What We Wish We Knew as New Coaches: 20 Years of Lessons from Two Seasoned Pros

What do you wish someone had told you on day one of your coaching career? In this episode of The Coaching Lab, host Leigh Baker sits down with Sabryna Liddle, VP of Coaching Excellence at Catalyst Coaching 360, for a candid conversation about everything they wish they'd known as new health and wellness coaches—drawing on decades in the field since Catalyst launched in 2007.Whether you're fresh out of your training program, prepping for your board exam, or a seasoned coach looking to grow, Leigh and Sabryna unpack the real lessons that only experience can teach:Why taking fewer notes can make you a more present, more effective coachThe trap of over-structuring sessions—and how to find the right balance between framework and flexibilityTalking less, listening more, and getting comfortable with silenceWhy you're the expert in behavior change—and how that frees you from intimidation, even with physicians and executivesHandling "guns-blazing" clients and sensitive topics with curiosity instead of judgmentHow coaching skills transform your relationships beyond work—as a parent, spouse, and friendSabryna's mantra to always be curious and experiment, and Dr. Cooper's advice to "look for the 7s"—those glimpse moments that point you toward your sweet spotIf you're a coach or aspiring coach craving an honest, encouraging conversation between two pros who've watched the industry evolve over two decades, this one's for you.🎙️ Join us September 25–27 for the 8th Annual Coaching Retreat & Symposium in Estes Park, Colorado: catalystcoachinginstitute.com/retreatHave a topic you'd like us to cover? Reach out at [email protected] this episode helped you, share it with a fellow coach and leave a review—it helps us keep these conversations coming.Info re earning your health & wellness coaching certification, annual Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium & more via https://www.catalystcoachinginstitute.com/ Best-in-class coaching for Employers, EAPs & wellness providers https://catalystcoaching360.com/Tap into the home of the (freely available) Not Done Yet! articles on unlocking life's 2nd half here.YouTube Coaching Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/CoachingChannelContact us: [email protected]: @Catalyst2ThriveWebsite: CatalystCoaching360.comIf you are a current or future health & wellness coach, please check out our Health & Wellness Coaching Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278207545599218.  This is a wonderful group if you are looking for encouragement, ideas, resources and more.