Coaching Conversations with the AoEC

The AoEC
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Welcome to the AoEC podcast series where we explore some of the latest trends and topical issues facing the workplace, coaching, leadership, and people development fields. Coaching skills are a new currency for the 21st century workplace and are increasingly crucial in unlocking potential, supporting wellbeing, and making businesses more viable and sustainable. Join us as we highlight how coaching can help individuals, teams and organisations scale the complex and fast paced change facing the world of work as we delve into topics including wellbeing, job design, talent management, engagement, L&D, management, change management and working with teams .If you have a subject you would like us to highlight, or want to share your thoughts on our podcasts, please use the hashtag #AoECPodcasts.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 20 – From jazz musician to professional coach – Neil Mackinnon’s coaching journey

    In this episode, the format is reversed as Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education at the AoEC, interviews senior faculty member Neil Mackinnon in a reflective and candid conversation about his journey into coaching and his philosophy of practice.  Neil shares his unconventional path from a career in music and the arts into coaching, exploring how creativity, listening and presence have shaped his approach. He reflects on the pivotal coaching experience that transformed his career direction and the process of building a practice grounded in relationships, self-awareness and continuous development. Together, they explore what it really means to “be” a coach, moving beyond models and techniques to consider coaching as a relational and creative act. The conversation also highlights the role of coach education in developing reflective practitioners, the impact of faculty, and what differentiates meaningful learning experiences. Looking ahead, they discuss the evolving coaching landscape, including the rise of AI, the importance of ethics and human connection, and the opportunities for coaches to create lasting impact through deeper, more conscious work. This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone curious about the deeper human work behind effective coaching and coach education.  You can connect with our speakers here:  ·       Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – host ·       Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – guest speaker

    56 min

  2. APR 21

    Episode 19 - Meet the faculty: Lucy Tulloch’s coaching journey

    In this episode, Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty at the AoEC, is joined by Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education – global, AoEC, for an open and reflective conversation about coaching practice, coach education and what truly makes coaching transformational. Lucy shares her journey from a 20‑year corporate career into coaching, the realities of building a coaching business, and how her approach has evolved over time. Together, they explore what good coach training really requires, why standards and ethics matter, and how coaching is adapting to an increasingly complex world.  They discuss:  • Lucy’s path into coaching and the courage of a second‑career transition  • How coaching practice deepens beyond models, structure and “good questions”  • The role of faculty in creating safe, experiential learning environments  • Why challenge, boundaries and ethics are central to effective coaching  • What differentiates high‑quality coach training in a competitive market  • The future of coaching, including AI, team coaching and collaboration  This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone interested in the human craft behind excellent coaching and coach education.  You can link with the speakers here: • Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty, the AoEC – host • Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – guest speaker

    51 min
  3. Episode 18 - Leading with Purpose in a Climate Changed World

    MAR 5

    Episode 18 - Leading with Purpose in a Climate Changed World

    As climate pressures intensify, leaders across every sector are being asked deeper, more urgent questions about the role of their organisations and the values guiding their decisions. In this special Climate Coaching Action Day episode, Professor Katie Bailey and Dr Katie Manning - co‑editors of The Purpose‑Driven Organisation in Times of Climate Crisis - join host George Warren to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in a climate‑changed world. This episode offers an honest, human‑centred conversation about organisations and leadership in the climate era - balancing practical organisational insight with the inner work leaders must undertake to show up with clarity, compassion, and conviction. For coaches and leaders alike, this is an essential exploration of how purpose can help reshape business for a regenerative, responsible future. You can link with the speakers here: George Warren, Associate Faculty, the AoEC and executive coach, the Edge of Coaching – hostProfessor Katie Bailey, Emerita Professor of Work and Employment, Kings College London - guest panellist Dr Katie Manning, Lecturer in Climate Change, Business, and Society, Kings College London - guest panellist

    41 min

  4. JAN 20

    Episode 17 – The Strength Report: Why coaching shouldn’t be a perk

    In this episode, we sit down with Sam Heighway, founder of Be Business Fit and author of The Strength Report 2025, to unpack what 170 UK leaders and professionals told her about coaching in their organisations. The findings reveal a clear appetite for coaching, but also persistent barriers that keep it out of reach for many. We discuss:  Why coaching is a necessity for confident leadership, not a luxury for the fewThe gap between perception and reality: “coaching is for anyone” vs who actually gets itThe hidden costs of not coaching and how to make the ROI casePractical steps to normalise coaching access across all levelsWhether you’re a senior leader, HR decision-maker or simply curious about how coaching strengthens culture and performance, this conversation offers insight, evidence and actionable ideas. You can link with the speakers here:  Karen Smart, faculty, the AoEC – hostSam Heighway, director and founder Be Business Fit - guest panellist You can also connect with Sam via Instagram or Facebook.

    50 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Episode 16 – Why executive coaching belongs in your portfolio career

    In this episode, we explore how executive coaching can become a powerful and versatile strand in a portfolio career. Joined by two graduates of our Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching programme, we hear how they transitioned from corporate life to building fulfilling, multi-dimensional careers where coaching plays a central role.  We discuss:  Why coaching is a valuable skillset for those designing a portfolio careerHow to make the shift from a single-track role to a more flexible, purpose-led pathThe personal and professional growth that coaching unlocksReal stories of reinvention, resonance and rediscoveryWhether you're actively building a portfolio career or simply curious about what’s possible beyond the 9-to-5, this conversation offers inspiration, insight and practical takeaways. You can link with the speakers here: ·       Lucy Tulloch, the AoEC & Lucy Tulloch Coaching – host ·       Dr Claire Handby,  Dr Claire Handby Business Leadership Ltd - guest panellist  ·       Helen Keddie, Keddie Consultancy & Coaching Ltd – guest panellist To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

    48 min

  6. 03/03/2025

    Episode 15: Understanding strong workplace cultures in B Corp Certified® organisations

    In this special B Corp Month episode, we delve into the stories of some of the UK’s top-performing B Corp certified organisations in the Worker category. Through conversations with their HR leaders, we uncover what sets their workplace cultures apart, the innovative approaches they’ve taken to employee development, and the practices that underpin their outstanding employee engagement and satisfaction. Join us to explore the strategies that help these purpose-driven organisations excel and lead the way in fostering exceptional workplaces.  You can link with the speakers here: Karen Smart, head of consultancy/senior faculty at the AoEC – host Victoria Birks, head of operations, Socius – guest panellist Beth Gaudin, director and head of people, Forster Communications – guest panellist About Socius: Socius is an impactful developer with a £2.5bn development pipeline across major UK towns and cities including Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London. Privately-owned and certified B Corp, Socius partners with global investors to balance profit and purpose whilst delivering inspiring and sustainable mixed-use places. About Forster Communications: Turning your sustainability ambitions into action, Forster Communications is 100% focused on tackling climate change, driving social justice and improving lives. It combines insights, experience and connections to solve complex communications challenges, address barriers that are preventing progress, engage relevant audiences and deliver measurable change for its clients, their stakeholders and society. Forster Communications works with global and local businesses to accelerate positive change through communications strategy and planning, thought leadership, employee engagement and campaigning. With a deep understanding of social and environmental issues and live, cross-sector connections, the company can help you move from wanting to make a difference, to real action and results. To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

    40 min

  7. 01/13/2025

    Episode 14: Coaching in action at Wavelength Connect

    Join us as we go behind the scenes of Wavelength Connect, which is a unique executive education and leadership development programme focused on the theme of The Future of Business. Each year they bring together a cohort of 60 leaders from sectors that do not normally interact and provide access to a global array of the most admired, successful, and innovative companies, leaders and thinkers. Across this nine-month, in-person, experiential programme of events, behind the brand visits, peer working groups and executive coaching, leaders are immersed in four key themes: Global perspectives on innovation & agility Culture & future workforce The responsible organisation Personal leadership Having formed a partnership back in 2021, AoEC has been supporting Wavelength Connect participants with top notch, highly qualified, and highly experienced executive coaches to help leaders make the most of the programme and translate inspiration into application. You can link with the speakers here: Karen Smart, head of consultancy at the AoEC – Host Jessica Stack, founder, Wavelength - guest panelist If you would like to know more about Wavelength and the Connect programme, get in touch with the team here. To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

    46 min

  8. 12/11/2024

    Episode 13: Navigating career change: overcoming fears and embracing new paths

    In this episode, we explore the emotional challenges that come with career change, especially when making bold moves such as leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneurial coach or transitioning into a new line of work. We'll dive into the powerful emotions of career transitions and, in particular, into the fears that can hold you back, what to expect during the process, and how coaching itself can provide some of the support needed to make informed decisions. Whether you're considering a career shift or are already on the path, this discussion will offer practical insights to help you navigate the uncertainty and confidently embrace your next chapter. You can link with the speakers here: Sue Reynolds, AoEC & founder of Sue Reynolds Executive Coaching – episode host · Araceli Candeo Bebbington, founder, Power of Change – guest panellist · Jon Palmstrom, founder, Off-Piste Coaching - guest panellist To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

    49 min
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About

Welcome to the AoEC podcast series where we explore some of the latest trends and topical issues facing the workplace, coaching, leadership, and people development fields. Coaching skills are a new currency for the 21st century workplace and are increasingly crucial in unlocking potential, supporting wellbeing, and making businesses more viable and sustainable. Join us as we highlight how coaching can help individuals, teams and organisations scale the complex and fast paced change facing the world of work as we delve into topics including wellbeing, job design, talent management, engagement, L&D, management, change management and working with teams .If you have a subject you would like us to highlight, or want to share your thoughts on our podcasts, please use the hashtag #AoECPodcasts.

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