Women in The Coaching Arena

Hosted by Joanna Lott

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185

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Are you a coach who's passionate about making a difference and building a thriving coaching business? Join Joanna Lott, a business mentor and ICF certified coach, as she shares practical and emotional tools to help you succeed in the coaching arena. In each weekly Thursday episode of The Women in the Coaching Arena Podcast, Joanna provides valuable insights and actionable advice on various topics, such as business strategy, marketing, mindset, energy and entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, this podcast is for you. You have a gift that needs to be shared and Joanna is here to help you do it.

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60 recent

September 10, 202638 min

186 | The Human Side of Facilitation: Holding a Room with Confidence with Tom Cleary

Whether you run coaching groups, workshops, leadership programmes or team sessions, facilitation is a skill that goes far beyond delivering content. In this episode, Joanna is joined by facilitation specialist Tom Cleary to explore what really helps people feel safe, engaged and ready to learn. Together they discuss the subtle shifts that can transform the way you hold a room - from embracing silence to creating genuine psychological safety and looking after your own wellbeing as a facilitator. Timestamps 00:00 - Meet Tom Cleary 03:37 - Coaching to Groups 05:18 - Energy & Recovery 07:18 - Training vs Facilitation 09:18 - Creating Psychological Safety 13:37 - Common Workshop Mistakes 18:05 - Structure, Silence & Confidence 28:11 - The Human Side of Facilitation Whether you’re leading a workshop, coaching a group or facilitating a team meeting, this episode is a reminder that your presence often matters more than your perfection. Check out Tom's website Connect with Tom on LinkedIn Tom's Podcast: The Human Side of Facilitation Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

September 3, 202625 min

185 | From Redundancy to Replacing 90% of Her Salary in a Year - Krasi Toneva

Krasi Toneva has built a thriving portfolio business combining leadership coaching, HR consultancy and leadership development, and within her first year, she replaced 90% of her previous salary. In this episode, Krasi shares the five biggest lessons that helped her get there, from finding her niche and growing her LinkedIn network to reconnecting with people from her 20-year career. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Krasi Toneva 02:20 – From Redundancy to Business Owner 04:00 – Why She Joined The Business of Coaching 07:00 – LinkedIn Growth and First Clients 09:40 – Five Lessons That Changed Her Business 13:50 – The Email That Led to Six Clients 15:20 – Replacing 90% of Her Salary Krasi’s journey shows that you don’t have to start from scratch when you start a coaching business. Your previous career, existing relationships and wider skills can become some of your greatest business assets. Connect with Krasi on LinkedIn Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

August 27, 202630 min

184 | How Emma Cowsill Built a Neurodiversity Coaching Business in 8 Months (While Getting Diagnosed Along the Way)

What if eight months from now, your coaching business looked completely different from the one you’re imagining today? When Emma Cowsill started her business, she was also making sense of her own ADHD diagnosis and, more recently, an autism diagnosis. In this conversation, she shares how she stopped shrinking herself, found a way of building a business that works with her brain rather than against it, and quickly expanded from 1:1 coaching into neurodiversity consulting, organisational work and collaborations. Timestamps 00:00 - From Masking to Business Owner 03:15 - Finding Her LinkedIn Rhythm 06:00 - Structure Without Restriction 07:30 - Doing the Scary Thing 10:15 - The Daily Outreach Habit 11:20 - Building a Neurodiversity Business 15:20 - Deep Nurture and Collaboration This episode is especially valuable if you’re starting or growing a coaching business and want permission to build it around your strengths, energy and way of working, rather than forcing yourself into someone else’s version of entrepreneurship. Trust yourself, stay curious and keep taking the actions that allow your business to evolve alongside you. Check out Emma's website Connect with Emma on LinkedIn Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

August 20, 202616 min

183 | The Lead Magnet Strategy Every Coach Needs to Build Their Email List

If social media disappeared tomorrow, would you still have a way to reach your ideal clients? In this episode, Jo shares why building an email list is one of the smartest investments you can make in your coaching business, and exactly how to get started, even if you have zero subscribers today. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Every Coach Needs an Email List 01:35 - Create Your First Lead Magnet 04:00 - Solve One Small Problem 06:00 - The 5 Welcome Emails 08:45 - Your Weekly Newsletter 11:20 - Mistakes to Avoid 13:10 - Build an Email List That Lasts “Social media is rented land. Your email list is all yours.” - Jo Lott Create one simple lead magnet this week. It doesn’t have to be perfect - it simply has to help one person take one meaningful step forward. Join The Honest Edit , my weekly newsletter for coaches Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

August 13, 202634 min

182 | From Director of Comms to 94K Tik Tok Followers with Louise Thompson

Building a coaching business rarely happens as quickly as social media makes it look. In this conversation, Louise Thompson shares what really happened after leaving a successful corporate career - from starting again at 44 to building a community of 94,000 people, attracting corporate clients, and creating a business that genuinely reflects who she is. It’s an honest reminder that consistency compounds, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Timestamps 00:00 - Leaving Corporate at 44 03:00 - Starting From Scratch 05:00 - Why TikTok Changed Everything 07:55 - Turning Content Into Clients 12:00 - Winning Corporate Work 18:30 - Visibility Isn’t Selfish 24:45 - Advice for New Coaches “Believe that you are worthy of actually being seen.” – Louise Thompson This episode is for qualified coaches who are building their business and wondering whether all the consistent effort is really worth it. Louise’s story is proof that showing up, refining your message, and trusting the process creates opportunities you could never predict. Check out Louise's website Connect with Louise on LinkedIn Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

August 6, 202620 min

181 | Getting Qualified Coaches Their First Clients

Most coaches think they need a website, a bigger audience or months of content before they can sign a client. In this episode, I share exactly what I would do if I had to get my first five coaching clients all over again, using the lessons I’ve learned from building my own business and helping hundreds of qualified coaches do the same. Timestamps 00:00 - What I’d Do Differently 03:00 - The 30-Person List 06:30 - Five Free Sessions 09:00 - Your First Paid Client 12:00 - The Social Media Myth 14:00 - One Honest Conversation 17:00 - Your First Five Clients Plan Whether you’ve just qualified as a coach or you’ve been stuck trying to attract clients for longer than you’d hoped, this episode will give you a practical, step-by-step plan to help you stop overthinking and start building momentum. Sometimes the simplest actions create the biggest breakthroughs. Your first clients don’t come from having everything perfect. They come from having the courage to start. Take the CEO Scorecard to find out where your business needs the most attention right now. Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

July 30, 202617 min

180 | LinkedIn for Coaches: From Zero Visibility to Booked Out

If you’ve been posting consistently with little to show for it, this episode is a reminder that visibility takes time, strategy, and patience. Jo shares the practical approach that helped LinkedIn become the source of nearly all her coaching clients, and why it’s still one of the best places for coaches to grow their business. Timestamps 00:00 - Why LinkedIn Still Works 02:00 - Choosing the Right Platform 04:00 - Fix Your Profile First 06:00 - Posts That Attract Clients 09:00 - The Power of Comments 11:00 - A Weekly LinkedIn Rhythm 13:00 - Build Beyond LinkedIn Building a coaching business on LinkedIn isn’t about chasing the algorithm or trying every new trend. It’s about showing up consistently, helping the right people, and creating a marketing ecosystem that works together over time. Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

July 23, 202653 min

179 | Mastering the Art of Intentional Style with Alex Standley

Could the clothes you wear affect your confidence, visibility and the way people remember your business? Today, Joanna speaks with award-winning personal stylist, TEDx speaker and sustainable fashion consultant Alex Standley about using style with greater intention. Alex shares how reconnecting with her values changed the direction of her career, and why personal style begins with understanding who you are rather than following trends. Timestamps: 00:00 - Meet Alex Standley 06:36 - Style Starts with Identity 10:27 - Style as Your Personal Brand 13:26 - Colour and Confidence 19:34 - What You Wear on Zoom Matters 30:33 - Reduce Wardrobe Decision Fatigue 47:11 - Show Up as Yourself This episode is a reminder that the way you present yourself can support your confidence, communicate your values and help people remember you, without asking you to perform as someone you are not. Check out Alex's website Connect with Alex on LinkedIn Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

July 16, 202614 min

178 | The Discovery Call That Doesn't Feel Like Selling

Have you ever come off a discovery call wondering why it didn’t lead anywhere, even though the conversation felt great? In this episode, Joanna shares why the best discovery calls don’t feel like selling at all. Instead, they feel like coaching. If you’ve ever worried about sounding pushy, over-explaining your offer, or freezing when it’s time to talk about price, this episode will help you approach discovery calls with more confidence, clarity, and integrity. Timestamps: 00:00 - Discovery Calls Aren’t Selling 02:00 - Preparing Before the Call 03:45 - The Five-Part Structure 06:05 - Reflecting the Gap 08:10 - Making the Invitation 09:20 - Common Discovery Call Mistakes 10:45 - When They Need to Think About It Your coaching skills are already your greatest sales skills. The more you trust them, the easier discovery calls become. Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

July 9, 202627 min

177 | Val's Story: From Uncertain Niche to Leading Coaching Groups Across Europe

This is an honest conversation about courage, clarity, and building a coaching business one decision at a time. Joanna is joined by The Business of Coaching client Valeria Kadelski to explore what it really feels like to pivot your niche, navigate the uncertainty that follows, and keep moving forward, even when you're not sure you've made the right decision. This episode is for you if you’re a qualified coach who knows something needs to change in your business but keeps delaying the decision because you’re worried about getting it wrong. Val’s story will give you the confidence to take the next step. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Changing Your Niche Feels So Scary 02:00 - Finding The Right Direction 03:45 - Navigating The Pivot 06:55 - The Power Of Community 11:55 - Launching A First Group Programme 16:00 - What Coaching Really Gives You 22:20 - Final Advice For Coaches Building a coaching business isn’t about making perfect decisions. It’s about making thoughtful ones, learning from them, and having the courage to keep going. Check out Valeria's website Connect with Valeria on LinkedIn Useful Links Learn about The Business of Coaching programme Signature Solution Course Download the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026 ) Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for Coaches How to secure more coaching clients' free training Download the 12 ways to get clients now Connect with Jo on LinkedIn Rate and Review the Podcast If you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you’re kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.com Enjoyed This Episode? Don’t Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.