ICF San Diego's Coffee & Conversations

ICF San Diego
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Welcome to Coffee and Conversations, brought to you by the International Coaching Federation’s San Diego Chapter. Our host, Donald E. Coleman sits down with coaches, business leaders, and community influencers to explore how the *Power of Coaching* is transforming lives, organizations, and communities. Together, we’ll uncover insights, stories, and strategies that inspire growth, connection, and sustainable change. Whether you're a seasoned coach or simply curious about how ICF coaching can impact your world, you’re in the right place. 

  1. The Inside Game: A Conversation with Dr. Nana Gyesie

    APR 13

    The Inside Game: A Conversation with Dr. Nana Gyesie

    Send Us a Message Something happened to how we lead after 2020, and it wasn’t just remote work or new policies. It was the moment the noise got quiet enough for truth to show itself. Our host, Donald E. Coleman, sits down with Dr. Nana Gyesis for a deep, spiritual conversation about what he calls the “inside game” and why the inner world quietly determines the outer results we chase in leadership, coaching, and life. We talk about what it means to see beyond the veil, to carry the discomfort of feeling different, and to turn that sensitivity into resilience and compassion. From there, we trace how the coaching profession points us back to internal states like presence, metacognition, and real awareness. We also zoom out to the culture shift leaders are facing now: AI changing the value of overfunctioning, a redefinition of work and identity, and why concepts like narcissistic leadership and the loneliness epidemic are suddenly part of mainstream business language. Then we go all the way in: unbecoming, ego death, and non-duality. Dr. Nana breaks down how the protective self forms, why letting go can feel like a void, and how acceptance is not defeat but the release that allows new possibilities to emerge. We close with practical grounding practices, including Vipassana meditation, observing the mind, breath, and self-compassion as strength. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of uncertainty, a career change, or the AI era’s constant acceleration, this conversation offers language and tools to lead from alignment rather than attachment. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs steadiness, and leave a review. What part of the “inside game” do you want to practice next? Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    38 min
  2. Love And Resilience: A Conversation with Katherine Virdi

    APR 8

    Love And Resilience: A Conversation with Katherine Virdi

    Send Us a Message Love isn’t just a feeling we fall into. It can be the foundation that keeps us standing when life cracks the concrete. Our host, Donald E Coleman, is joined by executive coach Katherine Virdi for a conversation that moves from profound personal loss to practical tools for resilience, intuition, and authentic leadership. Along the way, we explore how relationships shape who we become, how grief changes our inner world, and why “knowing” often shows up before we can explain it. We dig into the difference between mental noise and body-based intuition, including what it looks like when your foundation has “air pockets” like ignored red flags and constant second-guessing. Katherine shares how self-awareness helps you recognize what’s true for you, and how taking action matters as much as receiving the signal. We also talk about stillness in a loud world and why meditation doesn’t have to look one specific way. Art, calming music, and learning to observe thoughts rather than obey them become real practices for mindfulness and emotional regulation. From there, we connect gratitude to nervous system calm, calling in your senses to interrupt fight-or-flight and return to center. Finally, we bring it into executive coaching and leadership coaching: wholeness at work, the humanity behind every title, and the power of being a mirror so people can see how capable they already are.  If you care about resilience, intuition, wholeness, and authentic leadership, this one stays with you. Subscribe, share this with a leader or friend who needs it, and leave a review with the line that hit you hardest. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    39 min
  3. From Fixer To Facilitator: A Conversation with Lisa Bishop

    MAR 10

    From Fixer To Facilitator: A Conversation with Lisa Bishop

    Send Us a Message In this thought-provoking episode of the ICF San Diego Coffee and Conversations Podcast, host Donald E. Coleman, ACC sits down with leadership strategist and executive coach Lisa Bishop MBA, ACC, CODC (Certified Organizational Development Coach) for a rich conversation about leadership, culture, and the transformative power of coaching. What if the difference between control and real leadership is a single breath? We dive into a candid, energizing conversation with Lisa Bishop about how emotional intelligence transforms “fixer” instincts into facilitator power, why the sacred pause can rescue a heated meeting, and how legacy moves through teams when we stop hoarding knowledge and start sharing it. From crisis leadership to mentorship with vision, Lisa maps a path that is both human and highly practical. We talk through the reality of multigenerational workplaces where Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all contribute to a shared mission. Lisa offers a compelling case for openness: AI and new tools can accelerate work, but only when paired with baseline understanding and judgment. She brings the dot-com lessons forward—fear fades, adoption grows, and the leaders who stay curious thrive. The result is a culture where voices are heard, blind spots surface, and influence outperforms control every time. You’ll hear concrete EQ tools you can use today: the sacred pause, asking for the backstory before you react, and quick resets for emotional hijack like breath, lavender, and short walks that diffuse tension. We also get honest about boundaries and energy—choosing high vibration, stepping away from conversations that drain, and anchoring in something bigger when outcomes are uncertain. Lisa’s take on wholeness is refreshingly direct: know your gifts, refuse to dim your light, admit your flaws, and lead with honorable intent. If you’re ready to lead across differences, translate empathy into action, and leave people feeling empowered, energized, and enlightened, this conversation is your playbook. Listen, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review so more leaders can find these tools. Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on EQ, leadership, and the future of work. If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    44 min
  4. A Conversation with Susan Caesar, Director of Artifical Intelligence

    FEB 23

    A Conversation with Susan Caesar, Director of Artifical Intelligence

    Send Us a Message In this forward-thinking episode of Coffee and Conversations, host Donald E. Coleman sits down with Susan Caesar, Director of Artificial Intelligence for the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She is a global thought leader and the founder of Humain.org. This conversation explores one of the most important topics shaping the future of professional coaching: the ethical integration of artificial intelligence. As the founder of Humain.org, Susan is passionate about advocating for ethical and responsible artifical Intelligence (AI) that augments—not replaces—human potential. Her work centers on ensuring that technology strengthens what makes us distinctly human: presence, creativity, connection, and community. In this episode, she offers a powerful reframe—AI is not the enemy of coaching; it is a tool that, when used wisely, can amplify growth, insight, and impact. Together, Donald and Susan explore: How AI can enhance coaching effectiveness and client outcomesThe importance of ethical AI use, data privacy, and client consentThe difference between free AI tools and secure professional platformsWhy AI should be viewed as a collaborator in leadership development—not a replacement for human coachesHow technology can support habit formation, self-awareness, and goal achievementSusan also addresses the growing fear that AI will replace coaches, offering reassurance and clarity: coaching’s power lies in human connection, and no algorithm can replicate the depth of relational presence. Whether you are a credentialed coach, leadership professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and human development, this episode offers practical insights into navigating artificial intelligence with integrity, wisdom, and confidence.  Download the episode now to discover how ethical AI and professional coaching can work together to shape a more connected, capable, and human-centered future. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    38 min
  5. Strength, Service, and Wholeness: A Conversation with Coach Ronnie Soria

    FEB 16

    Strength, Service, and Wholeness: A Conversation with Coach Ronnie Soria

    Send Us a Message In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Coffee and Conversations, host Donald E. Coleman welcomes fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Veronica “Coach Ronnie” Soria, the first Marine ever featured on the podcast. Coach Ronnie brings a lifetime of service, resilience, and compassion to the coaching profession, offering listeners a deeply human perspective on leadership, identity, and personal transformation. After serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and another two decades in the Federal Government as a Learning & Development consultant, program manager, and leadership coach, Ronnie’s life has been defined by one consistent calling: developing people with purpose, empathy, and strength.  In this conversation, she shares the defining moments that shaped her journey—from joining the U.S. Marines and navigating the transition into civilian life to rediscovering identity, faith, and purpose through coaching. Ronnie speaks candidly about how the power of coaching transformed her personal life, strengthened relationships, and taught her the discipline of listening to others and to herself. Together, we explore themes of resilience, authenticity, and what it means to live and lead from a place of wholeness. Ronnie’s definition is simple yet profound: wholeness is the acceptance of self while remaining grounded in authenticity. Her approach to coaching centers on creating safe spaces where people can reflect, reconnect with who they are, and align their values with how they live and lead. This episode is especially meaningful for leaders, veterans, professionals in transition, and anyone seeking clarity, healing, and purpose in their next chapter. Download this episode now and experience a conversation on leadership, personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of coaching. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    36 min
  6. A Conversation with Emily Bennington

    FEB 9

    A Conversation with Emily Bennington

    Send Us a Message In this episode of the ICF San Diego Coffee and Conversations podcast, our host Donald E Coleman, sits down with Emily Bennington, ACC, a certified career empowerment coach and senior HR business partner, whose mission is to help individuals reconnect with their voice and advocate for themselves in life and work. Drawing from over a decade in human resources, Emily offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on how coaching transforms careers, mindsets, and relationships. We explore how Emily partners with individuals and organizations to cultivate wholeness by aligning values with action, encouraging self-awareness, and building psychological safety in the workplace.  Whether you're a coach, an HR professional, or someone seeking more clarity and empowerment in your next chapter, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how coaching can awaken what’s already within you—and invite you into a life that reflects your true self. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    42 min
  7. A Conversation with Susan Sjolund

    FEB 2

    A Conversation with Susan Sjolund

    Send Us a Message In this episode of the ICF San Diego Podcast, we welcome Susan Sjolund, an Executive Coach and former healthcare executive, who shares how she transitioned from a results-driven industry into purpose-filled coaching. Her story offers a powerful lens into how leaders can rediscover meaning, presence, and connection—within themselves and with others. Susan opens up about her pivot into coaching and how learning to slow down led her to deeper awareness. She invites us to explore the intersection of coaching, mindfulness, and leadership—and what it means to show up for clients with authenticity and curiosity. Whether you're a coach, leader, or someone seeking transformation, this episode will move you. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    45 min
  8. A Conversation with Dr. Aikyna Finch

    JAN 26

    A Conversation with Dr. Aikyna Finch

    Send Us a Message In this inspiring episode of Coffee and Conversations, host Donald E. Coleman welcomes Dr. Aikyna Finch, PCC, a trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Vice President of DEIB for the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With an unstoppable drive for growth, innovation, and impact, Dr. Finch brings clarity and conviction to what it means to coach with purpose and lead with wholeness. Together, Donald and Dr. Finch explore: How coaching became a calling, not just a career—and how it helped her become more grounded, aligned, and wholeThe definition of wholeness as internal integration—mind, spirit, purpose, and values sitting at the same tableHer message to coaches: stop shrinking in one place to stretch in anotherWhy she believes coaching should be a sacred partnership where truth rises, alignment happens, and wholeness becomes sustainableDr. Finch’s story is a testimony to what’s possible when leadership, authenticity, and calling collide. Her voice is bold, her presence commanding, and her mission is clear: to shift culture, raise the bar, and make belonging the standard in coaching and beyond. Download the episode now  Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org. Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

    48 min
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About

Welcome to Coffee and Conversations, brought to you by the International Coaching Federation’s San Diego Chapter. Our host, Donald E. Coleman sits down with coaches, business leaders, and community influencers to explore how the *Power of Coaching* is transforming lives, organizations, and communities. Together, we’ll uncover insights, stories, and strategies that inspire growth, connection, and sustainable change. Whether you're a seasoned coach or simply curious about how ICF coaching can impact your world, you’re in the right place. 

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