ICF San Diego's Coffee & Conversations

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Coffee and Conversations, brought to you by the International Coaching Federation’s San Diego Chapter. Our host, Donald E. Coleman sits down with coaches, business leaders, and community influencers to explore how the *Power of Coaching* is transforming lives, organizations, and communities. Together, we’ll uncover insights, stories, and strategies that inspire growth, connection, and sustainable change. Whether you're a seasoned coach or simply curious about how ICF coaching can impact your world , you’re in the right place.

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59 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 5932 min

What The Iceberg Hides

Send Us a Message People see the peak of your story: the degree, the title, the “successful” highlight reel. But what if the part that actually made you strong is the part no one sees? We sit down with Dr. Inez González Perezchica to unpack the iceberg beneath achievement and why the hidden years matter for confidence, leadership, and a fulfilling life. Dr. Inez shares what it was like to be born in Tijuana, raised in Mexico, and then move to the United States during her senior year of high school, suddenly feeling like “the other” and losing her voice. We talk about the quiet loneliness that can follow big transitions and how that pain can be transformed into empathy, the kind that helps you notice the person standing alone and choose to make them feel they belong. Along the way, we get practical about self-confidence: why reflection is not optional, how revisiting old stories can free you, and how professional coaching and powerful inquiry help you find answers you already carry. We also explore roots, curiosity, and resilience across generations, as well as the real-world value of social capital: connecting people in ways that create opportunity and community. Then we close with a grounded definition of wholeness as fulfillment and a reminder that your past does not define your future. If you’re navigating identity shifts, a career pivot, leadership development, or a search for belonging, this conversation offers a steady path forward. Subscribe for more conversations like this, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a review if it helps. What’s one part of your iceberg you’re finally ready to name? Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

June 29, 2026Episode 5848 min

What If Wholeness Is The Real Core Competency

Send Us a Message Most people think they need better strategies to grow, lead, or coach well. Then a conversation like this exposes the real blocker: safety . When visibility has felt dangerous, when service has been tied to worth, or when spiritual and relational harm has shaped your nervous system, you do not fix it with another checklist. You fix it by integrating healing and coaching so your body can finally believe what your mind already understands. We talk with Hayley Surya, MCC , about why healing and coaching are complementary energies and why separating them often leaves clients with insight but no integration. We explore coaching as a calling, not just a learned skill set, and what it takes to hold a truly safe coaching container: showing up resourced, grounded, and free of the ego need to be right. Along the way , we get honest about cultural conditioning around serving, the difference between interdependence and codependence, and how overcompensating as a coach can quietly rob clients of their own agency. The conversation goes even deeper into memory, repair, and wholeness. We unpack how apology can create real proxy healing, why “healthy” means consistency rather than perfection, and how balancing inner polarities shapes every relationship in your life, from money and career to partnership and self-trust. If you care about ICF coaching , embodied leadership, trauma-informed practice, and real transformation, this will stay with you long after the audio ends. If this resonates, subscribe , share it with a coach or leader who needs depth over noise, and leave a review telling us what part challenged you most. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

June 5, 2026Episode 5753 min

Change Starts When You Ask Whose Voice That Is

Send Us a Message The loudest voice shaping your life might not be your own, and once you see that, everything changes. We sit down with Dr. Cornelia Shipley Bearyman , executive coach, author, and Ph.D in metaphysics, for a conversation that starts playful and turns deeply human: grief, identity, and the hidden scripts we replay when we feel threatened, judged, or out of control. She shares the shock of losing her mother just five days after her wedding, and how other people’s reactions taught her a core lesson about perception: we see the world as we are, not as it is. From there, we explore the practical side of healing and mindset work. What do you do with the inner critic that says you’re unworthy, unlovable, or unsafe? How do you “return to sender” the stories you inherited? Dr. Berriman offers language you can use immediately, plus a powerful reframe on triggers: “hysterical is historical.” We also widen the lens to conscious leadership, faith, and uncertainty. We talk about choosing your hard, why control is a false construct, how support systems keep you grounded, and what the age of AI is forcing all of us to confront about being a human being rather than a human doing. If you’re navigating change, burnout, career pressure, or a deeper spiritual question, this one meets you where you are. Subscribe, Share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a review with the biggest truth you’re ready to face. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

May 29, 2026Episode 5634 min

Activate Your Pause: A Conversation with John O'Brien

Send Us a Message The world feels loud on purpose, and it’s easy to forget we have choices when stress becomes the default setting. We sit down with Dr. John O’Brien , psychologist, coach, author, and founder of Activate Success, to get practical about the smallest habit that can change your day: the pause . Not a retreat, not a perfect routine, just a few seconds of breathing and noticing what’s happening inside you. That “sacred moment” creates space to define success on your terms, instead of chasing someone else’s definition. We also go straight into the bigger social noise that affects all of us: rising rudeness and incivility. John shares why he believes this trend has been building for decades, how loneliness and the loss of community connection make it worse, and why social media algorithms can quietly steer what we see and how we react. If you’ve felt pulled into outrage or trapped in reactive conversations, this part will land. From mindfulness to coaching, we keep circling back to agency. Mindfulness is not perfect focus; it’s noticing where your attention is and deciding whether it serves you. John also opens up about perfectionism, taking risks, and the “good enough” mindset that helped him write, speak, and even start a podcast while still learning. If you want more calm, better boundaries, and a clearer way to respond to the noise, you’ll leave with tools you can use today. Subscribe , Share this with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

April 13, 2026Episode 5537 min

The Inside Game: A Conversation with Dr. Nana Gyesie

Send Us a Message Something happened to how we lead after 2020, and it wasn’t just remote work or new policies. It was the moment the noise got quiet enough for truth to show itself. Our host, Donald E. Coleman , sits down with Dr. Nana Gyesie, PCC for a deep, spiritual conversation about what he calls the “inside game” and why the inner world quietly determines the outer results we chase in leadership, coaching, and life. We talk about what it means to see beyond the veil, to carry the discomfort of feeling different, and to turn that sensitivity into resilience and compassion. From there , we trace how the coaching profession points us back to internal states like presence, metacognition, and real awareness. We also zoom out to the culture shift leaders are facing now: AI changing the value of overfunctioning, a redefinition of work and identity, and why concepts like narcissistic leadership and the loneliness epidemic are suddenly part of mainstream business language. Then we go all the way in: unbecoming, ego death, and non-duality. Dr. Nana breaks down how the protective self forms, why letting go can feel like a void, and how acceptance is not defeat but the release that allows new possibilities to emerge. We close with practical grounding practices, including Vipassana meditation, observing the mind, breath, and self-compassion as strength. If you’ve been feeling the pressure of uncertainty, a career change, or the AI era’s constant acceleration, this conversation offers language and tools to lead from alignment rather than attachment. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs steadiness, and leave a review. What part of the “inside game” do you want to practice next? Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

April 8, 2026Episode 5439 min

Love And Resilience: A Conversation with Katherine Virdi

Send Us a Message Love isn’t just a feeling we fall into. It can be the foundation that keeps us standing when life cracks the concrete. Our host, Donald E Coleman, is joined by executive coach Katherine Virdi for a conversation that moves from profound personal loss to practical tools for resilience, intuition, and authentic leadership. Along the way, we explore how relationships shape who we become, how grief changes our inner world, and why “knowing” often shows up before we can explain it. We dig into the difference between mental noise and body-based intuition, including what it looks like when your foundation has “air pockets” like ignored red flags and constant second-guessing. Katherine shares how self-awareness helps you recognize what’s true for you, and how taking action matters as much as receiving the signal. We also talk about stillness in a loud world and why meditation doesn’t have to look one specific way. Art, calming music, and learning to observe thoughts rather than obey them become real practices for mindfulness and emotional regulation. From there, we connect gratitude to nervous system calm, calling in your senses to interrupt fight-or-flight and return to center. Finally, we bring it into executive coaching and leadership coaching: wholeness at work, the humanity behind every title, and the power of being a mirror so people can see how capable they already are. If you care about resilience, intuition, wholeness, and authentic leadership, this one stays with you. Subscribe, share this with a leader or friend who needs it, and leave a review with the line that hit you hardest. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

March 10, 2026Episode 5344 min

From Fixer To Facilitator: A Conversation with Lisa Bishop

Send Us a Message In this thought-provoking episode of the ICF San Diego Coffee and Conversations Podcast , host Donald E. Coleman , ACC sits down with leadership strategist and executive coach Lisa Bishop MBA, ACC, CODC (Certified Organizational Development Coach) for a rich conversation about leadership, culture, and the transformative power of coaching. What if the difference between control and real leadership is a single breath? We dive into a candid, energizing conversation with Lisa Bishop about how emotional intelligence transforms “fixer” instincts into facilitator power, why the sacred pause can rescue a heated meeting, and how legacy moves through teams when we stop hoarding knowledge and start sharing it. From crisis leadership to mentorship with vision, Lisa maps a path that is both human and highly practical. We talk through the reality of multigenerational workplaces where Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z all contribute to a shared mission. Lisa offers a compelling case for openness: AI and new tools can accelerate work, but only when paired with baseline understanding and judgment. She brings the dot-com lessons forward—fear fades, adoption grows, and the leaders who stay curious thrive. The result is a culture where voices are heard, blind spots surface, and influence outperforms control every time. You’ll hear concrete EQ tools you can use today: the sacred pause, asking for the backstory before you react, and quick resets for emotional hijack like breath, lavender, and short walks that diffuse tension. We also get honest about boundaries and energy—choosing high vibration, stepping away from conversations that drain, and anchoring in something bigger when outcomes are uncertain. Lisa’s take on wholeness is refreshingly direct: know your gifts, refuse to dim your light, admit your flaws, and lead with honorable intent. If you’re ready to lead across differences, translate empathy into action, and leave people feeling empowered, energized, and enlightened, this conversation is your playbook. Listen, share with a colleague who needs it, and leave a review so more leaders can find these tools. Subscribe for more thoughtful conversations on EQ, leadership, and the future of work. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

February 23, 2026Episode 5237 min

A Conversation with Susan Caesar, Director of Artifical Intelligence

Send Us a Message In this forward-thinking episode of Coffee and Conversations , host Donald E. Coleman sits down with Susan Caesar , Director of Artificial Intelligence for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) . She is a global thought leader and the founder of Humain.org. This conversation explores one of the most important topics shaping the future of professional coaching: the ethical integration of artificial intelligence. As the founder of Humain.org, Susan is passionate about advocating for ethical and responsible artifical Intelligence (AI) that augments—not replaces—human potential. Her work centers on ensuring that technology strengthens what makes us distinctly human: presence, creativity, connection, and community . In this episode, she offers a powerful reframe—AI is not the enemy of coaching; it is a tool that, when used wisely, can amplify growth, insight, and impact. Together, Donald and Susan explore: How AI can enhance coaching effectiveness and client outcomes The importance of ethical AI use, data privacy, and client consent The difference between free AI tools and secure professional platforms Why AI should be viewed as a collaborator in leadership development—not a replacement for human coaches How technology can support habit formation, self-awareness, and goal achievement Susan also addresses the growing fear that AI will replace coaches, offering reassurance and clarity: coaching’s power lies in human connection, and no algorithm can replicate the depth of relational presence. Whether you are a credentialed coach, leadership professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and human development, this episode offers practical insights into navigating artificial intelligence with integrity, wisdom, and confidence. Download the episode now to discover how ethical AI and professional coaching can work together to shape a more connected, capable, and human-centered future. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

February 16, 2026Episode 5136 min

Strength, Service, and Wholeness: A Conversation with Ronnie Soria

Send Us a Message In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Coffee and Conversations , host Donald E. Coleman welcomes fellow U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Veronica “Coach Ronnie” Soria , the first Marine ever featured on the podcast. Coach Ronnie brings a lifetime of service, resilience, and compassion to the coaching profession, offering listeners a deeply human perspective on leadership, identity, and personal transformation. After serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps and another two decades in the Federal Government as a Learning & Development consultant, program manager, and leadership coach, Ronnie’s life has been defined by one consistent calling: developing people with purpose, empathy, and strength. In this conversation, she shares the defining moments that shaped her journey—from joining the U.S. Marines and navigating the transition into civilian life to rediscovering identity, faith, and purpose through coaching. Ronnie speaks candidly about how the power of coaching transformed her personal life, strengthened relationships, and taught her the discipline of listening to others and to herself. Together, we explore themes of resilience, authenticity, and what it means to live and lead from a place of wholeness. Ronnie’s definition is simple yet profound: wholeness is the acceptance of self while remaining grounded in authenticity. Her approach to coaching centers on creating safe spaces where people can reflect, reconnect with who they are, and align their values with how they live and lead. This episode is especially meaningful for leaders, veterans, professionals in transition, and anyone seeking clarity, healing, and purpose in their next chapter. Download this episode now and experience a conversation on leadership, personal growth, resilience, and the transformative power of coaching. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego

February 9, 2026Episode 5042 min

A Conversation with Emily Bennington

Send Us a Message In this episode of the ICF San Diego Coffee and Conversations podcast, our host Donald E Coleman, sits down with Emily Bennington , ACC, a certified career empowerment coach and senior HR business partner, whose mission is to help individuals reconnect with their voice and advocate for themselves in life and work. Drawing from over a decade in human resources, Emily offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on how coaching transforms careers, mindsets, and relationships. We explore how Emily partners with individuals and organizations to cultivate wholeness by aligning values with action, encouraging self-awareness, and building psychological safety in the workplace. Whether you're a coach, an HR professional, or someone seeking more clarity and empowerment in your next chapter, this conversation is a must-listen. Discover how coaching can awaken what’s already within you—and invite you into a life that reflects your true self. Support the show If you are interested in being a guest on the Podcast, please send an email to president@icf-sandiego.org . Please connect with us on our social media channels: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icfsan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icf_sd/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icf-sandiego Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICFSanDiego