STRENGTHENING YOUR SKILLS
Building Your Confidence and Competence
When we confidently partner with our clients in the coaching relationship we are honoring the process of coaching by being present, listening actively, asking questions and using reflection to evoke awareness and being useful in the process of designing forward movement. This collection includes episodes that:
- Sharpen coaching skills and mastery
- Explore different coaching niches
- Do deep dives into competencies
- Explore growth and learning journeys
- Provide ideas for self-care and compassion
- Look at mindset and neuroscience
- Increase awareness on credentialing
Focus on the Coaching Partnership
Let’s Strengthen Your Skills

314: Gen Z Coaches: Our Exciting Future: Tim Harrison, ACC
Today’s show is a treat for you as we meet a member of the new generation of exciting young coaches who is making a huge impact in the world. He shares his journey and concept of coaching, along with information about his exciting non-profit. Our conversation is topped off with an extraordinary performance that you don’t want to miss! Join us!
Tim Harrison, ACC, is a San Diego native, Rice University graduate, and resident of Houston, Texas. After graduating into a world in crisis because of the pandemic and social unrest, he turned down a coveted job in consulting to pursue his life mission, “To inspire and equip people to realize their potential.” This led Tim to create the non-profit EPOG (“Enjoyable Pain of Growth”) Academy with the mission to make personal development part of education. EPOG makes professional leadership coaching accessible so that high school students from all zip codes can access top-tier resources that empower them to take control of their future. Tim is one of the youngest coaches in the US to earn his ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation, and he’s an active Leadership Coach, public speaker, peer-reviewed social scientist, consultant, and performing artist.

312: Your Evolution as a Coach: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
In today’s solo episode, I’m focusing on how we can avoid becoming stagnant and falling into habits that do not serve us or our clients. We are also discussing how to have grace with ourselves through the process of growth and evolution. Join us to learn more!

310: Finding Purpose through Pain: Jenny Ngo
Today’s show is a powerful one that aligns in a particularly timely way with my life at this moment. Pain is part of life, and it comes in various ways to touch every part of our being. Losing a loved one, as I recently have, brings much pain and despair. We must go through the pain and grief in life’s moments of despair to make it to the other side of the pain. The good news is that we CAN find purpose through those painful moments, and today’s guest has insights to share. She shares transparently about the depths of her pain and her story of survival and finding purpose. Join us to learn more!
Jenny Ngo is an intuitive business coach and master healer. Together with her husband, Dan, they help coaches and healers create quantum leaps to six figures in their businesses by doing what they love, finding more freedom, and creating impact in the world. They specialize in helping their clients fill their one-on-one and group programs through organic marketing strategies and mindset and energy-healing support so they can attract more coaching clients. Before coaching, Jenny worked in the medical field as an RN and Certified Nurse-Midwife. Jenny and Dan love spending time together with their two kiddos, traveling to the beach and other fun places.

307: On Coaching Impact and Leadership with Marlene Thomas, PCC
Connecting with other coaches can be just the right thing to propel your coaching to the next level of growth and impact. Coaching impact and leadership go hand-in-hand, and we are diving into these topics with today’s guest. Join us to learn more!
Marlene Thomas is the president and CEO of Thomas Management Consulting, a woman-owned small business providing strategic consulting and executive coaching services to federal, state, and private sector businesses. With over 25 years of experience in leadership and executive coaching, organizational development, and project management, Marlene is dedicated to supporting individual employers and leaders in building productive partnerships, teams, and workplaces. She is the current president and former membership director of the Metro DC Chapter of the International Coaching Federation, the largest city chapter in the world with over 1700 members. In today’s show, we discuss what we have gained through volunteering for ICF leadership roles, how coaching impacts the world, and how ICF members are empowered through their connections with each other.

305: Self Leadership for Young Women: Sarah Kenny, ACC
How do coaches become clear about exactly who they want to coach? While that clarity might come easily for some in our profession, I know that many coaches struggle greatly to figure this out. My guest today found her coaching sweet spot, and she’s sharing helpful information that you can use in your quest to niche down. Join us to learn more!
Sarah Kenny is a certified coach, mentor, and positive role model for adolescent girls. She believes that self-empowered girls will change the world, and her mission is to create a more just, equitable society by helping them develop critical life and leadership skills, especially the ones they don’t learn in school. Sarah helps girls navigate the challenges of adolescence while developing higher self-esteem, confidence, and courage so they can thrive as young women and transform into impactful leaders. Based in Austin, Texas, Sarah has her master’s degree in Gender Studies and is an Accredited Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. She is an avid yogi, the mama of two fur babies, and a diehard Parks & Rec fan.

304: I Didn’t Ask For a Coach with Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
Today’s topic is one that comes up often. How do we approach coaching with the client who didn’t ask to be coached? We are taking a close look at the coaching relationship with someone who has volunteered or feels like they’ve been “sentenced” to coaching. There are some unique considerations in setting up this kind of partnership. Let’s talk about it.

303: Crisis Communication…Or is It Simply Being Human?: Ken Jenkins, ACC
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Today’s show covers a critical skill set for all coaches. An important part of our work involves engaging with people when they are in a state of crisis. For our clients, there are various reasons that their emotions and responses might escalate during these times, and the very best coaches learn how to meet people in their pain. Join us to learn more from the discussion.

301: Let’s Talk Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Deborah Harris, ACC
Today’s guest is sharing her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will learn what we should consider to get it right in the coaching space and show up in partnership with our clients. Join us to learn more!
Deborah Harris is a certified personal and executive coach with an extensive background in leadership development, management, education, and training. Her work is focused in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, and she is the perfect person to help us learn more. This is a wonderful interview that I’m very excited to share with you.

300: The Power of Celebration: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
Welcome to our 300th episode!! I’m so excited to celebrate this milestone, and I’m appreciative of every single step that brought me to this point. To mark this special moment in time, we are doing something very different: my coach, Rick Tamlyn, is turning the tables to interview me. Join us to see how this conversation unfolds!

297: Building Resilience: Teresa Bitner
We all need resilience to handle setbacks and adversity in life. Today’s focus is on building that “bounce-back muscle” that enables us to be resilient in the ways we show up in the face of change and grief. Join us to learn more!
Teresa Bitner is a Professional Certified Coach who partners with those who have been knocked down by life and are looking to bounce back to live boldly. She’s a speaker and author whose specialization is resiliency, change, and loss. Building resiliency and learning steps for surviving and thriving in the midst of constant change distinguish those who live boldly from those who live life in fear. Teresa is the author of Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again. She is passionate about giving back, as evidenced by her volunteer work with the ICF Austin chapter. She is a former board member and Community Outreach Director, and she serves on the Advisory Council. Through Women for Change and Stand Beside Them, Teresa provides pro bono coaching for women in poverty and veterans and their spouses. In today’s conversation, Teresa openly shares her personal grief journey and why she loves working with people around resiliency.

295: Coaching Past Ambivalence: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
How can you engage with a coaching client who is caught in a place of ambivalence about making changes? In addition to the coaching space, this topic is relevant in the workplace both in the employer/employee relationship and in coworker relationships. We are taking a deep dive in this solo episode about how we partner with our clients to help them move past ambivalence. We’ll talk about how our human nature sets us up for a battle with ambivalence, why this is important in the coaching arena, and what we can do as a coach in this space. Join us for a closer look!

294: The Confidence Habit: Dr. Jon Finn
Today’s show focuses on a very important aspect of life: our habits. Are your habits working FOR you or AGAINST you? Our habits can influence our confidence level, and confidence is essential in the way we engage with others in the coaching profession. Join us to learn more!
Dr. Jon Finn wrote his best-selling book, The Habit Mechanic: Fine-Tune Your Brain and Supercharge How You Live, Work, and Lead because his life’s mission is to help people be their best in the challenging modern world. His book has been proven to change lives! People have called it “a manual for life” and “a toolkit for success.” With over 30 self-improvement tools, it’s like three books in one!
Dr. Jon Finn founded the award-winning Tougher Minds consultancy and has three psychology-related degrees, including a Ph.D. He has worked in performance psychology, resilience, and leadership science for over 20 years. Tougher Minds uses cutting-edge insights from psychology, behavioral science, neuroscience, and world champions to help organizations develop “Habit Mechanics” and “Chief Habit Mechanics” made of resilient people, outstanding leaders, and world-class teams. Having trained and coached over 10,000 people, Dr. Finn and his colleagues work with global businesses, high-growth startups, individuals, elite athletes, coaches and teams, leading educational institutes, families, the UK government, and think tanks.

293: The Power of Self-Care: Dr. Stan Ward
As we focus on doing more, creating more, and earning more, we lose sight of THE most important thing: self-care. Physically and mentally, our health and well-being are critically important to our satisfaction and success–so why do we often ignore self-care? Self-care practices can run the gamut from luxurious indulgences to very simple breathwork and hydration; ultimately, we want to be our best so we can bring our best to our clients. Join us to learn more from today’s guest!
Dr. Stan Ward knows that the world needs leaders committed to relationships and results. He also knows that creating harmony and productivity is easier said than done. As founder and principal at Influence Coaching, LLC, Dr. Ward partners with leaders to reduce unnecessary conflict, beat burnout, and create sustainable positive change so that they can succeed personally and professionally. Dr. Ward’s clients experience transformation within three months of starting their work with him, and they report lasting results long after they complete his six-month coaching program. Besides his work as a coach and his experience as a professor and administrator in higher education, he is also the author of How to Beat Burnout for Yourself, Your Family, and Your Team, and the co-editor of Ethical Leadership: A Primer. In today’s episode, Stan explains how to face forward into life’s stressors and demands and why we cannot ignore self-care. He shares transparently about his personal experiences when burning the candle at both ends and how he helps clients transform and see long-lasting results through his work to combat burnout. Stan is truly one of my most favorite people, and I’m thrilled to introduce him to our audience today!

292: What Do You Know About the Global ICF? with Anik Clemens, ACC
Today, we will be diving into some things that the global organization, The International Coaching Federation, is doing to grow the industry and change with the times as it meets the needs of a diverse world.
I am delighted to have Anik Clemens on the show today to discuss what the ICF has done and is doing to grow the industry globally. Anik joined ICF Global in October 2018 as a Regional Development Manager, then Volunteer Engagement Director, and now Strategic Development Director for North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In this role, her focus is on developing local and regional markets, deepening member and volunteer engagement, developing long-term partnerships, and sustaining healthy chapter communities.

289: Being a Neurodiversity Coach, with Tracy Winter, Ph.D.
My guest today , Tracy Winter, Ph.D.,does intriguing work in the neurodiversity field, working with gifted people and those diagnosed with ADHD, autism, and more. Join us to open up your mind to all the different areas of life in which coaches can touch and help people.

287: Strengthen Your Impact as a Coach with Donna Zajonc, MCC
I am incredibly excited today to be speaking with Donna Zajonc, Director of Coaching for The Center for The Empowerment Dynamic....

278: Bringing Humanity Back to Conversations: Dr. Karen Rigamonti
We need to value the differences in people’s lives and experiences. Today’s show tackles how we can re-engage with others...

274: My Life Lessons: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
I have a secret to share with you today. It’s my birthday! I thought it would be a great time to have a heart-to-heart chat as...

272: Disrupting Our Default Path: Irene Pace
We all have areas in our lives where we want to make better choices. The problem is that our default patterns keep us trapped!...

271: Create a 5 Star Client Experience: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC, Executive and Mentor Coach
I hope your personal and professional life is off to a tremendous start in 2022! The most effective coaches teach from their...

269: Manage Your Energy, Elevate Your Income: Nadine & Derek Nicholson
Happy 2022! I hope your year is off to a great start! If you’ve ever had feelings of burnout and exhaustion, this show is for...

268: Change Your Negative Narrative, Change Your Life: Pam Aks (Thomas), PCC
Today’s show topic will help bring this year to a culmination and springboard ourselves into 2022. We are discussing getting...

267: Building the Confidence You Need to Show Up Online: Meg Rentschler
Many barriers can get in the way of building the businesses we want. One barrier that comes up for many people is getting in...

266: Optimize Your Learning Superpower: Lucas Root
Today’s show focuses on an often-overlooked resource that we each have within us: our superpower of learning. Join us for this...

265: How to Build a Positive Mindset: Julie Davis-Colan
We are always interested in engaging with the world and our coaching clients in the best way. Today’s show covers how to apply a positive mindset to healthy leadership principles. Join us to learn actionable strategies from today’s expert guest! Julie Davis-Colan is the co-founder of The L Group, Inc., a management consulting firm that […]

264: The Road to Coaching Mastery with Annie Gelfand, MCC
I hope you can focus on gratitude during this Thanksgiving season. I know that I’m immensely grateful for every listener and each wonderful guest of the STaR Coach Show. Today’s discussion is about getting past stumbling blocks to be a powerful partner for our clients. We are also talking about credentialing opportunities for your coaching […]

261: How to Leverage Your Business for Maximum Energy, Impact and Income with Meg Rentschler
In today’s solo episode, I’m sharing my expertise about what successful coaches do to leverage their time and energy to maximize their income, impact, and growth. Join me to learn more about how to give your clients what they need. Show Highlights: ● Why I’ve created a resource page with tools you can use ● […]

260: Find Your Edge, Live More Deeply: David Wood
Welcome to the STaR Coach Show! However you show up in this big world of coaching, there is something here for you in today’s show. We are discussing how finding the edge lights you up and propels your business forward. Join us to learn more! David Wood is a former consulting actuary to Fortune 100 […]

254: Dare to Be Bold: Rick Tamlyn, MCC
Today’s show might challenge us to think differently and expand the ways we engage and bring our impact into the world. Let’s explore together how we can dare to be brave, bold, and courageous with our clients! Rick Tamlyn inspires people to be their best. He teaches that every experience, emotion, reaction, and relationship is […]

251: Reframing Stress with Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
Today’s solo episode takes a deep dive into the stress we’ve all been dealing with over the past 18 months or so. We are now seeing an uptick that tells us that the pandemic isn’t over yet. There are many stressors today, like going back into the workplace or sending our kids back to school. […]

250: Having Difficult Client Conversations: Becca Ribbing
Today’s episode covers the important topic of having difficult conversations with our clients. I’ve seen this come up frequently for coaches, and frankly, it involves taking steps that we are often reluctant to take. We have to remember that being in the highest service to our clients means that we can’t avoid the things that […]

247: Exploring Human Design: Erin Claire Jones
Today’s show explores a tool that may be unfamiliar to most of us. As coaches, we have to be willing to open up new ideas and explore tools that help people be the best that they can be. Join us to learn more about Human Design. Erin Claire Jones uses a process called Human Design […]

241: What is the Transformation You Offer?
What are the results you offer to your coaching clients? If you don’t have a ready answer, or you default to a vague and lofty generalization, then today’s show is just for you. It is absolutely key that coaches have clarity about the transformation we bring to our clients. How we speak and present our […]

240: Finding Alignment: Kristin Kaufman
What does it mean to live a well-aligned life? The concept of alignment is essential for the effective coach to understand. Today’s focus brings a different perspective than our recent discussion of soul alignment back in Episode 238, so I hope you’ll join us to learn more. Kristin Kaufman is the founder of Alignment, Inc., […]

238: Soul Alignment: Sara Loos
One thing I love about doing this show is getting different perspectives from different guests. Today’s show explores how coaches can use soul alignment to help clients tap into their greatest potential. Sara Loos is a transformational coach who, for 20 years, has been helping women in leadership roles learn to make soul-aligned choices so […]

237: The Marvels of Mastering Memory: Chester Santos
One thing we all need to improve is our memory skills. How important is it for a coach, leader, business owner, or entrepreneur to have sharp memory skills? How can these skills increase your value and profitability? Does it take superior intelligence to sharpen your memory, or are there practical techniques that anyone can learn? […]

236: The Empathic Leader: Kris Plachy
What does it mean to be an empathetic leader? Empathy is a good quality for anyone, especially a leader, to have, but it also brings challenges. Today’s show covers the intersection between feelings and leadership and how coaches can help their clients navigate this tricky pathway. Join us to learn more! Kris Plachy is THE […]

233: Follow Your Divine Spark: Cherie Burton
Today’s show covers the important topic of tapping into the wisdom within each of us. Sometimes the spark inside us gets buried by the obstacles and challenges of life. Are you listening to and honoring the voice within you? Join us to learn more! Cherie Burton is a pioneering spiritual psychologist whose evolutionary STAND SPEAK […]

232: Trauma-Mitigation Coaching: Kemia Sarraf, M.D.
This is an important show full of impactful and relevant issues. The truth is that no one is immune to trauma at some point in life. Join us to hear the truth about trauma. Dr. Kemia Sarraf, also known as “Dr. K,” is an internist, educator, and physician and leadership coach who focuses on leadership […]

229: Exploring Vocal Empowerment: Brienne Hennessy
We are exploring a new topic in today’s show as we consider the gift that is our voice, the instrument we use for communication. Join us as we learn about a unique perspective on coaching through vocal empowerment. Brienne Hennessey is a licensed Speech-Voice Pathologist who became a vocal empowerment coach with 13 years of […]

225: Our Beautiful Diversity: Genena Armstrong, ACC
Today’s show brings a unique perspective about the coaching journey. Our topic is timely as we wrap up Black History Month with a conversation about racism, bias, and the primary need for curiosity. Genena Armstrong is a highly sought after ICF-certified professional and personal development coach, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, and best-selling author. She has […]

222: Honoring Cultural Diversity: Rebecca Eldredge, Ph.D.
There is no more relevant topic in today’s social setting than cultural diversity. As coaches, we need to continually examine how we partner with our clients in cultural respectfulness and responsibility. Join us to learn more! Dr. Rebecca Eldredge is a licensed psychologist who focuses on facilitating guidance and support for aspiring allies and anti-racists […]

218: Embodies a Coaching Mindset: Meg Rentschler, MSW, PCC
As we move into a new year, I wish you good health, wellbeing, peace, and prosperity. The challenges of 2020 remain, so we must...

217: 12 Proven Steps to Happiness and Well-Being: Gemma Nastasi
Welcome to our final show of 2020, a year filled with challenges, grief, struggles, and overwhelm. It’s also been a year of...

214: A Focus on Creating Your Best Life: Caroline Miller, MAPP
Today’s show delivers again with strategies, tools, and resources to help you show up as your best self. I’m thrilled to hear...

213: Helping Physicians Beat Burnout and Thrive with Coaching: Dr. Gail Gazelle
2020 has undoubtedly been a year of building resilience in revolutionary ways, which is the focus of today’s show. If you coach...

207: Honoring the Art of Deep Listening: Tijen Genco, MCC
We know that it’s vital for coaches to show up with curiosity and deep listening skills. The deep listening we are referring to...

205: Exploring Spiritual IQ: Amy Lynn Durham
Today’s show looks through a different lens to bring a different perspective to an essential element of a coaching practice. My...

200: What I Know Now That I Wish I’d Known When I First Started Coaching
It’s here! The 200th episode of the STaR Coach Show! I’m thrilled and honored to have covered such informative content with the...

198: Bring Coaching to the Ends of the World: Mel Leow, MCC
Mel Leow is a Master Certified Coach. He is sharing the impact that coaching has had on his business, family, and views on social responsibility around the world. Mel is transparent, open, and authentic about the highs and lows of his coaching business, what motivated him into coaching, …