Coaching Conversations with the AoEC

Hosted by The AoEC

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Oct 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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26 recent

October 13, 202644 min

Episode 26 – From competition to coaching: Louise Nicholson on performance, potential and personal growth

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Louise Nicholson, head of AoEC Ireland and Northern Ireland, executive coach, faculty member and AoEC alumna, to explore her journey into coaching and the experiences that have shaped her professional practice. Louise reflects on how her early years competing in equestrian eventing fostered a deep interest in performance, resilience and human potential. She shares how these formative experiences, combined with a successful career in leadership consulting, eventually led her to discover executive coaching and undertake the AoEC’s Practitioner Diploma. The conversation explores the value of coaching as both a professional discipline and a personal development journey. Louise discusses the impact of self-awareness, reflective practice and challenging coaching conversations, as well as the importance of finding a coaching approach that aligns with both coach and client. Neil and Louise also examine the evolving coaching landscape, including the growing role of AI, professional accreditation, mentor coaching and the importance of staying connected through learning communities. They discuss how coaching continues to develop as a profession and why its human, relational nature remains as important as ever. This is an episode about growth, self-discovery and the transformative power of coaching, both for those who practise it and those who experience it. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , faculty, the AoEC – host · Louise Nicholson , head of AoEC Ireland and Northern Ireland and Taylor Clarke , faculty member, executive and team coach - guest speaker

September 15, 202639 min

Episode 25 – Coaching beyond the cognitive: Sharon Tan on Gestalt, systems and leadership awareness

In this episode, host Neil Mackinnon is joined by Sharon Tan, head of AoEC Asia, executive coach and organisational development practitioner, to explore her journey from finance and auditing into leadership development, coaching and systemic change. Sharon shares how her experience of building teams across global organisations sparked a fascination with organisational effectiveness and ultimately led her into coaching. Along the way, she discusses the powerful role of Gestalt coaching, embodiment and awareness in helping leaders and teams see challenges from fresh perspectives. The conversation explores the intersections between organisational development, systemic team coaching® and leadership, including why facilitation is not the same as team coaching, the importance of stakeholder awareness and how coaches can support organisations in increasingly complex environments. Neil and Sharon also discuss coaching in the age of AI, the growing importance of self-awareness for leaders and why mentor coaching and supervision are becoming essential elements of professional practice. This is an episode about transformation, awareness and coaching the whole system, not just the individual. You can connect with our speakers here: · Neil Mackinnon , faculty, the AoEC – host · Sharon Tan , Head of AoEC Asia and Besonder Consulting , faculty member and executive coach - guest speaker

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 .

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