Episodes

  • Join us as we wrap up the year with six of our favorite things from 2024—some practical, some inspiring, and all centered on God’s faithfulness in every season. From memorable moments to fresh insights that have shaped our lives and work, this conversation is packed with encouragement and reflection.

    Whether you’re looking to discover something new, be reminded of God’s goodness, or simply enjoy a meaningful recap of the year, tune in to reflect and rejoice in what God is doing in and through us all.

  • Looking to help your clients bring clarity and intention to their family life? In this insightful episode, Geremy Keeton, Senior Director of the Counseling Services Department of Focus on the Family and a licensed marriage and family therapist, dives deep into family values, vision, and creating a purpose-filled family mission statement. Christian coaches will gain practical insights on how to foster healthy dynamics in both family and work environments.

    If you’ve been feeling the pressure of balancing personal and professional life, or are helping your clients align their values with their actions, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

    Key Takeaways:

    Learn how to create a family mission, purpose, and values statement. Gain clarity on fostering healthy family dynamics and team collaboration. Equip your clients to live more intentionally in alignment with their core values.

    Learn more about Focus on the Family:

    www.FocusOnTheFamily.com/gethelp

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  • Success that leaves you drained and burned out isn’t really success at all. In today’s conversation, we explore what it means to pursue sustainable success—success that doesn’t sacrifice your soul on the altar of achievement. We’ll unpack:

    The Pitfalls of Hustle Culture: Why chasing bigger, faster, and more can lead to diminishing returns in both business and life.
    Biblical Principles for Lasting Impact: How Jesus’ rhythms of work and rest can transform your approach to coaching and business.
    Practical Strategies for Coaches: Tips and tools for making each day and each season align with God’s pace and purpose.

    Discover how to cultivate a life and business that flourish, not just for a season, but for the long haul.

    Pace of Grace Community: You can learn more about The Pace of Grace Community here: www.PaceOfGrace.com/community.

  • Understanding and living out God’s calling is one of the most significant pursuits in our Christian walk. While it's easy to grasp the concept of calling, translating it into our daily lives can often be challenging. But knowing our purpose and calling keeps us aligned with God's design, inspires others, and brings clarity and intentionality to our every action.


    Listen in to reflect on your journey and consider how you can better attune to God's voice, trust Him more deeply, and follow Him more faithfully.


    Key Takeaways:

    Clarity and Direction: Gain a clear understanding of your God-given purpose. Fulfillment: Experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out your calling. Inspiration: Inspire others by aligning your actions with God's plan. Intentionality: Transform daily tasks into meaningful acts of worship and service. Faithfulness: Strengthen your ability to trust and follow God more faithfully.


    Don't miss out on this opportunity to deepen your walk with Christ and ignite your calling. Tune in and be encouraged!

  • God created us for connection—with Him and with one another. The clients we serve are hungry for it. They crave real relationships, genuine warmth, deep caring, and a healthy community. Now, more than ever, we, as coaches, have the opportunity to help our clients combine learning with community through group coaching.


    In this episode, you'll learn:

    The documented ROI of group coaching How to choose a compelling and relevant topic The best ways to foster connection and engagement within your coaching groups

    About Jordan Mercedes:


    Jordan Mercedes is an executive coach, coach educator, ethics instructor, and mentor with more than 15 years of experience. She has authored two accredited International Coaching Federation training programs, Leaders Coach Forward TM and FoundationsTM.


    Known as a “fire starter,” Jordan helps clients recognize and connect the power of their inner fire to create outward momentum. She works with leaders of corporations, faith-based organizations, small businesses, and startups. For each client, Jordan’s goals are to define personal and professional success, connect the heart and head to maximize impact and influence, and create a strategic path forward.


    Learn about Brave Coaching Mastermind here: https://www.jordanmercedes.com/

  • As coaches, we have the privilege of partnering with individuals to help them move toward their goals.

    Goals around:

    Career Advancement Health and wellness Personal growth and self-improvement Relationship building Entrepreneurship and more


    However, the non-directive nature of coaching often leads us to overlook its powerful potential in evangelism.


    In today’s episode, we dive into a compelling example of the intersection of coaching and evangelism from the Pregnancy Resource Center in Rolla, Missouri. You'll also learn discover the ICF’s competencies can guide us during these powerful conversations.


    This episode promises to equip you with practical tools and heartfelt insights, enabling you to make a lasting impact on the lives of those you coach.

  • Coaching is renowned for helping people grow and change in profound ways: enhancing self-awareness, boosting performance and productivity, increasing confidence, improving communication skills, achieving goals, enjoying work-life balance, and much more.


    However, something we don’t often hear about is how coaching can be a powerful tool in fulfilling the Great Commission. Thankfully, this topic was recently addressed by Chris McCluskey at the Navigator’s annual Coach Camp. Today, we have the privilege of listening in to his impactful presentation.


    In this episode, you will learn:

    The best standards for ethical practice How coaching can be utilized as a leadership tool The six styles of evangelism and the transformative power of a coach approach


    Join us for an enlightening episode on using coaching as a tool to fulfill the Great Commission.


  • In this rapidly changing world, few things are as important as equipping the next generation of leaders, assisting them in identifying their values, discerning their gifts, and living out their callings.

    In today’s episode, we will hear from John Basie, Director of the Residency Experience at Impact 360 Institute, as he shares how they employ coaching with their students and staff to achieve these important goals.

    Tune in to learn more about:
    • Why obtaining a coaching credential is crucial
    • How they have cultivated a coaching culture
    • The transformations they have witnessed

    About John Basie

    Dr. John Basie is an alumnus of PCCI. He serves as Director of the Residency Experience at
    Impact 360 Institute in Pine Mountain, Georgia. He also holds a faculty appointment with
    North Greenville University (SC) as Affiliated Professor of Leadership. He has served in
    various leadership capacities in Christian higher education since 1997, and has extensive
    experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors as a certified executive and career coach.
    John’s competencies include EQ assessment and coaching, life purpose planning, and next-generation leader development. He has also served as consultant to a church planting
    agency in the assessment and selection of ministry leadership candidates. 

    John is a member of the Association for Talent Development and the Evangelical Theological Society. His latest book is Know.Be.Live.: A 360° Approach to Discipleship in a Post-Christian Era (Forefront, 2021). John has been married to his bride, Marana, since 1997 and they have three college-aged kids.

    Free Book: Know. Be. Live.®: A 360 Degree Approach to Discipleship in a Post-Christian Era
    https://www.impact360institute.org/freebook/


  • Fostering connections with others can significantly boost our physical and emotional health. Such interactions cultivate mutual support and accountability, pool wisdom and talents, and pave the way for teamwork. However, finding a community that's both Christ-focused and genuinely nurturing can be challenging.

    In today's episode, we explore ways you can participate in our growing Christian coaching community. Plus, we share complimentary resources designed to help you honor International Christian Coaching Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the transformative power of Christian coaching, fostering fellowship among Christian coaches, and raising awareness about this profound instrument for personal growth and change.

    Get your free resources for International Christian Coaching Day here: www.ProfessionalChristianCoaching.com/day

  • Join us as we delve into the captivating intersection of coaching and artificial intelligence (AI). As technology evolves at a rapid pace, grasping AI's significance becomes increasingly vital for Christians and Christian coaches alike.

    In this episode, we'll trace the origins of AI, discuss its limitations, and unveil exciting opportunities for leveraging AI in your coaching practice. From enhancing research capabilities to augmenting brainstorming sessions and aiding marketing efforts, discover how AI can empower and elevate your coaching journey.

    About Michael Pfau:
    Michael Pfau is the Founder and President of Crossways Life Coaching, LLC. Michael has 25-years working in corporate I.T. departments of several Fortune 500 companies and over 21-year’s experience as a coach giving him a unique blend to understand and apply technology into the field of coaching. Along with his own coaching practice, Michael serves as an instructor for the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.

    Learn more about Michael, receive your free AI prompts, and explore his upcoming class, Using Artificial Intelligence In Your Coaching Practice, at www.Aiforchristiancoaches.com

  • Professional coaching is experiencing remarkable growth and evolving in its global significance. In this episode, we'll dive into insights gathered from the latest ICF Research Global Coaching Study, shedding light on the journey of coaching thus far and the promising horizons that await.

    Join us to uncover valuable information, including:

    Global benchmarks for coaches' yearly earnings Insights into the typical client load An exploration of coaching sponsorship The significance of professional credentials An array of additional services coaches provide Prevalent coaching niches Other intriguing findings

    About Cindy Schmelzenbach, PCC

    Cindy is an ICF Professional Certified Coach, a Gallup-Certified Strengths® Coach, and a Conversational Intelligence® Practitioner. She also has a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling and serves on faculty and as Director of Education at PCCI. As an ICF mentor coach and Certified Coach Supervisor, she has a passion for supporting coaches in their personal and professional development and journey.

    Having lived and served internationally in leadership roles for 27 years with her husband, she partners with teams and clients to build bridges in inter-cultural and inter-generational environments through her group coaching journey, Different Like Me: https://coachingwithcindy.com/different-like-me/

    Website: https://coachingwithcindy.com/

  • As a coach and a solopreneur, you find yourself wearing numerous hats. From customer acquisition and coaching to accounting and bookkeeping, the responsibility falls squarely on your shoulders. How do you do it all?

    In this episode, we have the privilege of welcoming Kris Kelso, the Dean of Entrepreneurship at PCCI, who shares invaluable insights. He offers a fresh perspective that can empower you to not only comprehend each of the roles you undertake but also discover effective strategies for managing them well.

    About Kris Kelso, PCC
    Kris is a professional keynote speaker, an author, and a Professional Certified Coach. His writing has been featured in Fast Company Magazine and Yahoo Finance, and he's coached and taught entrepreneurs on 6 out of 7 continents. He is a growth coach at Heroic Public Speaking, and he serves as the Dean of Entrepreneurship and teaches several courses here at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute.

    Connect with Kris and download his helpful worksheet at www.KrisKelso.com/hats.

  • As the year draws to a close, we extend a heartfelt invitation for you to join us in this special episode. Together, we'll reflect on the ways God has encouraged us, the invaluable tools that have helped us, the books that have inspired us, and the insights we want to carry into the New Year.

    Tune in to learn about spiritual practices, unexpected pets, the life-giving wisdom found in the Psalms, and other treasures that will enrich your coaching journey in the year to come.

    Resources Mentioned in this Episode:


    A Non-Anxious Presence by Mark Sayers
    The Pace of Grace Podcast with Kim Avery

  • Welcome back, everyone! Following Chris McCluskey's unexpected medical sabbatical, we're delighted to hit 'record' once again on a brand-new episode of the Professional Christian Coaching Today podcast. In today's conversation, we're diving into:

    The latest update on Chris McCluskey's health journey The power of taking intentional breaks and vacations The challenges and hidden benefits of unplanned pauses Fresh changes to our podcast schedule and what you can expect in the year to come

    Join us as we explore how rest—both planned and unexpected—can be an enriching part of your personal and professional journey.

  • Leadership development is a $350 billion industry across the globe and a portion of that money is spent on coaching. In the past, access to coaching was restricted to senior leaders, but what if that person got coached earlier? How would that impact their leadership skills, their workplace, their families, and their lives? A growing number of colleges and universities are excited by these possibilities and are offering coaching to students to help prepare them for leadership roles even before they’ve been hired.

    Listen to today’s episode to learn:

    How colleges and universities are incorporating coaching into their programs.

    Potential opportunities for coaches to work in this capacity.

    Measurement and metrics for coaching programs.

    How coaches can find out about this work.

    About Wende Gaikema

    Wende is an executive and leadership coach who helps leaders develop their business and their people. Wende’s work includes executives and leaders building skills in leadership presence, EQ, influential communication, change management, personal and team effectiveness.

    She works with leaders in corporate and non-profit settings, including coaching students at Rice and Vanderbilt Universities. Wende believes that everyone can be a leader as they choose to influence the world around them.

    She is credentialed as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coach Federation and holds certifications in leadership, career and brain-based coaching as well as in emotional intelligence. She comes to coaching out of a business background in sales and marketing at Procter & Gamble. Wende is also on the faculty at Professional Christian Coaching Institute.

    Resources:

    5 Keys to Emotional Intelligence: www.coachwende.com

    Leadership Reckoning: https://doerr.rice.edu/leadership-reckoning-book

    ICF Converge presentation by Rice: https://learning.coachingfederation.org/products/1371/icf-converge-2019-coaching-emerging-leaders-in-the-defining-decade

  • Coaches use their skills in a number of different ways and in a variety of settings. Today, Mike Howerton shares with us how his journey of self-discovery and self-leadership led him to a full-time position as an EntreLeadership Executive Coach with Ramsey Solutions.

    Tune in to learn:

    How to step out in faith, with a blurry vision, and then rely on the Lord to reveal the true vision for your business. Ways to blend the gifts and talents God’s given you to build a thriving career. New ways of thinking & being that can open doors you never thought possible. About Mike Howerton

    Mike serves as an EntreLeadership Executive Coach for Ramsey Solutions. He is skilled in partnering with leaders, giving them space to talk about what is really going on, as he helps them make decisions that are in alignment with what matters most so they can lead with confidence.

    Prior to joining the EntreLeadership team, Mike spent most of his career in Nashville, TN, leading several teams for Embraer, the world’s 3rd largest aircraft manufacturer, as well leading an aircraft maintenance team for an international charter airline in Miami, FL.

    As fulfilling as his profession can be, Mike’s greatest enjoyment comes from spending as much intentional time as he can with his wife and 4 children, as well as in his hobbies as an award winning beekeeper, market gardener, and managing his Christmas Tree Farm.

  • This week, we are giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes view of what it really takes to become a professional coach. In this candid interview with Kris Kelso, PCC, you’ll hear the ups and downs, the successes and the mistakes Kris has experienced in his transition from owning a technology company to becoming an author, entrepreneur, and executive coach.

    Tune in to learn the importance of:

    Emphasizing mindset more than mechanics. Growing personally as well as professionally. Integrating multiple passions into a portfolio career. Figuring out the blend of services that’s right for you.

    About Kris Kelso

    Kris Kelso, PCC is an entrepreneur who has founded and run multiple companies in the technology and healthcare industries. Today, he works primarily as an executive coach, a keynote speaker, and a contributing author for publications including Fast Company, Yahoo Finance, and The Nashville Business Journal.

    His book, “Overcoming The Impostor: Silence Your Inner Critic and Lead with Confidence“, offers entrepreneurs and leaders a practical look at impostor syndrome, and explores that inner voice that downplays our own accomplishments while amplifying those of others.

    Kris has coached and consulted with hundreds of entrepreneurs, business owners, and their leadership teams. He is a faculty member at the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, an advisor and instructor at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, and has served on the boards of directors of several non-profit organizations.

    He is an active member of Cornerstone Nashville, where he serves, teaches, and coaches other leaders. He lives with his wife and three teen aged sons in a suburb of Nashville, Tennessee.

    Connect with Kris at www.KrisKelso.com.

  • Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on spiritual maturity and finishing well, a critical aspect of life for Christians and Christian coaches. Our guest, Bryan Brown, MCC, a Global Outreach Pastor and experienced executive and leadership coach, will provide insights on how to deepen our understanding of God’s purpose for our lives, how to align our thoughts, actions, and decisions with His will, and ways to increase our intimacy with Christ.

    Join us as we explore:

    A comprehensive definition of spiritual maturity. The reasons why some Christian leaders struggle to stay the course. The six essential traits of individuals who finish well. The coach-approach to aid clients in their spiritual growth.

    About Bryan Brown

    Bryan Brown, MCC , loves helping leaders embrace their identity and calling, then live and lead as a follower of Christ. Bryan is the Global Outreach pastor at Perimeter church located in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. In addition to his role at Perimeter, Bryan enjoys being an executive and leadership coach where he works with leaders and churches around the world in areas of spiritual formation, leadership development, and healthy team dynamics.

    Bryan lives in Johns Creek, GA together with Jackie, his wife of 30 years. They have three children and one very energetic golden retriever.

    Bryan has a passion and track record for developing leaders so that they can effectively influence others for a lifetime. For more information on Bryan and his private coaching practice visit www.coachingtolead.com.

  • As Christian coaches we spend a lot of our time asking genuinely curious, open-ended, and exploratory questions so that our clients can wrestle and discover the answers that only they can find. Yet, most of us are not naturally comfortable sitting in question, but instead, prefer rushing to an answer. Today, Nancy Lopez, PCC, shares her own journey to becoming comfortable in questions.

    Tune in to hear:

    Why questioning is more than a skill, it’s a mindset. The importance of coaching the person, not the problem. How breathing can help center you in the moment. Ways to deepen your comfort level with questions.

    About Nancy D. Lopez, PCC

    Nancy is a former C-Level executive with a diverse background in Human Resources. She is a Certified Professional Leadership, Life and Career Management Coach and carries the ICF Professional Certified Coach designation (PCC).

    Nancy’s demonstrated impact around leadership and career development with corporate professionals has led her to specialize her practice, NDL Leadership, LLC as a professional leadership and career transition coach and consultant. She works with emerging leaders to executive levels and has the reputation as a trusted partner who is approachable and credible. She’s also enjoys teaching and is on faculty with the Professional Christian Coaching Institute. Nancy helps leaders catch their breath so they can navigate with clarity the challenges they face.

    A native Floridian and graduate of both Stetson University (BBA) and Penn State University (MSBA), Nancy resides in the Greater Rochester, NY area with her husband, Wayne and their two children, Nathan and Catherine. Nancy has a passion for immersing herself in God’s creation through travel, long walks, bird watching, sunrises, sunsets, good food, great espresso, and savoring moments with her family and friends.

    You can learn more about Nancy at www.NDLLeadership.com and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancydlopez/ or contact at [email protected].

  • You are a culture-shaper. As a Christian coach, you are uniquely equipped to draw out of others “the Good, the True, and the Beautiful” that God has placed in them.


    Join Chris McCluskey as he shares a behind-the-scenes look from his speaking engagement with coaches Greg Leith and Helen Mitchell at the C.S. Lewis Foundation and learn practical ways to influence culture in the 21st century.


    Discover how to…

    Find and fulfill the central purpose of your life so you can influence generations to come
    Use direct communication to irrigate the spiritual deserts in our everyday world
    Align your life with your day-to-day activities to intentionally live out your calling in the world