Lead With A Coaching Mindset Podcast

In this episode we unpack Chapter 4 — the coaching agreement — and why clear onboarding and intentional contracting set the foundation for every coaching relationship inside organizations. We walk through practical steps leaders can take: clarify expectations and communication channels, tailor support to each new hire, connect people into culture, set measurable goals, and create ongoing learning opportunities. We also cover hybrid/remote nuances (you must be more deliberate when people aren’t co-located), how to repair weak onboarding (“you’re never too late”), and the “tango” truth: onboarding requires both manager and employee to be intentional. Practical, bite-size ideas you can use this week to make new hires—and existing teammates—feel set up to succeed.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode Damian and Elaine continue Chapter 3 — Mindset Is Everything: Developing Your Inner Coach. They explore how our inner conversation either supports or sabotages progress, and Damian shares a personal story about discipline, self-trust, and the habits that built his own inner coach. We dig into Pam McLean’s framework—presence, emotional awareness, boundaries, systems, courage, and embodiment—and practical steps to regulate emotion in a VUCA/BUNNY world (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous → brittle, anxious, non-linear, incomprehensible). The conversation also tackles modern supports: when to seek help, how AI “agents” might augment leadership, and simple daily practices leaders can use to cultivate mindfulness, reflective space, and better decision-making. Tune in for actionable tips on listening to your inner voice, creating nonjudgmental reflective time, and inviting others to help you grow — because leadership starts from the inside out.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we dig into Chapter 3 — Mindset Is Everything: Developing Your Inner Coach. Damian and Elaine define a coaching mindset as a way of being: trusting people, committing to continuous development, creating intentional reflective space, staying alert to culture and context, and bringing your authentic self and intuition to the work. We cover practical tactics leaders can use today — short weekly learning rituals, free industry briefs, quick coaching moments during a walk or commute, and Nancy Kline–style rules for reflective spaces (silence, good questions, place, and non-interruption). Learn how to move conversations from present → future and surface → depth so teams learn faster, make better decisions, and stay resilient amid change.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we unpack ethical maturity — how leaders make hard choices in the gray areas and then live with, explain, and learn from those choices.We define ethical maturity’s core moves (decision, implementation, explanation, peace, and learning), explore how culture and multicultural teams shape ethics, and show why self-awareness, values clarity, emotion, intuition, and context matter as much as facts.Damian also shares six practical questions to test tough decisions (e.g., “Would I be happy if this appeared in tomorrow’s news?”) and practical advice for leading transparently through layoffs and other painful moments.➤ Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this conversation we dig into why ethical leadership is the engine of a coaching mindset. We define ethics vs. morality, and stress integrity — consistency between what leaders say and what they do — as the foundation of trust. We explore practical behaviors: transparency (and how to say “I can’t share that yet”), respect, confidentiality, and the courage to confront mistakes with dignity. We also unpack values work and four pillars of personal integrity (self-awareness, self-legitimization, self-completion, self-love) as tools leaders use to make better decisions and model the behavior they expect. Finally, we discuss pitfalls (public feedback that misses its target) and leave listeners with concrete ways to bring ethics into everyday coaching conversations. ➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this conversation we explore why leaders who adopt a coaching mindset attract, develop, and retain top talent. We unpack practical habits—listening well, aligning personal and organizational values, and having short, high-quality coaching moments—that convert everyday interactions into growth opportunities. We discuss how visibility and emotional presence help teams navigate anxiety and uncertainty, why psychological safety matters more than ever, and how coaching conversations (even five minutes long) signal to candidates and employees that this is a place to learn and belong. We close with a look at team performance: why collaboration beats individual brilliance when leaders create the right environment.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore why a coaching mindset drives engagement, trust, and respect across teams. We discuss how leaders who prioritize curiosity, presence, and creating awareness turn everyday conversations into development opportunities. We cover when to flex between directive and coaching styles, how self-awareness shapes leader effectiveness, and practical steps to make conversations intentional rather than reactive. Listeners walk away with concrete tactics for building psychological safety, spotting blind spots, and holding people accountable without sacrificing empathy.About the hosts: Damian Goldvarg brings frameworks from Lead With a Coaching Mindset and the ICF competencies to show how leaders design real learning processes. Elaine Padilla guides the dialogue, translating concepts into bite-size actions leaders can use in one-on-ones, team meetings, and performance conversations. Together they model the conversational patterns the episode promotes: listening first, asking better questions, and following up with clear agreements.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset ➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com ➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes.

In this episode we explore how leaders navigate overwhelm and uncertainty while sustaining connection, learning, and forward motion. We discuss practical coaching habits — listening with empathy, pacing conversations so people are ready to move from grief to rebuilding, and using foresight to prepare for multiple scenarios. We examine how leaders balance human connection with technology adoption, when AI can augment basic coaching and when human wisdom and intuition remain essential. Listeners will leave with concrete prompts for empathic conversations and steps to coach change into their teams.Andrea Chilcote brings three decades of executive coaching and organizational development experience as founder and CEO of Morningstar Ventures. She synthesizes frontline leadership work with research on post-pandemic needs and has written What Leaders Need Now to capture practical guidance for turbulent times. Andrea helps leaders build resilience, improve team cohesion, and align development practices with strategic change. Her focus on listening, empathy, and pragmatic foresight models the coaching mindset we recommend for sustaining engagement and catalyzing recovery.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore how a coaching mindset becomes a practical leadership advantage in volatile times. We hear Paulo Pisano reflect on the meta-competencies — curiosity, presence, active listening and openness — that he cultivates across teams at Booking and beyond. Paulo explains how coaching shifts our focus from fixing tasks to shifting the way we observe situations (first- and second-order learning), and why contracting, boundary-setting and offering help clearly are essential when coaching inside an organization. We share his tips for leaders: prioritize mindset before tools, keep practicing self-awareness, and design team spaces that turn individual expertise into coordinated impact.Paulo Pisano brings decades of global HR and OD experience across more than 30 countries. An INSEAD MBA and UFRJ alumnus, Paulo blends strategy, M&A integration and executive coaching with somatic and ontological approaches. He has coached senior executives, designed leadership development, and led large transformation efforts in financial services, tech and energy. Currently Chief HR Officer at Galp, Paulo is also a NED/Trustee at Stir Education and an accredited ICF coach. His work models how coaching practices scale culture and improve organizational learning.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore how leaders create the conditions for high-performing sales teams. We talk with Susan Heiser, VP of Sales at MaryRuth Organics, about the habits that scaled a startup into a top retail brand: radical transparency from the top, empowering people to make decisions, and building a safe “try-and-learn” environment. Susan shares practical routines—brief daily check-ins, visible calendars, and public praise plus private correction—that keep teams aligned under pressure. She also describes how she turned a weakness (data fluency) into a strength by training and promoting from within, and why loyalty and willingness to learn often trump raw ability.Susan Heiser brings 20+ years in food & beverage sales leadership to the conversation. As VP of Sales at MRO MaryRuth, LLC, she’s driven brand growth, managed national sales teams, and built strategic retail programs. With a law degree from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Susan combines legal rigor with commercial savvy and a people-first approach. Her track record shows how coaching leaders can develop talent, retain employees, and turn setbacks into new opportunities.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

We explore how to create exceptional employee experiences by centering inclusion, strong team design, and data-informed people practices. We walk through practical moves leaders can make — from intentional onboarding and talent conversations to workforce planning and performance management — that help employees see new possibilities and feel supported through non-linear career paths. We also discuss how empathy, skilled facilitation, and translating the stories behind the data lead to better decisions and sustained results.We welcome Helena Curtis, a seasoned HR leader who builds values-driven workplaces where inclusion is foundational. Helena shares her playbook for getting the right people in the right roles, designing onboarding that sticks, using talent analytics to surface real employee needs, and creating tailored development paths. She explains why coaching, targeted workforce planning, and clear performance practices convert strategy into measurable outcomes — and offers quick tools listeners can start using this week.Key takeaways: prioritize human-centered onboarding, listen for the employee story behind the metrics, invest in fair talent practices, and treat inclusion as daily practice rather than a checkbox.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore ethical leadership—why integrity matters and how values-driven decisions build trust across teams and institutions. Donna-Marie Darlington-Dawes draws on 25+ years at the World Bank Group, IFC and the UN to show how ethical practice underpins coaching, inclusion, and organizational resilience. We discuss concrete actions—modeling behavior, creating safe spaces, speaking truth to power, and advancing DEI through forums like Women of Courage—that help leaders act with courage, restore credibility, and sustain engagement. We also highlight common pitfalls and practical next steps.Donna-Marie is a DEI and leadership expert with over 25 years across the World Bank Group, IFC and the United Nations. She has led signature programs: the World Bank Group Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Women of Color / Women of Courage forums, IFC’s Global Center of Excellence for Learning, induction redesign, and coaching programs for middle and senior managers. A PhD in Organizational Communication and Counseling Psychology, a certified executive coach and former instructor, she blends scholarship and hands-on program leadership to advance inclusive, values-based leadership globally.➤ 📘 Pre-order: Lead With a Coaching Mindset — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe: Please hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you won’t miss future episodes — and share it.

In this episode we explore foresight—how leaders relate to the future and prepare for many possible outcomes. Ariel explains why predicting one single future is risky and why we must shift from designing around jobs to designing around activities that can be automated, augmented, or remain human-led. We discuss practical mindsets: stay curious, embrace uncertainty, learn to reinvent continuously, and develop what Ariel calls “kinetic intelligence”—the capacity to stay in motion, test options, and recalibrate. Expect concrete examples about AI’s short- and long-term impact, career planning metaphors (GPS → LEGO), and how to keep the leader in the driving seat as technology accelerates change.We host Ariel Regatky, Managing Director and global HR leader at Citi, with 20+ years guiding transformation across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Ariel has led talent strategy for businesses of 100,000+ employees, shaping leadership programs, digital and AI transitions, and culture change. He blends strategic insight with a human-centered vision, helping leaders reinvent themselves, close skills gaps, and prepare organizations for multiple futures.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!

In this episode we explore coaching presence—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others. We discuss practical habits that protect attention (phone-free meetings, intentional check-ins, short mindfulness exercises) and tactics for deeper listening: asking curious questions, sitting with silence, and centering the other person’s agenda. We examine trade-offs—time pressure, notifications, back-to-back Zooms—and offer simple remedies leaders can adopt to be more present and energize their teams.Bill Thompson is the President & Head of Growth at Young Storytellers. Bill led the organization through notable growth and sustainability as Executive Director (2008–2023) and now focuses on scaling impact. A Yale (MFA) and University of the Arts (BFA) graduate, Bill blends theater training with nonprofit leadership, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and listening as core leadership competencies. He’s a City Scholars fellow, Create CA Policy Council member, and recipient of awards for innovation and leadership development.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future

In this episode we explore how to build effective relationships with new employees. Alexis Ekizian walks us through his playbook: spend the first weeks listening more than talking, invest time in one-on-ones, run a team “who I am / what to expect” session, and set clear expectations up front (roles, targets, cadence). We discuss how that early investment creates psychological safety, speeds onboarding, and prevents small issues from exploding later. Alexis also addresses pressure points—targets, hybrid work, and imposter feelings—and how prioritizing well-being and rapid, honest feedback keeps performance sustainable.We host Alexis Ekizian, Head of Agencies & Partners for Google Spanish-speaking Latin America, with 15 years at Google. A computer engineer with advanced training in managerial development and a Master’s in Big Data & Business Intelligence, Alexis blends technical savvy with sales and marketing leadership. He’s built high-performing teams that deliver tech solutions for mid-market clients and is known for adapting his leadership style to individual needs while driving measurable results across the region.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future

In this episode we explore how leaders at UNICEF adopt a coaching mindset to develop people and drive impact. We focus on career-centered learning, 360° feedback, and coaching that normalizes mistakes as learning opportunities. Elaine shares vivid examples—leaders who rotate drivers to build inclusion, reps who empower staff to decide, and managers who model humility and growth. We discuss practical tensions (time, emergencies, hybrid work) and concrete habits leaders use to coach under pressure: candid feedback, developmental conversations, and small, regular investments in staff growth.We host Elaine Lowe, Chief of Global Talent Development at UNICEF (Istanbul). Elaine holds a master’s from the London School of Economics and a BA from the University of the West Indies. She has led performance, career and leadership strategies across UNICEF and the FAO, centering career development in learning. Elaine is passionate about empowering diverse teams, role-modeling inclusive leadership, and building sustainable organizational capacity so leaders can do more with less while growing their people.➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes.

In this episode, we explore contracting—the foundational step for building effective working relationships. We define contracting as clarifying expectations around communication style, decision-making, conflict, and boundaries (e.g., camera-on norms for remote work). You’ll hear real examples of how failing to contract can erode trust, and why explicitly agreeing on roles, response times, and disagreement protocols prevents misunderstandings. We share practical contracting questions—like “How will we handle conflict?” and “What does success look like for you?”—that set teams up to collaborate confidently from day one.We’re thrilled to host Nancy H. Spiegel, Executive Leader for Medical Education, Leadership Development & Wellness at Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and Director of Clinical Science Operations at Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. With 30 years at Kaiser, Nancy designs leadership and graduate medical education programs, outcome-driven wellness initiatives, and change-management strategies. She’s overseen organizational development, research, and the Employee Assistance Program, and taught organizational psychology at the University of Rochester. Nancy’s expertise in contracting and culture-building guides leaders toward more transparent, high-trust environments.➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!

In this episode, I explore cultivating trust as the bedrock of a coaching mindset. I define trust as believing in someone’s reliability, honesty, and integrity, then share why it’s essential before any coaching can happen. Referencing the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer, I unpack four strategies—transparency, engagement, ethical conduct, and collaboration—to rebuild dwindling confidence in leadership. You hear how clear communication, involving people in decision‑making, and honoring commitments prevent groupthink and foster psychological safety. I discuss practical steps to listen deeply, share openly, and partner intentionally to show that you truly have your team’s best interests at heart.I’m honored to have Silvia Shin, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS, as my guest. As Director of Organizational Development and Training at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, she leads leadership programs, coaching services, and culture‑change initiatives for a diverse workforce. With over 20 years of service, Silvia blends her nursing background, professional coaching certification, and mindfulness teaching to facilitate group processes—from brainstorming to quality improvement. Her “people first” mantra drives every strategy she implements to build trust and sustain high‑performance teams.➤ 📘 Pre-order "Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential"http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset➤ 🌐 Learn more about my work: goldvargconsulting.com➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned Hit “Subscribe” on the platform you’re listening on so you won’t miss future episodes!