Awaken Voices: Journeys of a brave community

#20 2/2 Stories that Shape Us: Crafting your own Story with Michelle Pera-McGhee and Michelle Darby

Every experience we encounter offers us a chance to shape our own narrative. We have the power to make meaning from what happens to us, and storytelling is a vital tool in that process. It not only empowers us in our own stories but also connects us with our audience, creating a shared understanding of human experiences.

Become a member in our community to learn more from Michelle & Michelles’ wisdom on Storytelling.

🌀Deepen your Coaching skills and strengthen your unique style as a Coach and Leader!

Get access to monthly:

• Mentor Coaching (with our senior faculty)
• Coaching Supervision (with founder and MCC coach Christi Byerly)
• Business Masterminds (with successful business consultants)
• Deepen your Coaching Skills (with experts and guest around the world)
• and much more

Join our Community (https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community).

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🎗️ Become a (ICF certified) Spiritual Depth Coach live or online.

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About out guests

Michelle and Michelle teach a class called StoryCraft that guides students in telling true personal stories about their lives. They get excited by witnessing the growth of their students as they uncover the core of their stories, and learn more about themselves.

Experience more of their work @ StoryCraft

Check out their Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@storycraftteam7290

#19 1/2 Stories that Shape Us: How Narratives Influence Identity and Culture with Kathryn Abbott

💌 Join Kathryn’s Monthly Story Circles:

An one-hour online circle where you'll listen to a story drawn from old and new childhood favourites from across time and around the world, and reflect on and engage more deeply with the messages these stories can offer each of us through exploratory art and conversation.

Become a member in our community to join the next story circle on November 7, 5pm CET.

🌀Deepen your Coaching skills and strengthen your unique style as a Coach and Leader!

Get access to monthly/weekly:

• Mentor Coaching (with our senior faculty)
• Coaching Supervision (with founder and MCC coach Christi Byerly)
• Business Masterminds (with successful business consultants)
• Deepen your Coaching Skills (with experts and guest around the world)
• and much more

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****📲 Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

🎗️ Become an (ICF certified) Spiritual Depth Coach live or online.

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In today’s conversation, Kathryn Abbott and Kathryn Masso explore the profound impact of storytelling on personal growth and community connection. They discuss the nature of stories, the emotional connections they foster, and the importance of personal narratives. Through the sharing of the parable 'The Blind Man and the Elephant,' they illustrate how different perspectives can lead to deeper understanding. The conversation emphasizes the heart connection that storytelling creates and offers resources for those interested in exploring storytelling further.

About our guest

With deep interests in human development and nature connection, Kathryn is passionate about creating and participating in communities that are dedicated to supporting people in being their whole, beautiful, truthful, creative selves.

She seeks to support and nurture people in building strong, loving, honest relationships with themselves, so they have the foundation to create the lives and connections they want.

With over 16 years of experience in working with people in 1-1 and group settings, she is known for her empathy, compassion and deep listening.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

Additional resources to dive deeper into story telling:

• Therapeutic Storytelling by Susan Perrow for healing stories
• David Sewell McCann’s podcast, How the Story 🎙️
• Works by Sharon Blackie for cultural storytelling and place-based narratives

#18 A real-life Demo of Team and Systems Coaching with Yael Leinman

Are you curious to learn more about Organizational Coaching?

🎧 Listen to our previous podcast with Yael Leinman:

#10 Unleashing Organizational Potential: The Power of Systems Coaching

 

🌀 Would you like to deepen your Coaching skills and uncover your unique essence as a Coach and Leader.

Join our Community (https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community). Get access to monthly:

• Mentor Coaching (with our senior faculty)
• Coaching Supervision (with founder and MCC coach Christi Byerly)
• Business Masterminds (with successful business consultants)
• Deepen your Coaching Skills (with experts and guest around the world)
• and much more

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📲 Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

🎗️ Become a (ICF certified) Spiritual Depth Coach live or online.

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About out guest

Yael Leinman is a mental health clinician with nearly two decades of clinical, managerial, and commissioning experience in NHS (National Health Service - UK) mental health services. She now works with leaders to help them shift relational challenges in their team dynamics, removing barriers to team cohesion and achieving outcomes by integrating differences; within themselves and their communities. Integrating differences is a crucial part of our ability to survive, develop, and transform as a society. This is also true for our inner system just as much. Yael loves sharing her knowledge, creating meaningful and authentic connections, and believes that we can only survive challenges by truly listening to one another and being open to differences so that we can collaborate to generate healthy ways forward as a society.

Connect with her

on LinkedIn

via her website

Our Internal Metaphors shape our External Reality with Author and MCC Coach Lyssa DeHart

Join Lyssa deHart’s event LIVE on Ocotber 16th: Sign up now to learn to establish a strong foundation on trust and safety in your coaching relationships

Sign up here: https://www.awakencoaching.com/products/214718-Build-Your-Foundation-on-Trust-and

🌀 Join our Community (https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community) and uncover the depth of your true genius and unique essence as a Coach and Leader. Get access to monthly:

• Mentor Coaching (with our senior faculty)
• Coaching Supervision (with founder and MCC coach Christi Byerly)
• Business Masterminds (with successful business consultants)
• Deepen your Coaching Skills (with experts and guest around the world)
• and so much more

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📲 Follow us on Social Media: Facebook | Linkedin | Instagram

🎗️ Become a (ICF certified) Spiritual Depth Coach live or online.

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About out guest

Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC, is an author, podcast host, and coach. She authored 'StoryJacking,' 'The Reflective Coach,' and 'Light Up: The Science of Coaching with Metaphors.'

In 2018, Lyssa developed the Power of Coaching with Metaphors, leveraging the Core Competencies and her understanding of neuroscience to support professional coaches in their work to listen deeply and partner more fully with their clients. In 2022, Lyssa developed the Updated Credentialing Exam PREP to support coaches in preparing for the exam.

Discover Lyssa’s books: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13630143.Lyssa_deHart

Connect with Lyssa

Website: https://LyssadeHart.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyssadehart/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LyssadeHart

Insta: @LyssadeHart

FB: @LyssadeHart

 

Here are some key insights from today's conversation:

1. Imaginative Goal Setting: Encouraging clients to envision their goals as immersive experiences helps them connect on a deeper level. When clients visualize their desired outcomes, they become more motivated to achieve them.
2. Clarity as a Goal: Instead of traditional metrics, let’s focus on feelings like clarity. Clients may express wanting to move from "head in the weeds" to a place of clarity—a metaphor that can be powerful and meaningful.
3. Client-Led Exploration: The best metaphors come from the client’s own language. It’s vital for coaches to follow their lead and adapt our questions to suit their unique perspectives.
4. Reflective Practice: Regularly reviewing our coaching sessions allows us to witness ourselves and focus on enhancing our proficiency and effectiveness. This self-analysis is essential for honing our Coaching skills.
5. Building Trust: Establishing a safe and trusting relationship with clients encourages them to share their thoughts openly, leading to richer coaching experiences.

Let’s continue to explore the art of coaching with metaphors and embrace creativity in our sessions!

💬 I’d love to hear your experiences with using metaphors in coaching. What’s a metaphor that has resonated with your clients?

#16 Behind the Scenes of ICF Assessments and how to make them fun with MCC Coach Matthew Cintron-Quinones

Are you curious about becoming certified with the International Coaching Federation? Then you should definitely listen to this episode:

Christi and our guest Matthew Cintron-Quinones, both ICF assessors and MCC coaches, share an insightful yet humorous behind the scene view of ICF Coaching Assessments, and what makes them fun for Matthew. Together, they discuss the importance of individuality and uniqueness in coaching, and the need to move away from rote verbatim scripts. Matthew highlights several things he would like coaches to stop doing, such as unnecessary preambles, overusing phrases like 'tell me more,' and using nonverbal sounds while the client is speaking. He also emphasises the importance of deep listening and being present with the client as the human connection is what sets the foundation of the client’s personal transformation. Highlighting the limitations of standardised behaviours they emphasise the need for coaches to show up as real people and ask powerful questions that challenge their clients.

Their experiences with the MCC assessment process is revealed as they encourage coaches to have fun and be creative in their coaching sessions

Celebrating diversity, embracing different perspectives, and creating a world that values creativity and laughter is what can make a real difference in coaching.

Key Takeaways:

• Assessments and mentor coaching can be a fulfilling and meaningful aspect of coaching practice.
• Individuality and uniqueness should be valued in coaching, and coaches are encouraged find their own style and approach.
• Coaches are better off when avoiding unnecessary preambles, overusing phrases like 'tell me more,' and using nonverbal sounds while the client is speaking.
• Deep listening and being present with the client are essential skills for effective coaching.
• The ICF competencies provide a structure for coaching, but coaches should not be overly rigid and should use their creativity and interpretation. Coaches should show up as real people and ask powerful questions that challenge their clients.
• Coaches can allow themselves to have fun, be creative, and embrace humor in their coaching sessions.
• Diversity and different perspectives should be celebrated and valued.
• A world that values creativity, laughter, and human connection should be created.

About out guest Matthew Cintron- Quinones

Matthew is known for being generous, intelligent, clever, and resourceful, all wrapped up with a big caring heart and a lot of laughter. He bring expertise in assessing learning, measuring coaching skills, and delving deep into his passions, especially in the realm of creativity. What excites him most is helping others to embrace what makes them unique, tapping into creativity to bring out the fun in the mundane, sharing knowledge and learning with others, and building meaningful partnerships and relationships.

Connect with Matthew via LinkedIn or his website.

Deepen your coaching skills and grow in a community of brave, heart-centred coaches at https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community

You can find our upcoming community events here.

Become an ICF-certified coach by joining one of our next coach trainings

Online in September 2024

‣https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/coach-certification-course

Live in Spain May 2025

https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/spain-retreat

Keep in touch and follow us on Social Media

Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave a review or reach out to us on social media.

#15 Thriving Through Coaching: Ray McGhee’s Journey through Cancer to Deepened Connection

Coaching can be a game changer in moving through the most challenging times in your life (e.g. serious illnesses like cancer). It can allow you to create deeper and more meaningful relationships to yourself and the people you care about.

Our guest in this weeks episode, Ray McGhee, is a former social science researcher that dedicates his time post-retirement to coach individuals and small teams to be true to themselves and live in alignment with what’s meaningful to them.

During the Awaken In-person Coach Certification Course in Spain, he discovered a new path for himself through Coaching. Facing a serious illness like cancer he recognised what truly matters in life — investing in relationships, pursuing passions, and finding joy in every moment. Coaching allowed him to not only deepen his relationships, but also increase the awareness on how he wants to live his passion and purpose in the years he got gifted after curing from cancer.

In the conversation he shares about his approach to coaching, the importance of reciprocity in relationships, and the impact of feeling and sharing about his emotions on his personal growth.

He also shares insights into the spiritual practices that sustain him and how coaching has enriched his personal life, particularly his marriage. Whether you’re a seasoned coach or just curious about the power of coaching, Ray’s story will inspire you to embrace life fully and connect more deeply with others.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of coaching lies in its reciprocal nature—both coach and client grow together.
• Facing serious illness can clarify life’s priorities, making relationships and passions even more valuable.
• Spiritual practices like meditation and prayer provide a strong foundation for navigating life’s challenges.
• Coaching can take unexpected turns, leading to diverse experiences and deep personal growth.
• Embracing emotions, rather than avoiding them, can lead to profound personal development.

About out guest - Raymond McGhee

Ray McGhee’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of coaching on both personal and professional lives. He is a man who values human connection, affirms the dignity and value of all people, and sees unlimited growth potential in everyone.

Hospitality is very important to him as he wants to offer a safe space where anyone can feel belonging and connection.

Connect with Raymond via LinkedIn or his website.

Deepen your coaching skills and grow in a community of brave, heart-centred coaches at https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community

You can find our upcoming community events here.

Become an ICF-certified coach by joining one of our next coach trainings

Online in September 2024

‣https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/coach-certification-course

Live in Spain May 2025

https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/spain-retreat

Keep in touch and follow us on Social Media

Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave a review or reach out to us on social media.

#14 Beyond Business: The Role of Emotions in Executive Coaching with Bob Armour

In this episode, Christi Byerly chats with Bob, a seasoned coach and Awaken alumni, who openly shared about the unique challenges and triumphs of working with high-level executives. Bob highlights how fostering vulnerability and open communication within teams can create a profound impact on leadership dynamics.

As a participant in the Awaken coaching program, Bob has delved deep into his own emotional landscape, learning to navigate vulnerability and expand his emotional awareness. He shares how embracing these emotions has not only transformed the teams he coaches but also empowered him to face life's challenges with greater empathy and understanding. Throughout the conversation, Bob reflects on the personal growth he's experienced through his Awaken training, emphasizing how learning to embrace and articulate emotions has enriched both his professional and personal life.

The episode wraps up with Bob’s heartfelt vision for a more compassionate and understanding world, especially considering the recent societal challenges in the UK.

Key Highlights:

• Transforming Teams through focusing on strengths and vulnerabilities helps groups of executives become cohesive teams.
• The training at Awaken taught him the value of emotional awareness, profoundly changing his former coaching approach.
• Bob shares his vision for a more tolerant world where different opinions are respected without resorting to conflict.

Guest: Bob Armour - Founder of Armour Coaching

Bob is a dynamic and experienced business executive and leadership coach based in the Midlands, UK. Known for his easy going and approachable nature. Bob specializes in delivering tangible business value by working closely with clients to identify and unlock their full potential. He offers a unique blend of strategic insight and practical advice, enabling leaders and executives to navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.

What truly sets Bob apart is his ability to work at pace, bringing enthusiasm and energy to every coaching session. He thrives on creating a positive and motivating environment, helping clients to not only set ambitious goals but also to achieve them with a sense of purpose and excitement. Whether it's refining leadership skills, enhancing team dynamics, or driving organizational change, Bob is passionate to support his clients wherever they are in their indivdual journey.

Check out his website

Connect with him on Instagram and Facebook

 

Deepen your coaching skills and grow in a community of brave, heart-centred coaches at https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community

Become an ICF-certified coach by joining one of our next coach trainings

Online in September 2024

‣https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/coach-certification-course

Live in Spain May 2025

https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/spain-retreat

Keep in touch and follow us on Social Media

Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave a review or reach out to us on social media.

#13 Islam, Empathy, and Coaching: Dr. Rose Aslan on Unity and Misinterpretation in Religion

In this powerful episode, Christi Byerly, MCC, dives deep with Dr. Rose Aslan, a renowned scholar of Islam and a passionate advocate for compassion and social justice. Dr. Aslan shares her unique spiritual perspective, emphasizing the inherent beauty and unity within all religions. She discusses the misinterpretations of sacred texts and the patriarchal influences that often distort religious teachings. Through her insightful reflections, Dr. Aslan envisions a society where compassion and empathy are paramount, drawing parallels between Islamic principles and the egalitarian models found in Scandinavian countries. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of spirituality, justice, and the transformative power of kindness.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Aslan views God as an intimate presence, not distant or separate from us, underscoring the personal and accessible nature of spirituality.
• She imagines an ideal Islamic society akin to Scandinavian models, where community welfare and poverty elimination are prioritized.
• The importance of grassroots efforts in fostering compassionate communities and raising empathetic children is highlighted.
• Dr. Aslan addresses the patriarchal interpretations of Islam, advocating for a progressive and inclusive understanding of the faith.
• She emphasises that all religions share common ground and are often misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary divisions.

Our Guest:

Dr. Rose Aslan is a ICF certified transformational life and group coach, breathwork facilitator, podcaster, writer, and storyteller. As the founder of Compassion Flow Coaching, she works with spiritually oriented women to help them get unstuck in their lives, find a work-life balance, learn tools for embodiment, and bring more joy into their lives along with healthy boundaries and understanding of themselves.

After recognising that she was in a state of constant burnout and imbalance, she decided to quit her job as an associate professor of Islamic and religious studies in California. She now resides in Istanbul with her 10-year-old son and two cats. She enjoys living a slow life full of rich experiences and intentional presence.

Check out her website

Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook

Her podcast: Rahma with Rose

 

Deepen your coaching skills and grow in a community of brave, heart-centred coaches at https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/the-awaken-community

 

Become an ICF-certified coach by joining one of our next coach trainings

Online in September 2024

‣https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/coach-certification-course

Live in Spain May 2025

https://www.awakencoachinstitute.com/spain-retreat

Keep in touch and follow us on Social Media

Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave a review or reach out to us on social media.