. We also get into the quietly transformative side of coach training - so much more than a qualification, and often a journey of self-discovery in its own right. If you've been sitting with self-doubt, or sensing there's a more intentional, joyful path waiting, this one's for you. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro: Meet Crystal Small 03:31 How living intentionally increases compassion in coaching 06:03 Developing a "why not me?" mindset 08:32 Gradually building confidence through repeated small actions 11:46 Embracing imperfections as part of creativity and growth 12:33 Letting go of the pressure to know everything 19:00 Laughter as a tool for connection during coaching mishaps 22:27 The privilege and joy of supporting coaches' growth 26:20 The seesaw analogy for balancing process and presence as a coach About Crystal Small Crystal Small is a coach, trainer and professional development leader working at the intersection of coaching excellence, wellbeing and leadership growth. She is Director of Professional Development at EMCC UK, where she supports the advancement of standards, learning and member development across the coaching and mentoring profession. Crystal is also a trainer with Optimus Coach Academy, contributing to the development of coaches through accredited programmes and practical skills training. She is the Founder and Director of Intentional Steps Ltd, a coaching and training organisation that partners with leaders, coaches and organisations to strengthen performance, confidence and workplace wellbeing. Connect with Crystal: Website: https://www.intentionalsteps.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalstepscoaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intentionalstepsuk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-small About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

  5. Oct 1

    Ep 256: Mindset, Motivation and M.A.G.I.C. with Claire Brumby

    What if nearly losing your life became the catalyst for reinventing how you lead? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I'm joined by Claire Brumby to talk about living and leading with M.A.G.I.C., mindset, awakening, gumption, intuition and charisma. Claire is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker and accredited leadership coach. She built the healthy snacking brand Scrubby Crisps from a kitchen table idea into an internationally recognised product range, pitched it on Dragons' Den, and now coaches ambitious leaders to unlock confidence, clarity and high performance. She shares her "sliding door moment", a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that reshaped everything, and why she believes leadership needs to prioritise humanness, psychological safety and authenticity. It's an invitation to forget "normal" and lead in a way that's human-first and uniquely your own. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro: Meet Claire Brumby 03:13 The role of growth mindset in facing challenges 04:01 Cultivating a mindset to learn and grow from adversity 09:12 Breakdown of the M.A.G.I.C. acronym 10:25 How leaders can cultivate a growth mindset 11:05 Innovation and positive disruption in mindset 12:13 Changing leadership styles and influence of past role models 13:29 Drawing out and transforming limiting beliefs in coaching 16:08 The discomfort and value of self-reflection 17:40 Removing the mask: authenticity in leadership and life 21:08 Human skills as competitive advantage in the age of AI 28:04 Urgency of authenticity, living and leading with conviction 29:11 Progress over procrastination: addressing fears that hold us back About Claire Brumby Claire Brumby is an internationally respected motivational and leadership speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, Dragons’ Den alumna and creator of the leadership MAGIC Framework™. Having built award-winning FMCG brand Scrubbys, Claire combines hard-earned commercial experience with a bold, human approach to leadership. She works with organisations including Bupa, L’Oréal, Amazon and Kellogg’s, challenging outdated leadership and helping leaders become more human, intuitive, and courageous, without sacrificing commercial performance. Connect with Claire: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairebrumby/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theclairebrumby About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

  6. Sep 24

    Ep 255: How to integrate AI into coaching without losing the human touch

    AI is reshaping the business landscape at speed, but can a machine ever do the one thing coaching is really about, truly seeing another person? This week on the Coaching Hub, Nic Cuthbert and I explore where the line falls between what AI should handle and what only a human can. Nic co-founded Happy AI, and he's refreshingly clear-eyed. AI is brilliant at repetitive operational tasks, but the heart of coaching, genuine connection and human understanding, stays out of its reach. We tackle the fear that AI is here to "take jobs," then flip it. Coaches and business owners who embrace automation win back hours for the work that matters, avoid admin burnout, and scale faster, especially those just starting out. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro: Meet Nic Cuthbert 00:03 Introduction to Happy AI and integrating AI into coaching 01:26 Nic’s background in recruitment and transition to coaching 03:27 Common fears and misconceptions about AI and automation 04:34 Practical applications of AI for new coaches 05:41 The reality of AI impacting jobs and the shift in job markets 06:52 Mindset shift: Embracing and proactively adapting to AI 09:00 AI-generated content vs. authentic human connection in coaching 11:39 Using AI to automate repetitive operational and marketing tasks 20:12 Removing operational friction is the "secret sauce" for business growth. About Nic Cuthbert Nic Cuthbert is a founder, AI and automation scaling partner and father of six, (“seven in my blended world”). Nic started in recruitment in the late 90s and has spent the last 20 plus years building and scaling businesses, from executive search firms to venture backed tech companies. Today he co-runs The Happy AI, where the team helps growing companies scale with clarity rather than chaos. Nic says: “I believe most businesses don’t need more tools. They need clearer thinking. When you identify the real bottleneck, automation becomes powerful. Without clarity, it just accelerates noise. I trained as an ICF accredited coach through Optimus because I became fascinated by the human side of leadership. Founders carry pressure. Fathers carry pressure. Identity shifts quietly as businesses and families grow. I’m interested in building ambitious businesses that actually fit the person building them. Expect honesty, humour and a refusal to pretend it’s all perfectly balanced.” Connect with Nic: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccuthbert/ Website: https://www.thehappyai.com/ About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

  7. Sep 17

    Ep 254: From 300lb Bodybuilder to Mindset Coach: Lewys' Transformation Story

    At his heaviest, Lewys Morgan-Smith weighed 300lb, ticked every box the fitness world told him to, and was completely miserable. It took a breathless moment on the stairs to make him rethink everything. In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I'm joined by Lewys, a mindset, physique and performance coach and founder of The Revival Coach. He shares an honest transformation story moving from a relentless search for external validation to a healthier relationship with himself and his work. We dig into what it takes to build lasting change, why quick fixes rarely stick, and how mindset and habits form the foundation of real transformation. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro: Meet Lewys Morgan-Smith 02:35 Deep dive into bodybuilding life 03:51 The dark side: eating disorder and self-critique 05:18 Reaching 300lbs before the turning point 07:30 Social media validation vs. self-validation 13:04 Mindset: awareness, subconscious habits, self-understanding 17:04 The myth of quick fixes and neural pathways 19:07 Gut health's role in mood 26:19 Validation loops and simple changes for mental health 29:17 Matching identity, habits and a realistic lifestyle 30:32 Mindset-first coaching in a physique-obsessed industry 31:47 The importance of authentic role models. About Lewys Morgan-Smith Lewys Morgan-Smith is a mindset, physique and performance coach, founder of The Revival Coach. After over a decade in the fitness industry, his work is shaped as much by his mistakes as his successes. Originally coming from a competitive bodybuilding background, Lewys spent years chasing extreme physiques and learned firsthand how easy it is to sacrifice health, balance, and identity in the process. That experience led him to step away from competition and rebuild his approach from the ground up. Today, he helps driven people build strong, lean bodies while creating discipline, confidence, and a healthier relationship with themselves and fitness. His coaching focuses on real, sustainable change rather than quick fixes or perfection. Through his growing Revival ecosystem, Lewys is on a mission to help people reclaim control of their health, habits, and attention in a world that constantly pulls them away from it. Connect with Lewys: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewysmorgansmith/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/therevivalcoach_/ Website: https://www.therevivalcoach.com/ About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

  8. Sep 10

    Ep 253: Why supervision is non-negotiable for coaches

    With increased attention from professional bodies like the ICF, supervision is becoming more standardised and recognised as essential. One of the co-founders Coaching Catalysts Sarah Bramall and I discuss the vital role of supervision in the coaching profession, tracing their own journeys from education into coaching and how their shared backgrounds inform their commitment to ongoing development and ethical practice. Sarah highlights how supervision offers a confidential and supportive space for coaches to reflect, manage challenges, and celebrate growth - something often missing when transitioning out of the structured environment of teaching into coaching. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro 05:42 How supervision provides a confidential support structure for coaches 07:00 Supervision as a space for coaches to explore ethical concerns 10:09 How group supervision normalises experience, offers supportive “me too” moments, and combats the unrealistic narratives seen online. 13:54 Supervision isn't a luxury, but is essential for safe, ethical practice 16:25 After coach training, supervision becomes the main source of non-competitive support 18:08 Coaching progress can be hard to measure and is often intangible 22:12 Without supervision, personal biases and experiences can “leak” into sessions. About Sarah Bramall Sarah Bramall is one half of The Coaching Catalysts, along with Rebecca Daniel. Rebecca and Sarah are Executive Coaches, Coach Supervisors and the co-founders of The Coaching Catalysts, an organisation dedicated to strengthening ethical, reflective and sustainable coaching cultures. Both are accredited ICF Professional Certified Coaches (PCC), EMCC Senior Practitioners and EMCC-accredited Coach Supervisors, and are currently completing their ILM Level 7 inExecutive Coaching and Mentoring. With extensive leadership backgrounds in education and experience working across public and private sector organisations, they partner with organisations to develop leaders, internal coaches and coaching cultures that are credible, ethical and sustainable. Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbramall/ Website: https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com/ Coaching Catalysts LinkedIn:https://uk.linkedin.com/company/thecoachingcatalysts Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingcatalysts Diploma: The double accredited professional supervision diploma About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

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Are you a coach or coaching curious? The Coaching Hub is the place for you to explore coaching, use coaching methods and experience powerful coaching techniques. If you are wanting to change the way you think and feel about your life this is the place for you to listen!

Information

  • Creator
    Ruth Kudzi
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    263
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Ruth Kudzi
  • Show Website
    The Coaching Hub Podcast

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