Coaching Clinic: scale your business, acquire high ticket clients & master coaching skills
Coaching Clinic is the go-to podcast for new and experienced professional coaches who want to grow a thriving, sustainable business and get better results with clients. Hosted by veteran coaches John Ball and Angela Besignano, this weekly show delivers actionable coaching strategies, business-building insights, and real-world tools to help you attract clients, master your craft, and scale with confidence. From powerful client conversations to group coaching design, sales, mindset, and marketing—this is your backstage pass to what really works in coaching today.
How to Manage Over-Talkative Clients in Coaching Sessions
Keeping Coaching Sessions on Track: Handling Clients Who Talk Too Much.
SUMMARY
John & Angie discuss a common coaching challenge: clients or prospects who dominate calls, talk over the coach, and leave no space for productive coaching. They argue that effective coaches must stay in the “driver’s seat” or “pace car,” setting expectations up front that interruptions may occur to prevent unproductive rambling or to pause to address important nuances. They share tactics such as politely interrupting, redirecting, summarising what was said, asking clients to nutshell the point, and helping clients choose the most impactful focus for...
How to Start and Scale Your Coaching Business: Expert Tips from Angie and John
The Business of Coaching: Vision, Strategy, and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Angie and John discuss the dos and don’ts of building a coaching business, reflecting on how they started with little guidance and often spent money on marketing and setup that didn’t work. They emphasise creating a clear vision of what “success” looks like (lifestyle solopreneur vs. scaling with staff), understanding finances and time constraints, and following a general progression from one-to-one coaching to groups and then scaling. They warn against getting distracted by non-priorities, overspending without a strategy, and growing too quickly, sharing an example of a sta...
The Power of Preparedness in Coaching Sessions
Prepared Coaching: Notes, Energy, and Being Fully Present with Clients
SUMMARY:
Angie and John discuss why showing up unprepared to coaching sessions harms client outcomes and rapport, and why “work before the work” matters.
They emphasise protecting energy and presence by avoiding back-to-back sessions and building in at least 15 minutes between calls to reset, review prior notes, and track action steps. They argue that coaches who wing sessions without notes or tracking may be adequate but cannot be masterful, and that forgetting prior commitments is a “bad look” that can damage trust, renewals, reputati...
My coaching calendar is fully booked! What can I do?
We know some problems are good problems to have, but they still need solutions. In this episode, Angie and John discuss the real challenges coaches face when reaching their capacity limits. They share insights on managing workload, setting boundaries, and scaling your coaching business sustainably while maintaining quality and personal well-being.
Key Topics
The emotional and mental impact of reaching coaching capacityUnderstanding and defining your personal coaching limitHow solopreneurs can avoid burnout and manage their time effectivelyStrategies for handling client waitlists and managing client engagementShifting from one-on-one to group coaching to increase capacityBuilding a referral network...Prioritising What Clients Need to Hear For Effective Coaching
Navigating Client Communication: What Coaches Should and Shouldn't Say.
In this episode, John and Angie discuss the complexities of communication in coaching relationships. They explore the fine line between coaching and consulting, emphasising the importance of prioritising what clients need to hear without overwhelming them. They also talk about the potential pitfalls of sharing personal information and expressing judgments, whether positive or negative. The conversation includes anecdotes about awkward or uncomfortable situations, emphasising the need for coaches to stay detached and focused on the client's growth. Listeners are encouraged to share their own experiences regarding communication mistakes...
Can You Coach Anyone on Anything? Boundaries, Credibility and Imposter Syndrome
Can you coach anyone on anything?
It’s a question that sounds simple but exposes some of the deepest tensions in the coaching profession.
In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John and Angie unpack what really sits behind this debate. Not just imposter syndrome, but credibility, boundaries, ethics, and the uncomfortable moments coaches don’t talk about openly.
They explore:
The difference between pure coaching and consulting or mentoringWhy having tools matters more than having the “right” backgroundWhat happens when sessions drift into territory coaches are not trained forHow credibility crises show up...Feedback Dilemmas: Maintaining Healthy Client Relations
Summary:
The Role of Feedback in Coaching: Balancing Guidance and Independence. In this solo episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie dives into the complexities of providing feedback to clients. She discusses the importance of allowing clients to rely on their own observations rather than the coach's validation. Angie shares her strategies for addressing clients' habitual need for approval and explains how coaches can navigate this delicate aspect to encourage self-evaluation and independence in their clients. She also invites listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on managing feedback in coaching relationships.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction...
Planting the Seeds of Success: The Power of Branding in Coaching
SUMMARY
Many coaches do the work, show up consistently, and still wonder why their business feels stuck.
In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, John and Angie unpack the often-overlooked principle that coaching businesses grow in direct proportion to what you intentionally plant, not what you hope will happen.
Using the simple metaphor of sowing and reaping, the conversation explores why visibility alone does not create momentum, why being busy is not the same as being strategic, and why many coaches accidentally dilute their brand by trying to do too much, too early.<...
Brand Dilution: Why Coaches and Speakers Lose Authority by Trying to Be Everything
Building a Strong Coaching Brand
SUMMARY
If your coaching or speaking business feels stuck, there’s a good chance the problem is not your skill. It’s your brand clarity.
In this episode, John and Angie break down how coaches and speakers accidentally dilute their authority by trying to be “all things to all people”, taking random collaborations, chasing visibility without strategy, and constantly changing direction. The result: mixed messaging, weak positioning, and an audience that cannot tell what you stand for, or who you actually help.
You’ll hear why associatio...
Goal Setting For The Year Ahead
The Philosophy of Goal Setting
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Angie and John discuss the concept of goal-setting for the year ahead. They explore the effectiveness of New Year's resolutions, the importance of consistency, and the need for reflection before setting new goals. They emphasise the significance of breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and the necessity of doing what one loves to maintain motivation. The discussion also touches on the impact of distractions, financial awareness, and the importance of choosing a guiding word for the year ahead.
<...
How To Handle The Ups & Downs of Life as a Coach
The Highs & Lows of Being A Professional Coach & How to Handle Them
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Angie and John reflect on their experiences over the past year, discussing the ups and downs of their coaching journeys. They emphasize the importance of flexibility, mentorship, and the understanding that success is often temporary. The duo shares insights on navigating the noise in the coaching industry and the necessity of continuous learning and growth. They conclude with a focus on the importance of presence and the mindset needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of...
Seasons Greetings From John & Angie
No episode this week, just a short message from us both to wish you a happy Christmas or whatever you choose to celebrate over the holidays. We'll be back next week with our wins and losses episode to wrap up the year. Much love, John & Angie
Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do, and we might feature you on our next episode. All you need to do is go to https://speakpipe.com/thecoachingclinicpodcast and leave us a message. You can also find our clips and full episodes on...
Why Great Coaches Stay Broke
The Hidden Truths of Coaching Success
SUMMARY
In this conversation, Angie and John discuss the challenges faced by coaches and speakers in achieving financial success. They explore the importance of marketing, the need for a business mindset, and the significance of building credibility through testimonials. The discussion emphasises that talent alone is not enough; visibility and consistent promotion are crucial for success in the coaching industry.
John's LinkedIn Article: Why Great Speakers Stay Broke (and Great Coaches)
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Many talented coaches struggle financially due to lack of marketing.The...Is AI a Better Coach Than Me?
AI in Coaching: A Tool or a Threat?
SUMMARY
In this episode, Angie and John dive into the ongoing debate about the role of AI in the coaching industry. They discuss their personal experiences and concerns about AI tools like ChatGPT potentially replacing human coaches. While they acknowledge the administrative and brainstorming benefits of AI, they emphasise that human coaching offers irreplaceable elements such as emotional intelligence, accountability, and personalised support. The conversation also touches upon the ethical limitations of AI and the need to use these tools to enhance rather than replace human capabilities...
Should I Become A Coach?
The Realities of Becoming a Professional Coach
SUMMARY
John and Angie discuss the challenges and rewards of becoming a professional coach. They highlight the personal and professional demands of coaching, the importance of realistic expectations, and the need for thorough preparation. The conversation underscores the differences between coaching, consulting, and mentorship, emphasising that coaching is not a quick or easy path to success. The hosts also touch on the high failure rates in the coaching industry and the misleading marketing tactics that oversimplify the process of becoming a successful coach. They conclude with a call...
Trust and Transformation: The Trust Deficit in Personal Development
Addressing the Trust Deficit in Coaching with Jules Wyman
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, host Johnny welcomes Jules Wyman, a seasoned confidence coach, to discuss the prevalent trust deficit in the coaching and personal development industry. They delve into how excessive marketing and a focus on quick fixes have eroded genuine trust. Jules emphasises the importance of authenticity, critical thinking, discernment, and building real relationships with clients. They critique the industry's overreliance on hype and big promises, and the discussion shifts to the need for self-trust and gradual, sustainable growth. Additionally, Jules...
Getting Clients: Going From Clueless To Competent As Coaches
Navigating the Challenges of Solopreneurship and Coaching
Summary
In this episode, John and Angie discuss the common misconceptions about the ease of running a coaching business and the continuous challenges faced by solopreneurs. They emphasise that despite their experience and successes, the journey is ongoing and filled with obstacles. The conversation highlights the importance of consistently acquiring clients, the unrealistic expectations versus the reality of the coaching industry, and the significance of having a clear vision and strategy. They also touch on the evolving landscape of coaching, the impact of increased competition and resources, and...
Coaching Reality Check: Addressing Industry Slowdowns (That's Slow-business!)
Navigating the Shifts in the Coaching Industry: Strategies for Stability and Growth
SUMMARY
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the unsettling trend of declining work availability in larger coaching firms, leading to unease among coaches. They examine the contributing factors such as market saturation, economic shifts, and internal developments within organisations. The hosts provide insightful strategies for coaches to maintain stability, including diversifying income streams, increasing rates, and establishing a unique coaching niche. They emphasise the importance of proactive planning, self-assessment, and the potential benefits of having independent clients alongside those from larger firms...
Expectations vs. Reality: An Inside Look at Building a Coaching Business
Navigating Challenges in Building a Successful Coaching Business
SUMMARY
In this episode, John and Angie dive into the common challenges faced by coaches when building a successful coaching business. They debunk the myth that starting a coaching business is easy and highlight the importance of doing foundational work, managing expectations, and staying persistent. They also discuss the significance of having a strong 'why,' identifying target clients, and employing effective marketing strategies. The hosts share insights on maintaining momentum, learning through flexibility and experimentation, and setting realistic goals. Additionally, they emphasise the value of strategic...
Why Every Coach Needs a Book: Amplify Your Influence
How to Write and Successfully Publish Your Coaching Book with Jordan Ring
SUMMARY
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic podcast, host John welcomes guest Jordan Ring, an expert in ghostwriting and book coaching, to discuss the importance of coaches authoring their own books. The conversation begins humorously with an AI Angie temporarily taking Angie's place. Jordan and John delve into why coaches should consider writing a book, the benefits of having a book, such as boosted credibility and more speaking opportunities, and the process involved in creating one. They also touch on the importance...
The Coaching Conundrum: Coaching Coaches in a Saturated Market
The Overwhelming Proliferation of Coaching: Navigating Quality, Credibility, and Industry Challenges
SUMMARY
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the burgeoning field of coaching and the saturation of the market with coaches coaching other coaches. They explore how COVID-19 shifted the coaching landscape and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable coaching business. They delve into the distinctions between coaching, consulting, and mentoring while reflecting on their own journeys and experiences. Additionally, they highlight the importance of credibility, trust, and the differentiation of genuine coaching practices from the 'quick-hit' gimmicky approaches. The conversation also includes insights...
The Secret to Engaging Long-Term Clients
Keeping Coaching Relationships Fresh: Strategies for Long-Term Client Engagement
SUMMARY
In this episode, coaches John and Angie discuss the challenges and strategies of maintaining impactful and dynamic coaching relationships with long-term clients. They emphasise the importance of continuous growth and development as a coach to bring new elements to sessions, avoiding over-familiarity, and setting professional boundaries. They also share methods for revitalising coaching relationships, such as regular client feedback and self-assessment to ensure sessions remain engaging and relevant. Angie highlights the need for curiosity and challenging clients appropriately, while John discusses maintaining professional integrity and...
Elevate Your Coaching Practice Through Self-Review
Mastering Self-Review for Coaches: Growth Without Self-Loathing
SUMMARY
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the importance of self-review for coaches, comparing it to personal trainers who never exercise. They emphasize that effective self-evaluation helps coaches improve and avoid becoming complacent. Angie shares her journey of initially being uncomfortable with self-review, while John highlights the value of constructive feedback. Together, they explore the balance between constructive criticism and self-compassion, detailing how feedback and self-assessment can drive personal and professional growth. Practical tips include asking clients for feedback, reviewing coaching sessions objectively, and keeping track of...
Mindful Coaching During Global Turbulence
Navigating Coaching During Turbulent Times: Ethical Boundaries and Client Care
SUMMARY
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the complexities of coaching clients amidst the backdrop of major world events and personal challenges. They explore how coaches can effectively hold space for clients without succumbing to toxic positivity, and the importance of checking in on clients’ emotional states. The conversation delves into the ethical boundaries coaches may need to set for themselves when clients' beliefs or behaviours conflict with their own values. They share personal anecdotes about handling difficult coaching situations and emphasise the need fo...
Coaching sensitive topics
Handling Sensitive Client Revelations in Coaching Sessions
In this welcome-back episode, Angie and John delve into the challenging scenario of clients unexpectedly revealing sensitive issues during coaching sessions. They discuss the importance of not overstepping boundaries and trying to become a therapist, but instead, how to handle such topics with skill and humanity. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and strategies for managing these moments, while maintaining a safe and supportive space for clients. They also touch upon maintaining emotional neutrality, asking guiding questions, and allowing clients to process their thoughts and emotions without feeling judged. Additionally, John...
Feeling Ignored: How to Be Heard Without Shouting - Professional Speaking: Known. Booked. Paid.
Overcoming the Feeling of Being Ignored: Real Stories and Practical Strategies
SUMMARY
In this episode, the host and his coaching friend James discuss the painful experience of feeling ignored, whether at work, online, or among friends. They share personal stories and explore the reasons why feeling ignored can hurt deeply. The conversation delves into strategies to combat this feeling, including setting boundaries, persistence, and reframing rejection. They emphasise the importance of self-awareness, the value of small successes, and not letting fear of judgment hold you back. With practical advice for speaking up and being heard...
Summer Haitus
Summer Break Announcement & Upcoming Content Plans
Summary
John announces that the Coaching Clinic podcast will be taking a summer break after over 60 episodes. They plan to return in late August or early September with more interviews, joint episodes, and individual content.
In the meantime, they encourage you to share your coaching-related questions and challenges with the potential of being featured on future episodes.
John and Angie wish you a wonderful and restful summer.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement
00:17 Upcoming Content and Listener Engagement
<...Clients Ghosting: What It Means, How To Respond, And The Most Common Causes
Navigating Ghosting in the Coaching Industry: Strategies and Realities
Summary
In this episode, the focus is on the phenomenon of 'ghosting' within the coaching industry, where clients or even coaches cut off communication without explanation. The discussion includes reasons why clients might ghost, strategies for handling such situations, and the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity. Practical advice is shared on managing payments, setting clear expectations, and preparing for renewal conversations. The episode also touches on dealing with negative online reviews and emphasises that while ghosting is an unavoidable part of the business, most client...
Optimizing Client Engagement: Choosing the Right Medium for Coaching Sessions
Exploring Effective Coaching Session Modalities: In-Person, Phone, and Virtual
Summary
In this episode, Angie from the Coaching Clinic discusses various methods of conducting coaching sessions, including in-person, over the phone, and virtually face-to-face. She shares her personal experiences and preferences, highlighting the pros and cons of each approach. Angie invites viewers to share their own methods and insights on what works best for them, emphasising the importance of finding a comfortable and distraction-free environment to deliver impactful coaching sessions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Session Delivery Methods
00:41 Face-to-Face Coaching: Pros and...
Mastering Group Coaching – Energy, Engagement, and Real-World Tips
Group coaching isn’t just a way to scale—it’s a different coaching game altogether.
In this episode, John and Angie take you inside the real dynamics of group coaching: what works, what flops, and what you really need to know to lead confident, high-impact group sessions.
They share stories from their earliest coaching days, swap lessons learned from both in-person and online groups, and break down the energy, tone, and facilitation skills you need to keep people present and participating.
What you’ll learn:
The key differences between 1:1 and group coaching...Uncomplicated Self-Care: A Coach's Path to Wellbeing
Essential Self-Care Strategies for Coaches: Simple Steps to Boost Your Well-being
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, we discuss three straightforward strategies to help coaches take better care of their health. Inspired by a fitness expert's insights, the episode emphasises the importance of regular movement, staying hydrated, and considering intermittent fasting. The host shares personal experiences, including daily swimming and intermittent fasting, and encourages coaches to integrate simple, sustainable practices into their routines to enhance both their personal and professional lives.
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the Coaching Clinic
00:43...
Am I a Bad Coach? Spotting the Signs & Fixing What’s Broken
Have you ever left a coaching session wondering, “Was that any good?” Or worse, have you had a coach who clearly wasn’t?
In this eye-opening episode of The Coaching Clinic, John Ball and Angela Besignano tackle one of the most uncomfortable but important questions in the coaching world: What makes someone a bad coach, and how do you know if that someone is you?
Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been coaching for years, this conversation explores:
The warning signs of ineffective coachingScripted coaching vs. presence and real connectionWhy imposter syndrome n...Coaches Exploring AI: Tools, Challenges, and Opportunities
Embracing AI: Tools, Tips, and Ethical Considerations in Coaching
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss their initial experiences and approaches to using AI tools in their coaching businesses. They delve into various applications of AI, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI note-takers for improving efficiency in content creation and client interactions. The hosts share their thoughts on the potential of AI to enhance human capabilities while emphasising the importance of careful verification to avoid issues like AI hallucinations. They also reflect on the balance between leveraging AI for administrative tasks and maintaining the...
A Quick Announcement from John at The Coaching Clinic Podcast
The Coaching Clinic podcast now has its own YouTube page.
Join us there to share your thoughts, questions and feedback with John & Angie.
If you were getting show content or the podcast feed through the Present Influence channel, you can still access past episodes but future episodes and clips will only be on our exclusive channel.
Here's the link to subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@coachingclinicpodcast
Want to contact the show? You can leave us a voicemail. It's free to do and we might feature you on our next episode. All...
AI Tools for Coaches: Insights with Dr. Lisa Turner
Leveraging AI in Coaching: Insights from Dr. Lisa Turner
Summary
In this episode, coaches Angie and John explore the use of AI tools in coaching with expert Dr. Lisa Turner. Dr. Turner shares her journey from engineering to coaching, explaining how she systematized spiritual awakening and integrated AI tools into her coaching practice. She discusses the evolving effectiveness of AI, identifies areas where AI can outperform human coaches, and highlights processes that remain uniquely human. The episode also delves into the practical applications of AI in coaching, such as automating business tasks, identifying client patterns...
Enhancing Connection in Coaching Sessions
Maintaining Client Connection: Building Rapport and Energy Management Tips for Coaches
Summary
In this episode, Coach John discusses the importance of building and maintaining a strong connection with coaching clients, whether through one-to-one sessions or group coaching. He emphasises the value of smiling, energy management, and setting the right tone from the outset. Coach John also covers techniques such as tactical empathy, eye contact, body language, and storytelling to deepen client relationships. Additionally, he provides advice on how to regain lost rapport and respond to potential miscommunications. The episode concludes with a teaser for upcoming...
When Life Happens: Knowing When to Postpone a Coaching Session
Managing Personal Energy for Effective Coaching
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, Angie Besignano discusses the crucial but often overlooked topic of coaches managing their own energy.
Angie stresses the importance of acknowledging our humanity as coaches and questions the traditional push-through mentality. She shares personal experiences and highlights the need for self-care to ensure that coaches can deliver high-quality sessions.
Angie invites listeners to share their strategies for managing difficult days and maintaining a balance between personal well-being and professional obligations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and...
Mastering Growth: When and How to Scale Your Coaching Practice
Scaling Up Your Coaching Business: When and How to Grow
Summary
In this episode, Angie and John discuss the timing and strategy of scaling up a coaching business. They share their personal experiences and challenges faced while growing their own businesses, emphasising the importance of monitoring progress and not rushing into expansion. They explore different scaling methods, including moving from one-on-one to group coaching, adding workshops, professional speaking, and other income streams. They stress the need for a well-thought-out plan and adapting as you go. The episode also highlights the importance of having a coach...
Scaling Success: Transitioning from One-to-One to Group Coaching
Scaling Your Coaching Business: Transitioning from One-to-One to Group Coaching
Summary
In this episode of the Coaching Clinic, the focus is on how coaches can scale up their business by transitioning from one-to-one to group coaching. The episode outlines the benefits, such as gaining more time and delivering substantial value to clients, and addresses potential hesitations. Practical advice is provided on managing group dynamics, maintaining energy levels, and integrating group sessions seamlessly into existing practices. John also shares personal experiences and tips for encouraging clients to try group coaching. Listeners are invited to provide feedback...
Diving Deeper With Long Term Clients
Deep Diving with Long-Term Coaching Clients: Maintaining Depth and Challenge
Summary
In this episode of The Coaching Clinic, hosts Angie and John discuss the challenges and strategies for maintaining meaningful and deep engagements with long-term coaching clients.
They explore the importance of ongoing self-reflection for coaches, recognising when sessions become too conversational and ensuring that coaching continues to provide value beyond just emotional support.
Additionally, they talk about handling sensitive topics, balancing patience with the need to challenge clients, and respecting boundaries when clients are not ready to delve into certain...
