Episodes

  • Have you ever wondered what shapes the heart and mind of your podcast hosts? Embark on a captivating journey where Neil interviews Jana as she unveils her multicultural past, the life-altering impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the winding road that led her to become the coach she is today. Her stories of growing East German roots, explorative adventures, and settling in the United States offer a rich backdrop to understanding the profound influence of personal history on professional coaching philosophy.

    Navigating life's twists and turns can be a testament to one's resilience and self-discovery, and that's precisely what we uncover in our most reflective chapter yet. Jana dives into her transformative shift from finance to life coaching, igniting a heartfelt discussion on the essence of authenticity, the embrace of emotional intelligence, and the significance of listening—indispensable tools for leadership and personal growth. Witness her evolution from a novice to a Master Coach of 15 years who values the depth of change over the allure of quick fixes.

    Rounding off our episode, we tackle the nuanced challenge of managing emotional responses within the coaching relationship. Jana lends her insight on the toughest sessions she's navigated, her approach to nonviolent communication, and the rich emotional vocabulary that serves as her compass. We also share personal anecdotes, the literary influences that have shaped our thoughts, and the lessons we've learned in pursuing personal growth and effective coaching. Join us to uncover the layers of coaching that reach far beyond the surface, for a discussion that promises to resonate with leaders and individuals alike.

  • Ever feel like you're stuck under a cloud of poor leadership? You're not alone. Join us, Jana Henderson and Neil Thubron, as we reveal the secrets to managing upwards, transforming difficult relationships with superiors into opportunities for growth. Our recent conversation dives into a range of scenarios that many leaders face - from favoritism to poor communication - and showcases how mastering coaching skills can be your compass through the storm of bad leadership. We share anecdotes and insights that will change the way you perceive and interact with your bosses, setting the stage for a healthier work environment.

    We understand the power of self-reflection and self-coaching, and in this discussion, we illuminate practical techniques that you can use right now to regain control of your workplace experiences. From introspective questioning to breathwork, these tools are designed to help you break free from the cycle of negative reactions and take charge of your responses. Our focus is on your circle of influence, empowering you to set realistic goals and act in alignment with your true aspirations. We've also taken a page from Tim Ferriss’s fear-setting technique, helping you face your professional fears head-on to foster decisive and clear-minded action.

    As we wrap up, remember that empathy and vulnerability are not signs of weakness but strengths that can reshape your leadership interactions. By applying a coaching mindset to your relationships with higher-ups, you're likely to uncover the motivations behind their actions and start a dialogue that could lead to positive change. If our conversation sparks new ideas or if you have your own experiences to share, don't hesitate to connect with us. Your journey to enhance your coaching abilities doesn't end here; it's just getting started. Share this episode with anyone who might benefit, and let’s keep the conversation going.

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  • Ever wondered how to climb the ladder of worst leadership practices? My co-host, Jana Hendrickson, and I, Neil Thubron, have got your back with a hilariously ironic guide to being the coach nobody wants. We dish out the top ten tips to ensure your leadership is as ineffective as possible, from nurturing confusion by avoiding any semblance of goal-setting to perfecting the non-art of completely disregarding your team's needs. But be warned, this reverse psychology might just make you a better leader by spotlighting every no-go in the management playbook.

    If you're ready to inject some humor into your leadership style, you're in the right place. Jana and I wrap up with a reminder of why laughter isn't just the best medicine; it's also a secret ingredient in fostering a vibrant team culture. This episode isn't just a series of chuckles, though—it's a clever twist on traditional coaching advice. By the time the curtain falls, you'll be armed with the wisdom of what truly not to do, and perhaps, how to flip these faux pas into coaching gold. Join us for a session where fun and leadership skills collide.

  • In this episode, Jana and Neil embark on a journey to unravel the complexities of leadership and the transformative power of cultivating awareness. It's an undisputed truth that leaders shape the heartbeat of their teams, and our conversation peeled back the layers to reveal how a leader's quest for self-awareness can be the catalyst for team empowerment and innovation. We dissect the subtle art of asking the right questions and holding space for silence, unraveling the threads that weave a culture of trust and continuous growth. This isn't about top-down directives; it's a masterclass in harnessing the potential within each team member by nurturing insight and strategic thinking through powerful metaphors and proven coaching models like the Gestalt approach.

    Jana and I also dove into the critical roles of authenticity and vulnerability, discussing how these traits can dismantle barriers and pave the way for genuine connections and team resilience. The power of listening cannot be overstressed—as leaders, our ability to truly hear can transform the workplace into a sanctuary of expression and self-discovery. We explore the nuances of introducing coaching techniques to teams, ensuring the process is respectful and devoid of any hint of manipulation. This episode is an invitation to leaders who are ready to step back, to foster an environment where voices are heard, and personal insights can blossom into shared success. Join us as we equip you with the tools to leave a lasting imprint on the leaders of tomorrow.

  • Unlock the transformative power of trust in leadership with Jana Hendrickson and Neil Thubron as they guide you through the nuanced art of fostering a secure and respected team dynamic. In a riveting exploration grounded in the competencies of the International Coaching Federation, our conversation promises actionable insights into how leaders can cultivate an environment ripe for innovation and authentic interaction. Learn the delicate balance of presence and vulnerability as we share personal experiences and the pivotal role of empathy in leadership success.

    This episode is a masterclass in humanistic leadership, where connecting with your team on a deeper level is not just preferable but essential. We unravel the complexities of building trust over time, the profound impact of acknowledging individual strengths, and the strategy of separating performance from personal development in one-on-one meetings. Neil and Jana, with their wealth of experience, challenge the traditional hierarchy, inviting you to partner with your employees in a journey of collective growth and empowerment. Join us and redefine the essence of leadership for yourself and your organization.

  • Ready for a radical rethink on goal setting? Buckle up, as we bring you an insightful episode on well-formed outcomes - an approach that shifts the focus from the endpoint to the journey itself. We flip the script on traditional goal setting, peeling back layers to uncover underlying desires that might surprise you! Taking a deep dive into our aspirations, we reveal that earning more money, for instance, isn’t just about the numbers. It's usually about something profound, something that redefines your perception of success.

    We also take you on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the importance of asking the right questions. We believe in the power of 'why' - why is this goal significant now? This approach can illuminate the hidden issues driving your aspirations. As a leader, shedding preconceived notions and judgments is a must. We guide you to find out who you need to be to achieve your dreams. This episode wraps up with an important reminder - enjoy the process, because the journey is as important, if not more so, than the destination. Join us, and start reshaping your goal-setting process today!

  • Are you ready to unleash the transformative power of reframing and pre-framing in your leadership style? We guarantee that by the end of this episode, you'll be viewing even the most challenging situations as opportunities for growth. Your hosts, Jana Henderson and Neil Thubron, take you on a deep exploration of these critical coaching tools, showing how they can pre-frame conversations to focus more on development than criticism. We'll also delve into turning potential obstacles into empowering situations, beneficial whether you're a leader, a salesperson, or even a stay-at-home parent.

    The episode continues as we delve further into the impact of reframing and pre-framing on leadership and initiating positive change. Learn how to shift your mindset from negativity to more constructive thoughts, while also gaining fresh perspectives by detaching from situations. Moreover, we'll talk about the importance of embracing change, and how reframing can help you break away from self-limiting beliefs. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation on the power of perspective and growth and the transformative impact it can have on your leadership style.

  • Imagine understanding your underlying values so well, they become your guiding compass in life and business. That's exactly what we're unpacking today. We'll take you through the profound impact values have on decision-making, behavior, and goal-setting. You'll also find out how tools like value assessment worksheets can amplify your understanding of your personal values. And if you've ever been torn between parenting and pursuing other interests, we'll delve into how values shape such vital decisions.

    Now shifting gears from personal to interpersonal, we're going to dive deep into the world of values in relationships and leadership roles. Ever wondered how to strengthen personal and professional relationships? Clarity about our values may be the answer! We'll show you how these can build trust and foster connection. But it doesn't stop there - understanding the values of your clients, customers, and competitors could be the key to a competitive edge in business. Tune in, and let's decode the power of values together!

  • Ever wondered how superhero poses can elevate your confidence? Or how a simple shift in language can empower you? Get ready to unravel the triad of physiology, focus, and language in this episode. We delve into the power of these essential elements and how we can consciously harness them to shape our emotional state. Discover a unique TED Talk that unearths the magic of superhero poses and their impact on our confidence. As leaders, understand the profound influence of our behavior on our organization and business.

    In the latter segment, we dissect the triad further, exploring its potency in coaching oneself and others. We spotlight the significance of language; how being at the helm or at the mercy of life at any given moment can mold our emotional state. As leaders, the emotional environment we craft profoundly sways our teams. Listen as we emphasize the indispensability of self-awareness, and the ripple effects of our language and facial expressions. We wrap up the episode illuminating how these principles can be employed in sales teams and the importance of presenting ourselves with aplomb and connection.

  • Get ready to unravel the mystery behind coaching individuals with a strong zeal to make progress but are stuck somewhere. Join us, your hosts Jana Hendrickson and Neil Thubron, as we dive into the complexities of understanding progress from an individual's perspective rather than the traditional coaching viewpoint. We address how to keep our assumptions in check and explore the power of questioning that can reveal the true reason behind the individual's stagnant progress. We also introduce the potent tool of Quality Quantifiers to help you assess an individual's current state, desired state, and their feelings about their own progress.

    Strengthen your coaching skills with us in our second segment as we delve deeper into the application of Quality Quantifiers. Learn how to leverage the 0 to 10 scale to measure progress and emotional states, providing a tangible, manageable path for the individuals you're coaching without overwhelming them. Together, let's create an environment conducive for growth and positive change. Discover how these coaching techniques can be a game-changer in empowering individuals to take charge of their current situation and move forward with confidence and clarity. Be part of this enlightening conversation and harness these strategies to their full potential!

  • Have you ever felt the stinging sensation of burnout, the kind that leaves you feeling like a shell of your former self? Our guest, executive coach Matthew Cooke, knows that feeling all too well. At just 24, he experienced a profound burnout while working at a startup, an experience that became the cornerstone of his life's mission: preventing burnout in the tech industry. Join us as Matthew shares his insights into the importance of self-care for leaders, divulges practical techniques for enhancing effectiveness, and explains how you can apply Ken Wilbur's three dimensions - I, we, and it - in your own work.

    As we all navigate the murky waters of remote work, we dive into the unique challenges faced by managers during these unparalleled times. Matthew shares strategies to foster relationships and collaboration across departments, the power of asking the right questions, and the necessity of reciprocal support. Even more, Matthew reveals how sensory acuity - the ability to pick up on subtle cues - can help leaders better understand and cater to their teams. Listen as we discuss the importance of recognizing facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, and how you can use these cues to your advantage in a remote work environment.

    Finally, we explore the intriguing concepts of executive presence and embodiment, and how they can be incorporated in the workplace to improve decision-making and understanding. We discuss the potential benefits of being more attuned to your own body and those around you. Then, we tackle the tough topic of burnout prevention. Matthew shares his tips on setting boundaries, prioritizing consistency over intensity, and breaking free from burnout-inducing patterns. Listen as we delve into the importance of personal space, early burnout detection, and the power of awareness and acceptance in behavior change. Join us for this insightful journey into leadership, self-care, and burnout prevention. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert and equip yourself with the tools to navigate the tech industry with resilience, presence, and effectiveness.

  • Ever felt like you're just fooling everyone and soon enough, they're going to figure out you're not as capable as they think? Welcome to the club - it's called Imposter Syndrome, and it's more common than you might think. I'm Neil and my co-host Jana and I are sharing our personal experiences and strategies to overcome these feelings of inadequacy. We tackle Imposter Syndrome head-on, examining how comparisons to others can trigger it, yet also signal areas of potential growth and skill development.

    Moving forward, we invite you to join us as we dive deeper into how acknowledging these feelings, naming them, and grounding ourselves can be our first steps to healing. We introduce a unique approach called The Work by Byron Katie, designed to help you challenge your doubts and fears. We highlight the importance of authentic leadership in dealing with Imposter Syndrome and emphasize self-awareness and acceptance of discomfort as catalysts for personal growth. So, buckle up and get ready to turn your Imposter Syndrome from a source of anxiety into an opportunity for personal development. Don't just survive; thrive.

  • In this week's episode of Coaching Skills for Leaders we discuss the importance of getting into the right mindset before engaging in a coaching conversation as well as some specific suggestions on how to do it.


    You can connect with Neil and Jana here:
    Neil - https://neilthubron.com/
    Jana - https://www.janahendrickson.com/

  • In this episode of Coaching Skills for Leaders Jana and Neil discuss Brooke Castillo's coaching model - Self Coaching 101.

    Oftentimes, people think it’s a circumstance that makes us feel a particular way, but this simple yet impactful coaching model sheds light on how the meaning we give to the circumstances or events of our lives are actually creating the feelings we have. Based on our interpretations we generate feelings and from those arise actions and results, good and bad.

    This is a fantastic model for working out why someone is behaving a certain way or reacting to a situation. And you can then use it to intervene and change the result or work backwards from the result to create the empowered experience you want.
    A model that we both use regularly with our coaching clients.

    You can connect with Neil and Jana here:
    Neil - https://neilthubron.com/
    Jana - https://www.janahendrickson.com/



  • Assessing your thoughts and questioning them with awareness and kindness is part of more advanced leadership. In this episode Jana and Neil discuss two different models for helping reframing the thoughts that might be stopping you from making progress or could be causing you pain as you pursue your goals.

    Model 1 - Byron Katie - 4 questions of inquiry:

    Question 1: Is it true?Question 2: Can you absolutely know it's true?Question 3: How do you react—what happens—when you believe that thought? Question 4: Who would you be without the thought ?

    (You can find out more about Byron Katie and The Work at www.thework.com)


    Model 2 - Tim Ferriss' Fear Setting Model - 3 questions

    Whats the worst that could happen ?What will you do if the worst happens ?What could you do now to prevent or minimise the impact of the worst happening ?


    You can connect with Neil and Jana here:
    Neil - https://neilthubron.com/
    Jana - https://www.janahendrickson.com/

  • In this episode of Coaching Skills For Leaders, Neil and Jana introduce the 6 Human Needs as discovered and described by Tony Robbins. Whilst this is not a coaching model, it is a powerful tool to have in your coaching toolbox to understand why people do what they do.

    The 6 Human Needs are:
    - The need for Certainty
    - The need for Uncertainty
    - The need for Significance
    - The need for Love and Connection (to belong)
    - The need for Growth
    - The need for Contribution

    You can connect with Jana and Neil here:

    https://neilthubron.com/
    https://www.janahendrickson.com/

    We look forward to hearing from you!


  • When Jana and Neil stopped recording the GROW Model podcast episode, they started discussing the importance of setting a clear goal and really working on getting that right. As they were talking they decided to record this additional 15 minutes for the benefit of the listeners.

    You can connect with Jana and Neil here:

    https://neilthubron.com/
    https://www.janahendrickson.com/

    We look forward to hearing from you!

  • In this episode, Neil and Jana discuss and teach John Whitmore's GROW coaching model. One of the most well-used and well-known coaching models, the GROW structure is a simple way to conduct just about any (coaching) conversation.

    G - Goal - What is the client's/employee's goal?
    R - Reality - What is the current reality for them? What is happening now?
    O - Options - What are the options available to them?
    W - Way forword or Will - What will they do to move forward towards their goal?

    You can connect with Jana and Neil here:

    https://neilthubron.com/
    https://www.janahendrickson.com/

    We look forward to hearing from you!

  • In this episode, Jana and Neil interview Steve Tunks who was one of the students from their first Coaching Skills For Leaders course in 2021 / 2022.
    Steve talks about how learning coaching skills helped him have better relationships and interactions with his colleagues, his customers and his family.
    This is an inspiring discussion for any leader that wants to grow and understand how coaching skills can really support you in every area of your life.

    You can connect with Jana and Neil here:

    https://neilthubron.com/
    https://www.janahendrickson.com/

    We look forward to hearing from you!

  • In this episode, Jana and Neil discuss the coaching "superpower" of asking great questions. What is it exactly that makes a great question and why is asking powerful questions so important for leaders all around? Do you consider yourself great at asking questions? Are your questions empowering your colleagues, staff, leading peers or clients? Find out!

    You can connect with Jana and Neil here:

    https://neilthubron.com/
    https://www.janahendrickson.com/

    We look forward to hearing from you!