The Coach's Backpack

Hosted by David Lowe

Business Science Education

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May 2025

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About the show

The Coach’s Backpack podcast asks a variety of coaches (from sports to comedy) what they consider to be the most important tools of their trade, physically and/or mentally. They are only allowed to take limited items on a hypothetical new engagement: one book, one tool/technique/approach/framework, one other item of their choice … and a person to accompany them.

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40 recent

May 27, 202529 min

Harleen Grover (Menopause coach)

This week, Harleen Grover, a menopause coach, tells us:What the most powerful thing in the world is that can raise or bury youHow to do the deceptively simple three-step pause practiceWhere wisdom lives and burnout endsWhich beautiful soul she would take with her... and much more.Find out more about Harleen at www.thespacehq.com and LinkedIn.Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about HarleenHarleen is The Clarity Coach. She empowers leaders to find clarity in change and purpose in progress. As a an ICF Credentialed ACC coach specialising in menopause-in-the-workplace and leadership, Harleen brings extensive corporate experience from working with global giants like Barclays Capital (now Barclays Corporate and Investment Bank), WorldCom (now Verizon), and SAP amongst others. Harleen has led international Learning & Development initiatives and shaped future leaders as a university lecturer in Business Studies. Her unique combination of corporate expertise, academic insight, and creative communication skills honed through professional acting training in London and New York allows Harleen to connect deeply, inspire action, and deliver real, lasting change.Website: www.thespacehq.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleen-grover/Email: harleen@thespacehq.com

May 20, 202524 min

Dr Benita Mayhead (Duty of care in coaching)

This week, Dr Benita Mayhead, executive coach, coaching supervisor and facilitator of leadership development initiatives, tells us:How to improve your mood, recall and creativityThe one thing that could make the biggest difference to clientsWhy she is a fan of old school toolsWhat she would feel uncomfortable not having with herWhat duty of care meansWho she would take to bring calmnessWhy this episode could be renamed the coach's carrier bagHer one-for-one practiceHow she missed out on taking much more with her... and much more (including her shoe size!)Pre-order Benita's upcoming book now. Find out more about Benita on LinkedIn.Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about BenitaDr Benita Mayhead is an experienced executive coach, coaching supervisor, and facilitator of leadership development initiatives. She holds a Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring and lectures on ethics and duty of care in postgraduate programmes. She is a Global Master Practitioner coach with EMCC and a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). With over 30 years’ experience and a background in learning and development, Benita has built a strong reputation through her expertise and impact. Alongside her private practice, Benita services as a Board Director for EMCC U.K. and is actively involved in helping shape and develop coaching, mentoring, and coaching supervision in today’s world. Her first book, 'Duty of Care in Coaching: A Comprehensive Approach to Navigating the Complexities of Contemporary Practice' will be released in September 2025. Pre-order now!

May 13, 202530 min

Julia Geber (Brilliance coach)

This week, Julia Geber, talks about Brilliance coaching and tells us:Which story about magic is both educational and entertainingThe creative approach that helps you get in touch with your truthWhy we should focus on our please and thank yousThe three pillars of brilliance coaching that make you grow beyond what you imaginedWhy Storyland is no longer on TV... and much more.Find out more about Julia at www.brilliancecoaching.co.Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about JuliaJulia Geber is a certified coach and former finance professional who helps high-achieving women create career results that feel aligned, impactful, and sustainable — without the overwhelm.With a corporate background, she understands the pressure of always having to perform. Julia founded Brilliance Coaching to offer a smarter, more fulfilling path to success.Her coaching goes deeper than surface-level strategies—blending ICF-accredited methods with mindset science, Positive Intelligence®, and a systems-based approach that uncovers the deeper structures shaping behavior. This empowers clients to gain clarity, communicate with authenticity, and shift from overworking to operating from their natural strengths — creating lasting change that feels both strategic and soul-aligned.Julia supports professionals to break through performance ceilings, make confident decisions, and lead from within — so they can thrive, not just survive.www.brilliancecoaching.co

May 13, 20251 min

Julia Geber (bonus track)

Julia and David had such a great time recording the podcast but some content had to be cut. This short aside discusses who Julia would like to show love and appreciation to.

May 7, 202536 min

Daniel Susser (Intelligent Teams)

This week, Daniel Susser talk about intelligent teams. He tells us:How he hopes to bring cognitive science to the team levelWhy our body is a group of "agents" vying for controlWhether teams are just evolved ParameciumWhy Plato could have written inside outAbout his brand new ideaWhy the Goldilocks scales will help get to the root of problemsWhy he'd take an annoying person with him... and much more (including when David proved he wasn't as stupid as he thought!)Find out more about Daniel's ideas at Substack.Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about DanielDaniel is a Delivery Coach based in London. He writes and podcasts about Intelligent Teams, which brings together the sciences of mind and practical wisdom from his decade-long career helping teams move faster and deliver more value. To find out more, go to intelligentteams.substack.com, or find out about how Daniel can help your team or organisation at embodiedagility.co.uk.

May 6, 20252 min

Daniel Susser (bonus track)

Daniel and David had such a great time recording the podcast but some content had to be cut. This short aside discusses parameciums a little bit more and David shares his "ground-breaking" ideas on spoonameciums.

April 29, 202536 min

Helen Garcia (Outdoor coach)

This week, Helen Garcia, an outdoor coach, tells us:How she enjoys the buzz of a hoverfly over the buzz of her phoneWhy she misses big talk in conversationsWhether outdoor coaching can be done over ZoomWhy Helen thinks one-day wellbeing sessions are rubbishWhy she sees coaching as like a bridge made of imagination, connecting two distant islands of thought (my words, not her's)... and much more (including her magical backpack)Find out more about Helen at https://www.helen-garcia.com/ and LinkedIn.Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about HelenADHD & Life Coach | Outdoor Coaching Advocate | Champion of Neurodivergent MindsHelen Garcia is an Accredited Coach specialising in ADHD and Cognitive Behavioural Coaching who’s passionate about helping people break free from the "shoulds" and start living with purpose, clarity, and confidence. With years of experience working with teams and individuals, Helen brings a fresh, down-to-earth approach to coaching that’s equal parts fun as it is based on evidence-based approaches.What makes her coaching unique? Nature. Helen blends traditional coaching techniques with the grounding, energising power of the outdoors — whether it's walking, nature-based reflections, or simply helping coachees reconnect with their natural environment (and themselves).Helen works with individuals who think differently, feel deeply, and often feel stuck in systems that weren’t designed for them. Her mission is to create space for growth, self-compassion, and real momentum.When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her in the chicken coop, by the bees, herding cats or simply enjoying the sunshine down her local.🌐 www.helen-garcia.com📅 Book a Session🔗 LinkedIn

April 22, 202524 min

Cecile Hemery (Quiet leaders)

This week, Cecile Hemery, a quiet leaders coach, tells us:Why a girl in a shop is a lesson for the change being brought by AIWhether there is such a thing as a coach uniformWhat she has taken into her coaching from anthropological psychoanalysisWhich Singaporean-inspired Spaniard she would take as her companionThe special moment she is looking forWhy special places don't exist... and much more.Find out more about Cecile at https://www.walayance.com/ and LinkedIn (and more ways to connect below).Want more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about CecileCecile Hemery helps human-centred leaders navigate career crossroads and reconnect with meaning, impact, and recognition in their work. With 15 years in leadership roles across the Tech and Gaming industries, she supports those feeling stuck or uncertain to move forward with clarity and purpose. Her coaching empowers sensitive, thoughtful professionals to embrace change with confidence and authenticity.A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation, Cecile founded Walayance to help leaders find their true voice and lead in ways that feel right for them. She combines practical tools with deep self-awareness to support meaningful, lasting growth.Originally from France, Cecile has lived in several countries before settling in the UK nine years ago. She now lives in Oxfordshire.Links:Learn more: https://www.walayance.com/Book a call with me: https://www.walayance.com/lets-chatTake the free quiz: https://www.walayance.com/quiet-quizConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chemery/Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/walayance/

April 30, 202442 min

Dr Rob Kemp (coach and expert on authenticity)

This week, Dr Rob Kemp, an expert on authenticity, tells us:Why he contemplates going nakedHow to get a quick start in a coaching engagementHow to identify someone who doesn’t value coaching early in your relationshipWhat emotional labour is and why it mattersWhat factors he uses to measure the impact of his coachingThe display rules of the coaching professionThe similarities between plumbers and coachesThe towering presence he would like to take with him and emulate The selection box that helps define the kind of coach you areWhy he feels  strong bond with people he’s never met... and much more.Find out more about Rob at linkedin.com/in/robmkempWant more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about RobRob is a qualified and experienced Coach, a Doctor of Coaching & Mentoring, (2021) holding an MSc in Coaching & Mentoring (2013), and a post-graduate certificate in coaching (2005). You can read more about Rob's doctoral research here.Coaching experience in life sciences, public sector, commercial organisations, higher education, not-for-profit and voluntary organisations.Rob is CEO of EngageCoach, and founder of Purple Patch Coaching. For contact details, LinkedIn might be useful: linkedin.com/in/robmkemp

April 23, 202421 min

Dr Sebastian Fox (team coach)

This week, Sebastian Fox, a team coach, tells us:How he suggests you master the art of team coachingWhat team coaching isHow much 1-to-1 coaching is still included in team coachingHow confidentiality works for team coachingWhy he always takes someone else with himWhy it’s not all about location location locationWhy he’s not keen on 6-step guidesThe common causes of lack of effectiveness... and much more.Find out more about Seb at linkedin.com/in/sebastianfox and www.brownfoxconsultancy.comWant more?Subscribe to our mailing list for advance notice of upcoming episodes, free goodies, special editions (and out-takes!) and much more.Check out previous episodes at thecoachsbackpack.comMore about SebSebastian is a qualified team and executive coach who works with leaders and teams to enable them to become more effective through helping them understand and address what’s getting in their way. He also works with individuals in creating greater impact in their business development efforts to grow their business over the long term. He is a director at brownfox consultancy and Head of Research at Team Coaching Studio, a developer of team coaches. Seb is currently undertaking a Doctorate in Coaching and Mentoring, researching how teams perceive their coaching sessions to be productive.linkedin.com/in/sebastianfoxE: sebastian@brownfoxconsultancy.comwww.brownfoxconsultancy.com