Coffee House Coaching

 1. Best Coaching Advice Ever ReceivedDon't give advice—facilitate the client's best thinking.Tempting as it is, offering solutions disempowers clients.Coaching should affirm that the answers are within the client.Advice-giving is ego's playground; humility is the path.A coach's real job is to create space, not control the outcome. 2. Advice for Being a Good ClientTreat coaching like your life depends on it—because it kinda does.Investing your own money increases commitment and transformation.Coaching is about what you want, not what you need.Full engagement includes prep, reflection, and accountability.If you're not ready to lean in, coaching won't work. 3. What He's Still Working to Improve in CoachingCultivating deeper humility.Avoiding ego-driven behaviors (like showing off credentials or jargon).Letting silence do the heavy lifting—“holding space” is a superpower.Resisting the urge to offer answers disguised as help.Constantly choosing presence over performance. 4. Most Outrageous Thing in a Coaching SessionUses wild brainstorming to stretch clients' imagination.Embraces ideas like hang gliding from San Francisco to San Mateo to break linear thinking.Believes in shaking people out of limiting assumptions.Coaching is about thinking new thoughts, feeling new feelings.Asks “What impact do you want to have in 500 years?” 5. What Still Makes Him Uncomfortable in CoachingSeeing someone who has a great life but can't see it themselves.Feeling the pain of their unconsciousness or negative lens.Encourages gratitude as a mindset-retraining tool.Uses practices to shift attention from lack to abundance.Believes coaching's core purpose is to raise consciousness. 6. Advice for Aspiring CoachesFirst, become a great client—receive coaching deeply.Pay for coaching so you'll truly value it.Go all-in with prep, reflection, and documentation.The more seriously you take it, the more transformative it is.Price your coaching to match the seriousness you want your clients to bring. 7. Something He's Had to ConquerADHD: a gift and a challenge.Commitment to one path—avoiding shiny object syndrome.Balancing persistence with knowing when to pivot.Recognizing fear when it masquerades as logic.“Your fear is not your best thinking.” 8. How He's Using AI in CoachingSees AI as a major unlock for coaching accessibility.Focused on using tech to enhance—not replace—human connection.AI can extend great coaches' reach but can't replicate empathy.Built apps and tools to embed coaching into daily life.Believes the coaching-AI combo will reshape personal development. Bonus: What He's Learned Through CoachingLearned how to consciously create the life he wants.Coaching helped him uncover his evolving desires.Sees life as an ongoing process of creating the best version of himself.Wants to be “in creation mode” until he's 120.Lives with curiosity, optimism, and awe for what's coming next.

 Episode Summary: Oscar Trimboli1. Best Coaching Advice Received"If you can achieve it in your lifetime, it's not a worthy ambition."Encouraged by mentor Matt to continually raise the bar.Led to goal of influencing 100 million deep workplace listeners.Shaped Oscar's approach to time leverage and impact.Constantly evaluating: “Is this scalable? Is it amplified?” 2. Still Improving in CoachingBuilding asynchronous coaching tools to reach more people.Writing ethical AI software to analyze coaching conversations.Investigating how clarifying questions arise from speaker behavior.Transitioning from 1-on-1 coaching to scalable, tech-driven learning.Belief: Coaching created by humans doesn't always need humans present. 3. Most Outrageous Coaching MoveWalked out of a toxic leadership meeting mid-session.Noticed shift in group energy after a disruptive person entered.Triggered an honest, heated discussion—led to co-owner resigning.CEO later thanked Oscar; group had ignored the issue for years.Takeaway: Presence (and absence) can shift a room more than words. 4. What Still Makes Him UncomfortableWhen he senses a question may come from ego, not service.Discomfort often arises from reactions to others, not from within.Constantly asks: “Is this question for me, them, or us?”Works to reduce self-oriented questioning and stay attuned.Awareness around where questions originate keeps him grounded. 5. Advice to Aspiring Coaches“Embrace the process.”Every coach has strengths and gaps—be okay with that.Commercial side may be easy or hard, same with client types.Work with a supervisor/mentor to gain perspective.The longer he coaches, the more he realizes how little he knows. 6. Biggest Personal Challenge ConqueredEgo. Fastest answer in the episode.Learned to listen more deeply, write more vulnerably (especially after his father's stroke).Strives to let go of ownership over ideas—sees himself as a conduit.Attributes courage and integrity to lessons from his immigrant father. 7. Use of AI in CoachingUses AI to: Teach himself coding. Enhance his question-writing. Map coaching interviews to ICF and Gallup frameworks. AI helps generate better, clearer, lower-word-count coaching questions.Sees AI as a reflection partner—not a replacement for the human element. 8. Self-Discovery via CoachingHarsh inner critic—“should be arrested” level self-talk.Coaching and supervision helped him ease internal aggression.Now able to acknowledge inner voice, set boundaries with it.Created space for more compassion toward himself.Coaching has shifted his relationship with himself, not just others.

Ed Gurowitz's Episode“Listen. Then shut up. That's the job.”(Ed Gurowitz on the art, ethics, and endurance of coaching after 40+ years in the game.)“Outlast the Silence, Question the Ego, Design the Life.”(Ed doesn't coach with scripts—he coaches what's in the room.)“From Survival Strategy to Self-Authorship—Ed's Still Doing the Work.”(And he thinks you should be too.)“Old School Wisdom Meets AI Curiosity.”(50 years in, Ed's still listening, learning, and firing on all coaching cylinders.)“Coaching Isn't a Job. It's a Calling You Can't Ignore.”(A deep-dive with one of the originals—no fluff, no filler.)

Top 10 MomentsBest Advice Ever “Get out of the client's way.” Coaching isn't about solving—it's about asking better questions and holding space.Most Cringe Coaching Moment Asked a client if he was ready to leave his wife. He wasn't. Neither was the coaching relationship. → Lesson: Provocation ≠ transformation.Still a Work in Progress Learning to wait for permission instead of jumping in. Excitement = oversharing; she's now the poster coach for the pause.Biggest Discomfort? Giving Advice Reframes questions to put power back in the client's hands. “Why do you think my advice would be better than yours?” Zing.Mantra for New Coaches “Enter like a raw beginner.” Stay humble, ditch the ego, show up fresh—even if it's your 500th session.Letting Go of ‘Big Breakthroughs' Realized sessions don't need fireworks. Sometimes, silence and presence are the intervention.Skeptic of AI Coaching Uses AI tools for summaries and talk-time metrics—not for actual coaching. Reminder: Coaching still needs messy, magical human-ness.What Coaching Taught Her About Herself Let go of “my way is the right way.” Coaching humbled her into curiosity and presence.Teaching Coaches to Unlearn Coaches often need to unlearn giving advice and learn how to just… be. She's spreading this gospel globally.Headstands, High Heels, and Humility Former aspiring air hostess turned daily yoga headstander. Movement keeps her grounded. Go figure.

Michelle Krebs' Episode“Deep Listening, Hallmark Movies, and Coaching That Hits You in the Feels.”(Michelle brings empathy, insight, and zero shame about her predictable movie choices.)“From Insecurity to Impact: Michelle's Coaching Story Is Anything But Boring.”(Even if her guilty pleasure movies are.)“Planting Ahas, One Somatic Cue at a Time.”(Michelle Krebs reflects on coaching moments, mind-body awareness, and psychic footballs.)“Supervision, Gremlins, and the Magic of Letting Go.”(Michelle unpacks what makes a coach grow—and when to say no to venting clients.)“Good Coaches Ask Hard Questions. Great Coaches Ask ‘What Are You Afraid Of?'”(Michelle dives into discomfort, trust, and the beauty of real connection.)

Victoria's Episode“Wine, Waves, and Coaching That Doesn't Color Inside the Lines.”(Victoria Wilken's maverick take on what coaching—and life—should be.)“Don't ‘Should' Yourself—Pour a Glass and Get Real.”(Neurodiversity, climate resilience, and radical honesty meet a wine connoisseur's heart.)“From the Sea to the Psyche: Coaching with Curiosity, Not Convention.”(Victoria brings nature, insight, and a rebellious streak to the coaching table.)“Coaching Uncorked: Deep Roots, Bold Flavors, and Zero B.S.”(A sommelier of the soul, Victoria serves up perspective without pretense.)“You Might Not Need a Coach. But You Probably Need This One.”(Victoria's story is the messy, meaningful, wine-stained path to coaching gold.)

Todd Weinstein | Coffee House Coaching Episode Summary1. Best coaching advice received“Trust the lull”—embrace quiet periods in business and coaching.Growth isn't always linear; bursts of impact are normal.Patience and presence in sessions are essential.Advice originated as business wisdom, but now deeply influences coaching.Helpful perspective especially for new coaches dealing with self-doubt.2. Did you ever doubt coaching was for you?Yes—especially early on and during COVID dry spells.Corporate stability was hard to leave.Doubt became fuel to innovate, rebuild, and refine.Trusted in community and personal growth to weather the uncertainty.Recommitted through reflective moments.3. What are you still improving in coaching?Letting go of the urge to “teach” or share tools.Breaking old facilitation habits.Learning to replace models with powerful questions.Signposting when offering a resource to maintain coaching boundaries.Striving for discernment on when to share vs. stay silent.4. Most outrageous thing you've done in a sessionWrote and performed a song with guitar summarizing a coaching engagement (!).Client's reaction = “somewhere between shock and awe.”Not his usual move—but led to follow-on work!Creative burst turned bold risk.Probably won't do it again—but never say never.5. What still makes you uncomfortable in coaching?Clients expecting transactional results (e.g., “I just want a promotion”).Major values misalignment between client and coach.Need to recontract and clarify coaching boundaries.Balancing empathy with maintaining professionalism.Managing disappointment when a session doesn't go deeper.6. Advice to new or aspiring coachesTurn down the volume of your inner critic.Be fully present—the answers are in the client, not your head.Trust your gut about fit and chemistry.Own your process and speak up if something feels off.Vulnerability + awareness = stronger connections.7. How are you using AI in coaching?Personalizes tools and worksheets for clients.Uses AI for idea generation and synthesis (e.g., 360 themes).Co-creating in sessions to enhance creativity and speed.AI = assistant, not replacement.Encourages curiosity, exploration, and ethical boundaries.8. What have you learned about yourself through coaching?Brings his full self to the work—analytical, creative, and vulnerable.Not everyone is the right fit, and that's OK.Confidence without arrogance = magnetic to clients.Coaching is a growth journey for the coach too.“Who you are is how you coach” (shoutout to Pam McLean).Bonus: Something most don't knowObsessed with travel: 20+ countries, 5 continents.Northern Lights viewer, wallaby feeder, high-altitude hiker.Believes in maintaining a traveler's mindset everywhere—even at home.Bucket list: Iceland & Scandinavia.

Top 10 Highlights:Ted Talk Courage: Mike shares the intense emotions of delivering a last-minute TED Talk and the pressure to be perfect. Flubbing a Line: Mike discusses how he recovered from a minor mistake during his TED Talk and how he balanced self-criticism with positive feedback. Best Coaching Advice: "Plants grow in the direction of sunlight" – Mike emphasizes focusing on strengths rather than fixing weaknesses. Playing in Coaching: Mike uses humor, movie quotes, and unconventional tactics (like coaching with one shoe off) to make sessions lighthearted and engaging. Radical Candor Moment: Mike shares a story about a blunt coaching session that led to a client making a major life change. Accountability Spectrum: Mike customizes accountability levels for clients, ranging from gentle nudges to intense confrontations, based on their preferences. Flight in Coaching: Mike talks about the discomfort when clients avoid core issues, using storytelling as a distraction. AI in Coaching: Mike uses AI for content creation, brainstorming, and support in crafting engaging social posts and professional documents. Self-Awareness Journey: Mike reflects on balancing his intense drive with being perceived as an “asshole,” aiming to embrace his authentic self. Inspiring Energy:Mike acknowledges his ability to energize and inspire clients, particularly in one-on-one and duo coaching scenarios.

Welcome to Coffee House Coaching, where great conversations are brewed one powerful question at a time. I'm your host, Gary Nowak, and each episode is caffeinated by 8 thought-provoking, no-fluff questions designed to tap into the Coaches insight, impact and inner work of their practice. Today's guest is Steph Balzer “From Journalism to Coaching: Finding Voice, Holding Space, and Staying Human.”  Steph B. brings her diverse background as a poet, journalist, and nonprofit leader into her dynamic coaching style.She works primarily with clients from mission-driven sectors such as higher education, fundraising, and the arts.Her approach is rooted in metaphor and language, helping clients explore deeper emotional insights.Steph navigates the delicate balance between encouraging client growth and respecting their readiness.She emphasizes the importance of sitting with discomfort—both her own and her clients'—to foster deeper connections.A key takeaway: “When calling someone out, call yourself in,” emphasizing humility and shared human experience.Through coaching, Steph has reclaimed her voice, especially in traditionally hierarchical professional settings.  

Welcome to Coffee House Coaching, where great conversations are brewed one powerful question at a time. I'm your host, Gary Nowak, and each episode is caffeinated by 8 thought-provoking, no-fluff questions designed to tap into the Coaches insight, impact and inner work of their practice. Today's guest is John Schuster where he described  a  philosophical conversation with a client on epistemology (a.k.a. “How do we know what we know?”). "Presence, Poetry, and the Power of Stillness — Coaching with John Schuster."

Welcome to Coffee House Coaching, where great conversations are brewed one powerful question at a time. I'm your host, Gary Nowak, and each episode is caffeinated by 8 thought-provoking, no-fluff questions designed to tap into the Coaches insight, impact and inner work of their practice. Today's guest is Lola Gershfeld where she likes to slow down, tune in and dance through coaching. Episode Highlights

Welcome to Coffee House Coaching, where great conversations are brewed one powerful question at a time. I'm your host, Gary Nowak, and each episode is steeped in 8 thought-provoking, no-fluff questions designed to tap into the Coaches insight, impact and inner work of their practice. Today's guest is Matt Williams - Most proud of: The resilience to build a coaching practice without a playbook, metrics, or much applause. Episode Highlights

Welcome to Coffee House Coaching, where great conversations are brewed one powerful question at a time. I'm your host, Gary Nowak, and each episode is steeped in 8 thought-provoking, no-fluff questions designed to tap into the Coaches insight, impact and inner work of their practice. Today's guest is Nir Megnazi - "From Intel Chips to Emotional Shifts: Coaching That Cuts Through the Noise"  Episode Highlights 

Coaching Highlights – Conversations That MatterThrown into coaching—and luckily, stuck the landing.Mastering the power of the pause—because silence speaks volumes.Blending internal and external coaching like a fine espresso blend.That “jarring” feeling when you hold back... and let silence do its thing.Asking, “What was this experience like for you?” (Yes, that's the gold.)No pressure, no expectations—just an invitation.Asking the "Best Boss / Worst Boss" question—watch clarity unfold.Helping clients slide into the driver's seat of their own lives.Staying in coaching mode even when the formal session ends.Because honestly, the world needs fewer “Talk Shows” and more “Listen Shows.”That magical moment when coaching just clicks.Showing up aware, curious, and kind (not a bad trifecta).Embracing the give-to-get exchange—let go to grow.

Jeff's Coaching Highlights – The Google Way (and Beyond)Called out as a standout coach—with zero formal training.Jeff doesn't take space, he invites it—every time.Life at Google didn't happen to him—it happened for him.The underestimated power of just sitting in silence and holding space.A proud, recovering "Teller"—learning to ask, not just inform.Memorable feedback: "Jeff is often the first and last to speak in a meeting."Reminder: Coaching only works when people are ready—no pushing needed.Find your niche—because when you try to serve everyone, you serve no one. Pattern spotting = turning up the heat in the right moments.Pioneering coaching culture at Google by leading from the front.

Coaching Highlights – Leadership With a TwistSolving problems just by talking it out—sometimes that's all it takes.In a go-go-go world? Leaders, give yourself a full day to do absolutely nothing. (Yes, really.)Runs multi-day leadership programs where coaching isn't a side dish—it's baked right in.Coaching the unwilling—because sometimes the ones who resist need it most.Helps clients internalize insights on the spot—no delayed a-ha moments here.Created a "buddy system" that turns training into real connection.Packs his programs with reinforcement, accountability, and just enough tough love to keep things moving. 

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Highlights:⛳ Coaching sessions on the golf course or out in nature—where growth meets the great outdoors.

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Revolutionizing Coaching with AI & Human SynergyMerging the best of both worlds—a hybrid model where individual coaches are paired with AI-powered support.MpathAI is leading the charge, building cutting-edge technology to enhance coaching.Exclusive Offer: Try it FREE for 3 months with the code TRY3FREE, then just $25/month for unlimited access.This is NOT ChatGPT coaching—it's real, human-driven coaching enhanced by AI.Research-backed results: Coaching impact skyrockets when available 24/7.No more letting thoughts and feelings fester—coaching helps you process, grow, and take action.Targeting Gen Z & Millennials—meeting the next generation where they are.Own your narrative: When you voice your concerns, you take control of them.AI is a tool, not a replacement—every AI-powered session is tethered to a human coach for real, meaningful guidance.

Find Troy Here - https://www.troylivingstoncoaching.com/Highlights:

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Highlights:⏱️ Signed up for a quick 15-minute coaching session after some training—and the rest is history!

Find Greg here -  https://www.gregfaxon.com/Highlights:

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Excellent Executive Podcast Host - https://mkbconseil.ch/eec-podcast/ Highlights:

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Elissa Kelly www.elissakelly.com Solopreneur Risk Workbook - 50% off code: COFFEEHOUSELinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/elissa-kelly/ Instagram: @elissacoaches  Surya Partnerswww.suryapartners.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/surya-partners Elissa Kelly is a Solopreneur Business Coach who guides experienced business leaders as they transition from corporate roles into thriving, strategic, risk-savvy solopreneurs.  She is also the Founder and CEO of Surya Partners, a successful professional development firm focused on elevating diverse talent, as well as a mother of two amazing kids, bookworm, avid hiker, and reformed Fortune 100 Risk Executive.  Learn more and subscribe to her risk-savvy solopreneur newsletter at www.elissakelly.com.  Elissa holds the PCC certification from the ICF, as well as an MBA from W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She earned her coaching certification from the Hogan Institute in Santa Barbara, California, and another from Team Coaching Studio in the UK.  Highlights:

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