The Coaching Hub Podcast

What really makes coaching transformational - and why is that different from just working through a list of actions or chasing a specific goal? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I break down the real heart of transformational coaching and why it goes far deeper than most people realise. I share how, so often, what clients come to coaching for isn’t actually what they truly need - there’s almost always a deeper layer hidden under the surface. Through truly present listening, powerful questions, and creating a safe space, clients often realise their real motivations and desires are different from what they first thought.I explain the difference between transactional and transformational coaching: Transactional coaching is linear and focused on problem-solving or performance. But real transformation happens when we address not just what a client does, but who they are and who they want to become.What’s insideThe difference between transactional and transformational coachingHow transactional coaching is linear and focuses on achieving a goal, whereas transformational coaching delves into identity and deeper personal changeThe way identity plays a crucial role in creating lasting behavioural change, not just achieving immediate outcomesThat coaching should address the whole personHow real transformation involves building self-awareness, questioning influencesThe goal can change throughout the processHow true transformational coaching is about who the client becomes, not just what they achieve.Key topics covered:00:00 Intro: What makes coaching transformational?00:22 Clients often seek coaching for reasons they aren’t consciously aware of00:53 Noticing subtle shifts, re-partnering, and re-contracting in master-level coaching01:29 Defining transactional coaching and its limitations01:51 Using the iceberg analogy for behavioural vs identity change02:36 The relationship between self-perception, identity, and behaviour03:22 Transformation through focusing on “being,” not just “doing”04:07 Reasons clients seek coaching - beyond surface goals like making more money06:01 The deep work: making sense of underlying motivations 07:00 Creating space for deep clarity and challenging ingrained thinking08:17 The importance of self-awareness 09:26 The impact and fulfilment found in witnessing transformational change.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

How does your client’s nervous system impact coaching outcomes, and what practical steps can you take to unlock deeper transformation? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I break down why understanding the nervous system is essential for every coach, and how it’s often the hidden force running every session. Whether you’re a seasoned coaching practitioner or just embarking on your coaching journey, this episode offers guidance on regulating your own state, supporting client emotional processing, and facilitating change grounded in neuroscience.What’s Inside:Why your client’s (and your own) nervous system sets the stage for every conversationHow threat responses, fight, flight, freeze, reduce connection and cognitive capacityThe critical art of co-regulation: how your state influences your client’s, and vice versaDetecting nervous system signals: what to look for in body language, tone, and emotionInstant tools to regulate both yourself and your client (breathwork, rituals, music, silence)The science of the vagus nerve and building capacity for regulationWhy emotion (including crying) is a resource, not something to fixReframing “holding space” so exploration and processing can happen safelyKey Topics Covered:00:00 Introduction: Why the nervous system matters in coaching00:20 Understanding threat response: beyond physical danger01:13 How psychological stressors trigger the same systems02:25 The sympathetic nervous system and its impact on thinking04:11 The basics of co-regulation: nervous system to nervous system05:14 Pre-session tools for coach regulation (rituals, breathwork, etc.)06:07 Reading client cues: body language, pace, emotion, focus07:28 Tools for client regulation: movement, music, visualisation, offloading09:20 Holding space and the power of silence10:05 Polyvagal theory, vagus nerve, and simple nervous system hacks11:00 Smiling, unconditional positive regard, and the science of connection11:45 Emotion in sessions: why crying is healthy and what to do12:06 Supporting clients as they process, rather than “fixing”13:40 Recap: making the nervous system an ally in coachingAbout Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

What will it take to stay relevant in the coaching industry and are you ready for the changes already underway? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I break down the key trends set to shape the coaching industry by 2026. Whether you're an established coach, industry newcomer, or passionate about personal development, this episode will give you an honest take on what’s next for coaching and how you can get ahead.I explore why accreditation is rapidly moving from a “nice-to-have” to an essential for credibility, client trust, and even market access. I unpack the rise in popularity of neurodiversity coaching, the rise in demand for team and in-person coaching, and how organisations are now actively seeking accredited professionals. As AI becomes a support tool (not a replacement!), I explain how the human touch remains central. You’ll also hear about the increasing focus on psychology, neuroscience, and person-centric approaches that value every individual’s unique makeup.Plus, discover why coaching isn’t just for coaches anymore, coaching skills are becoming must-haves for leaders and teams, so we can create workplaces where everyone thrives.What’s inside:Why industry-wide accreditation is becoming non-negotiableThe boom in neurodiversity coaching and what responsible practice really requiresWhy team coaching and in-person experiences are making a comebackHow AI can support (but not replace!) great coachingThe movement toward psychology and neuroscience-led coachingWhy person-centric, holistic coaching is the future.Like, comment, follow and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on growth and professional development. Key Topics Covered:00:00 Intro 00:25 Why the industry is changing: accreditation & standards 01:44 Accreditation going mainstream 02:43 Neurodiversity coaching boom (and what to watch out for) 03:57 Mainstreaming inclusive, strength-based approaches 04:36 The rise of team coaching and in-person work 05:12 AI as a supportive tool—not a replacement 05:28 Embracing psychology and neuroscience 07:25 Person-centric, holistic coaching 07:59 Focus on environmental coaching 08:10 The vital importance of coaching skills for leaders and teams 09:00 Final thoughts & invitation to connect.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudziFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcastAbout Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

What makes a truly transformative coaching education and how can new coaches learn to trust their unique voice? In this special episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, it’s my turn to be in the hot seat. I am being interviewed by the brilliant coach Lisa Hopper. We chat about what makes Optimus Coach Academy unique, how a truly holistic approach to coaching development is delivered, and what the future of coaching looks like. Including the rising impact of AI, the importance of vulnerability, and building self-acceptance as a coach.Whether you’re considering coach training, care about inclusivity, or want honest insight into what it takes to stand out in the industry, this episode is for you.Here are the highlights:00:00 Why I am being interviewed, not hosting, and my guest host Lisa Hopper00:50 The Optimus approach: Why clients love hiring Optimus graduates02:36 Nearly 1,000 coaches trained, I reflect on growth and celebrating milestones03:33 How to create a holistic, non-cookie-cutter curriculum at scale05:42 Helping new coaches balance frameworks with developing their unique style07:48 “Who am I to coach?” The value of vulnerability, imperfection, and empathetic role modeling10:31 The myth of perfection and the power of real connection13:34 Moving beyond transactional coaching to whole-person change18:58 The reality of credentialing and how it fits into a coach’s long-term career19:30 AI in coaching: Fears, opportunities, and what can (and can’t) be replaced24:22 How future-proofing your coaching career means developing deep, holistic skills29:48 The power of a diverse learning community to accelerate your growth30:30 Creating inclusivity and diverse representation at Optimus34:09 My  proudest achievement: Impact, outcomes, and team35:13 The importance of feedback and learning from discomfort as a coach and leader36:20 What’s next for Optimus: Upcoming diplomas, corporate training, and my new book.About Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.

What are the changes to the ICF competencies?At the start of September the ICF released updates to the competencies and I’m sharing what this means for your coaching practiceIn this episode of The Coaching Hub Podcast, I break down the latest updates from the International Coaching Federation, explaining what’s changed, why it matters and how you can put these new standards into practice.We’ll dive into the nuanced shifts in language, the emphasis on ongoing professional development, inclusivity, and even the careful addition of knowledge-sharing within coaching. Whether you’re new to ICF accreditation or a seasoned MCC-level coach, make sure you tune in to learn more.Here are the highlights:00:00 Introduction: The ICF’s forward-thinking approach and what’s changed01:39 The 8 ICF competencies and what’s new03:01 Why supervision and mentor coaching are now essential for all coaches04:11 Adding technology and best practices, plus addressing bias06:44 Encouraging curiosity within ourselves, clients, and the coaching process07:57 Defining your unique coaching philosophy and communicating it08:51 Ongoing agreement: recontracting and adapting to client needs09:17 Maintaining presence as a coach and having awareness of self and client09:43 Shifts in language towards greater inclusivity and partnership10:09 The controversial update: when (and how) to share knowledge as a coach13:03 Integrating learning and progress: new emphasis on embedding change13:49 Final thoughts: ICF as a guiding light in the profession and what’s nextAbout Ruth Kudzi:Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education.Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/Book:How to Feel Better: 4 Steps to Self-Coach Your Way to a Happier More Authentic You eBook : Kudzi, Ruth: Amazon.co.uk: Books Connect with Ruth:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthkudzicoachLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ About Optimus Coach Academy:Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates.If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/Connect with Optimus Coach Academy on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy Produced by Winter Audio.