The Business of Executive Coaching

If you’ve been wondering how exactly you should announce the starting of your business on LinkedIn, this episode is for you. I was asked this very specifically this week, and I realised that it was a question that people ask me in lots of different ways so I wanted to capture my thoughts here. Many coaches get a bit hung up on doing this “right,”which usually results in not doing it at all, or perhaps sneaking it in and not capitalising on the business potential that comes with an official launch. So if you are about to make the leap and make the announcement, or think you might need to re-introduce your business, I hope this is the practical help you need to take action.  If you’d like to discuss whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator could be a good move for you as you launch your business, you can book a call here: http://elliescarf.com/bookacall

If you’ve ever felt like you could offer everything as a coach but don’t know where to focus, this episode is for you. I discuss why having too many offers can hold your business back, even when you have the skills and experience to deliver a wide range of work. Saying yes to everything often leads to overwhelm, unclear messaging and makes it harder for clients to understand how you can help.  Instead, I share why refining your offers down to a few core areas is more effective, along with four simple questions to help you decide what those offers should be based on your preferences and market demand. If you’re ready to grow your coaching business with clear offers and a consistent flow of corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.

If there’s one idea that can make selling your services to corporate clients significantly easier, it’s this: It’s easier to sell a painkiller than a vitamin. In this episode, I unpack what that means for executive coaches and why you might struggle to gain traction with your offers., Not because they aren’t valuable, but because they’re positioned around potential future gains and achievements instead of solving current challenges. Listen in for my take on how you can use this idea to make your offers sales-ready. Plus, I share a personal example of where I got this wrong and what it taught me about marketing my offers more effectively without changing the work itself. If you’re ready to grow your coaching business with more structure, strategy and consistent corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.

If there’s one planning interval that I really love it’s quarterly planning. You can achieve something meaningful and significant - but it isn’t overwhelming. What I see for many coaches though, is that this is exactly where things start to drift, somewhere between big annual goals and the reality of day to day work. In this episode, I walk you through an ‘essentials-only’ quick and dirty simple six step process to reset, refocus and move into your next quarter with what really matters front of mind. From reflecting on what’s worked and what hasn’t, to reviewing your sales data, recommitting to meaningful targets, and identifying the key priorities and blockers that will truly move the needle, this approach is intended to be practical and to fit amongst a real life and a real business. If you’re ready to grow your coaching business with more structure, strategy and consistent corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall.

If there’s one action that consistently leads to new coaching opportunities, it’s warm outreach. Yet it’s also the task many coaches delay the longest. In this episode, I explore not only why warm outreach is your biggest opportunity, but also why it is so often avoided. To help you move into action I’ll share what we have been doing inside the Corporate to Coach Accelerator this month to prioritise and embed outreach as part of your business plan, and the results that we are seeing already.  If you’d like support growing your coaching business with more corporate clients, including building a warm outreach strategy that works, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall.

Prior to building business plans and hanging out your shingle comes a big (the biggest!) question in your business journey. Are you suited to being in business? And is it a path you should go down? Being in business is sadly not for everyone. It requires more than just loving coaching. It asks you to embrace a dual identity of coach and CEO, and a willingness to tackle challenges you can’t anticipate. In this episode I walk you through the green flags, the red flags, and the key willingness factors that will shape whether business ownership is right for you. If you’d like support building your corporate coaching business, including stepping fully into your CEO role and growing sustainably, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.

In this episode, I’m talking about proposals, and specifically why they matter so much when you’re working with corporate clients. Proposals aren’t just a document you send after a conversation. They’re an asset. They create shared clarity, they build trust, and they’re often what gets circulated internally when your sponsor is trying to get funding or buy-in for the work. So the way you put them together really matters. Listen in as I walk through some of my key tips for your proposal writing process. If you’d like support building your corporate coaching business, including strengthening your proposals, offers, and sales conversations, let’s talk! You can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.

Every now and then, I like to gather a selection of questions I’ve been asked and share an ‘ask me anything’ style episode. So buckle in while I talk through the issues that are on your mind. In this episode specifically we are looking at some fundamental topics. We dive into a challenge almost every coach will have to grapple with - namely, how to approach outreach when it feels awkward, including practical strategies to build consistency and realistic expectations around what actually converts. I was also asked how best to share our corporate work (such as testimonials and success stories) in a way that builds credibility without feeling braggy. And I’ve been asked this one quite a few times - what is the difference between legal contracts and coaching contracts in organisational coaching work?  The last topic I cover is a conversation about visibility, including having professional photos taken and why they might help in more ways than having a bank of images for websites and socials!  If you have a question you’d like to answer in my next AMA episode, please do get in touch on LinkedIn or drop me an email!  If you’d like deeper support building a sustainable coaching business with more corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you. I’d also love to hear what resonated most from this Q&A episode, so connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know your biggest takeaway.

In this episode, I’m unpacking the subconscious expectation many coaches have, that our business should deliver not just income and meaning, but also excitement and novelty. The challenge is that when we start chasing dopamine through new ideas, offers, or strategies, we often lose consistency with the fundamentals that actually grow a coaching business.Things like outreach,conversations, and showing up visibly over time may not always feel exciting, but they are what support sustainable success. If you’ve noticed yourself getting pulled towards the next shiny idea, this episode will help you rethink what your business is really all about, and how to create your excitement outside of it. If you’d like support building a consistent, sustainable coaching business with more corporate clients, you can learn more about the Corporate to Coach Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether it’s the right fit for you.  I’d also love to hear if novelty seeking is a pattern for you, so connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know where you stand!

In this episode, I’m touching on a new challenge that those of us with a presence on LinkedIn are experiencing. We have all loved the potential upsides of AI, but if you are like me you have started to feel uncomfortable with AI taking over your voice, and realised that it is very difficult to take it to a level that feels sufficiently human and that captures your way of expressing yourself. So today I’m exploring how you can use AI in your content without losing your voice or your connection with the people you want to reach. If you’ve been unsure how to use AI without sounding it eroding your credibility and your connection, this episode will help you rethink how you work with it so your content still sounds like you. If you’d like to talk about how content fits into the growth of your coaching business, you can learn more at elliescarf.com/cca or book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall to explore whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

In this episode, I’m exploring outsourcing and how it can be a strategic lever for executive and leadership coaches. Outsourcing can free up time, energy and mental bandwidth, both at work and at home. This can include a huge range of tasks, from household tasks to admin, bookkeeping, marketing support and smart systems in your business. I also share some less obvious ways to outsource, including accountability, discipline and decision-making, and how outsourcing to acquire the right tools and support can speed up your learning curve. If you’ve been feeling stretched or overloaded, this episode will help you rethink outsourcing and focus on what matters most. If you’d like support to build momentum with corporate clients, let’s explore whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Learn more at elliescarf.com/cca and book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

As the year gets properly underway, this episode is all about Follow Up, and why it’s probably the most strategic task that you can prioritise at this time of year. Listen in for practical ideas for who to follow up and lots of ideas of how to do it.  From checking in on conversations that turned cold, to responding to organisational change, sharing insights, flagging capacity and price increases, if you focus on keeping follow up relevant and grounded in real conversations you’ve already had you can’t go wrong. If you’ve invested time in meetings, proposals or coffees over the past year and feel some opportunities quietly slipped away, this episode will help you reset and build momentum for the year ahead. If you’d like support to build consistent momentum with corporate clients, let’s discuss whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Learn more at elliescarf.com/cca and book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

As we step back into work after the holiday break, this episode speaks to a feeling many coaches experience at this time of year: coming back to your desk and feeling a bit flat and may be thinking “um… no this ain’t it”.  We aren’t diving into big existential questions about whether you should be in business at all, instead this conversation focuses on normalising those moments of doubt and offering practical ways to reconnect with why you started and where you’re heading next. If you’re returning to work feeling unsettled or less energised than expected, this episode will help you reset and refocus for 2026 with practical tools and a refound inner momentum. If you’d like support to create a clear strategy for your coaching business in 2026, let’s explore whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more elliescarf.com/cca, and don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn -  I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

In this episode, I wanted to share with you one of the most popular episodes from the last year. This episode is a favourite because it addresses a question that makes many coaches cringe: “So… what do you actually do?” If networking, referrals, or informal conversations play any role in your marketing, how you answer this question really matters. In this episode, I explore why traditional elevator pitches often feel awkward for coaches. Most of us really deeply value service and humility, which can make self-promotion uncomfortable. As a result, we either over-explain our work or downplay it, leaving people unclear about who we help and when to refer to us. I share a simple, stress-free alternative to the standard elevator pitch. If you want a clear, comfortable way to answer “what do you do?” and open the door to more meaningful conversations and referrals, this episode is a great place to start. Listen in and let me know what you think! If you’d like feedback on your own soundbite, feel free to share it with me on LinkedIn. And if you’re curious whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator could support you as you grow your coaching business, book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

If you are a coach, considering starting your own business in 2026, this episode is for you.For the holidays, I’m revisiting some of last year’s most popular episodes, and this episode was certainly one of them. The start of the year is a perfect time for dreaming so dive in if you want to make your dream coaching business a reality.In this episode, I break down the five (plus a bonus!) essential elements of a successful Corporate to Coach Runway strategy, the period that bridges your corporate career and the launch of your coaching business. We dive into practical, financial, and mindset strategies to help you prepare for the discomfort and uncertainty of starting a business. I talk about how to improve your relationship with rejection and sales and how to define your financial runway - so you can grow your business without feeling desperate or overwhelmed. This episode also touches on the importance of community, and realistic timeframes.If you’re ready to start your executive coaching business with confidence and clarity, I’m offering a free one-on-one strategy call to discuss your runway to starting a coaching business If you’d like guidance to start or grow your coaching business, I’d love to support you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall, explore the program at elliescarf.com/cca, and be sure to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Outreach is one of the most powerful ways to grow an executive coaching business and also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, I wanted to revisit one of the most popular and practical conversations from the podcast this year, focusing on a topic that consistently comes up for coaches working with corporate clients: outreach. More specifically, I explore what I call the outreach myth, the fear of being perceived as salesy, pushy or misaligned with your values. I unpack why this fear is so common among coaches, how it shows up and practical ways to approach outreach differently. If outreach feels heavy, awkward or out of alignment for you, this episode will help you rethink how you approach it and move forward with more confidence and clarity. If you want support to make 2026 the year you start to grow your coaching business, let's chat to see if the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

As the year winds down and we head into the holiday break, I wanted to revisit one of the most practical and well-loved episodes from the podcast: The 8 things to include in your 2026 coaching business strategy In this episode, I break down the core strategic pillars every executive and leadership coach needs to consider when planning for the year ahead. Rather than staying at a high-level or getting lost in vague intentions, this conversation is all about the nuts and bolts of what actually belongs in your strategy if you want a business that is sustainable, profitable and aligned with the way you want to work.   I walk you through the eight key areas to review and plan for, including your offers, pricing, revenue mix, business development, marketing, financial management, systems and support, and your own professional development. Along the way, I share why starting with reflection and acknowledging your wins matters just as much as setting new goals, and how clarity in these areas can make planning feel far less overwhelming. If you are starting to think seriously about your 2026 plans and want a clear, practical framework to guide your thinking, this episode will give you a strong foundation to work from. If you would like support as you build your strategy for the year ahead, let's explore whether the Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn, I’d love to hear what stood out for you from this episode.

As I map out my plans for 2026, I have been thinking about how quickly we jump into revenue targets and marketing tactics without asking an equally important question: Does my business actually support the life I want and the impact I care about? In this episode, I talk about the three priorities most coaches bring into business: financial security, meaningful work and the flexibility to live a life that truly fits. These intentions often fade into the background once planning begins, so I share how to bring them back into focus as you shape your strategy for the year ahead. If you are ready to plan for your 2026 business goals with life in mind, this episode gives you a great starting plan.  If you want support as you build your 2026 strategy please reach out to find out whether Corporate to Coach Accelerator is the right fit for you. There are just a few spots left before pricing increases in the new year. Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca.And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

Planning brings its own kind of energy. There is the excitement of shaping a strong strategy for 2026 and the reality that looking back over the year can be difficult Many coaches would rather stay in the dreaming stage than revisit what actually happened in 2025, especially if we tend to jump straight to what did not go perfectly. This episode invites you to approach reflection in a way that feels lighter and more purposeful. We explore why acknowledging your progress matters, how your subconscious responds to what you celebrate, and why your assumptions about the year often differ from what the data reveals. I’m also sharing four practical prompts designed to guide your review of 2025. These questions help you recognise the wins you may have overlooked, balance out the negativity bias that naturally appears, clarify what you have learned, and understand where your clients or opportunities actually came from this year. It is a simple and coach friendly process that supports you to plan for 2026 without the hustle energy, while still giving due attention to the insights we need to process (positive and negative) for 2026. If you want to go deeper into your 2026 strategic planning, you might want to join me inside the Corporate to Coach Accelerator where we are deep in planning mode.  The Corporate to Coach Accelerator is a 12 month, hands on programme that helps you replace your corporate income with more👉 Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. And don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn.

As the year winds down, you might be noticing that familiar tension. The desire to finish strong combined with the reality that you are tired. You need a break.And if you are like many coaches, you might also be feeling the pressure to build the “perfect” strategy for 2026 so you don’t start the new year on the back foot. This episode (and indeed the new few episodes on this series) are about how to do both. To honor the fatigue of the end of year AND to use our time well to prepare..And so I am pleased to share six intentional and coach friendly actions you can take before the year ends that will strengthen your identity as a business owner, expand your future capacity and set you up beautifully for a powerful 2026 without adding hustle, urgency or overwhelm.These are small, doable shifts that support both your business and your wellbeing.Check out the episode now and let me know which ones feel supportive for you as 2025 winds down.If you’re ready to grow your executive coaching business and work with more of your ideal corporate clients, join the Corporate to Coach Accelerator. It’s a 12-month,hands-on programme that helps you replace your corporate income sustainably.👉 Book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca.And connect with me on LinkedIn.

I’m thrilled to be joined in this episode by Lisa Saunders. Lisa is an extraordinary and experienced coach, supervisor, team coach and facilitator whose career spans more than two decades across corporate HR, leadership development and deep transformational coaching work. In our conversation, Lisa shares her journey into coaching and consulting via a senior HR roles. She talks about the pivotal moments that shaped her path as well as the serendipity that propelled her business.  Lisa brings so much depth to her clients through executive coaching, due in no small part to her deep passion and commitment to her continued personal growth.  Here’s what we cover: ✅ Lisa’s corporate to coach story✅ The power of coaching for leaders in roles that seem impossible to sustain✅ Why authenticity, safe exploration and unfiltered thinking matter in effective coaching✅ How Lisa works at a transformational level by going beneath the conscious layers to unlock impact✅ The surprising influence that competitive horse riding has had on her coaching presence, relational skills, leadership lens and resilience✅ How the pandemic transformed her business and why it ultimately became a gift✅ What it looks like to build a coaching business that supports the life you want✅ The balance between deliberate effort and being in the right place at the right time   If you’re building your coaching business or supporting high performing leaders, this episode offers a refreshing and very human perspective on growth, resilience, presence and the power of saying yes. You can connect with Lisa Saunders on LinkedIn to explore her work in leadership coaching, supervision, team coaching and equine facilitated development. If you'd like support to help you grow your business, you may like to join Lisa with me inside The Corporate to Coach Accelerator, a 12-month hands-on program designed to help you replace your corporate income more quickly and sustainably. Book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca.

I’m delighted to be joined in this episode by leadership and branding expert Janine Manning, who brings nearly two decades of experience supporting executives and entrepreneurs to show up with clarity, confidence, and credibility. In our conversation, Janine shares how she helps new and emerging executives as well asbusiness owners navigate visibility challenges. From imposter syndrome to personal brand development and beyond, authenticity is key in Janine’s approach to tackling these challenges. You’ll also hear all about Janine’s career journey, from PR and marketing roles to executive coaching - and how that has shaped her passion for helping others lead and communicate. Here’s what we cover: ✅ The three anchors every leader and entrepreneur needs. ✅ How imposter syndrome shows up for executives and coaches (and how to work with it). ✅ Why visibility isn’t about being loud. ✅ The importance of understanding your strengthse. ✅ How to navigate comparisonitis. ✅ Practical ways to stay connected to your purpose and track your wins. Janine also shares her journey of transitioning from corporate leadership to running her own coaching business, including what she’s most proud of, how she manages the tech and systems side of entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that helped her grow sustainably. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, comparison, or the challenge of being more visible while staying genuine, this conversation will give you a grounded, strength-based approach to showing up as the leader and business owner you want to be. Connect with Janine Manning at janinemanning.com or on LinkedIn, where she shares valuable insights on leadership, confidence, and executive presence. Janine also shared details of 2 books on Imposter Syndrome: The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women - Dr Valerie Young Own Your Greatness - Lisa Orbe-Austin If you’re ready to grow your executive coaching business more of your ideal corporate clients, I’d love to support you inside The Corporate to Coach Accelerator. It’s a 12-month hands-on program designed to help coaches to replace their corporate income quicker. You can book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to leave a successful corporate career and build a thriving coaching practice, this conversation with Louise Zawada will resonate deeply. Louise has spent her career leading large-scale transformation projects, guiding executives through uncertainty and building high-performing teams. Today, she brings that same depth of experience to her coaching work, helping leaders navigate complex organisational change. In this episode, Louise shares her honest reflections on moving from employee to business owner, how she balances variety and structure in her work, and the role of community, relationships and systems in creating sustainable success. Here’s what we cover: ✅ How Louise’s career in HR and transformation naturally evolved into executive coaching. ✅ What it felt like to take the leap from corporate life into entrepreneurship and why it felt inevitable. ✅ The lessons she’s learned about managing self-doubt, fear and the pressure to do it all. ✅ How she balances variety, structure and systems to create calm and consistency in her business. ✅ The power of connection and why genuine curiosity is her most effective business strategy. ✅ What she’s most proud of in her journey so far, and what she’d tell new coaches just starting out. If you’re a coach, leader or professional in transition, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that clarity, courage and connection can guide you through any season of change. Connect with Louise Zawada 🔗 Website: louisezawadaleadership.com💼 LinkedIn: Louise Zawada **We have reopened doors to the Corporate to Coach Accelerator for just 48 hours based on lots of requests! You can book a call now at www.elliescarf.com/bookacall to find out if the Accelerator is a good fit for you and also to get access to that discounted launch pricing.**

If you’re an executive coach who wants to grow your business, especially with more corporate clients, but you think you just might be getting in your own way? This episode is for you. You might notice that you’re not doing the things that would really move the needle, like reaching out to people in your warm network, posting on LinkedIn, or showing up more visibly. It’s not that you don’t know what to do; it’s that something deeper keeps getting in the way. In this episode, I’ll share the subtle ways fear and self-protection limit your growth, and the emotional, financial, and even personal cost of staying stuck in that pattern. Here’s what I cover: ✅ How fear shows up as “reasonable excuses” in your business. ✅ Why playing it safe on LinkedIn or avoiding outreach keeps you stuck. ✅ The hidden energy drain that comes from inaction. ✅ How negative beliefs about sales and visibility quietly hold you back. ✅ The real cost, in time, opportunity, and confidence, when you keep yourself small. I’ll also talk about what it looks like to step into a bigger version of yourself as a business owner, one who embraces discomfort, visibility, and bold action without getting caught in perfectionism. If this episode resonates with you and you’re ready to stop playing small, I’d love to support you inside The Corporate to Coach Accelerator. It’s a 12-month hands-on coaching program that helps executive and leadership coaches attract more corporate clients with a marketing and growth strategy you can maintain in under five hours a week. Doors are open until October 30, and early enrollment includes $1,500 off the annual program price. You can book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall or learn more at elliescarf.com/cca. I’ll be back next week with more tools, mindset shifts, and strategies to help you grow your executive coaching business with clarity and confidence.

In this 100th episode (I can’t quite believe it!), I’m celebrating the incredible community of coaches who tune in every week and taking you behind the scenes of the Corporate to Coach Accelerator. Inside this episode, I share what really happens inside the program, from the curriculum and coaching calls to the community and accountability that help you move from “Where do I even start?” to real, consistent momentum in your business. Listen in to hear: ✅ The full walkthrough of the Accelerator, what’s included and how it all works.✅ The Quick Start Challenge that helps you create your foundational assets without perfectionism or overwhelm.✅ My Business Development Framework, the system I teach for growing your corporate client pipeline in just five hours a week.✅ How our group coaching, supervision, and Slack community help you stay focused, supported, and accountable every step of the way. ➡️ If you’d like to actually see the Accelerator in action, head to elliescarf.com/cca where I’ve included a link to the full video of this walkthrough. And if you want to find out more about the system I teach inside the Accelerator, join my free live masterclass Business Growth for Executive Coaches: Your Pipeline to Consistent Clients. Sign up at elliescarf.com/pipeline and if you join live, you’ll go in the running to win a 90-minute strategy session (valued at over $1000) with me. As always, I’ll be back next week with more tools, insights, and strategies to help you grow your executive coaching business with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to take the next step, you can book a call at elliescarf.com/bookacall or message me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear about your goals and explore how we can get you there.

Bonus Episode! This episode is a short and sweet heads up ahead of doors opening to the Corporate to Coach Accelerator next week. Before doors open, make sure to do these 3 things to get the most our of our launch events and set your business up to get more corporate clients (regardless of whether you are interested in joining the Accelerator!). 1. Sign up now for the free live masterclass - Business Growth For Executive Coaches - Your Pipeline to Consistent Corporate Clients (without constantly selling). Sign up here now!  2. Book a call to get in my diary ahead of the public opening!  Get your time locked in to discuss your business, get my advice on your next move, and discuss whether the Accelerator is the right step for you right now.  Book your call here. 3. Take a moment to reflect: What is going well in my business?  What are my biggest challenges? How do I want to feel in my business? Where is the gap that I need help with?  Sign up, book in, reflect - and I can't wait to see you during our launch next week! Ellie

If you’re an executive coach looking to grow your corporate client base, building a predictable business development system is key. In this episode, I walk through three essential components that make client growth predictableListen in to learn why you need strong business assets, that you must understand your numbers, and that building rituals and routines to operationalise your system might just make or break it all.These components are at the heart of what I teach inside the Corporate to Coach Accelerator and are just part of the exact system that I will be teaching in my upcoming free masterclassExciting updates in this episode: Free Masterclass: Business Growth Workshop for Executive Coaches - Your Pipeline to Replace Your Income with Corporate Clients Without Constant Selling 👉 Sign up at elliescarf.com/pipelineThe Corporate to Coach Accelerator opens right after the masterclass, with a special bonus (think - a big discount!) for those who book a call to learn if it's a good fit for them. You can jump the queue and book in now if you are ready - elliescarf.com/bookacall.

High income earning coaches aren’t working harder (I promise!). But they are working differently. In this episode, I share the five specific strategies I’ve identified that set them apart, and they’re all things you can start applying right away to create more momentum in your own coaching business. What we cover: ✅ Why the most successful coaches sell to corporate clients instead of individuals. ✅ How they see LinkedIn as just one part of the ecosystem, not the whole picture. ✅ The importance of leaning into unfair advantages and personal networks. ✅ How systems save time, energy, and reduce the emotional weight of business development. ✅ Why daily warm outreach is the backbone of consistent client growth. I also share two exciting updates:➡️ A free live masterclass, The Business Growth Playbook for Executive Coaches: Your Pipeline to Consistent Clients, happening on October 21st (October 20th if you’re in the US). Sign up at elliescarf.com/pipeline.➡️ The Corporate to Coach Accelerator opens right after the masterclass, with a special bonus (think - a big discount!) for those who book a call to learn if its a good fit for them. You can jump them queue and book in now if you are ready -  elliescarf.com/bookacall.

If you are a coaching business owner, you probably want more corporate clients. But, the gap between that goal and where you are now can feel very hard to bridge. This gap often shows up in two ways. You might overthink and overwork on tasks that just don’t have the impact you want, or you might procrastinate because it all feels scary and high stakes. Both create stress and emotional labor that make activities like posting on LinkedIn or connecting with potential clients feel heavy. Inside this episode, I share why this happens, and some practical steps to create a consistent client pipeline. Listen in to hear more about: ✅ The overwork vs. procrastination cycle and how it shows up for coaches. ✅ Why you instinctive responses don’t work. ✅ Three strategies to bridge the gap. ➡️ And if you’d like a deeper dive, join my upcoming masterclass - The Business Growth Playbook for Executive Coaches. Sign up now at elliescarf.com/pipeline. You’ll walk away with a clear, tailored framework for building your client pipeline with confidence and clarity.As always, I’ll be back next week with more practical tools and strategies for growing your executive coaching business. And if you’d like to take the next step to discuss your business growth, book a call with me and connect with me on LinkedIn.

When it comes to business development, outreach is a hugely important part of your strategy. Over the last few episodes, I’ve shared why warm outreach is so powerful and how the fear of being ‘salesy’ often gets in the way. In today’s episode, I explain why I will never be the business coach who tells you to do cold outreach. Cold calls, cold LinkedIn DMs, and mass cold emails rarely work for executive coaches selling to organisational clients. Instead, I’ll walk you through why warm outreach is more effective and how it creates trust, momentum, and a more sustainable system for growing your business. Listen in to hear more about: ✅ The difference between cold outreach and warm outreach ✅ Why cold outreach rarely works in the organisational client context ✅ How warm outreach can lead to higher response, higher conversion, and stronger motivation ✅ The ripple effect warm outreach has on your content strategy and network growth To make warm outreach easier, I’ve created 30 client generating outreach templates for executive coaches. These message examples are completely free and give you practical ways to start conversations without staring at a blank screen. ➡️ Grab your copy at https://www.elliescarf.com/templates➡️ Book a call with me to explore how we can grow your business together➡️ Connect with me on LinkedIn I’ll be back next week with more practical ideas for growing your coaching business.

As it turns out, the biggest blocker to outreach isn’t time, strategy, or even knowing who to contact. It’s fear, specifically the fear of being (or feeling) ‘salesy’. In fact, when I ran a LinkedIn poll, 70% of coaches said this was their number one concern. That fear shows up as discomfort, as overthinking every word of a message, and as procrastination that leaves outreach undone. And still, outreach is not optional if you want to grow your business. Inside this episode, I share why this fear is so common, how to work through it, and the mindset and systems that will help you do outreach without it feeling out of alignment with your values. Listen in to hear more about: ✅ The tension coaches feel when outreach feels “push-y.” ✅ How perfectionism and fear keep you stuck in avoidance. ✅ How outreach can grow your business if you do it consistently. ✅ Ways to view rejection so it feels like part of your growth. ✅ A free set of 30 outreach templates to get you out of overthinking and into action. Even if only a portion of your messages get replies, you’ll be building conversations, creating opportunities, and moving your business forward. ➡️ Grab your copy of the 30 customizable outreach templates at elliescarf.com/templates and start sending messages without the overthinking. As always, I’ll be back next week with more practical ideas for growing your executive coaching business. And don’t forget to reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn. 

Welcome to our BONUS episode of the Business of Executive Coaching Podcast. I am delighted to have a repeat guest with us today, Dr. Saba Hasanie. You may have listened to the previous episode where Saba shared her corporate to coach story. Today she is back for many reasons, and especially because she has a book out. Saba’s book is called Unfolding: How Biographical Inquiry Informs Meaning Making in Coaching Psychology and I think it is a must read for executive and leadership coachesIn this conversation, we talk about what it feels like to publish this book, why origin stories matter for coaches, and how the past is always in the room in coaching. Saba explains how her doctoral research developed into the Biographical Dimensions of Meaning Making model and how this has now evolved into what she calls Origins. We also explore how coaches can work safely when the past comes into coaching, why our own journeys of self-discovery are essential to how we show up, and how Origins work supports both the coach and the client. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Saba’s journey to writing Unfolding.✅ Why the past inevitably shows up in coaching.✅ The Origins approach.✅ Practical examples of how Origins can be used in coaching.✅ Saba’s training programme to bring these concepts to life.✅ How this approach helps coaches build confidence and presence. Purchase your copy of Unfolding, by Dr Saba Hasanie here: Americas, Europe, and Africa: Ihttps://ideasforleaders.com/product/unfolding/ Asia, Australia, and New Zealand: https://globalosc.com/solutions/bdmm/E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Unfolding-biographical-meaning-making-psychology-Revelations/dp/191552928X  🌐 Learn more about Origins and the certification program at www.globalosc.com Connect with me: 💼 Visit elliescarf.com/bookacall to take the next step in your coaching journey.📧 You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

Do you remember the excitement of hanging out your virtual shingle? Maybe it was launching your website or a LinkedIn update saying that you are in business. Maybe you are on the verge of doing this! The likes probably poured in, the congratulations messages rolled through, and you landed that first paying client by referral. Amazing. But then the referrals slowed down. And suddenly what felt like momentum started to feel like waiting, hoping, and refreshing your inbox. Inside this episode, I share why referrals are fabulous for getting started but not enough to keep you consistently bringing new corporate clients in the door, and what to do instead. Listen in to hear more about: ✅ The wake up call coaches face when referrals dry up. ✅ How to shift from passive to proactive client generation. ✅ The mindset every executive coach needs. ✅ How outreach is the missing link to build more real business development conversations. ✅ A free resource with 30 customizable outreach templates to help you take action instead of getting stuck in perfectionism, procrastination or fear of being ‘salesly’. If you can spend even 10 to 15 minutes a day on outreach, at the end of the month you will have a very different business with so many more conversations. This tool will help you do just that - with no overthinking. ➡️ Download your free outreach templates at elliescarf.com/templates and connect with me on LinkedIn to let me know what you think.

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Emma Clark. Emma is a member of the Corporate to Coach Accelerator and brings more than 25 years of experience in healthcare to her work as a coach. Emma shares her Corporate to Coach story, from nursing in London to senior leadership roles at the top of government health agencies. She talks about the challenges of COVID, the turning point of redundancy, and how when she first listened to this podcast… she was angry!! We also chat about how she now supports leaders and organisations with one-on-one coaching, leadership workshops, and consulting. I interrogate Emma on exactly why her clients value her insider knowledge, and Emma reflects on what she has learned about wellbeing, boundaries, and building the right support around her business. In this episode, we cover: ✅ Emma’s journey from nurse to senior health leader to coach. ✅ How redundancy created the space for her business. ✅ Coaching, workshops, and consulting for healthcare leaders. ✅ Supporting leaders with stress, career growth, and succession planning. ✅ Building a business while protecting wellbeing and boundaries. Emma also talks about the blend of coaching and consulting in her work, how she helps leaders build capacity in their teams, and why surrounding herself with the right people has been essential in her business journey. Connect with Emma:💼 Find her at https://www.empoweringhumans.com.au/group-coaching-for-health-leaders📧 You can also connect with her on LinkedIn If Emma’s story resonates with you and you are ready to take the next step in your own coaching journey, I’d love to help. Visit elliescarf.com/bookacall and lets discuss your next step. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

Are you an all-or-nothing person? I think I am. I like to sprint and then rest. I like to go hard, and then I like to go home. The challenge many coaches face is that in business, most of our deadlines are self-imposed.And without urgency or external accountability? It can be hard to get into action. Inside this episode, I share five ways that I use sprints, streaks and batching to maintain momentum and get things done when there is no external pressure.  Listen in to hear more about: ✅ The power of an action orientation.✅ How to create a marketing hour of power. ✅ Content posting sprints. ✅ The importance of ‘CEO time’.. ✅ Batching through theme days. ✅ How to use constraints to move forward. If you want creative strategies to get into action and keep moving in your business, this episode is for you. Listen in, try some of these ideas, and if you have other ways you apply sprints, streaks or batching, please send them to me on LinkedIn to collate and share! If you would like to chat about whether my group coaching program, the Corporate to Coach Accelerator, could be a good fit for your business, head to elliescarf.com/bookacall to book a call. 

For so many of the coaches I work with, there’s a pivotal moment in their career journey. They have that burning desire to start their own coaching business, but they are not sure how to make the financial leap. They know they want to move from corporate to coach, but the risk and uncertainty feel huge. In this episode, I share eight practical financial transition strategies you can use to support your move from employee to business owner. This is not financial advice - , but real options to consider and discuss with your own advisor. Inside this episode, I talk about ideas such as ✅ The gradual ramp down strategy o create time for your business while reducing risk. ✅ Quasi-employment and why contracting back to your current employer can shift how you think about yourself as a business owner. ✅ Turning your current employer into your flagship client. ✅ How voluntary redundancy or timing your exit with bonus payments can help fund your move. ✅ Using part-time work, a savings buffer, or even a loan to bridge the gap as you ramp up your business. And more! If you are in the “yes, I really want to start a business, but how am I going to do it” space, this episode will give you options to think about and steps you can take to prepare. Listen in and if you want to talk through your own situation, head to elliescarf.com/bookacall You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

Of all of the clients who come through my metaphorical door, about 70% come with a particular experience. They have been attempting to sell coaching to individual leaders. They are not getting the traction they want.. They know that there is an opportunity to sell to corporate clients, but pursuing those seems overwhelming.. In my opinion, the solution that I generally see work? Rip the bandaid off, stop selling to individuals and prioritise selling to corporate clients.. Inside this episode, I talk about: ✅ The vast chasm of total budget spend on coaching by organisations vs individuals. ✅ The mismatch between the number of coaches targeting individuals and the small percentage of coaching spend they represent.✅ Reasons why it seems sensible to target individuals (but isn’t!). ✅ What changes when you shift from marketing to individuals to marketing to organisations. If you have been focusing your marketing energy on individuals, even just as a fallback, this episode will show you why it is time to pivot. Listen in. Reflect honestly. And if this hits home, book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall. We can talk through how to make this shift inside your business. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

In today’s episode, I’m talking about what we do as coaching business owners when the worst (or even just the crappy) happens. This is something I raised on LinkedIn a while ago, and it struck a nerve for lots of folks. So I wanted to explore it more deeply here on the podcast. Because the truth is, there’s no getting out of business or life without the hiccups. From the mild to the devastating, it is all part of the human experience. And as business owners we all bring our ‘human selves’ along for the ride. This week, I’m walking you through: ✅ How manage when things go wrong in business, both on a macro and micro level.  ✅ Real-life examples that you might face. ✅ Why being self-employed can make hard times feel even harder.  ✅ The importance of contingency planning. If you’d like to talk through your business and how to prepare for these scenarios, you can book a call with me at elliescarf.com/bookacall You can also connect with me on LinkedIn.

In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes with a more personal update. After a few weeks of travel, I’m back and reflecting on my time away including the moment I quite literally fell into a bush in Budapest! And well, I guess there was a lesson there for me, and hopefully you too. I walk you through: ✅ The highlights of our three-week family adventure through Europe. ✅ Why this holiday felt different and what it reminded me about being present. ✅ A chance encounter with Nick Cave in Paris (yes, really!). ✅ The surprising life and business lesson I took away from an unexpected fall. ✅ How this applies to navigating the ups and downs of running a coaching business. ✅ Why we often handle challenges better than we expect. ✅ A quick update on what’s coming next for the Accelerator and how you can join. Book a call with me if you’re ready to start the next phase of your business and want to explore whether the Accelerator could be right for you. Book here. You can find me on LinkedIn.Learn more about the Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca.

In this episode, I’m sharing one simple and very practical idea that could help your LinkedIn strategy - and it’s likely a gap in your current approach. It’s something most executive coaching business owners aren't doing consistently. And if your LinkedIn efforts have been falling flat, this could be the missing piece. Especially if you’re already showing up and doing the basics like posting, engaging, and having a great profile. It’s for you if: – You can’t seem to connect with your ideal clients – Your feed seems to be full of the wrong people – You’re posting content, but not getting traction We start with a quick refresher on the basics of LinkedIn for executive coaches then go into the one thing that most people aren’t doing consistently. In this popular episode, we cover: ✅ The four basics of a solid LinkedIn strategy for executive coaches ✅ Why deliberately adding more people to your network matters ✅ How to decide who your dream clients actually are ✅ Tips for using search and building a daily or weekly rhythm ✅ What to include (and not include) in your connection request note ✅ Why this is about building genuine connection not being salesy If adding new connections isn’t something you’re already doing, this episode shows you how to start with just a few minutes a day. You can Book a call with me or listen to more episodes of The Business of Executive Coaching wherever you get your podcasts. Or come and connect with me directly on LinkedIn

In today’s episode, I’m sharing an idea I’ve been implementing and teaching that has really helped with something I’m calling marketing creep. You will know if marketing creep is an issue for you. It is when the list of marketing tasks you have to do seems both endless and also completely unclear. It is that tension between procrastinating and not doing the activities you know you need to do, and also feeling like you could lose entire days to your marketing. This week, I’m sharing something that has genuinely changed the game for me, what I call my hour of power. I walk you through: ✅ What an hour of power is and where I came across the idea. ✅ The exact tasks I include in my daily hour of power (yours will look different!). ✅ Why it helps me feel more in control and less reactive. ✅ How it helps me get things done that I’ve decided are priorities. ✅ How it puts structure around things that could otherwise take all day. ✅ The benefits I’ve experienced including building momentum and consistency. ✅ The challenges I’ve noticed and how I manage them. ✅ Ideas to create your own hour of power including focus areas and frequency. ✅ How to keep it effective and not boring. ✅ Tips for staying focused and not letting a missed day derail you. If you decide to create an hour of power please let me know what you put in it and how you find it. Book a call with me if you’d like to make sure you are doing the right things, so you can make sure marketing doesn’t become your full time job. Book here. You can find me on LinkedIn Learn more about the Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Dr Louise Kovacs long-time coach, supervisor, academic, and someone I’m very lucky to also call a friend and mentor. Louise has been a coach for more than 20 years and brings an incredible depth of experience from both practice and research. She holds a Master’s in Organisational Coaching and a Doctorate in Executive Coaching, has published widely on the practice of coaching, and has recently joined the Corporate to Coach Accelerator as our resident coaching supervisor and in this conversation, we’re digging into her expertise on group and team coaching. This is a topic that comes up a lot in the Corporate to Coach Accelerator particularly from coaches thinking about new offers, navigating sales conversations, and wondering how to structure group or team coaching programs. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ The difference between group coaching and team coaching✅ How a team has shared goals and interdependencies and why that matters✅ Examples from Louise’s own coaching and facilitation programs✅ Why group dynamics matter and how they add complexity✅ What makes a team “ready” for coaching✅ How to think about team development vs team coaching✅ The models Louise has used for team coaching and group coaching delivery✅ How pricing and preparation differ from one-on-one coaching We also talk about how group coaching can be a more accessible option for organisations, what happens when you’re managing group dynamics in real-time, and why being calm and able to hold the space is essential. If you’re coaching-curious about group or team programs or wondering how to take them to market this episode is packed with practical insights and examples straight from Louise’s own coaching experience. Connect with Louise: 👉 You can connect with Louise on LinkedIn 🌐 Learn more about the Accelerator, including our monthly Group Coaching Supervision with Louise, at elliescarf.com/cca

In today’s episode, I’m speaking with Katrina Casaclang—a coach, facilitator and consultant with a passion for learning, a zest for life, and a single minded focus on coaching in her community. Katrina is also a member of the Accelerator, and I’m so extremely fortunate to have the chance to interview her. We talk about Katrina’s incredible 34-year journey across policing, community services, youth mental health, and leadership. From starting in the police force at 18 to managing large teams and supporting young people in community organisations, Katrina shares how her passion for people and purpose has shaped every step. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ How Katrina’s leadership journey began in the police force and evolved across community and youth mental health✅ Why she believes quality leadership is essential to delivering great service to the community✅ How she discovered coaching through professional support roles and why it clicked✅ What led her to start her own coaching business after decades working in organisations ✅ Why she focuses on emerging and middle managers especially those who’ve never been given leadership skills ✅ The challenges of working in underfunded organisations and the impact on staff and service delivery ✅ How the Accelerator gave her clarity, confidence, and structure in the early days of business ✅ How she faced imposter syndrome, overwhelm, and learned to back herself. Katrina now offers one-on-one coaching and consulting, with a focus on younger teams and emerging leaders.She shares what she’s learned about herself, how she’s grown in confidence, and how building a business feels a bit like being in the ocean—waves and all. Katrina’s story is one of heart, depth, and purpose—and she brings a refreshing, grounded perspective to coaching in the community space. Connect with Katrina: 💼 Find her at Valued Asset Coaching📧 Connect on Instagram @valuedassetcoaching 📞 Book an Accelerator Fit Call🌐 Learn more about the Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca

In today’s episode, I had the joy of speaking with the incredible Dr. Mercia Spare. Mercia is a former Chief Nurse with over 40 years in the NHS, including time in transplantation, infection control, national governance, and executive leadership. Her career spans everything from clinical practice to regulation and quality improvement—and now, she’s bringing that deep experience into coaching. We talk about her extraordinary journey: from training as a nurse later in life, to being side-lined by a motorcycle accident, to becoming a PhD-qualified leader in health and social care. Mercia now runs a coaching business that supports leaders across health, social care, research, and education—bringing her signature warmth and wisdom to folks making a difference. In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ How Mercia built a rich and varied 40-year NHS career—from the wards to the executive suite✅ How a career-changing accident became an unexpected gift✅ What led her to coaching and why it’s the perfect extension of her nursing career✅ The power of relational leadership in high-pressure environments like health and social care✅ How she’s building a purpose-led coaching business✅ The mindset shift that helped her step into being a business owner✅ Why she believes formal coaching training is essential—and what she learned about herself along the way✅ How she’s making her business work by leaning into connection, curiosity, and asking for help Mercia’s story is a testament to lifelong growth, generous leadership, and backing yourself when the next chapter calls.Connect with Mercia: 💼 Find Dr. Mercia Spare on LinkedIn Interested in building your own coaching business? You can book a call with me to explore whether the Accelerator is a good fit.🌐 More at elliescarf.comUntil next time!

In this episode, I’m so privileged to have time with Paula Shannon, a coach with experience across public education, philanthropy and business. Paula is a coach, consultant, and facilitator—someone with a deep passion for leadership, emotional intelligence, and helping mission-driven leaders lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose.   Paula shares how she spent nearly 30 years in public education, rising from teacher to senior executive leadership—and how burnout, purpose, and a desire for something different led her to build a business of her own.In this episode, we talk about:✅ How she started in Teach for America and grew through the ranks of education✅ Her love of coaching “little and big people” and the joy of one-on-one development✅ Making the leap after the pandemic and deciding “enough is enough”✅ Creating the life she actually wanted—one with nature, flexibility, and joy✅ What clinical burnout felt like and how it changed everything✅ Why she believes women with wealth accelerate doing good in the world✅ The mission behind her business and the work she does with leaders✅ Why content and consistency matter—and how Sage (her ChatGPT!) helps✅ Tips for new coaches covering outreach, networking, and nurturing relationships (and more!)As Paula says, “The only way to get started is to get started.” Her story is generous, grounded, and so relatable—especially if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to do good, do well, and live the life you want.Connect with Paula:👉 Find her on LinkedIn: Paula Shannon 👉 Work with Paula at the Whole Leader LabIf you're listening and think the Accelerator could be a good fit for you too— and you’d like to join before we close doors at the end of June and increase prices in July—you can:📞 Book a call with me🌐 Learn more about the Accelerator at elliescarf.com/cca

In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kelly Schmidt. Kelly is a coach and consultant with 25 years in the corporate space, mostly in life sciences and technology. As she puts it, “I love to build cool things, but I started to find I really liked it better when people use those cool things.” Kelly shares her journey from tech professional to executive coach, and how her natural leadership style—“providing space for people to get things clear”—led her to realise she’d been coaching long before she had the language for it. We talk about building teams, navigating gnarly transformations, and making the leap into coaching after being laid off. Kelly’s story is a powerful example of “getting really comfortable figuring out what I wanted” instead of following the “shoulds.” In this episode, you’ll hear: ✅ How Kelly transitioned from 25 years in corporate life sciences and IT into coaching and consulting ✅ Why her natural style of holding space and asking questions shaped her leadership and coaching approach ✅ What helped her shift from “shoulds” to “wants” when deciding what to do after being laid off ✅ The mix of consulting, coaching, and facilitation she now uses to support leaders through change ✅ Her journey with visibility and how she approaches LinkedIn and content creation with intention ✅ Why she’s found the Corporate to Coach Accelerator so valuable—especially the group coaching and accountability “It’s so rich... there's always something new going on. I didn't expect to get nearly as much out of the group coaching calls. Just being able to say out loud, what's my win and what's my priority—that helps me stay on track.” Connect with Kelly: 💼 Find Kelly Schmidt on LinkedIn 💬 Want to work with her? She’s helping leaders get clear and hold space through transformation. Need help building your coaching business with corporate clients? You can book a call with me to explore whether the Accelerator is a good fit. As Kelly says, “It gave me a framework. I love a good framework.” 🌐 More at elliescarf.com See you next time!