In this grounded and eye-opening episode, Bart Schouten—an internationally recognized Olympic coach with six Games and ten Olympic medals to his name—joins Coach Academy Founder Nathalie Blais to reflect on what it really means to support human potential through sport.From the early days of authoritarian coaching models to today’s emphasis on dialogue, trust, and emotional intelligence, Bart shares his evolution as a coach and as a person. His story reveals how the heart of great coaching lies not in control, but in connection.Together, they explore:The shift from giving orders to building partnerships with athletesWhy coaching the whole person—not just the performance—changes everythingLessons learned under Olympic pressure and the role of belief in unlocking potentialThe toll high-performance careers can take on family life, and how Bart has navigated that tensionThe mental health challenges athletes and coaches face—and what needs to changeHow effective communication and feedback create the conditions for sustainable successThe future of coaching in a world that needs more empathy, not just strategyThis episode is a must-listen for anyone who supports others in high-stakes environments—or wants to rethink what leadership and performance look like when they’re rooted in care.Tune in for a powerful reminder: when coaches evolve, so do the people they serve.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Bart Schouten and His Coaching Journey02:57 – The Evolution of Coaching: From Dictation to Connection06:05 – Coaching the Person, Not the Problem09:00 – The Role of Self-Awareness in Coaching11:58 – Bart's Path to Becoming a Speed Skating Coach14:53 – Lessons from the Olympics: Human Potential and Self-Belief17:46 – The Mental Game: Challenges in Coaching Athletes21:00 – The Importance of Communication and Feedback in Coaching25:30 – The Journey to Coaching Success31:58 – Balancing Family and Career34:59 – The Mental Game in Sports39:01 – Evolving Coaching Practices42:51 – The Future of Coaching and Athlete SupportWhere to find Bart:Website: www.schoutencoaching.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/schoutenbartWhere to find Coach Academy:Canada Coach Academy: https://canadacoachacademy.com/Nathalie Instagram: / nathalieblais.ceo Nathalie LinkedIn: / nathalieblais Canada Coach Academy LinkedIn: / coach. .Listen to the “What?” Podcast on the following platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4w7QpuU...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...#OlympicCoach #HighPerformanceCoaching #CoachThePerson #LeadershipThroughCoaching #MentalGame #PeakPerformance #TransformationalCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #AthleteSupport #CoachingPodcast #OlympicInsights #humanpotential Thank you for watching!__Meet Our Director of TrainingNathalie Blais, a visionary leader and Master Certified Coach, is transforming the landscape of personal and professional development. As the CEO of Canada Coach Academy, Nathalie’s passion lies in crafting experiential programs that serve as catalysts for challenging assumptions and fostering profound personal growth. With a deep belief in the transformative power of coaching, Nathalie is not just a founder and CEO; she is a driving force behind a movement to redefine the way people perceive and engage with coaching.ICF Master Certified Coach: Setting The StandardFueling her commitment to evidence based coaching is the profound impact coaching has had on Nathalie’s own life. Having experienced firsthand the positive transformation it can bring, she is on a mission to share this life-changing potential with others. Nathalie’s leadership is characterized by a genuine desire to educate and empower individuals, teams, and organizations on the true essence of coaching—moving beyond conventional notions to unlock untapped potential