Change Champions

In this episode, Ped and Riley tackle one of the biggest time-wasters for coaches and consultants — friendly conversations that never convert. They share the five simple yet powerful questions that transform casual chats into meaningful, client-building conversations. Through real examples and insights from their own experience, they show how to shift from “relationship building” to structured, in...

In this episode of Change Champions, Riley and Pedram take on one of the most misunderstood skills in business: sales. They dismantle the myths that keep coaches, consultants, and service professionals stuck—like the idea that sales is only for pushy extroverts or manipulative personalities. Instead, they reveal how sales, when reframed as service, becomes the key to confidence, control, and caree...

In this episode of Change Champions, Riley and Pedram take on one of the most misunderstood skills in business: sales. They dismantle the myths that keep coaches, consultants, and service professionals stuck—like the idea that sales is only for pushy extroverts or manipulative personalities. Instead, they reveal how sales, when reframed as service, becomes the key to confidence, control, and caree...

Ped and Riley tackle the lie that keeps many coaches broke: thinking the fix is to work harder, shout louder, or charge less. They show how “curse of knowledge” and feature-heavy proposals create admiration without commitment, then walk through a four-part offer that clients can instantly say yes to. Ped shares how reframing a program from modules to outcomes turned a struggler into a premium offe...

Ped and Riley puncture the industry lie that the “perfect offer” attracts clients on its own. Ped shares how a six-month drought in 2019 humbled him into building a real pipeline instead of waiting on referrals. Riley walks through why common “fixes” (new branding, funnels, paid ads, mass outreach) either don’t fit most solo businesses or demand resources they don’t have—and offers a simpler path:...

In this episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley pull back the curtain on why even great offers often get ignored—and what to do about it. They unpack the silent conversion killer that causes discovery calls to go nowhere: a lack of relevance in your message. If your audience is still wondering, "Is this for me?"—you've already lost the sale. Using relatable stories, sharp...

In this energizing episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley expose “the content trap” — the frustrating cycle of publishing value-packed posts that still fail to convert into paying clients. Drawing on Ped’s own months of “performing to an invisible audience” and Riley’s lighthouse metaphor, they explain why visibility alone isn’t enough. Instead, content should act as kindling that spa...

In this episode of Change Champions, Ped and Riley unpack a painful but common experience for coaches, consultants, trainers, and facilitators: delivering a high-energy, well-received workshop… that doesn’t lead to more business. Ped shares a candid story of a dazzling session with a Big Five firm that never resulted in a callback—and why. Together, they explore the trap of relying on entertainmen...

In this Change Champions episode, co-hosts Ped and Riley bust the “follow your passion and the clients will come” myth that keeps many coaches, consultants, trainers and facilitators stuck. Through Riley’s $63k leap that came from simply asking better questions and Ped’s hard-won lesson that more certifications don’t equal more sales, they show why enthusiasm alone is a megaphone that repels the m...

In this episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley unpack a hard truth that many self-employed coaches, consultants, trainers, and facilitators know all too well: you might have fired your boss, but somehow ended up working for an even worse one—yourself. Drawing from Ped’s eye-opening story of taking 3 a.m. client calls from a San Francisco basement, the duo explores how being “technical...

In this episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley dig into a counterintuitive truth: it’s not your skills that are keeping you stuck—it’s trying to do too much. They explore how “abundance thinking” can disguise a fear of commitment, leading smart coaches and consultants to stay broad, overwhelmed, and burned out. Through personal stories, client examples, and sharp metaphors (from close...

In Episode 19 of the Change Champions podcast, co-hosts Ped and Riley tackle a feeling familiar to many coaches, consultants, trainers, and facilitators: why does selling feel so gross—even when you're doing all the “right” things? Drawing from their own journeys and client stories (like Lori, who went from "doing fine" to fully booked two quarters ahead), they explore why traditiona...

In this episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley dive deep into the critical but often overlooked moment between a client’s verbal “yes” and the actual payment — the gap where too many deals quietly fall apart. Drawing from Ped’s hard-won lessons as a learning and development consultant and Riley’s expertise as a COO and systems builder, they unpack why the problem isn’t in your sales c...

In this episode of Change Champions, co-hosts Ped and Riley pull back the curtain on a quiet crisis facing many experienced coaches and consultants. The moment when referrals dry up, and the usual tactics stop working. They unpack why relying on your old network can keep you stuck, how the “Curse of Knowledge” sabotages your messaging, and why real conversations—not funnels—are the key to building...

In this inaugural reformat of the Change Champions podcast, co-hosts Ped and Riley dive deep into a conversation that every coach and consultant needs to hear: how to sell without feeling salesy. If you’ve ever hit "publish" on a post and crossed your fingers for leads—or avoided outreach because it felt awkward—this episode is your permission slip to rethink everything. Ped and Riley un...

In this episode of Change Champions, we sit down with Anne Shields, a liberal arts life design coach who specializes in helping the “lost and confused” find meaningful direction. With a background in higher education and years of experience training coaches, Anne brings a unique perspective on what it really takes to build a sustainable coaching business—especially for those who resist the traditi...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive into the often-overlooked mindset shifts that are crucial for coaches and consultants to build a thriving business. Our guest, Erika Fay, an Elite Athlete Fulfillment Coach, shares her journey from therapist to entrepreneur, revealing the internal battles she faced along the way. Erika unpacks how overcoming limiting beliefs, embracing micro-moments of...

In this episode of Change Champions, we sit down with executive leadership coach and strategist Andy Conigliario to explore what it really means to live and lead on purpose. Andy shares his powerful story of walking away from a high-paying executive role—not to chase another title, but to rediscover meaning, health, and fulfillment. From the pivotal moment that forced him to question his definitio...

n this episode of Change Champions, we dive into the world of transformational coaching—going beyond surface-level problem-solving to uncover the deeper shifts that lead to real change. Our guest, Amanda Deitch, is a transformational coach and facilitator who helps individuals align their values, actions, and mindset for greater clarity and success. With a rich background spanning entrepreneurship...

In this episode of Change Champions, we’re joined by Peter McKenzie, an executive coach and strategist with over two decades of experience in corporate leadership. Peter shares his journey from navigating the challenges of the C-suite to building a successful coaching business alongside his full-time role. We dive into his signature framework for developing executive presence, exploring the three...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive into the reality of building a thriving coaching or consulting business—beyond just mastering your craft. Many passionate professionals struggle with the business side of things, from client acquisition to financial sustainability. Our guest, Cathy Dixon, a Business Growth & Mindset Coach, shares powerful insights on balancing passion with profit, u...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive into the art and science of coaching with high-performance transformation coach Iris Zimmermann. As an Olympic fencer, Stanford graduate, and former corporate leader, Iris brings a unique perspective to helping others unlock their potential. She shares her journey from following rigid coaching frameworks to embracing storytelling and authenticity as pow...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive into the art of sustainable personal and professional growth with transformative executive leadership coach Cathy Dixon. With over 420 coaching sessions under her belt, Cathy brings a wealth of experience in helping CEOs, founders, and senior leaders strengthen their leadership presence, craft compelling narratives, and foster thriving organizational cu...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive deep into the art of living a values-driven life with transformational coach and educator, Sherrilene Classen. A professor and department chair at the University of Florida, Sherrilene is also a certified coach, fitness instructor, and advocate for women's empowerment. With a passion for aligning priorities with purpose, she shares her journey of ba...

In this episode of Change Champions, we dive into a powerful conversation with transformative leadership coach, Alison Conigliaro-Hubbard. After a 26-year career in global corporate tech, Alison faced a life-altering health crisis that reshaped her perspective and led her to redefine success on her own terms. She now helps high-performing professionals align their personal values with their profes...