The Ultimate Coach Podcast

What if the real breakthrough in leadership isn’t about learning new skills but unlearning old patterns of performance? In this conversation with host Meredith Bell, Cheryl Martin shares her journey from being a high-achieving consultant to guiding leaders into deeper alignment with their authentic selves. She opens up about the personal experiences that shaped her early leadership and how her own emotional growth sparked the creation of “Emergence,” a leadership program designed to help seasoned professionals reconnect with who they truly are. Together, we explore the difference between showing up as confident versus being confident and how that subtle shift transforms everything.Through stories of her clients, as well as her own journey, Cheryl illustrates the power of identity work, embodiment, and reflection. She explains how vulnerability and curiosity can create trust and how leaders who feel stuck often need to look beyond strategy to what’s going on beneath the surface. Whether you’re leading a company or coaching others, you’ll be inspired by Cheryl’s honesty and clarity about what it takes to lead from a place of wholeness. This is a powerful reminder that real change starts from within.About the Guest: Cheryl Martin is a strategic change consultant, executive coach, and facilitator who helps leaders and organizations navigate transformation at every level, from enterprise shifts to personal leadership breakthroughs. Cheryl brings over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of business strategy and human development, supporting clients through change that is not only complex and systemic, but deeply human.She’s worked with organizations of all sizes guiding leaders through executive transitions, cultural evolution, and leadership recalibration. Cheryl brings a rare blend of strategic intelligence, psychological depth, and lived experience to her work — guiding clients beyond external success toward the internal congruence they’ve quietly been craving. At the heart of Cheryl’s work is a belief that real leadership isn’t found in tools or titles, it’s found in presence, identity, and deep alignment. Her work is grounded in the belief that transformation isn’t about pushing change, but making space for what’s already present to surface. Her present focus is working with leaders and her signature program, Emergence–Your Leading Edge, a group coaching experience that helps seasoned leaders reorient their leadership around who they’ve actually become, moving from performance-driven patterns to a more aligned, self-trusting presence.  She will also offer the program in retreat form.Why is the program and the outcomes important now?  Leadership norms are shifting from command and control to connection and congruence. Leaders need more than tools, they need inner capacity and presence to meet complexity. Emergence helps leaders meet this moment for themselves and those they lead. It helps leaders come back to center after years of navigating pressure, expectations and pace. It’s a curated sequence of transformation where insight becomes integration.  Website: https://www.CherylJMartin.comLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylmartin10Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.martin.716970Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cheryljmartin009About the Host: Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company...

What if the key to transforming healthcare lies not in technology, but in presence, compassion, and purpose? In this rich conversation, Dr. Corey Anderson shares his journey into the "being movement" and how it's reshaping the culture at Black Hills Surgical Hospital. With wisdom drawn from his own transformation and collaborative work with Dr. Jeff Mars, Corey explores the profound shift from task-driven medicine to a human-centered model that prioritizes connection, empathy, and mission-driven care.Throughout the conversation, Corey and host Meredith Bell explore the ripple effects of this approach, from shorter hospital stays and deeper patient trust to more fulfilled healthcare workers. They discuss a new interpretation of Einstein's formula, E=MC², as a guide for healing through Mission, Compassion, and Competence. If you care about leading with purpose and creating meaningful change, you'll find inspiration and practical insight you can apply in your own work and life.About the Guest: Dr. Corey Anderson is a dynamic force in the healthcare landscape, whose mission is to unlock human potential, drive innovation, and foster a culture of collaboration and excellence. With a wealth of experience spanning Executive coaching, clinical expertise, operational leadership, and educational mentorship, Corey is a true trailblazer dedicated to transforming the way we think about healthcare systems, organizations, and workplace culture.Corey oversees a diverse line of healthcare services while championing a system-wide culture program focused on value-based leadership and coaching mindsets. His ability to integrate complex operations with a people-centered approach has earned him a reputation as an architect of sustainable change and growth. He has helped lead his hospital to the #1 Ranking in Major Orthopedic Surgery for three years in a row. From the operating room to the boardroom, and from academic settings to keynote stages, Dr. Corey Anderson is a visionary leader with a singular goal: to create systems and cultures that empower individuals, achieve excellence, and leave a lasting impact. The Being Group: https://systemofcreation.com/ Being in Medicine Website: https://beinginmedicine.com/ Being in Medicine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/being-in-medicine-with-jeff-marrs-and-corey-anderson/id1817818295 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeingInMedicine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-anderson-a39a4513a/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/corey.anderson.5492 Black Hills Surgical Hospital https://bhsh.com/ Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center: https://www.bhosc.com/ About the Host: Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong

What if the way you listen to yourself could change everything? In this heartfelt and revealing conversation with host Meredith Bell, Peter McCammon explores the depths of self-awareness, self-love, and the radical power of listening with intention. He shares how learning to recognize and soften harsh internal judgments opened up new ways of being towards himself and others. The discussion uncovers how personal transformation begins not with changing the world around us, but with choosing how we listen to and speak about ourselves.The episode also takes a profound look at spiritual growth, humility, and the courage to evolve. Peter reflects on the creation of a personal document that guides his commitments and shapes his reality, an act that not only altered his coaching practice but transformed his relationships and business. With honesty and warmth, the conversation invites you to consider how language, reflection, and presence can unlock deeper levels of connection, growth, and possibility.About the Guest: Peter McCammon is a transformational coach who works with business owners and leaders to help them escape stress, overwhelm, and self-doubt. He guides clients toward clarity, confidence, and success—not by striving harder, but by embracing who they already are.https://www.linkedin.com/in/petermccammon/https://www.facebook.com/petermccammonAbout the Host: Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else. Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other. https://growstrongleaders.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbellThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. 

How can you connect with someone at the deepest levels? You’ll discover a powerful way in this conversation that host Meredith Bell had with guest Martine Cannon. Martine opens by sharing her own transformative journey, beginning with her discovery of meditation at age 15 and culminating in her impactful work with CEOs on inner transformation. Martine describes the profound lessons she learned from Steve Hardison, whose unconditional love and acceptance inspired her to embrace her whole self. Together, we explore the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can connect on a deeper level—through their stories, their feelings, and even their nervous systems—to foster trust, self-awareness, and growth. Martine also offers profound insights into leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the value of vulnerability, empathy, and presence. She shares compelling stories that highlight the importance of validating others’ perspectives and respecting defense mechanisms as part of building trust and connection. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and reconnect with yourself and others in a way that unlocks new possibilities for personal and professional growth.About the Guest: For over two decades, FTSE 500 CEO’s and the global elite in business have consulted Martine Cannon when faced with seemingly impossible leadership challenges. They call her the CEO Whisperer.Martine maintains a hands-on role as Co-Founder of the world’s fastest-growing functional snacking brand, 'Düng snacks'. Düng snacks was created by Martine and her partner Danny to fuel a charity foundation that will feed a million children a year.Martine's most important commitment is to be a wonderful mum to her teen daughter and be a partner to Danny whom she is committed to never ceasing to amaze.Website: https://www.martinecannon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinecannon/https://londonspeakerbureau.com/speaker-profile/martine-cannon/About the Host: Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and d with guest Martine Cannon. Martine opens by sharing her own transformative journey, beginning with her discovery of meditation at age 15 and culminating in her impactful work with CEOs on inner transformation. Martine describes the profound lessons she learned from Steve Hardison, whose unconditional love and acceptance inspired her to embrace her whole self. Together, we explore the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can connect on a deeper level—through their stories, their feelings, and even their nervous systems—to foster trust, self-awareness, and growth.Martine also offers profound insights into leadership and team dynamics, emphasizing the value of vulnerability, empathy, and presence. She shares compelling stories that highlight the importance of validating others’ perspeserving as a peer coach to someone else. Meredith is also The Heart-centered...

In this unforgettable conversation, co-hosts Meredith Bell and Ipek Williamson explore the profound wisdom of Steve Hardison, whose way of being embodies love in action. Steve shares how love—both for ourselves and others—is the ultimate state of being, shaping every aspect of our lives. Through deep listening, self-forgiveness, and intentional choices, he reveals how we can transform not just our own reality but also the lives of those around us.One of the most powerful takeaways is Steve’s belief in the freedom we all have to choose love over judgment, creation over criticism, and gratitude over resentment. He offers practical ways to cultivate self-love, embrace life’s challenges with an open heart, and boldly ask for what we truly want. His insights are a powerful reminder that love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a way of being that can uplift and expand every part of our lives.This is more than a podcast episode—it’s an invitation to embody love, deepen your connections, and unlock new possibilities. Tune in and let this conversation inspire you to live with more love, presence, and purpose.About the Guest: Steve Hardison is known as The Ultimate Coach, and he’s the subject of the book The Ultimate Coach. Steve has devoted his life to loving others and helping them wake up to who they are BEING in the world and to unlimited possibilities. As a result of the book’s impact, a community called The Being Movement has formed around the possibilities for transformation in our lives. You can get involved by visiting the website and joining The Ultimate coach Facebook Group.Website, The Being Movement: https://beingmovement.com/The Ultimate Coach Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoach About the Host: Meredith BellMeredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else. Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other. https://growstrongleaders.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbellIpek WilliamsonA beacon of change and a catalyst for transformation, Ipek Williamson is a multifaceted professional who seamlessly integrates two decades of corporate expertise with a diverse skill set as a coach, mentor, speaker, author, meditation advocate, and teacher. Her mission is to guide individuals through the complexities of modern life, helping them find deep peace and harmony. Ipek's coaching approach, rooted in Core Values, Mental Fitness, and Mind Mastery, empowers clients to unlock their hidden potential and confidently embrace change with joy.Beyond coaching, Ipek's influence spreads through her 100+ meditations on the Insight Timer App and live meditation sessions, where she shares transformative wisdom. Her impact extends to workshops, courses, and training sessions for individuals, groups, and corporations. As a Change Champion, Ipek Williamson is dedicated to promoting positive change, nurturing inner calm, and empowering...

What happens when you say yes to life’s unexpected opportunities? In this episode, Judy and Erik Thureson share their experiences surrounding The Ultimate Experience events with host Meredith Bell. Judy opens with the incredible story of how a Facebook contest led her to a life-changing road trip with Steve Hardison. She talks about the inspiration from her late son Jacob, the humor of her husband's concerns, and the profound lessons she learned along the way. Judy's journey from chance encounters to powerful collaborations is a testament to the magic that unfolds when we embrace possibility.Erik and Judy dive into the heart of transformational events and the power of "who you're being." From navigating production challenges to raising $100,000 for charity at a single event, their stories highlight the role of trust, love, and radical commitment in creating meaningful impact. Whether you're looking for inspiration, leadership lessons, or a reminder of the miracles that unfold when we step up with purpose, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.About the Guest: About Judy ThuresonJudy Thureson has a genuine desire to see people live their most authentic life. In the last decade, she has helped thousands of clients transform their mental, physical, and spiritual health.Judy helps her clients un-lock their super power! She is passionate about helping her clients heal and grow through adversity. In June of 2019, Judy experienced the tragic loss of her eighteen year old son, Jacob to opioid overdose. In the midst of her unimaginable grief she wrote the #1 Bestselling book BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during life’s Greatest Challenges. Her book chronicles her experience and introduces the GIVE Principle. Judy is a trusted advisor for grieving families. She shares tools on how to use healthy coping skills to navigate the storms of grief and uncertainty.https://judythureson.com/ https://thecreatorcollective.com/theultimateexperience2026Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554829303776 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judythureson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-thureson-4783631b8/ About Erk ThuresonWith over three decades of learned experience from Disney, Oscars, Fox Sports, GSN, and the NFL in the areas of programming and production, Erik’s skillset is rich and vast.  The depth of his industry experience accompanied with an extensive education from CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Emory University, and Berklee College of Music, make him a powerful force of creativity. From creating client engagement solutions to managing over $65M in digital product development, he knows how to identify road blocks and develop solutions to overcome them. Erik sees potential pathways, in situations and in people.In 2019, Erik experienced the tragic loss of his 18 year old son, Jacob, to an opioid overdose. In honoring his son’s legacy, Erik courageously confronts the stigmatized issues of mental health and substance abuse, encouraging audiences to join in the collective effort to remove the barriers that prevent open dialogue about mental health and substance abuse. He is passionate about serving others and creating films that make the world a better...

In this episode with host Meredith Bell, Townsend Wardlaw shares his journey from consulting to coaching, revealing the profound shift in how he works with clients. He discusses the unique fulfillment coaching brings, as it empowers individuals to uncover their own solutions and embrace new perspectives. Hear how transformative experiences with renowned coaches like Rich Litvin and Steve Hardison inspired Townsend to approach each client with curiosity and a beginner’s mind, fostering deeper, more impactful conversations.Townsend dives into the concept of freedom in consciousness work, explaining how focusing on a client’s "being" rather than their "doing" can drive faster, more lasting changes. Through an inspiring story about working with a struggling sales team in India, Townsend demonstrates the power of shifting perception to unlock potential. Learn about the “glasses” we all wear that shape our view of the world—and how changing them can lead to the perception that life is effortless and fun.You are sure to be moved by Townsend’s story about an area of judgment he had about his wife and what he learned about himself in the process. He shares insights on how self-awareness and acceptance play critical roles in navigating life’s challenges. Discover how examining legacy habits and shifting perspectives can deepen relationships, spark personal breakthroughs, and create meaningful change. Don't miss this enlightening conversation packed with actionable takeaways for your own growth.About the Guest:&nbsp;Townsend began his career journey at 27, rapidly from outbound cold-calling for a small, long-distance reseller to the role of vice president of a Fortune 500 technology company in under six years.In 2002, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding a sales consulting and outsourcing company, which grew to $3M in revenue. After closing the company in 2009, Townsend dedicated himself to serving founders on their journey to growth and exit.He has coached 1,000s of leaders, and his efforts have generated over $1.5 billion in revenue and created more than $1 billion in generational wealth for their founders. What Townsend holds in the highest regard is his role in mobilizing over $7.5 Billion in capital and contributions towards social and environmental organizations.Currently, Townsend serves as the trusted advisor to a select group of founders and the world’s top coaches. In his spare time, he leads The Coach’s Operating System, a community that serves coaches on their journey to master the business of coaching.https://www.townsendwardlaw.com/ - Townsend’s websitehttps://www.thecoachsos.com/&nbsp; - The Coaches Operating SystemAbout the Host:&nbsp;Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.&nbsp;Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.&nbsp;https://growstrongleaders.com/<a...

What if the way you think about yourself and who you are—i.e., your Identity—is all made up? And what if calling something “impossible” is simply a reflection of a self-imposed limitation and not reality? Join host Meredith Bell as she explores the answers to these intriguing questions with guest Dr. Johannes Metzler.Johannes shares how he works with clients to raise their awareness about their actual capabilities and what’s possible when they start releasing the limiting beliefs that have been holding them back. He describes one client’s journey to releasing the identity of being inconsistent.&nbsp;You’ll find out how Johannes created his Document and why it’s an expression of his true essence. He explains how every line in it relates to every aspect of life, even flossing his teeth! This is an inspiring, thought-provoking episode that will open your eyes to the possibilities available to you right now.About the Guest:&nbsp;Dr. Johannes Metzler is an Executive Coach from Berlin, Germany. He has a PhD in economics, with a business background as a strategy consultant, an executive and a founder. Today,&nbsp; Johannes works with entrepreneurs and executives to help them thrive and create impossible futures in all areas of their lives while enjoying the ride. He’s married to his wonderful wife, Anna, and two amazing kids, Kaspar and Marlene.https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannesmetzler/https://linktr.ee/johannesmetzler&nbsp;Book From Stress to Success on Amazon: https://a.co/d/4GFzIzg&nbsp;About the Host:&nbsp;Meredith is the Co-founder and President of Grow Strong Leaders. Her company publishes software tools and books that help people build strong relationships at work and at home.Meredith is an expert in leader and team communications, the author of three books, and the host of the Grow Strong Leaders Podcast. She co-authored her latest books, Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, and Peer Coaching Made Simple, with her business partner, Dr. Dennis Coates. In them, Meredith and Denny provide how-to guides for improving communication skills and serving as a peer coach to someone else.&nbsp;Meredith is also The Heart-centered Connector. One of her favorite ways of BEING in the world is to introduce people who can benefit from knowing each other.&nbsp;https://growstrongleaders.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmbellThe Ultimate Coach Resources https://theultimatecoachbook.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theultimatecoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theultimatecoachbookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14048056YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheUltimateCoachBookThanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to our...