Heidi Brooks on the Power of the Professional Coaching Relationship

Heidi Brooks on the Power of the Professional Coaching Relationship

From Long Life Learning by Yale SOM Executive Education

April 13, 2026 · 40 min · Season 3 · Episode 1

About this episode

Heidi Brooks discusses the importance of relationships in professional coaching and how it empowers clients in leadership.

To kick off Season 3, Kavitha sits down with longtime Yale SOM Exec utive Education faculty instructor , fellow podcaster, and f aculty director to the forthcoming Certificate in Professional Coaching Program , Dr. Heidi Brooks . Heidi explain s why her approach to coaching is ground ed in the centrality of relationship s, citing a long list of beloved mentors who have shaped the trajectory of her research and work. Together, Heidi and Kavitha unpack the behaviors and habits of skillful coaches, highlighting the importance of reflection, writing, and responsive dialogue that reinforc es client agency. In preparing for th is first cohort of Exec Ed's debut coaching-centered program, Heidi makes the case for why in-person interactions continue to be critical to human relationships, and how coaching empowers clients to move forward with confidence and courage in embracing everyday leadership. Links and Resources Information on the Certificate in Professional Coaching Program and Yale SOM Executive Education: Yale SOM Executive Education Homepage Certificate in Professional Coaching Program Homepage Sign up for program updates Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: Learning Through…

People in this episode

Host: Kavitha

Guest: Heidi Brooks

Topics covered

  • professional coaching
  • relationships
  • leadership
  • reflection
  • client agency

Keywords

  • coaching
  • relationships
  • leadership
  • reflection
  • client agency
  • mentorship
  • professional development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Yale SOM Executive Education, Learning Through Experience Podcast, Forbes, South by Southwest

Books & works: The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World

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