The Masterful Coach

Molly Claire
The Masterful Coach

As a coach building a business, you’re learning so many skills at once – improving your coaching, marketing, sales, running a business, serving your clients – it can be pretty overwhelming. The fears, doubts, and confusion that set in can stop you in your tracks if you let them. Molly Claire has been in your shoes and she has helped hundreds of other coaches to move forward and create successful, meaningful, and profitable businesses that make a difference in the world. In this podcast she will offer you insights on improving your coaching impact, learning the basics of running a business, how to move forward through doubt and fear as you step into belief, all while staying true to your values and the life you want to create. Ready to up-level your coaching impact and make a difference in the world? Let’s get started.

  1. 159. You need to hear these 5 truths about life coaching

    4 DAYS AGO

    159. You need to hear these 5 truths about life coaching

    Five Truths about the Life Coaching Industry in 2024Have you heard whisperings that the coaching industry is overcrowded and that the "life coaching bubble has burst?"  If so, you're not the only one hearing this rumor.  Today, we are going to talk about what's really going on in the industry and what you should be focusing on as a coach in 2024.  The Booming Life Coaching MarketThe life coaching industry is booming!  Yes, that's right.  The US life coaching market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass $2.29 billion in 2032 (Vision research reports).  Also, the industry's revenue grew from $2.85 billion in 2019 to $4.65 billion in 2022, representing a 60% increase.   So why are some people concerned that it's become overcrowded, making it harder for coaches to succeed?  Why are people worried that the so-called "life coaching bubble" has burst?   In this post, we'll explore five truths you need to know to understand the reality of life coaching today, including a few misconceptions that are perpetuating the rumors and fears.  Truth #1: Growing Demand for Personal DevelopmentThe demand for personal development services, including life coaching, is on the rise. With increased awareness around mental health, productivity, and holistic well-being, more people are seeking out life coaches. The global coaching market was valued at over $2.85 billion in 2022, according to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and has been growing steadily for years. Think of the life coaching industry as the fitness industry. As more people become conscious of their health, the demand for personal trainers increases, even though there are more trainers entering the market. Similarly, as people prioritize their emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, the need for coaches continues to grow. Truth #2: Life Coaching Specialization is ThrivingWhile the term "life coach" might seem broad and crowded, specialization is where many coaches are finding success. Coaches who focus on niche areas such as executive coaching, relationship coaching, or mindset coaching are thriving.  What I love about the work I do with my own Master coaches in training is that they are able to specialize and stand out as they create a program, but they are learning the fundamentals of a well-rounded approach.  When you can have an understanding of the whole person in front of you and what they need from a mindset perspective, emotion work, action strategies that work, and even the nervous system - it allows you to dive deep into your chosen specialty and truly stand out with results.  According to a report by ICF, 62% of coaches now offer niche-specific services. This specialization allows coaches to differentiate themselves and serve specific client needs. Consider the medical field: while there are many general practitioners, specialists like cardiologists or neurologists can focus on a particular area and are often in high demand. Life coaching works similarly, with niche coaches standing out and finding their market. Read the full show notes and access all links

    18 min
  2. 158. Effective Coaching-Myths That Are Blocking You

    OCT 16

    158. Effective Coaching-Myths That Are Blocking You

    Big Coaching Myths that are keeping you from highly effective coaching.It is so important to have effective coaching. Of course, we want to help our clients, and that is why we are in the coaching business. Effective coaching also impacts your business's bottom line and is more impactful than you may have realized. Effective Coaching: Results Get ReferralsAccording to a Nielsen Trust in Advertising Report, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family over any other form of advertising. In order to grow your business, you do not need to be a master of marketing. Marketing is a very important part of the equation, but when you are providing truly effective coaching that is creating real change in your client's lives, it opens the door to more meaningful connections through referrals. Effective Coaching: Results Get RenewalsPricewaterhouseCoopers (one of the largest professional services networks in the world) conducted a global study that found that 96% of clients are likely to repeat a coaching experience if they achieved positive results. Not only does creating results for your current coaches open the door for new referrals, but when you are working with a coach and able to help make meaningful changes in one area of their business, they will likely not want to let your relationship go. They will want to continue your work together. And you get to continue to watch your coaches grow. What is Coaching Effectiveness?There are many myths about how to gauge your effectiveness as a coach, which, if you are stuck in the cycle of believing, can actually prevent you from becoming a more highly skilled coach. Here are a few of these myths and how to break free of those thoughts. Myth #1: You can't control your client's resultsTruth: You have more of an ability to influence your client's growth than you realize. A Gallup study on workplace performance shows that 70% of the variance in team engagement is directly related to the quality of the manager or coach. The more skilled you are as a coach, the more progress your clients will make. In turn, you will get more referrals and renewals. Myth #2: Every problem is a thought problemTruth: Thought-work/mindset work used in isolation can be detrimental. (link to that previous blog post) If you are only focused on thought work with a client, you are missing out on key information that will lead you to effective coaching. Being a safe and skilled coach requires you to look at the "whole person," taking into account your client's thoughts, emotions, nervous system, and behavior patterns and looking at how they all intersect. Looking at thought-work in isolation can be detrimental.  Access Full Episode

    19 min
  3. OCT 9

    Strategies coaches need to know on how to deal with difficult clients

    Have you ever wondered why some clients are more difficult clients to coach? Maybe you have that one difficult client who is so resistant, and no matter what work you do with them, they just don't seem to "get it."   You're not alone, and there are reasons for it! And within those reasons lie the answers.  Traits of difficult clients:  1. Resistant 2. Doesn't want to go deeper 3. Frustrated 4. Stuck in the same cycles What makes a difficult client? Remember that many factors come into play when working with clients on behavior changes, mindset work, or transformations involving emotional components. Their current state is a reflection of conditioning, experiences, and behaviors that have been programmed into the nervous system to automate them.  Changing behavior patterns, re-programming thought patterns, and processing emotions takes time. It also takes skill and nuance with those skills as a coach. The best way to help your clients, even those who seem "difficult," is to understand the full picture of why they are behaving/thinking/feeling the way they do with a "whole person" approach.  Often, when you are working with "difficult" clients, what you're experiencing is the stress response in the nervous system. It's not that they are difficult at all, it's just that they have a body, brain, and nervous system that is working. As a coach, this is an opportunity for you to fill in the skill or knowledge gap for your client. What makes this worse… is if you think of them as " difficult," which is most likely not helping the situation. Anticipating difficulty will put you in a tighter and closed emotional space, making it more likely that you will push them in ways that aren't helpful or be closed off from the wisdom of what they really need.  ResistanceWhen it comes to "resistance" with clients, while this can be one of the most frustrating things for many of my coaches, it's also the most magical thing to work through! Anytime there is resistance, there is something really important underneath it. When we can be willing to lean into the resistance and learn (with the skills to do so safely with our client), that's when we can unlock some of the things that our client needs to pay the most attention to.  Before I share a story, I'll preface this by saying that a client isn't always ready (or even emotionally equipped to) lean into it. This is why the skills to understand your client and all that's coming into play for them are vital as a coach.   A Case Study: My Resistant clientI had one client years ago who was particularly resistant, that could have been percieved as a difficult client. Together, we could see this pattern over and over again in our sessions. Even worse than the resistance - she was criticizing herself for it. We decided to make space for the resistance. We decided to acknowledge it in the "room" with us, and we allowed it to be okay. This was just the starting point, but as we looked at what was underneath it, this client experienced a softening of her resistance. The topics in our sessions became more relevant to what was really going on for her. And the best part was that we started to release some of the shame that kept her shut down and feeling fearful far too often.  This is just one example, but remember that resistance is real and has a reason. When resistance is present, we can be grateful that we know where to lean. There is fear associated with it, and as skilled coaches, we can treat that fear with care.  Difficult clients often don't want to go deeperOkay, all of you "let's take a deeper dive" coaches - I know how frustrating it can be when you're trying to help a...

    25 min
  4. 156. How thought-work can be detrimental: What you need to know

    OCT 2

    156. How thought-work can be detrimental: What you need to know

    The Dangers of a Thought-Work Only Approach in Coaching: My StoryThis week on the podcast, I'm diving deep into a topic that's close to my heart—how a thought-work only approach to coaching can be not just limiting but downright detrimental. Trust me, I don't use the word "detrimental" lightly. It's a strong term, and I'm here to unpack why I believe it's crucial to broaden our understanding of transformation beyond mere thought management. The most important message I can give to coaches about thought workTypically, I like to keep my energy positive, but today's message carries a weight that I can't ignore. Too many mindset coaches are feeling frustrated with their thoughts, emotionally activated, or caught in a cycle of self-criticism that no amount of "mind management" seems to alleviate. If you've ever sensed that something is missing in a thought-work-only approach—whether for yourself or your clients—you are sensing something important.  I've been in that dark place personally and coached dozens of people who found themselves there too. I've witnessed firsthand how an overly simplistic focus on thoughts can lead to critical self-judgment and emotional distress. While it's always been a priority for me to help my clients soften that harsh internal dialogue and create safe practices, I'm speaking out now more than ever about what every coach must know. The Evolution of My UnderstandingWhile I've touched on elements of this topic in the past, this week, I'm taking a stand. If you believe that thoughts are everything when it comes to transformation, it's time to reconsider. Yes, changing your thoughts is powerful. But when we use thought work in isolation, it can also be damaging. This thought work only perspective neglects vital scientific insights about how our thoughts, emotions, and nervous systems interact. If you're feeling a bit of resistance to what I'm saying, that's okay. I understand. I once fully embraced the notion that all problems stemmed from thoughts. While I saw incredible transformations during my early coaching years, it wasn't long before I began noticing adverse effects among my clients. At first, I attributed these to a "misuse" of thought work. But the reality was more complex. Understanding the Whole Person vs. a Thought Work Only approachThe key takeaway here is simple yet profound: not all feelings arise from thoughts. Emotions have their own narratives and are often stored within our bodies, carrying important messages. The nervous system plays a crucial role in this interplay, and a "thoughts create feelings" perspective ignores that. In fact, 80% of messages travel from our bodies to our brains, not the other way around. For example, a sympathetic nervous system response can hijack your thinking, shutting down your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain responsible for rational thought. This is why relying solely on thought work can backfire. Ignoring the emotional and physiological aspects of our experiences can heighten trauma responses and create a cycle of cognitive bypassing. Access all links and full show notes

    33 min
  5. 155. Redefining Success and Unlocking Confidence with Rachel Brooks

    SEP 25

    155. Redefining Success and Unlocking Confidence with Rachel Brooks

    Redefining success is an empowering process that leads to genuine fulfillment. By embracing internal journeys, focusing on intrinsic motivations, and valuing inherent worth, individuals can break free from societal pressures and achieve a more balanced and meaningful life. Redefining success begins with Unlocking ConfidenceConfidence is a cornerstone of personal and professional success, yet many struggle to define or cultivate it. Confidence and success are two words often thrown around in the world of coaching and personal development. However, their true definitions go beyond surface-level interpretations. Delving deep into these concepts can reveal profound insights and strategies essential for coaches and their clients. This blog post encapsulates a recent enlightening conversation, providing valuable takeaways for those seeking to transform their approach to confidence and success. What is True Confidence?Confidence often feels like an elusive quality that many strive to define and cultivate. Rachel Brooks says it's not just about exterior accomplishments or outward appearances. True confidence starts within. Rachel elaborates that real confidence is about sifting through life experiences to discern what serves us in the present moment. It's about validating what's inherently valuable and beautiful within oneself, something easily dismissed in the rush of daily life. The Journey WithinConfidence, like many admired traits, starts from within. This journey often involves rediscovering and nurturing an inner spark that life's challenges might have dimmed. Individuals can gradually transform their external realities by focusing on what's within. The Power of StruggleThe butterfly's struggle to escape its cocoon is a perfect analogy. This struggle is not just a hardship but a necessary process that enables the butterfly to develop strength. Similarly, life's challenges, traumas, and societal pressures shape us as individuals and can lead us to evolve into more confident and capable versions of ourselves. Redefining SuccessThe concept of success often correlates with achievements and external validation. However, we challenge you to redefine your definition of success and focus on the importance of fulfillment. Fulfillment is subjective and varies from person to person. It's an art that requires introspection and alignment with one's core values and purpose. Rather than working to acquire accolades, focus on finding genuine fulfillment in your daily activities. Redefining success by focusing on what brings you joy is part of how you can uniquely bring your gifts to your coaching clients and others. About Rachel BrooksRachel Brooks is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker, author, and podcaster. She founded and created "The Confident Woman," a lifestyle and media brand focused on empowering and equipping women with the tools and resources they need to create lasting change from within. Her journey and expertise provide a solid foundation for her message: true confidence comes from within, and every woman has the potential to rediscover and amplify it. Rachel's Website Additional ResourcesStrategies To Expand Your Coaching Tool Box Master Coach Training Access all links and read the full show notes

    33 min
  6. 154. Emotional Resilience and Nervous System Mastery with Michelle Grosser

    SEP 18

    154. Emotional Resilience and Nervous System Mastery with Michelle Grosser

    Empowering Coaches Through Emotional Resiliency and Nervous System MasteryCoaches today face a unique challenge in balancing their passion for helping others with the pressures of managing a business and personal life. Emotional resiliency and nervous system regulation are vital in achieving sustainable success as a business coach and in your personal life.  Understanding the Importance of Emotional Resiliency in Your Nervous SystemEmotional resiliency is more than just a buzzword; it is the foundation of effective coaching and personal development. Coaches often operate under the assumption that sheer willpower and a positive mindset can overcome any obstacle. However, emotional resiliency involves a deeper connection to oneself, recognizing and managing emotions, and building the capacity to navigate highs and lows gracefully and efficiently. The Journey from Law to CoachingMichelle transitioned from practicing law to becoming a master coach, a journey deeply influenced by her experience with burnout during the pandemic. Her story echoes the experiences of many coaches who find themselves overworked and seeking a more balanced, impactful approach to their careers. Michelle realized that serving others while neglecting her emotional and physical well-being was not sustainable. This pivotal moment led her to explore life coaching and develop a passion for helping moms regulate their nervous systems. The Role of the Nervous System in CoachingThe nervous system is crucial to how individuals experience and respond to stress. Learning to regulate the nervous system can transform personal and professional lives. Coaches and their clients often operate from a place of survival brain—a state where stress and fear dominate decision-making processes. By focusing on regulating the nervous system, individuals can create a sense of safety, leading to more effective communication, better decision-making, and overall well-being. Mirror Neurons and Emotional ConnectionMirror neurons are responsible for the subconscious imitative behavior seen in humans. For example, when a person smiles or nods, those observing are likely to mimic these actions without conscious thought. This phenomenon is particularly significant in coaching and parenting, where the emotional states of coaches and parents are mirrored and internalized by clients and children. About MichelleHey Friend, I'm Michelle. Law professor turned master life coach and podcaster with big dreams, growing kiddos, and the world's sweetest husband. I'm passionate about teaching you how to regulate your nervous system. My Mission is to support women in overcoming anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout. So, kick that mom guilt to the curb. Say goodbye to the exhaustion and overwhelm. Learn how to unlock the stress cycle. This is about a better, healthier you. Michelle's Website Additional ResourcesAre you curious about improving your leadership skills? Join the Coach Certification and Leadership Training Program and not only improve your skills, but start implementing effective, long lasting change. Access the full show notes and all links

    36 min
  7. 153. Boosting Results: How to Enhance Sales and Profits with Your Coaching Program

    SEP 11

    153. Boosting Results: How to Enhance Sales and Profits with Your Coaching Program

    How your coaching program can increase results, sales, and profits. Have you ever noticed that the coaching industry is like the wild-wild West?!  There are no rules, and no regulations, and things can get a little out of hand to be honest. In fact, just last week I saw a coach’s sales pitch that made me sick to my stomach. The promise? To heal deep emotional wounds in 90 days or less, discouraging people from doing EMDR and other therapeutic practices that are evidence-based.  Listen, coaches, this DOES NOT need to be discouraging. We can see this as an opportunity to rise and make the coaching industry better. Educate yourself, Learn all you can. Be a safe and ethical coach. There are good reasons that Master Coach Training (and every coach training and program that I offer) is holistic. This means we are taking into account the “whole person” view of your client. When you can understand more about the nervous system, emotional processing, and safe cognitive coaching practices- you can be incredibly effective and hold your head high.  Today’s post is focused on how your unique coaching program can bring a little structure to this wild-wild west. Your program can distinguish you from the work a therapist or other mental health professional does. It can also bring clarity to your potential clients as to how you help them. Many coaches have a more “open” process and struggle to define it with a program. If this applies to you, you might be surprised at how a structured approach can be more open than you realize, while creating phenomenal results.    What is a coaching program? Why is it important? How do you get started with creating it?  In one of my signature offers, Create Your Killer Program (CYKP), I walk my clients through the process step-by-step of creating a unique program. Creating a program is much simpler than you may realize, but when so much is unknown, it can be overwhelming. Let’s talk about 5 reasons you need a clear coaching program.     Most people don’t know what coaching is. “Coaching” is a catch-all term for various types of services. Consulting, business advice, emotional processing, and mindset work; are just a few categories within the coaching umbrella. While it’s becoming more popular, you must assume that most people don’t know what you do, and (more importantly), they don’t know what it means in practical terms for them. When people feel uncertain, they won’t buy. A clear, specific program with a strong marketing offer will communicate to people what results they will get from working with you. It will take what is vague and intangible, to something much more concrete. In CYKP my clients create a clear program, but also a clear marketing statement for it - it makes all the difference!    When you sell coaching, you are selling nothing.  Few people are looking for coaching, many people are looking for help in solving their problems.  When you have a clear coaching program set, it helps you define and refine how you speak to your ideal clients. With no clear program outlined, many coaches find themselves stumbling over their words to explain to people what they do. This breeds insecurity, imposter syndrome, and a pile of regret and embarrassment after a conversation. A clear program gives you words to speak and a plan that your clients can understand.    People want change and it IS possible. The fields of...

    17 min
  8. 152. Client Testimonials: Utilizing Results as Leverage with Amanda Walker

    SEP 4

    152. Client Testimonials: Utilizing Results as Leverage with Amanda Walker

    The Benefit of Client Testimonials: Capturing and Leveraging Client ResultsClient testimonials are a key component to coaching success. In the ever-evolving world of coaching, creating an impactful and successful practice requires more than just passion. It involves a strategic approach to capturing and leveraging client results. This conversation delves into actionable insights on how coaches can enhance their practice by focusing on client outcomes and continuous improvement. Embracing the Power of Client ResultsSuccessful coaching hinges on helping clients achieve tangible results. By actively showcasing these results, coaches can attract more clients and reinforce the value of their services. This process begins with a deep belief in the coaching methodologies employed. It's crucial to constantly develop and test frameworks to ensure they deliver the promised outcomes. The Importance of Client TestimonialsSome coaches might feel uncomfortable asking for testimonials, but it's a vital step in building credibility. Establishing a formal process for requesting feedback can make this easier. Coaches can gather detailed and authentic client testimonials by embedding feedback requests within the coaching timeline, particularly during high-momentum phases. Highlighting client successes through testimonials, especially those acquired informally and authentically, can add significant weight to a coach's reputation. Real-time grabs from client interactions or direct feedback provide credible, relatable proof of impact. Overcoming Common PitfallsA common misstep for new coaches is seeing the conclusion of a coaching container as the end of the relationship. Continuous engagement and nurturing relationships post-container are crucial. This includes discussing future work and potential renewals throughout the coaching period. By doing so, coaches can transform what might feel like an awkward ending into a seamless continuation of service. Building a Framework for SuccessCreating a structured coaching framework is essential. Original and proprietary methodologies set coaches apart in a crowded market. Regularly testing and refining these frameworks with real clients ensures they remain relevant and effective. Furthermore, sharing results within and outside the coaching community via newsletters, social media, and podcasts builds trust and showcases the coach's ability to drive transformations. Just as shoppers rely on Amazon reviews, potential clients look for social proof before committing. About AmandaAmanda is a certified Master Coach and Framework Building “Ninja.” She helps coaches grow profitable coaching businesses and create their own proprietary framework so they can stand out in a crowded industry. She’s the host of the top-ranked “Best Damn Coach” Podcast and the creator of the Framework Builder Lab and Best Damn Coach community. She’s a mama of two, wife to a fellow entrepreneur, and loves to lift weights, run, watch sports, and take naps. Amanda's Website Additional ResourcesBuild your coaching confidence with Level 1 Master Coach Training Access full show notes and all links

    26 min
4.9
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

As a coach building a business, you’re learning so many skills at once – improving your coaching, marketing, sales, running a business, serving your clients – it can be pretty overwhelming. The fears, doubts, and confusion that set in can stop you in your tracks if you let them. Molly Claire has been in your shoes and she has helped hundreds of other coaches to move forward and create successful, meaningful, and profitable businesses that make a difference in the world. In this podcast she will offer you insights on improving your coaching impact, learning the basics of running a business, how to move forward through doubt and fear as you step into belief, all while staying true to your values and the life you want to create. Ready to up-level your coaching impact and make a difference in the world? Let’s get started.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada