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The Coaching Podcast
The Coaching Podcast
Author: Emma Doyle
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© 2026 First released, 2016 @ Emma Doyle and Simon Blair. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise)
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Welcome to The Coaching Podcast – coach for success in both sports and business. I'm your host, Coach EM, known as The Energy Coach and Activation Speaker, recognized globally for unleashing human potential. Join me as I engage with top sports and business coaches worldwide, delving into the essence of greatness in coaching. Through thought-provoking and coaching-specific questions, we explore the commonalities and differences between coaching in sports and business.
My conversations with coaches delve into the heart of coaching, offering practical tools that empower both coaches and leaders. Whether you're navigating the boardroom, coaching on a tennis court, or leading a team on the sporting field, our discussions provide valuable insights and strategies for continuous improvement. Tune in to The Coaching Podcast and elevate your coaching game for success in every arena.
207 Episodes
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Coach EM Turbo Tip #207: Stop Following Up - Start with Feedback
Tip: Inspired by my conversation with Ari Galper, Global Leader in Trust-Based Selling. Here’s the reframe: stop following up… start asking for feedback.
Everyone hates a follow-up. I hate sending them. They hate seeing them.
Instead, invite the next conversation:
“Would you be open to sharing some feedback from our last conversation?”
Or:
“I’d love to brainstorm ideas to support your [specific people challenge].”
2026 = no more F-Up (haha). Get after it. Make it a great day. Until next time.
Featured partner:
“Today’s Turbo Tip is powered by Sam — the AI tool built for the coaching world. Coaches, spend less time marketing and more time coaching. Clients, find your perfect match — without the romance. Visit TrySam.ai.”
When Andrew Wynne coaches, he invites leaders to make a powerful choice: keep playing not to lose—defensive, cautious, and closed—or step up and play to win by creating the kind of collaboration where everyone can succeed. He builds trusted, safe containers where truth can land, people feel genuinely seen and heard, and leaders discover the “victory speech” they’re really working toward. Andrew is a mirror—listening with his ears, eyes, and whole-body presence—bringing both intimacy and accountability to the conversation. Guided by the belief that we go further together, and anchored in the wisdom that “cast your bread upon the water and it will come back buttered,” Andrew helps leaders build trust through reliability, credibility, and deep connection.
About Andrew Wynne – Executive Coach, Leadership Mentor & Vistage Chair
Andrew Wynne brings more than 25 years of executive experience across multiple countries and industries, blending deep commercial insight with a genuine passion for understanding human behaviour. As the former Managing Partner of a successful management consulting and coaching practice, Andrew has spent his career helping leaders and organisations elevate performance through clarity, connection, and courageous decision-making.
He is an Associate with the Stephenson Mansell Group (SMG), Australia’s longest-established executive development firm and a recognised leader in coaching, mentoring, and leadership development. SMG’s faculty has supported more than 6,000 executives across 600 organisations, including senior leaders from over 30 of Australia’s Top 50 companies—work that Andrew continues to advance through his thoughtful, presence-driven coaching style.
In addition to his executive coaching work, Andrew serves as Chair to three Vistage Australia groups, guiding CEOs and business owners through meaningful conversations, strategic challenges, and trusted peer advisory. Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching organisation, supporting more than 45,000 leaders in 35 countries.
A Professionally Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation and a graduate of the Professional Coaching Course at the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business, Andrew is committed to lifelong learning. He continues to study, refine, and master cutting-edge coaching techniques to support leaders in becoming more effective, more aware, and more human in the way they lead.
Connect with Andrew:Website: https://andrewwynne.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-wynne/
Coach EM Turbo Tip — “As Much Me As Possible”
Inspired by Lena Waithe’s powerful reminder: “I don’t want to be a better version of me… I just want to be as much me as I can possibly be.”Lena is an Emmy-winning writer, producer, and actor known for her bold storytelling and authentic voice.
That’s the real high-performance game — not upgrading yourself, but unmasking yourself. Less polishing. More authenticity. More you.
Live inspired Practice improving Lead with impact
Featured partner:
“Today’s Turbo Tip is powered by Sam — the AI tool built for the coaching world. Coaches, spend less time marketing and more time coaching. Clients, find your perfect match — without the romance. Visit TrySam.ai.”
Today on The Coaching Podcast, Coach EM sits down with the legendary Gigi Fernández for one of her most vulnerable and moving conversations yet. Gigi opens up about the competitive mindset it took to become a 17-time Grand Slam champion — and the inner work required to quieten the mind, detach from outcomes, and replace fear with focus. She shares how learning to lose became one of the greatest gifts of her career, supported by an evidence list reminding her that everything truly will be okay. Gigi also talks candidly about parenting twins, the moment Hurricane Helene took everything from her, and how that devastation sparked the revival of purpose behind her foundation, Tennis for Hope. And of course, she leaves us with a doubles tip that every player should tattoo on their brain: the person closest to the ball takes the shot.
ABout Gigi Fernández:
Gigi Fernández is widely regarded as one of the greatest doubles players in tennis history. A member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, she amassed 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Olympic Gold Medals with partner Mary Joe Fernández. In 2000, she was honoured as Puerto Rican Athlete of the Century, recognising her extraordinary impact on the sport.
Today, Gigi pours her passion into coaching, education, and philanthropy. She is the founder of The Gigi Method and Gigi Fernández Tennis, helping adult players elevate their doubles skills through world-class camps, clinics, and events around the world. After losing her home during Hurricane Helene, Gigi founded Tennis for Hope, a nonprofit uniting the tennis community to support individuals and clubs affected by natural disasters. Off the court, she is a proud mum to twins, Karson and Madison.
Connect with Gigi: https://gigifernandeztennis.com/
⚡ Coach EM Turbo Tip #203
A formula from The Coaching Podcast — inspired by my convo with Ben Easter (click here to listen to the full episode):
Success = Failed Attempts + ONE
My father-in-law, Cliff Samara, a brilliant entrepreneur, always tells me: “When you get your 10th ‘no,’ celebrate — because #11 is usually the yes. Most people quit at #9.”
Hang in there, team — success is closer than you think.
Live inspired Practice improving Lead with impact
Featured Partner: “Today’s Turbo Tip is powered by Sam — the AI tool built for the coaching world. Coaches, spend less time marketing and more time coaching. Clients, find your perfect match — without the romance. Visit TrySam.ai.”
In this episode on The Coaching Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Eve Meceda - a woman who truly lives and breathes “Educate. Inspire. Enable.” We dive into her powerhouse trio of focus areas: Growth Mindset, Habits, and Difficult Conversations. With 25+ years of global impact, over 1,800 talks, and a reputation for transforming how leaders think and behave, Eve brings the kind of wisdom that sparks real change. This convo is all about helping you stretch, elevate your daily habits, and lean into the tough moments that make you better. Enjoy, team - this one’s gold.
About Dr Eve Meceda
Dr. Eve Meceda has spent the past 25+ years helping organizations around the world significantly improve both individual and organizational performance. Much of Dr. Meceda’s current work with clients focuses on the development of a growth mindset, unlocking the power of sustainable habit change, and mastering difficult conversations. She has also partnered with Fortune 500 and Global 1000 organizations on issues such as leadership development, performance management, employee engagement, and the attraction and retention of high-potential employees. Dr. Meceda has received both the Vistage Speaker of the Year award and the Vistage Lifetime Achievement award. In the course of delivering more than 1,800 speaking engagements over the years, she has had the pleasure of working in eighteen countries on six continents … or seven if you include a recent chat with penguins in Antarctica. When she’s not on the road working with clients, Dr. Meceda lives and works in the beautiful Boulder, Colorado area.
Connect with Eve:Website: https://www.evemeceda.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-eve-meceda-7a72958
TURBO TIP from Coach EM ⚡️
Instead of saying “I believe in you,” Say “I know you can do this.”
That tiny shift from belief to certainty builds real confidence in your people — inspired by Episode #163 of The Coaching Podcast with Coach Tony Latimer.
Live inspired. Practice improving. Lead with impact.
Featured Partner: “Coach EM's Turbo Tip is powered by Sam — because coaches should coach, not market. Try it now at TrySam.AI.”
For this milestone 200th episode, the amazing Tracey Ezard flipped the mic on me — and what a ride it was. We unpacked the through-line of my life: coaching. From my first tennis lesson to coaching high-performance leaders across the globe, I shared how stretching one layer at a time, igniting curiosity, and helping people perform under pressure continue to drive everything I do. As I say in this episode, “I’m just an ordinary girl living an extraordinary life through the power of coaching.” I’m humbled, grateful, and so proud to celebrate this milestone with YOU — my listeners, who share in a growth mindset, and the coaching community.
About Emma Doyle
Emma Doyle, aka Coach EM, is a high-performance coach turned global leadership speaker who helps managers and leaders COACH their people to unleash potential, improve performance, and retain talent. With a rich background as an international tennis coach and TEDx speaker, Emma blends sports and business coaching, delivering high-energy workshops across Australia, the US, and beyond. She's the host of The Coaching Podcast, an Amazon best-selling author of What Makes a Great Coach?, and known for her curiosity-first approach to communication and growth.
Connect with Coach EM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-doyle-41150215/
Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emma.doyle.33046/
Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaDoyleIII/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/emmadoyleiii/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/EmmaDoyleiii
Speaker website: https://emmadoyle.com.au
TEDx Talk: Unleashing Female Potential: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu3tMg_lzzw
Book: https://www.whatmakesagreatcoach.com
Tennis Coach Education: https://acecoach.com.au
In this engaging episode of The Coaching Podcast, Dr. AJ Lauer, EdD, brings a fresh and practical perspective to leadership, inclusion, and coaching cultures. With over 20 years of DEI experience, AJ defines what diversity, equity, and inclusion really mean in the workplace and shares actionable strategies to create environments where people can truly thrive. We discuss hiring considerations, how to handle difficult conversations, and the power of asking good questions — like “And what else?” — to unlock deeper thinking. AJ also shares insights from her new book, My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome, which uses relatable characters, humour, and engaging illustrations to reframe the dreaded imposter syndrome into something you can understand, name, and work with.
About AJ Lauer, EdD – Leadership Coach
With over two decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, 10+ years developing the future science and technology workforce, and multiple publications on DEI in STEM, Dr. AJ Lauer is a leading expert on workforce development in science and technology fields. Dr. Lauer regularly coaches professionals at the executive level on how to create more inclusive and productive workplaces. Her 1:1 clients have held leadership roles at Amazon, Stitch Fix, The Ohio State University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the American Meteorological Society.
Her new book, My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome, uses relatable characters, humor, and engaging illustrations to present a fresh new way to think about the dreaded imposter syndrome — your Imposter Monster.
Connect with AJ:Website: https://www.thrivingibis.comAuthor of My Monster Mungo: A story about imposter syndrome Take the From Saboteur to Sidekick: Working With Your Imposter Monster course
On today’s episode, we’re joined by Pete Steinberg—leadership and innovation keynote speaker, executive coach, and President of Innovative Thought. A former elite rugby coach who led the USA Women’s Team to two World Cups and coached at the Rio Olympics, Pete now works with Fortune 200 and 500 organizations, helping leaders navigate transformation. His message is clear: coaching is not about me—it’s about unlocking the potential in others. From creating cultures that are co-designed and strategy-driven, to embracing feedback as a gift, Pete shows us how diverse signals fuel innovation, how intentional learners build elite mindsets, and why leadership shock reminds us that what got you here won’t get you there.
About Pete Steinberg
Pete is a Leadership + innovation keynote speaker and coach. President of Innovative Thought - supporting leaders and organizations through transformations. Best-selling author of LEADERSHIP SHOCK. He has been working with Fortune 200 and 500 organizations for more than 25 years, helping improve executive and team performance by maximizing the potential of their people. With a focus on senior leaders and knowledge-based organizations, Pete has implemented some of the most novel people development solutions in the industry. The approaches are based on the latest scientific research conducted by in-house experts and focused on building business value for clients. Pete has designed and led major organizational change initiatives for clients, including: A multi-year, leadership development program that focused on the top 2000 leaders Standing up a new growth and innovation capability within a Fortune 500 CPG company Creating an internal innovation function in a large professional services organization Working with the President of a $4B business, reorganize the executive leadership team, redefine roles and shift the culture of the business. Pete is an executive coach and focuses on helping leaders during that crucial time when their role changes, particularly into the C-suite, where a change in their leadership approach is required. He has a book in development, Leadership Shock, which lays out his approach to helping leaders develop their authentic leadership model. Pete was an elite rugby coach leading the USA Women's Rugby to 2 World Cups and coached at the Rio Olympics. He also coached the Penn State Women's Rugby team to 10 National Championships. Pete brings his experience in elite sport to his work with clients. Pete lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and 2 children.
Connect with Pete:Website: https://www.innovative-thought.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-steinberg/
On this episode of The Coaching Podcast, we’re joined by Ron Ben-Joseph—Broadway-trained performer turned public speaking coach—who has spent over 25 years helping therapists, consultants, coaches, and soulful experts find their authentic voice and amplify their presence. From lessons learned on stage to practical tools for the boardroom, Ron shares how to speak with confidence, structure your message around what matters most to your audience, and design programs that flow from your zone of genius. Along the way, he reminds us that the best talks are not about perfection—they’re about connection, listening, and leaving people with one big idea they’ll never forget.
About Ron Ben-Joseph - Public Speaking Coach for Therapists, Consultants, Coaches & Soulful Experts
About: Ron Ben-Joseph is a highly accomplished Broadway-trained Performance, Executive Presence, and Media coach dedicated to helping individuals harness their unique strengths and amplify their message and presence on the grand stage. With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, Ron has worked with a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, non-profit teams, and consultants.
Connect with Ron:Website: https://www.artfulspeaking.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbenjoseph/ https://www.instagram.com/ronbenjoseph/
On The Coaching Podcast, we’re joined by Kim Bastable, Director of Professional Tennis Management at the University of Florida and visionary behind the first university-based program dedicated to the business and leadership of the racquets industry. A former NCAA All-American and SEC Champion for the Gators, Kim believes that a leader’s first job is to coach themselves, and only then can they coach those they lead. Guided by John Wooden’s reminder that “We need to treat them all the same, differently,” she challenges the outdated approach of coaching the game without attention to the person, inspiring future leaders to create environments where athletes and employees truly thrive.
About Kim Bastable
Kim Bastable is the creator and lead instructor of the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports program, the first-of-its-kind university-based curriculum focused on leadership and business in the racquets industry. With over 40 years of experience, Kim has held leadership roles at clubs and universities, coached at the collegiate and junior levels, and earned certifications in mental performance, leadership, and racquet sports instruction. A top-ranked Gator tennis player in the 1980s, she was an NCAA All-American, three-time SEC champion, and has since become a certified tennis professional, elite racquet sports coach, and Level 2 padel coach. Kim holds a Master’s in Positive Coaching Psychology from the University of Missouri and a B.S. in Finance from UF, as well as advanced certifications from Notre Dame University, the Human Performance Institute, and Peak Performance Sports. She and her husband, Jack, live in Kansas City and enjoy traveling to visit their 16 grandchildren while she continues to run UF’s remote online programs.
Website: https://www.uf-dors.comConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-bastable-uf/
What does it take to lead—and live—with brilliance for 100+ years? In this thought-provoking episode, Jerry Cahn, Ph.D., J.D., shares his philosophy on visionary leadership, the power of audience-driven communication, and why longevity is deeply rooted in the strength of our relationships. We explore what makes a great coach, the importance of preparing for the future, and why competence breeds confidence. From parenting to presenting, Jerry challenges us to think bigger—across a 200-year window—and to always aim for excellence in execution.
About Jerry Cahn, Ph.D., J.D.
Jerry Cahn, Ph.D., J.D., is a visionary leadership coach dedicated to helping people lead fulfilling 100-year lives. With a unique background as a psychologist, attorney, entrepreneur, and educator, Jerry blends human insight with strategic execution to empower leaders and organizations to thrive.
As CEO of AgeBrilliantly.org, Jerry leads a global platform for adults committed to living purposefully across every life stage. He also serves as Chair for CEO peer advisory boards through Vistage Worldwide, where he mentors transformative leaders across the New York tri-state area. With a track record of helping 5,000+ clients deliver high-stakes presentations through Presentation Excellence, Jerry teaches leaders how to communicate with impact and vision.
Throughout his career, he has served in the private, public, nonprofit, and government sectors—designing systems that foster innovation, growth, and lifelong fulfillment. Jerry has also mentored more than 600 students globally and continues to advocate for brilliant aging, leadership, and legacy.
Connect with Jerry:
Learn more at JerryCahn.com Founder of AgeBrilliantly.org
In this episode of The Coaching Podcast, Coach John O’Sullivan reminds us that your influence is never neutral. We dive into his powerful philosophy that the softest pillow is a clear conscience, the wisdom behind his bestselling book Every Moment Matters, and the enduring message from his TEDx talk encouraging parents to simply say, “I love watching you play.” John also shares why he believes team culture is like a circle – where every person has a voice, value, and role in creating success together.
About: John O'Sullivan – Founder, Changing The Game Project
John O’Sullivan is an internationally known TEDx Speaker and the founder of the Changing the Game Project, which he started in 2012
Author of three #1 Bestselling books Changing the Game, Every Moment Matters, and The Champion Teammate as well as a leading youth sports blogger
Host of the Way of Champions Podcast, one of the top-rated podcasts in the world for coaches
Former collegiate and professional soccer player, and has coached for over 30 years at the youth, high school, and college levels.
He has consulted with the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Football, US Lacrosse, USA Swimming, Ireland Rugby, Aussie Rules Football, and many more
National Advisory Board for the Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Association for Physical Literacy.
Connect with John:
Website: https://changingthegameproject.com/
What if we choose to unlearn everything we know about leadership and take a listen to The Coaching Podcast with a beginner's mindset? In this compelling episode, Charles Hardman challenges conventional thinking and explores the provocative message behind his book Leadership called Leadership is Not Leadership. He introduces the concept of leadership as followship, diving into what makes leadership truly effective—felt, not forced. We unpack key principles including the importance of asking questions, the need for receiver-centred leadership, and the role of practice. With decades of experience across sectors and levels, Charles invites us to reconsider how we lead and why it matters.
About Charles Hardman
Charles Hardman is a mentor, coach, advisor, speaker, and author who has been immersed in the practice of leadership for over three decades. He has worked across diverse sectors—including family-run businesses, multinational corporations, not-for-profits, and arts organizations—serving in roles from frontline operations to executive leadership and board governance.
Since 2010, Charles has dedicated his career to developing leaders through coaching, mentoring, and strategic consulting. His approach is grounded in real-world experience and a deep belief that effective leadership must be felt by others—not imposed. Charles holds a Master of Professional Education and Training (Workplace Vocational Education and Training) and a Diploma in Organisational Psychology.
As the author of Leadership called Leadership is Not Leadership, Charles provokes fresh thinking around power, influence, and the practice of leadership as a collective experience.
Connect with Charles:
🔗 Learn more at 5ds.com.au (Download a free copy of his book before the 25th of August). 🔗 Connect on LinkedIn
In this inspiring episode on The Coaching Podcast, we dive into the mind of Simon Gale — a leader who has dedicated his career to developing people, building culture, and transforming racquet sports programs from the inside out. As Senior Director of Racquet Sports at the USTA National Campus, Simon shares the secrets behind leading a massive team, creating athlete-centered environments, and asking the kind of questions that unlock true growth. We explore what makes people come back to the court, why hiring for mindset matters more than résumé, and the powerful link between coaching, curiosity, and retention. Get ready for a masterclass in purposeful leadership and practical coaching wisdom.
About Simon Gale
Simon Gale, originally from Perth, Australia, is the Senior Director of Racquet Sports Development at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida. In this role, he oversees a team of 35+ teaching professionals, including five head professionals, and manages 100 courts across the campus. The campus welcomes over 400,000 visitors annually, offering 125+ programs that engage more than 2,000 players weekly, and hosts 350+ events each year. Before joining the USTA, Simon served as the Managing Partner and Director of Racquets at Taconic Sport & Racquet Club in Hopewell Junction, NY. Prior to that, he spent 12 years at Yonkers Tennis Center in Yonkers, NY, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Tennis and General Manager. Simon has been featured in prominent industry publications such as PTR Pro Magazine, USPTA Addvantage Magazine, Tennis Industry Magazine and the USTA's Business of 10&U Infomercial. His accolades include: - Tennis Australia Top Operators Tour” presenter - 2024 Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) “Pro of the Year” - 2024 Professional Tennis Registry Women (PTRW) “Allyship Award” - Tennis Industry Association “National Youth Provider of the Year” - USPTA Eastern “Facility Manager of the Year” - Published in ITF Coaching and Sport Science Review: Growing and maintaining a successful tennis business backed by a sound framework - USTA Tennis Market Initiative (TMI) provider In addition to his role at the USTA, Simon founded SG Tennis Consulting, where he works with clubs and facilities to optimize operations and enhance racquet sports programming profitability. His certifications include PTR, USPTA, USTA High Performance, Tennis Coaches Association Australia, IPTPA (Pickleball), USPTA Padel, and the UF Director of Racquet Sports certificate. Simon also co-hosts the Racquet Fuel Podcast, which provides insights into leadership development within the racquet sports industry.
Connect with Simon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simongaletennis/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simongale1972/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simon.gale.39
From the streets of Philly to the boardrooms of Silicon Valley, Gabe DeRita brings a refreshing honesty and a fierce commitment to empowering others. In this conversation on The Coaching Podcast, we explore how to align thoughts, feelings, and actions to lead with integrity and character. We dive into the art of authentic relating, embracing nuance, and navigating difficult conversations – all while staying deeply human.
About Gabe DeRita, Goal Whisperer
Gabriel DeRita is a leadership coach and communication skills trainer who helps people find purpose in work and build stronger relationships with themselves and others. With a background spanning tech sales, hospitality, and consulting, Gabe brings a sharp business lens to the human side of leadership. Since founding his coaching practice in 2019, he’s worked with a wide range of leaders—from Y Combinator startup founders to Fortune 500 management teams at companies like AirBnb, LinkedIn, Gap & Goldman Sachs —helping them lead with clarity, trust, and authenticity. In addition to his private practice, Gabe is a trusted partner to leading coaching and consulting firms like GLG, Skillsoft, Lapin International, and Medley, delivering leadership development programs for global clients across many industries. His approach blends real-world business experience with powerful, practical tools for personal growth – making the abstract feel actionable, and the human side of work a whole lot more effective. Outside the office, Gabe can be found exploring remote areas on a bicycle, foraging for wild mushrooms, or trying to outwit the unpredictable Colorado weather in his backyard garden.
Connect with Gabe:
Website: https://www.effectiveconnection.com/ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielderita/ Instagram: @funngabe
What does it mean to lead from behind the plate – and in life? In this episode on The Coaching Podcast, Ryan Lavarnway, World Series Champion, Olympian, and resilience coach, shares hard-earned lessons from baseball and beyond. From catching knuckleballs to catching life’s curveballs, Ryan explores how resilience is a skill you build before you need it, why inaction is the real enemy, and how great coaches create cultures where players lead themselves. He unpacks his powerful WHY NOT framework and offers practical wisdom for anyone striving to lead with purpose, trust, and grit.
About Ryan Lavarnway – Keynote Speaker | Resilience Coach | World Series Champion Ryan Lavarnway is a former Major League Baseball catcher, Olympian, and World Series Champion known for his grit, adaptability, and leadership behind the plate. Over his professional career, he earned a reputation for catching some of the game’s toughest pitches – including the elusive knuckleball – and delivering under pressure. Ryan is a two-time published author, Ironman finisher, and proud Girl Dad. Today, he brings his passion for peak performance, resilience, and team culture to stages and boardrooms as a keynote speaker and resilience coach. Fueled by purpose (and perfectly timed caffeine), Ryan inspires audiences to lean into possibility and lead like a catcher – ready, responsive, and resilient.
Connect with Ryan:
Website: https://ryanlavarnway.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-lavarnway/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/rlavarnway/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Not-Journal-Ryan-Lavarnway/dp/B0F3XYNWWN
What does it mean to truly partner with your clients as a coach? In this episode, Executive Coach and author Karen Davis shares what makes a great coach—from trusting your intuition and evoking inner wisdom to holding space through silence and structure. Karen offers insights from her book How to Get the Most Out of Coaching and unpacks the power of agreements versus expectations. We also touch on her recent keynote on gender inequity, her work with entrepreneurs, and why integrity in coaching always begins with “I”.
Karen Davis – Executive Coach | Author | Speaker Karen Davis is a highly respected executive coach, author, and speaker with over 25 years of leadership experience in the B2B technology sector. A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, she brings deep insight, intuition, and heart to every coaching relationship. For nearly two decades, Karen has supported executives, entrepreneurs, and fellow coaches to thrive personally and professionally.
She is the co-author of How to Get the Most Out of Coaching: A Client’s Guide for Optimizing the Coaching Experience and two other titles. Whether she’s coaching from her studio near Boulder, Colorado, or walking in nature with her dogs, Jax and Pepper, Karen’s work is infused with compassion, clarity, and joy. Her greatest support system includes her life partner, Alex Mill, and her two adult children, Dustin and Alexa.
🌐 www.KarenDavisCoaching.com 📱 303.588.8935 | ✉️ karen@KarenDavisCoaching.com 🔗 LinkedIn | Facebook | Book
Purpose, perspective, and passion – Joe White believes these three ingredients create the compass that every great leader needs. From professional athlete to award-winning coach and educator, Joe’s journey is steeped in discipline, direction, and a deep desire to elevate those around him. Whether you're leading a team, a business, or your own life, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you find your path, unlock your potential, and lead with heart.
About Joe White - Director of Golf at IMG Academy
Growing up playing competitive sports, Joe White is no stranger to striving for excellence while working with a team. Joe was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds and the Seattle Mariners, and played in the Seattle Mariners organization before a shoulder injury ended his baseball career. His love for the game propelled him into his next career as a baseball and football coach, during which time he was awarded coach of the year twice, regional coach of the year in 2013, and was a part of five state championship teams.
Joe is also a retired teacher of business education, where he taught accounting, business law, and professional business. During his thirty years as a teacher, he was nominated for the Apple Teaching Award seven times and was listed in “Who’s Who Among American Teachers.” Joe has also excelled in public speaking, having spoken at coaches' clinics across the Midwest, as well as the Nike Football Clinic. Among all of his accomplishments, Joe’s greatest are being a loving son to his parents (his father, above, was also a lifelong coach!) and a devoted husband and father to three children, who have all excelled in sports and school.
Connect with Joe:
Website: https://www.coachjoewhiteconsulting.com/























