The Coaching Chapters Podcast

Cultural intelligence is an essential capability in today’s interconnected world. In this episode of The Coaching Chapters Podcast, I’m joined by Lucy Butters, one of only ten Master Facilitators in Cultural Intelligence in the world, CQ Fellow, and author of Cultural Intelligence in Practice, for a thoughtful conversation on navigating cultural complexity, leadership, and working effectively across difference. Lucy shares her experience of supporting organisations across sectors, from universities and healthcare to banking and engineering, helping leaders and teams develop the awareness, adaptability, and mindset needed to collaborate across cultures. In a world shaped by global mobility, diverse teams, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, we explore why cultural intelligence has never been more important.We discuss:✅ What cultural intelligence really means beyond diversity and inclusion✅ Why pausing and creating intentional thinking spaces strengthens collaboration✅ The growing complexity of identity in a globalised world✅ Why cultural intelligence strengthens emotional intelligence and leadership impactThis episode is for coaches, leaders, educators, and professionals working in diverse or global environments who want to strengthen how they communicate, collaborate, and lead across cultures.I’d love to hear what resonated with you.#CulturalIntelligence #GlobalLeadership #InclusiveLeadership #CrossCulturalLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingPodcast #DiversityAndInclusion #GlobalTeams #TheCoachingChapters

Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone and neither does home or belonging.In this episode of The Coaching Chapters Podcast, I’m joined by Leena Magdi, positive psychology practitioner and author of Mourning Air: A Memoir of Sudden Loss, for a deeply reflective conversation on grief, identity, and meaning-making after loss.Leena shares her experience of growing up across cultures, living between countries, and how third-culture identity shapes the way we experience home, connection, and grief. We explore how loss can be personal, layered, and often misunderstood, especially within families and communities and why grief should never be compared or ranked.We discuss:✅Why grief shows up differently depending on relationships and lived experience✅ The impact of loss beyond death, including identity, place, and unfulfilled dreams✅ How third-culture experiences shape belonging and resilience✅ Creating compassionate spaces for grief without comparison✅ Using positive psychology to make meaning, build resilience, and honour lossI’d love to hear what resonated with youand who in your life or organisation needs this conversation.#GriefAndLoss #Belonging #ThirdCultureKids #PositivePsychology #CoachingPodcast #LeadershipWellbeing #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalGrowth #IdentityAndBelonging #TheCoachingChapters

The Coaching Chapters is pleased to release a new episode exploring one of the most critical yet often misunderstood leadership capabilities in today’s workplaces: conflict.In this conversation, I’m joined by Alice Driscoll and Louise van Haarst, authors of Smart Conflict, to unpack how leaders, coaches and organisations can move away from conflict avoidance or escalation and towards healthy, constructive workplace conversations.We explore:• What Smart Conflict really means• The difference between task conflict and relational conflict• The 5R model for navigating difficult conversations• How upbringing, culture, gender and family dynamics shape how we show up at work• Practical tools that can be applied immediately in the workplaceThis episode is for leaders, managers, coaches, HR and L&D professionals who want to build trust, clarity and psychological safety without avoiding difficult conversations.🎧 If this conversation resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague who is navigating challenging conversations at work.#SmartConflict #ConflictAtWork #LeadershipPodcast #WorkplaceConflict #DifficultConversations #LeadershipDevelopment#ExecutiveCoaching #OrganisationalPsychology #LearningAndDevelopment #HRLeadership #PeopleDevelopment#PsychologicalSafety #TeamDynamics #LeadershipMindset #WomenInLeadership #CoachingPodcast#ManagementSkills #FutureOfWork #TheCoachingChapters

🎙️ EP13: Gut Health & Hormones For WomenWith Naeema Rahman, Founder of The Wellness Lab. This week, we go deep into a topic so many women silently struggle with: bloating, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, and the overwhelming stress that comes with juggling life, motherhood, careers, and the invisible mental load.I’m joined by the incredible Naeema Rahman, Founder of The Wellness Lab, who specialises in women’s wellbeing and the science behind the gut brain connection.Together, we unpack:✔️ How your gut acts as your “second brain”✔️ Why women in their 30s & 40s experience stronger gut mood changes✔️ The link between stress, bloating, hormones, and low energy✔️ Hidden signs of inflammation we often ignore✔️ How everyday foods, caffeine, and lifestyle habits affect mood and fatigue✔️ Rituals and micro habits that support digestion and emotional balance✔️ Practical steps you can take today to reset your gut brain connectionThis is a deeply relatable and practical conversation, especially for women who feel like they’re “doing everything right” but still feel tired, bloated, overwhelmed or not quite themselves. If you’re looking for simple, sustainable tools to support your wellbeing, regulate your emotions, and reclaim your energy… this episode is for you.☕️Grab a cup of tea, tune in, and let’s navigate this journey together.🎧If this episode supported you, please share it with a sister, friend, or colleague who may need it too. Your reviews help us reach more women around the world. 🤍#TheCoachingChaptersPodcast #GutBrainConnection #WomensWellbeing #WomenInTheir30s #WomenInTheir40s #WorkingMums #MentalLoad #FemaleWellbeing #GutHealthForWomen #HormoneHealth #StressAndBloating #BrainFog #WomensHealthMatters #EmotionalWellbeing #TheWellnessLab #BenishMirza #SilentCoaching #PurposeAndWellbeing #DubaiPodcasts #MuslimWomenPodcasts #SelfGrowthJourney

In this episode, Miriam and Benish dive into the powerful difference between an abundance mindset and a scarcity mindset and why this shift is critical for today’s leaders, teams, and coaches.They explore:🌱 What abundance and scarcity mindsets really mean🌱 How our internal narratives shape leadership & confidence🌱 How coaches and L&D leaders can help individuals and teams expand their thinking🌱Practical ways to cultivate an abundance mindset every single dayMiriam brings over 20 years of experience coaching Boards, C suite leaders, senior teams, and organisations. With deep foundations in Gestalt coaching, systemic team coaching, and organisational psychology, she offers profound insights on presence, clarity, and human transformation.Benish is an ICF career leadership and executive coach, DEIB lead and the founder of The Coaching Chapters, supporting leaders and professionals globally through reflective practice, mindset work and career development. This is a conversation full of light bulb moments, honest reflections, and golden nuggets for anyone wanting to lead with confidence, generosity, and possibility. This is a conversation full of light bulb moments, honest reflections, and golden nuggets for anyone wanting to lead with confidence, generosity, and possibility.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe / Follow✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#AbundanceMindset #ScarcityMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #CoachingPodcast #MindsetShift #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceWellbeing #ExecutiveCoaching #TeamDevelopment #OrganisationalPsychology #GrowthMindset #LeadershipMindset #LearningAndDevelopment #SystemicCoaching #GestaltCoaching #WomenInLeadership #CareerGrowth #SelfDevelopment #ConsciousLeadership #CoachingChapters #MindfulnessAtWork #PositivePsychology #BusinessMindset #HighPerformanceLeadership #FutureOfWork

🎙️ Episode 11: “The Human Touch” with author Sukaiyna GokalIn this thought provoking and deeply reflective episode, I sit down with Sukaiyna Gokal, author of The Human Touch: A Mirror for Self-Reflection, to explore her five seed framework of self growth Tolerance, Openness, Unity, Collaboration and Harmony. We dive into:🪞 How the book acts as a mirror, enabling us to untangle our thinking and engage in self-reflection. 🌱 What each of the five “seeds” (Tolerance, Openness, Unity, Collaboration, Harmony) means in practice, for our inner worlds, our relationships and our communities. 💭 The role of self reflective tools and the practical workbook that complements the book, measuring, witnessing and celebrating personal growth. 🌍 Why these themes matter now, in a world of fragmentation, the invitation is to root in our shared humanity, build connectedness and live with authenticity and resilience. Sukaiyna’s vision is one of individuals who feel empowered to grow, rooted in self-understanding, interconnected in community, and active in healing both inner and outer layers. This conversation is full of insight, heart and actionable inspiration for anyone seeking deeper meaning, genuine connection and sustainable personal transformation.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe and hit follow so you don’t miss future episodes.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe / Follow✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#TheHumanTOUCH #SukaiynaGokal #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #FiveSeeds #Tolerance #Openness #Unity #Collaboration #Harmony #BooksWithImpact #CoachingChapters #MindfulLiving #HumanConnection #Authenticity #Wellbeing

 Episode 10: “Soulful Sexual Health for Muslims” with author Sameera QureshiIn this important and deeply meaningful episode, I sit down with Sameera Qureshi to explore her book Soulful Sexual Health for Muslims: A Developmental Approach for Individuals and Clinicians and the vital conversation around sexual health in Muslim lives.We dive into:🧠 How sexual health is more than physical, it’s emotional, spiritual and rooted in our connection with faith.  📘 The “Soulful Sexual Health Model” Sameera introduces: a framework that guides readers through puberty, relationships, intimacy, parenting, trauma, and beyond, anchored in the soul and in faith.  🙋‍♀️ What it means for Muslim parents, individuals, couples and professionals: how to approach sexual health with compassion, accountability and alignment with Islamic values.  🌿 Why this topic matters now more than ever: the gap in traditional conversations, the impact of shame and silence, and the possibility of healing & growth when we centre the soul.  Sameera’s vision is one of sexual health that doesn’t exist in isolation, but in harmony with our faith, our hearts, our relationships and our purpose. This episode is full of insight, hope and practical reflections for Muslim individuals, parents, educators and health professionals alike.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#SoulfulSexualHealthForMuslims #SameeraQureshi #MuslimHealth #SexualHealth #IslamicPsychology #MuslimParents #MuslimCouples #FaithAndWellbeing #HolisticHealth #MuslimTherapists #ParentingInFaith #MuslimCommunity #HealingJourney #RepresentationMatters

🎙️ Episode 9: “All the Ways to be Pretty” with children’s author Shamaila KhanIn this heartwarming and thought provoking episode, I sit down with Shamaila Khan, author of the children’s book All the Ways to be Pretty, to explore how stories can shape the way children understand beauty, identity, and confidence.We talk about why Shamaila wrote this book for young readers, and how it opens conversations for parents especially Muslim mothers, about navigating modern beauty standards. She shares her insights on the importance of representation in children’s literature, teaching self acceptance early, and giving children the language to embrace who they are beyond societal expectations.Shamaila’s vision is one of raising children who feel beautiful in their uniqueness, confident in their identities, and unafraid to shine. This conversation is filled with wisdom for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about the impact of stories on young hearts and minds.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram and Spotify @thecoachingchapters#dubai #booktube #shamailakhan #allthewaystobepretty #childrensbooks #muslimauthors #parenting #beautystandards #muslimmothers #representationmatters #kidslit #diversebooksforkids #readaloud #identity #selfacceptance

🎙️ Episode 8: “Creating Belonging in the Classroom” with author, educator & inclusion advocate Zahara ChowdhuryIn this inspiring and thought provoking episode, I sit down with Zahara Chowdhury, founder of ‘Schools Should Be’ and author of ‘Creating Belonging in the Classroom’ to explore what true inclusion and wellbeing in education really mean, and why they matter more than ever.We talk about Zahara’s journey that challenges schools to go beyond buzzwords and embed real diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB), and wellbeing into the heart of classrooms. She shares practical insights for educators striving to create inclusive and supportive spaces, and powerful reflections for parents, particularly from ethnic and Muslim backgrounds on how to advocate for children whose identities may not always be represented in schools.Zahara’s vision is one of classrooms, communities, and societies where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. This conversation is full of wisdom, practical advice, and hope for the future of education.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters @schoolsshouldbe#dubai #booktube #zaharachowdhury #schoolsshouldbe #creatingbelongingintheclassroom #authorinterview #deib #education #inclusion #belonging #parents #muslimparents #diversity #teachers #classrooms #schools #representation #wellbeing

🎙️Episode 7: ‘Far Away from Here’ with Ambata KaziIn this episode, I sit down with writer and editor Ambata Kazi, whose debut novel Far Away from Here has been described as a powerful exploration of identity, community, and faith.Set in post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans, the novel follows the lives of three young Black Muslims as they navigate love, loss, grief, and the search for belonging. Ambata shares her reflections on:✨ What it means to live with homesickness and longing✨ How faith and community can anchor us through trauma and change✨ The importance of giving voice to Black Muslim experiences✨ Why storytelling matters for identity, belonging, and owning our narrativesThis conversation is moving, thought-provoking, and deeply relevant for anyone passionate about identity, community, and creating spaces of connection.📖 Far Away from Here is available now wherever books are sold.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#farawayfromhere #ambatakazi #podcastepisode #bookstagram #blackmuslimvoices #identityandbelonging #bookcommunity #podcastconversations #communityandconnection

🎙️ Episode 6: “Back to That” with author Asmaa Al KuwariIn this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Asmaa Al Kuwari, author, coach, and a leader in empowerment for Arab women, to explore her deeply held values of freedom, love, and growth, and how they guide her work and life.We talk about the power of being gently curious with ourselves and others, and the importance of creating spaces for realignment and belonging,  especially for Muslim Arab women across the world. Asmaa’s reflections are tender, wise, and grounded in a vision for more connection, compassion, and authenticity in our stories.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇🏽If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#dubai #booktube #backtothat #asmaaalkuwari #authorinterview #muslimwomen #arabwomen #belonging #storytelling #values #freedom #love #growth #realignment #curiosity #connection

🎙️ Episode 5:  “Stamford Hospital” with author ThammikaIn this thought provoking episode, I sit down with debut author Thammika to discuss her powerful novel “Stamford Hospital” a story that breaks the silence around the often unspoken realities of womanhood.We unpack themes of taboo in motherhood, the unraveling of a marriage, the quiet isolation of expat life, and the inner thoughts many women sit with but rarely say aloud. Thammika shares what led her to write this honest and emotionally raw novel, and the message she hopes readers carry with them long after the final page.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#dubai #booktube #stamfordhospital #thammika #bookreview #booktok #authorinterview #motherhood #expatlifedubai #fictionthatheals #marriageandmotherhood #expats #singapore #failingmarriage

🎙️ Episode 4 | “Salutation Road” with author Salma IbrahimIn this captivating episode, I sit down with writer and debut author Salma Ibrahim to explore her deeply moving novel “Salutation Road.” A powerful story that explores themes of displacement, belonging, identity, and the meaning of home.We dive into the inspiration behind Salutation Road, the significance of the title, and how Salma’s lived experiences shaped the emotional depth of her characters. From migration to memory, love to loss, this conversation highlights how fiction can create space for healing, heritage, and self-discovery.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#dubai #booktube #salutationroad #salmaibrahim #bookreview #booktok #authorinterview #sudaneseauthor #diasporastories #fictionwithfeeling #london

🎙 EPISODE Three: A Beautiful Homecoming with LaYinka Sanni (Faith, Self-Worth & Returning to Your True Self)Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Coaching Chapter podcast. In this conversation, I sit down with the incredible LaYinka Sanni, author of A Beautiful Homecoming , a powerful, faith rooted self development book written for women ready to rediscover themselves, reclaim their worth, and reconnect with their Creator.We talk about what it truly means to “come home” to yourself, how to navigate healing with compassion, and why inner work anchored in faith transforms everything. LaYinka shares her journey of writing this book, her personal reflections, and what she hopes every woman takes away from this deeply resonant message.✨ Whether you’re on your own self-discovery journey, healing from burnout, or yearning for a deeper connection with Allah and yourself, this episode will feel like a warm reminder that you are not alone and that home is already within you.🕊️ Grab a notebook, your favourite warm drink, and let’s dive in.——📚 A Beautiful Homecoming is available now online and in select bookstores.Follow LaYinka on Instagram: @layinkasanni🎧 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.🌟 Leave us a review — it really helps more women find these conversations.💌 Follow us on Instagram: @thecoachingchapters#faithbasedgrowth #abeautifulhomecoming #selfdevelopment #muslimwomen #innerhealing #coachingconversation #spiritualgrowth #silentcoaching #guidedjournaling

🎙️ Episode 2 | “What Will People Think?” with author Sara HamdanIn this powerful episode, I sit down with writer and debut author Sara Hamdan to discuss her newly released book “What Will People Think?” To explore behind the scenes, storytelling of a beautifully written coming-of-age novel that explores identity, culture, and the unspoken expectations many of us carry.We dive deep into the story behind the story, what inspired Sara to write it, the themes she hopes readers will take away, and how the title itself reflects the pressure to conform, especially as women navigating tradition, ambition, and self worth.✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to;✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#dubai #booktube #whatwillpeoplethink #sarahamdan #bookreview #booktok #bookrecommendations #authorinterview

🎙️ Episode 1 | Resilience to Reward: The Making of “Shape of an Apostrophe” with Author Uttama PatelWelcome to Episode 1 of our brand-new podcast! We’re kicking things off with a powerful and moving conversation with author Uttama Kirit Patel, diving deep into her debut Shape of an Apostrophe.In this episode, Uttama opens up about the emotional journey behind her writing, how resilience, identity, and cultural roots shaped the essence of her work. We explore what it means to go from surviving to thriving, and how the shape of her story became a message of strength and self-expression.✨ In this episode:• The inspiration behind Shape of an Apostrophe• Navigating identity and creative voice• The emotional and healing process of writing• What “resilience to reward” really means📚 Shape of an Apostrophe is available now♥️ go grab your copy and immerse yourself in her beautiful words.👇 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to;✅ Like✅ Subscribe✅ Share it with someone who needs to hear this✅ Follow us on Instagram @thecoachingchapters#UttamaPatel #ShapeOfanApostrophe #AuthorInterview #SouthAsianVoices #TheCoachingChapters