The Coaching Cafe Podcast

Hosted by Open Door Coaching

Business Education

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Episodes

159

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The latest thinking from Australia's leading Organisational Coaching specialist, Open Door Coaching. Released weekly on Tuesdays the Coaching Cafe is presented by Dr Natalie Ashdown an MCC accredited coach. Enjoying the podcast? Check out our Social Media, our website or leave a 5 star review to help spread our reach!

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60 recent

August 10, 202630 min

Overcoming Mental Health Conversation Barriers

Last time in the Coaching Café, we explored the important role that coaches can play in supporting mental health in the workplace while maintaining clear professional boundaries. This week, we build on that conversation by turning our attention to one of the biggest challenges many leaders, managers and coaches experience—the hesitation to start a mental health conversation. Despite growing awareness, mental health still carries a degree of stigma in many workplaces. We often worry about saying the wrong thing, making the situation worse, or stepping outside our role. Yet avoiding the conversation can mean missing an important opportunity to support someone who may be struggling. As coaches, leaders and managers, we all have a role to play in breaking down the barriers that prevent these conversations from happening. Join our leadership and coaching specialists Paula Jones-Hunt, PCC and Brigitte Calvert, MCC as we explore: ✔️ The common barriers that prevent mental health conversations in the workplace ✔️ Practical ways to overcome these barriers with confidence and care ✔️ The signs to notice that may indicate someone could benefit from a mental health conversation ✔️ How to look after your own mental health while supporting the wellbeing of others Whether you are coaching clients, leading a team, or supporting colleagues, this webinar will provide practical tools and greater confidence to help you navigate one of the most important conversations we can have in the workplace. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

July 30, 202630 min

The role of Coaching in mental health.

As we move beyond the end of financial year and settle into the second half of the year, many workplaces are beginning to feel the effects of sustained pressure, competing priorities and ongoing change. It is a timely reminder to check in on our own mental health—and that of those around us. The reality is that you, or someone you know, may be struggling. As coaches, leaders and managers, we are often in a unique position to notice when something is not quite right. Through creating safe, trusting coaching conversations, we can provide valuable support while remaining clear about the boundaries of our role. Join our leadership and coaching specialist Paula Jones-Hunt, PCC and Brigitte Calvert, MCC as we explore: ✔️ The signs that someone may benefit from a mental health conversation ✔️ The role of the coach in providing support and connecting people with appropriate services ✔️ How to maintain clear professional boundaries while creating a safe space for meaningful conversations ✔️ Practical coaching approaches that support wellbeing in the workplace Whether you are coaching leaders, supporting colleagues, or simply wanting to build your confidence in responding to these situations, this webinar will provide practical guidance and coaching tools that can make a genuine difference. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

July 15, 202628 min

Tricky Performance Reviews

We round off our series on a consistent and regular approach to performance conversations with a huge dose of reality. The reality is that not all performance conversations will go to plan, and some conversations will be genuinely difficult. Despite a manager’s best efforts, there will be times when performance is still not meeting expectations. Adding to this challenge, Gallup research suggests that many employees do not believe they gain real value from performance review conversations. It is therefore not surprising that some leaders and managers walk into these conversations with a real sense of dread. In the Coaching Cafe, we want to equip you with practical ideas and coaching tools that can make a difference in these more difficult situations. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown and leadership and HR specialist Paula Jones-Hunt as we explore: ✓ What makes performance conversations difficult ✓ How to take an approach to these conversations that is values aligned ✓ How to identify and implement the positive intention of the conversation to achieve better outcomes Whether you are experienced in these conversations, coaching managers, or simply wanting to strengthen your own toolkit, this webinar will provide a practical and grounded approach to navigating difficult conversations more effectively. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

July 7, 202628 min

How to get a 36% uplift in performance

In the Coaching Cafe this week, we continue our conversation around the importance of consistent and regular performance conversations, rather than relying solely on mid-year or annual reviews. This week we specifically focus on performance uplift and how a strengths-based approach enables stronger engagement and improved workplace performance. Research from Gallup and other organisations has consistently shown that a strengths-based approach to conversations creates the kind of uplift organisations are desperately seeking — we are talking about a 36% uplift in performance. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown and leadership and HR specialist Paula Jones-Hunt as we explore: ✓ What a strengths-based approach to performance conversations looks like ✓ How this approach can enable a 36% uplift in performance ✓ A practical case study demonstrating the impact of strengths conversations ✓ Coaching questions you can use immediately in your workplace Whether you are coaching managers, leading teams yourself, or wanting to improve your own performance, this webinar will provide practical tools and insights that can make a genuine difference. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

June 30, 202628 min

Why a Coaching Mindset Works for Performance Reviews

Last week we introduced the idea that the traditional annual or mid-year performance review is increasingly under the spotlight, with some organisations moving away from the formal review process altogether. This week we continue the conversation with a focus on the coaching mindset that supports regular performance conversations to enable engagement, accountability and high performance in the workplace. At the heart of this conversation is the idea that performance reviews themselves are not necessarily the problem. Rather, it is how we approach them. Reframing performance reviews as ongoing, continuous conversations creates opportunities for stronger engagement, clearer expectations and more meaningful development. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown and leadership and HR specialist Paula Jones-Hunt as we explore: ✓ A better understanding of the coaching mindset and coaching approach to performance conversations ✓ Our favourite tools for creating engaging and productive conversations ✓ A practical approach to building accountability, engagement and documenting the way forward Whether you are new to the annual performance review cycle, moving away from the traditional approach, or coaching others to have better conversations, this webinar will provide practical tools and engaging insights to support high performance conversations. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

June 23, 202630 min

End of the Performance Review?

This week we begin a new Coaching Cafe series focused on the mid-year performance review. While many leaders and HR teams are preparing for the usual cycle of meetings and conversations, some organisations are taking a very different approach. Increasingly, companies are deciding to move away from formal mid-year and annual review processes altogether, citing the time involved, low engagement and delayed feedback as outweighing the benefits. At Open Door, we have long advocated for regular check-ins, timely feedback and ongoing coaching conversations, rather than relying on a single once or twice-yearly event. It seems this thinking is becoming increasingly relevant. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown and leadership and HR specialist Paula Jones-Hunt as we explore: ✓ The trends shaping performance reviews and why some organisations are moving away from formal mid-year and annual events ✓ The role of coaching in performance reviews ✓ How leaders and coaches can take a coaching approach to improve the process and create more meaningful engagement Whether you are beginning the performance review cycle — or rethinking it entirely — this webinar will provide practical insights and valuable approaches to support better conversations. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

June 10, 202627 min

Dr Ricki Smith, CEO ACNA. CEO's who Coach

Over the past three weeks in the Coaching Café we have been privileged to focus on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broader culture of coaching. The intention of this series is to share practical insights from leaders who are “walking the talk”. This week we are pleased to welcome Dr Ricki Smith, CEO of Access Care Network Australia (ACNA) to hear perspectives from another very different industry: aged care. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown as she interviews Ricki to explore topics such as: ✔️ How coaching forms part of her leadership style ✔️ Why coaching matters in her organisation ✔️ What she has observed in terms of impact, performance, and engagement ✔️ Other insights/observations that she would like to share about coaching in the workplace. Join us for this inspirational conversation as we consider what becomes possible when coaching is championed at the very top of an organisation. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

June 2, 202622 min

Pat Cooper, CEO HVCCC. CEO's Who Coach.

Over the past two weeks in the Coaching Café we have been privileged to focus on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broader culture of coaching. The intention of this series is to share practical insights from leaders who are “walking the talk”. This week we are pleased to welcome Pat Cooper, CEO of HVCCC and former Group Captain Air Force, to share a unique perspective that spans over 10 years (since his coach training with Open Door) and across two very different organisations. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown as she interviews Pat to explore topics such as: ✔️ How coaching forms part of your leadership style ✔️ Why coaching matters in your organisation ✔️ What you’ve observed in terms of impact, performance, and engagement ✔️ Other insights/observations you would like to share about coaching in the workplace Join us for this inspirational conversation as we consider what becomes possible when coaching is championed at the very top of an organisation. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

May 27, 202632 min

CEOs who Coach: Ash Woodcock, CEO RPM Hire

Last week in the Coaching Café kicked off a very special Coaching Café series focused on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. The series features conversations with CEOs, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broader culture of coaching. The intention of this series is to share practical insights from leaders who are “walking the talk”. Last week we spoke with Martin Mercer from the education sector—this week we shift industries to hear from Ash Woodcock of RPM Hire, leaders in traffic management equipment. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown as she interviews Ash to explore topics such as: ✔️ How coaching forms part of your leadership style ✔️ Why coaching matters in your organisation ✔️ What you’ve observed in terms of impact, performance, and engagement ✔️ Other insights/observations you would like to share about coaching in the workplace. Join us for this inspirational conversation as we consider what becomes possible when coaching is championed at the very top of an organisation. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!

May 19, 202624 min

Interviewing Martin Mercer, CEO Scentia

This week in the Coaching Café we are delighted to announce the start of a very special Coaching Café series focused on CEOs who are leading the way with coaching. This series is to celebrate International Coaching Week in May (but we are spreading out the celebrations over the month J). This series will feature conversations with leaders, who are not only supporting coaching in their organisations, but actively role modelling a coaching approach—whether through undertaking coach training themselves, embedding coaching into leadership practice, or enabling a broader culture of coaching. The intention of this series is to share practical insights from leaders who are “walking the talk”. Our series kicks off with (our very own CEO) Martin Mercer, CEO of the Scentia group of companies that includes AIM, AIM Business School, ACHW, IECL and Open Door. Join Dr Natalie Ashdown as she interviews Martin to explore topics such as: ✔️ How coaching forms part of your leadership style ✔️ Why coaching matters in your organisation ✔️ What you’ve observed in terms of impact, performance, and engagement ✔️ Other insights/observations you would like to share about coaching in the workplace. Join us for this inspirational conversation as we consider what becomes possible when coaching is championed at the very top of an organisation. Transcripts can be found here : Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed the podcast please leave us a 5 star review wherever you listened to us! It helps promote the podcast to streaming services and other listeners. Also drop the podcast a follow! Watch the webinar of this episode on YouTube or read the blog by visiting our website . Want to join us live every Friday? Register Here ! Engage with The Coaching Café Podcast Stay up to date on our socials Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Email us at learn@opendoorcoaching.com.au Thanks for listening!