The Coaching Cafe Podcast

In the Coaching Cafe this week, we continue our conversation around the importance of consistent and regular performance conversations, rather than relying solely on mid-year or annual reviews. This week we specifically focus on performance uplift and how a strengths-based approach enables stronger engagement and improved workplace performance. Research from Gallup and other organisations has cons...

Last week we introduced the idea that the traditional annual or mid-year performance review is increasingly under the spotlight, with some organisations moving away from the formal review process altogether. This week we continue the conversation with a focus on the coaching mindset that supports regular performance conversations to enable engagement, accountability and high performance in the wor...

This week we begin a new Coaching Cafe series focused on the mid-year performance review. While many leaders and HR teams are preparing for the usual cycle of meetings and conversations, some organisations are taking a very different approach. Increasingly, companies are deciding to move away from formal mid-year and annual review processes altogether, citing the time involved, low engagement and...

Over the past three weeks in the Coaching Café we have been privileged to focus on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broad...

Over the past two weeks in the Coaching Café we have been privileged to focus on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broader...

Last week in the Coaching Café kicked off a very special Coaching Café series focused on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a...

This week in the Coaching Café we are delighted to announce the start of a very special Coaching Café series focused on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. This series is to celebrate International Coaching Week in May (but we are spreading out the celebrations over the month J). This series will feature conversations with leaders, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisation...

Every year, we wait for the release of the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report. Not just to see the data—but to understand whether, as a global collective, we are making a difference. This year, the headlines are once again hard to ignore. Engagement is down. Managers are struggling. Global employee engagement has fallen to 20%, the lowest level since 2020, with declines continuing for a s...

What does it really take to pass the ICF credential exams? Recently, our very own Paula Jones-Hunt successfully passed her PCC exam, and late last year Brigitte Calvert achieved her MCC credential. Fresh from the combined experience of preparation, pressure, and ultimately the relief and satisfaction of passing, they are taking time out to share their reflections. This is a rare opportunity to hea...

As AI becomes more embedded in the workplace, questions are no longer just about capability—they are about ethics, responsibility, and professional practice. Following our exploration of AI and coaching last week, this week we turn our attention to the ethical implications of using AI in coaching and leadership. What does it mean to use AI responsibly in coaching conversations? Where are the bound...

Apologies for mistake in the previous upload.  As AI continues to reshape how we work, it is also beginning to influence how we think, decide, and lead. In our recent Coaching Café, it was no surprise that we identified AI as one of the most significant trends shaping coaching and leadership conversations in 2026. The question is no longer “Is AI relevant?”—it’s “What should we, as coaches and lea...

Correction- We will be back next week!  In our first Coaching Café series for the year, we’ve explored the leadership capabilities that matter most in 2026—from trends in coaching and leadership, to performance conversations, psychological safety, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and innovation. This week, the Coaching Café is still on a short break—but we didn’t want to move straight in...

Across our first Coaching Café series, we’ve explored the leadership capabilities organisations are prioritising for 2026 and beyond—from psychological safety and emotional intelligence, to critical thinking in the age of AI. This week, we turn our attention to innovation. Innovation is consistently identified as a top leadership capability, yet many organisations struggle to create the conditions...

So far in the Coaching Café Podcast 2026, we’ve explored the trends shaping leadership, performance conversations, psychological safety, and emotional intelligence as a core leadership capability. This week, we turn our attention to critical thinking—increasingly recognised as an essential capability as organisations rapidly adopt AI, automation, and new technologies. As AI accelerates decision-ma...

So far in the Coaching Café Podcast 2026, we’ve explored the trends shaping coaching and leadership, the importance of strong performance conversations, and the role of psychological safety in building trust and engagement. This week, we turn our attention to emotional intelligence—consistently identified as one of the most critical leadership capabilities in today’s workplaces. As work becomes mo...

Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored the trends shaping coaching and leadership conversations in 2026 and the critical role performance conversations play in starting the year with clarity and focus. This week, we go one layer deeper. Workplaces continue to place strong emphasis on psychological safety—and for good reason. Psychological safety builds trust, supports engagement, and enables hone...

Last week, we kicked off Coaching Café Podcast for 2026 by exploring the key trends shaping coaching and leadership conversations this year. One theme stood out clearly: the quality of performance conversations matters more than ever. This week, we turn our focus to performance conversations and their critical role in setting direction, building engagement, and creating momentum at the start of th...

Our newly refreshed Coaching Café Podcast kicks off 2026 with our annual crystal ball on trends in coaching and leadership conversations. Each year, we start by asking a simple question: What’s going to be at the forefront of coaching and leadership conversations this year? So, we stare into our double espresso coffee cups—and the latest research—to bring you our predictions for the conversations,...

In our final Coaching Café Podcast for the year , we take a moment to reflect on what has been another extraordinary series.  In 2025, we’ve explored everything from Trends in Coaching and the ICF Credentialing Exam , to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report , coaching for performance conversations , coaching and psychological safety , the new ICF Core Competencies , and of course, our m...

As we approach the end of the year for the Coaching Café Podcast, we continue to share valuable insights for our coaching community. The 2025 ICF Global Coaching Study Final Report has just been released, offering one of the most comprehensive views of the global coaching profession to date.  Featuring data gathered from over 10,000 coaches worldwide —including, importantly, managers and leaders w...

This week, a short message from Natalie recaping the past couple of weeks of the Coaching Cafe Podcast. We will be back next week with a new Coaching Cafe Podcast!  Also shiny new podcast logo! oooooo, let us know what you think via email or social media! Should we bring back the old one or is this a much needed upgrade!  Transcripts can be found here :  Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the po...

As you will be aware the ICF Core Competencies have been revised and during the Coaching Cafe Podcasts we have been diving deeper into some of the more thought-provoking changes. Some are simple to understand, while others invite us—as coaches—to pause and reflect.  This week, we turn our attention to one of the more controversial updates: the introduction of the word ‘knowledge’ in the revised IC...

What is your coaching philosophy? A deeper dive into the ICF Core Competency changes   Recently, we shared the significant updates to the new ICF Core Competencies and over the coming weeks, we’ll be diving deeper into some of the key changes. Some of these updates are straightforward, others more controversial—and many invite deeper reflection from us as coaches.  This week on the podcast, we exp...

How coaching enables psychological safety in the workplace   This week on the coaching cafe podcast, as part of our focus on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace , we’re exploring the powerful link between coaching and psychological safety .  Psychological safety is the shared belief that it’s safe to speak up, share ideas, ask questions, and admit mistakes—without fear of judgment or repe...

Last Friday was World Mental Health Day! We want to acknowledge that you—or someone you know—may be experiencing challenges with mental health. We recognise that as leaders, coaches, colleagues and friends, we all have a role to play in enabling strong mental health in our workplaces and breaking down the barriers to having mental health conversations .   Join Paula on the Coaching Café Podcast th...