Coaching Conversations with the AoEC

Hosted by The AoEC

Business Education

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the AoEC podcast series where we explore some of the latest trends and topical issues facing the workplace, coaching, leadership, and people development fields. Coaching skills are a new currency for the 21st century workplace and are increasingly crucial in unlocking potential, supporting wellbeing, and making businesses more viable and sustainable. Join us as we highlight how coaching can help individuals, teams and organisations scale the complex and fast paced change facing the world of work as we delve into topics including wellbeing, job design, talent management, engagement, L&D, management, change management and working with teams .If you have a subject you would like us to highlight, or want to share your thoughts on our podcasts, please use the hashtag #AoECPodcasts.

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24 recent

August 18, 202646 min

Episode 24 – Coaching through connection: Joan van den Brink on relationships, reflection and neuroinclusion

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member Joan van den Brink to explore the experiences and influences that have shaped her coaching practice over more than two decades. Joan reflects on an eclectic career journey spanning chemistry, marketing, operations, consulting and leadership development before discovering coaching. She shares how formal coach training transformed her approach, helping her move away from providing answers and towards creating space for deeper reflection, growth and change. The conversation explores the importance of relationships, authenticity and presence in coaching, as well as the theories and practices that continue to inform Joan's work today. She also discusses her contributions to the AoEC's Professional Practitioner Diploma, including sessions on identity and self-compassion that encourage coaches to think more deeply about themselves and the people they work with. Joan also shares insights from her work as an author and advocate for neuroinclusion, highlighting the growing need for coaches and organisations to better understand neurodiversity and create environments where people can thrive. This is an episode about connection, curiosity and creating the conditions for meaningful change, both for individuals and the systems they are part of. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – host · Joan van den Brink , faculty, the AoEC and founder of Araba Consulting - guest speaker

August 18, 202643 min

Episode 23 – Beyond business as usual: John Gray on coaching for a changing world

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member John Gray to explore the experiences, beliefs and influences that have shaped his approach to coaching over the past decade. John reflects on a career spanning mediation, consultancy, international development and community work, sharing how these experiences led him towards coaching and continue to inform his practice today. He discusses the role of silence, self-awareness and curiosity in coaching, as well as the challenge of letting go of being the expert with the answers. The conversation also explores systems thinking, existential coaching and the question at the heart of coach development: "Who am I as a coach?" John shares his hopes for the future of the profession and why coaching has an important role to play in helping people and organisations navigate an increasingly complex world. This is an episode about presence, purpose and the potential for coaching to create change that goes far beyond business as usual. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – host · John Gray , faculty, the AoEC and founder of Castle Crag - guest speaker

July 21, 202641 min

Episode 22 – From healthcare to coaching: Sudhir Daya’s approach

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by AoEC faculty member Sudhir Daya for a lively conversation about his journey into coaching and what continues to shape his approach today. Sudhir shares how his background in healthcare – working with trauma, pain and performance – sparked a deep interest in human behaviour and the mind–body connection. That curiosity now sits at the heart of his coaching, alongside a strong drive to make a meaningful difference. He reflects on how his practice blends non-directive coaching with insights from across disciplines, and why supervision played a key role in helping his coaching really ‘click’. Sudhir also offers an inside view of the AoEC Practitioner Diploma, highlighting its experiential design, the emphasis on self-awareness, and why the questions “who am I?” and “how do I coach?” are so powerful for developing a personal coaching style. Looking to the future, the conversation explores where coaching is heading – from growing client expectations and the role of supervision to AI as a useful partner rather than a replacement. This is an episode about curiosity, growth and showing up as yourself – whatever stage you’re at in your coaching journey. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – host · Sudhir Daya , faculty, the AoEC and founder of The Life Architect - guest speaker Useful Links Find out more about some of the resources mentioned in the discussion here: The Eliza effect: The AI trick we’re still falling for

June 23, 202643 min

Episode 21 - An entrepreneurial life in coaching: Madeleine Dunford’s story

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Madeleine Dunford, founder of Career Connections and head of AoEC East Africa, for a rich and personal conversation about her journey and the evolution of coaching in the region. Madeleine shares how she built her business over nearly three decades, from introducing psychometrics to East Africa to developing executive search and, later, pioneering executive coaching in response to shifting client needs and the 2008 financial crisis. Her story reflects a deep entrepreneurial spirit and a strong belief in developing local leadership talent. She also reflects on her long-standing partnership with the AoEC, highlighting its role in bringing accredited coach training to East Africa and supporting the professionalisation of coaching in the region. Together, they explore the impact of its programmes and the diverse mix of leaders and aspiring coaches who undertake them. Madeleine offers insight into her coaching philosophy, blending creativity, reflection and a focus on action, as well as her purpose of “lighting a thousand candles” through both coaching and developing others. The conversation also explores her passion for systemic team coaching®, the realities of working across diverse and emerging markets, and her perspective on AI as a useful complement - rather than a substitute - for human coaching. This episode will resonate with coaches and leaders interested in purpose-driven practice, global perspectives and the human impact of coaching. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – host · Madeleine Dunford , head of AoEC East Africa and founder of Career Connections - guest speaker

May 19, 202655 min

Episode 20 – From jazz musician to professional coach – Neil Mackinnon’s coaching journey

In this episode, the format is reversed as Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education at the AoEC, interviews senior faculty member Neil Mackinnon in a reflective and candid conversation about his journey into coaching and his philosophy of practice. Neil shares his unconventional path from a career in music and the arts into coaching, exploring how creativity, listening and presence have shaped his approach. He reflects on the pivotal coaching experience that transformed his career direction and the process of building a practice grounded in relationships, self-awareness and continuous development. Together, they explore what it really means to “be” a coach, moving beyond models and techniques to consider coaching as a relational and creative act. The conversation also highlights the role of coach education in developing reflective practitioners, the impact of faculty, and what differentiates meaningful learning experiences. Looking ahead, they discuss the evolving coaching landscape, including the rise of AI, the importance of ethics and human connection, and the opportunities for coaches to create lasting impact through deeper, more conscious work. This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone curious about the deeper human work behind effective coaching and coach education. You can connect with our speakers here: · Lucy Tulloch , head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – host · Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – guest speaker

April 21, 202650 min

Episode 19 - Meet the faculty: Lucy Tulloch’s coaching journey

In this episode, Neil Mackinnon, senior faculty at the AoEC, is joined by Lucy Tulloch, head of faculty and coach education – global, AoEC, for an open and reflective conversation about coaching practice, coach education and what truly makes coaching transformational. Lucy shares her journey from a 20‑year corporate career into coaching, the realities of building a coaching business, and how her approach has evolved over time. Together, they explore what good coach training really requires, why standards and ethics matter, and how coaching is adapting to an increasingly complex world. They discuss: • Lucy’s path into coaching and the courage of a second‑career transition • How coaching practice deepens beyond models, structure and “good questions” • The role of faculty in creating safe, experiential learning environments • Why challenge, boundaries and ethics are central to effective coaching • What differentiates high‑quality coach training in a competitive market • The future of coaching, including AI, team coaching and collaboration This episode will resonate with aspiring coaches, practising professionals and anyone interested in the human craft behind excellent coaching and coach education. You can link with the speakers here: • Neil Mackinnon , senior faculty, the AoEC – host • Lucy Tulloch , head of faculty & coach education - global, the AoEC – guest speaker

March 5, 202640 min

Episode 18 - Leading with Purpose in a Climate Changed World

As climate pressures intensify, leaders across every sector are being asked deeper, more urgent questions about the role of their organisations and the values guiding their decisions. In this special Climate Coaching Action Day episode, Professor Katie Bailey and Dr Katie Manning - co‑editors of The Purpose‑Driven Organisation in Times of Climate Crisis - join host George Warren to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in a climate‑changed world. This episode offers an honest, human‑centred conversation about organisations and leadership in the climate era - balancing practical organisational insight with the inner work leaders must undertake to show up with clarity, compassion, and conviction. For coaches and leaders alike, this is an essential exploration of how purpose can help reshape business for a regenerative, responsible future. You can link with the speakers here: George Warren , Associate Faculty, the AoEC and executive coach, the Edge of Coaching – host Professor Katie Bailey, Emerita Professor of Work and Employment, Kings College London - guest panellist Dr Katie Manning , Lecturer in Climate Change, Business, and Society, Kings College London - guest panellist

January 20, 202649 min

Episode 17 – The Strength Report: Why coaching shouldn’t be a perk

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Heighway, founder of Be Business Fit and author of The Strength Report 2025 , to unpack what 170 UK leaders and professionals told her about coaching in their organisations. The findings reveal a clear appetite for coaching, but also persistent barriers that keep it out of reach for many. We discuss: Why coaching is a necessity for confident leadership, not a luxury for the few The gap between perception and reality: “coaching is for anyone” vs who actually gets it The hidden costs of not coaching and how to make the ROI case Practical steps to normalise coaching access across all levels Whether you’re a senior leader, HR decision-maker or simply curious about how coaching strengthens culture and performance, this conversation offers insight, evidence and actionable ideas. You can link with the speakers here: Karen Smart , faculty, the AoEC – host Sam Heighway , director and founder Be Business Fit - guest panellist You can also connect with Sam via Instagram or Facebook .

November 25, 202548 min

Episode 16 – Why executive coaching belongs in your portfolio career

In this episode, we explore how executive coaching can become a powerful and versatile strand in a portfolio career. Joined by two graduates of our Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching programme , we hear how they transitioned from corporate life to building fulfilling, multi-dimensional careers where coaching plays a central role. We discuss: Why coaching is a valuable skillset for those designing a portfolio career How to make the shift from a single-track role to a more flexible, purpose-led path The personal and professional growth that coaching unlocks Real stories of reinvention, resonance and rediscovery Whether you're actively building a portfolio career or simply curious about what’s possible beyond the 9-to-5, this conversation offers inspiration, insight and practical takeaways. You can link with the speakers here: · Lucy Tulloch , the AoEC & Lucy Tulloch Coaching – host · Dr Claire Handby , Dr Claire Handby Business Leadership Ltd - guest panellist · Helen Keddie , Keddie Consultancy & Coaching Ltd – guest panellist To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com .

March 3, 2025Episode 1540 min

Episode 15: Understanding strong workplace cultures in B Corp Certified® organisations

In this special B Corp Month episode, we delve into the stories of some of the UK’s top-performing B Corp certified organisations in the Worker category. Through conversations with their HR leaders, we uncover what sets their workplace cultures apart, the innovative approaches they’ve taken to employee development, and the practices that underpin their outstanding employee engagement and satisfaction. Join us to explore the strategies that help these purpose-driven organisations excel and lead the way in fostering exceptional workplaces. You can link with the speakers here: Karen Smart , head of consultancy/senior faculty at the AoEC – host Victoria Birks , head of operations, Socius – guest panellist Beth Gaudin , director and head of people, Forster Communications – guest panellist About Socius: Socius is an impactful developer with a £2.5bn development pipeline across major UK towns and cities including Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London. Privately-owned and certified B Corp, Socius partners with global investors to balance profit and purpose whilst delivering inspiring and sustainable mixed-use places. About Forster Communications: Turning your sustainability ambitions into action, Forster Communications is 100% focused on tackling climate change, driving social justice and improving lives. It combines insights, experience and connections to solve complex communications challenges, address barriers that are preventing progress, engage relevant audiences and deliver measurable change for its clients, their stakeholders and society. Forster Communications works with global and local businesses to accelerate positive change through communications strategy and planning, thought leadership, employee engagement and campaigning. With a deep understanding of social and environmental issues and live, cross-sector connections, the company can help you move from wanting to make a difference, to real action and results. To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com .