Coaching Conversations with the AoEC

Hosted by The AoEC

Business Education

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May 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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20 recent

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 – hostProfessor 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 fewThe gap between perception and reality: “coaching is for anyone” vs who actually gets itThe hidden costs of not coaching and how to make the ROI casePractical steps to normalise coaching access across all levelsWhether 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 – hostSam 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 careerHow to make the shift from a single-track role to a more flexible, purpose-led pathThe personal and professional growth that coaching unlocksReal stories of reinvention, resonance and rediscoveryWhether 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 panellistTo 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 – hostVictoria Birks, head of operations, Socius – guest panellistBeth Gaudin, director and head of people, Forster Communications – guest panellistAbout 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.

January 13, 2025Episode 1345 min

Episode 14: Coaching in action at Wavelength Connect

Join us as we go behind the scenes of Wavelength Connect, which is a unique executive education and leadership development programme focused on the theme of The Future of Business.Each year they bring together a cohort of 60 leaders from sectors that do not normally interact and provide access to a global array of the most admired, successful, and innovative companies, leaders and thinkers. Across this nine-month, in-person, experiential programme of events, behind the brand visits, peer working groups and executive coaching, leaders are immersed in four key themes:Global perspectives on innovation & agility Culture & future workforce The responsible organisation Personal leadershipHaving formed a partnership back in 2021, AoEC has been supporting Wavelength Connect participants with top notch, highly qualified, and highly experienced executive coaches to help leaders make the most of the programme and translate inspiration into application.You can link with the speakers here:Karen Smart, head of consultancy at the AoEC – Host Jessica Stack, founder, Wavelength - guest panelistIf you would like to know more about Wavelength and the Connect programme, get in touch with the team here.To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

December 11, 202449 min

Episode 13: Navigating career change: overcoming fears and embracing new paths

In this episode, we explore the emotional challenges that come with career change, especially when making bold moves such as leaving corporate life to become an entrepreneurial coach or transitioning into a new line of work.We'll dive into the powerful emotions of career transitions and, in particular, into the fears that can hold you back, what to expect during the process, and how coaching itself can provide some of the support needed to make informed decisions.Whether you're considering a career shift or are already on the path, this discussion will offer practical insights to help you navigate the uncertainty and confidently embrace your next chapter.You can link with the speakers here:Sue Reynolds, AoEC & founder of Sue Reynolds Executive Coaching – episode host · Araceli Candeo Bebbington, founder, Power of Change – guest panellist · Jon Palmstrom, founder, Off-Piste Coaching - guest panellistTo find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com.

October 14, 2024Episode 1256 min

Episode 12: Overview of executive coaching and coach training in the UK: past, present, and future

Over the past 25 years, the UK’s executive coaching industry has evolved from a niche service into a cornerstone of leadership and people development. The AoEC has played a pivotal role in this transformation by setting high standards for coach training and accreditation and has helped raise the bar for professional coaching, making significant contributions to the field.We look back at how the industry has evolved during the AoEC’s 25-year history and look ahead at the future of executive coaching in the UK. We will explore its increasing demand driven by the complexities of modern leadership and assess what will be important in its next phase of growth and innovation.You can link with the speakers here:· John Leary-Joyce, CEO and founder, AoEC – guest panellist· Peter Burditt, owner, Strategic Development Consultants Ltd and non-executive director, AoEC - guest panellist· Kaz Hazelwood, AoEC - host To find out more about coach training and coaching, please visit the AoEC’s website www.aoec.com

March 6, 2024Episode 1144 min

Episode 11: Leading by Nature with Giles Hutchins

Marking Climate Coaching Action Day 2024, the AoEC’s George Warren is joined by Giles Hutchins to discuss his work in helping organisations and leaders learn to attune with the rhythms and ways of nature, so they are better able to adapt to change. Discussing his latest book, Leading by Nature, they also explore how coaches can help support this much needed shift in leadership and organisational design.You can link with the speakers here:George Warren, faculty at the AoEC – HostGiles Hutchins, pioneering practitioner, executive coach, author, thought leader and keynote speaker - special guest panellist Useful linksFind out more about some of the resources mentioned in the discussion here along with some further miscellaneous content:Giles Hutchins’ websitehttps://gileshutchins.com/Giles’ Deep Dive Immersion – 23 & 24 May 2024https://thenatureofbusiness.org/2024/02/21/leading-by-nature-a-deep-dive-into-embodying-next-stage-regenerative-leadership-consciousness/Giles’ bloghttps://thenatureofbusiness.org/Giles‘ books including Leading by Naturehttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Giles-Hutchins/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AGiles+HutchinsGiles’ Leadership Immersions LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13767578/Gregory Batesonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Batesonhttps://batesoninstitute.org/gregory-bateson/Otto Scharmerhttps://ottoscharmer.com/Donella Meadowshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donella_Meadowshttps://donellameadows.org/James Lovelockhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_LovelockFritjof Caprahttps://www.fritjofcapra.net/Professor Peter Hawkinshttps://www.renewalassociates.co.uk/Climate Coaching Action Day:Hashtag: #climatecoachingactiondayFacebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ClimateCoachingActionDayLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/groups/8869975/Twitter: @climatecoachdayWebsite: https://www.climatecoachingactionday.info/Coaching in the Climate Crisis – A Certificate in Climate Coaching - https://www.aoec.com/programmes/certificate-climate-coaching/Climate coaching related resources from the AoEC – https://www.aoec.com/coaching-climate/