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Sep 15
25m 1s

9.5 Risk of Not Being a Coach

Jo Wheatley and Zoe Hawkins
About this episode

What is the greatest risk of not developing coaching skills, and how might that decision shape your life and career?

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the risks of not training to be a coach. We reflect on the subtle but significant ways coaching skills transform lives, relationships, leadership, wellbeing, and what happens when we don’t invest in them.

As we explored this theme, we found ourselves thinking back to our own journeys. Had we not stepped into coaching, we know our confidence, resilience, relationships, and even the material aspects of our lives would look entirely different. Coaching has not only deepened our self-awareness but also enabled us to build stronger connections, communicate with impact, and navigate challenges with courage.

In this conversation, we highlight 9.5 key risks that come from not being a coach. We talk about self-awareness as the foundation, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how disconnected intuition often leaves leaders overthinking at 4am. We also discuss the impact of coaching on problem-solving, inclusion, resilience, and future leadership in a world shaped by AI and rapid change.

One of the most profound reflections for me was realising that without coaching skills, we risk staying the same, missing out on our unrealised potential, stronger relationships, and the ability to influence the world around us. The greatest risk may not be failure but never stepping into what could have been possible.

Whether you’re considering training to be a coach, or you’re curious about the wider benefits coaching can bring, this episode will give you a heartfelt and thought-provoking insight into why coaching matters more than ever.

 

Timestamps:

  • 00:29 – Framing the question: what are the risks of not being a coach?
  • 01:23 – Self-awareness as the foundation of growth
  • 03:16 – Emotional intelligence and relationships
  • 07:32 – Advanced communication skills and listening
  • 08:30 – Reconnecting with intuition
  • 12:09 – The future of work, AI, and the role of coaching
  • 14:24 – Inclusion, belonging, and building cultures that matter
  • 15:22 – Beyond the self: the systemic risks of not coaching
  • 18:11 – Problem-solving, resilience, and wellbeing
  • 22:20 – Coaching as courage, presence, and connection
  • 24:46 – The greatest risk: staying the same

 

Key Lessons Learned:

  • Without self-awareness, we risk limiting both our growth and the quality of our relationships.
  • Emotional intelligence is not optional; it is essential for effective leadership and connection.
  • Coaching develops advanced communication skills that prevent misunderstanding and strengthen trust.
  • Intuition is an undervalued skill, coaching helps us to reconnect with it and reduce overthinking.
  • In a world shaped by AI, coaching and human connection are the differentiators for future leaders.
  • Coaching contributes to inclusive cultures and a genuine sense of belonging.
  • A coaching mindset supports resilience, problem-solving, and wellbeing.
  • Without coaching, we risk playing small, staying in old patterns, and never reaching our potential.
  • The systemic risk is greater disconnection in workplaces and communities without coaching skills.

 

Keywords Used:

coaching skills, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, leadership development, communication skills, intuition, future of work, inclusion and belonging, resilience and wellbeing, risks of not being a coach

 

Links & Resources:

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