Three-Party Agreements: Coaching in OrganizationsIf you’re stepping into organizational coaching (or thinking about it) one of the first big questions is: how do you navigate a coaching engagement when there’s more than just you and the client at the table? That’s where three-party agreements come in. In this episode, I break down the essentials of three-party (or sponsored) engagements: what they are, why they matter, and how to set them up in a way that protects trust while also aligning with organizational goals. Whether you’re new to corporate coaching or looking to strengthen your contracting skills, this conversation will give you practical tools for building clarity, safety, and alignment from the start. You’ll hear about: Why a three-party agreement is best approached as a conversation first, document second; The must-have elements to include, from goals and confidentiality to feedback protocols and exit clauses; How to balance organizational expectations with the coachee’s autonomy and professional growth; What to watch out for when hidden agendas or performance management creep into the process; The role of culture and diversity in shaping agreements that actually work across contexts. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a fellow coach who’s navigating organizational coaching or preparing for it. And if you haven’t yet, hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, especially the next one, where we’ll dive into one of the most powerful aspects of coaching: working with emotions. Want to deepen your coaching practice with more confidence and clarity? I’d love to connect. DM me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/) or visit www.upthinkcoaching.com

When a Client Does Not Make Progress in a Coaching Session If you’ve ever left a coaching session wondering, “Was that enough?” or “Did my client actually make progress?”  this episode is for you. Whether you’re a new coach or an experienced practitioner, the pressure to “deliver results” can lead to performance mode, second-guessing, and even subtle missteps in the coaching relationship. As a mentor coach and supervisor, I see this all the time. Coaches confusing visible “aha” moments with meaningful progress, or missing deeper signs of transformation that don’t look dramatic on the surface. In this episode, we unpack what progress actually means in a coaching session, how to sense it, and what to do when you’re not seeing it. You’ll hear about: The myth of the “big aha” and how it trips coaches into performance mode; How to notice when the client is circling around a surface topic to avoid something deeper; The coach’s role in creating psychological safety for emotional honesty and real insight; What to do when you feel you’re working harder than your client — and how to hand the process back; The link between progress and trust, and why emotional transparency matters more than perfectly framed questions. If this episode helped, please share it with a fellow coach who might need to hear it.And if you haven’t yet, hit subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes, especially if you’re curious about the deeper, relational side of coaching. Let’s connect! Want to bring more presence, confidence, and clarity to your coaching? I am here for that. DM me on LinkedIn or visit upthinkcoaching.com to explore supervision, mentor coaching, or our accredited coach training programs. Our next PCC Path (Level 2) - "Beyond the Tools: Advanced Coaching in Emotional, Intercultural & Relational Spaces"- begins in September: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/the-path-to-excellence-for-certified-coaches/ ACC Path (Level 1) opens in November: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/become-a-coach/ Looking forward to supporting you on your journey.    

Many coaches associate a “coaching mindset” with being positive, open, or reflective. But in practice, it’s something deeper and more disciplined. In this episode, we unpack what it truly means to embody a coaching mindset, beyond ICF definitions and into the psychological habits that shape how we show up. For coaches who and coaching leaders who have ever felt: Uncertain whether you're being present or subtly performing Caught between curiosity and the urge to fix Drained from maintaining “the right attitude” session after session This episode offers clarity, evidence, and honest reflection. You’ll learn: What lies beneath ICF’s “Embodies a Coaching Mindset” competency How curiosity, emotional regulation, and non-directiveness influence client outcomes Why a mindset shift often matters more than a new tool or question Common traps and how to work through them Simple practices to reset and return to presence Let’s stay in touch:Follow the show, connect with me on LinkedIn, or reach out if something in this episode sparked a reflection. And join us next time as we explore what to do when a client doesn’t make progress. If this episode helped, share it with a fellow coach who's in the same boat. Here's More: Do you want to bring more presence, confidence, and clarity to your coaching? I am here for that. DM me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/) or visit upthinkcoaching.com to explore supervision, mentoring, or our accredited coach training programs. Our next PCC Path (Level 2) program begins in September, and the ACC Path (Level 1) program opens in November. Download our FREE workbook "Reflective Practice For Coaches" at https://upthinkcoaching.com/for-coaches/ Looking forward to supporting you on your journey.

If you're a coach-in-training, a freshly certified practitioner, or simply someone who feels stuck between wanting to help and fearing you’re not “ready” yet, this episode is for you. You probably have a lot of questions about how to find clients, how to talk about your coaching, and whether it’s okay to charge for your services yet. As a coach educator, mentor and supervisor, I have worked with many coaches navigating these exact challenges. In this episode, I share honest, practical advice based on experience. Just the things that work. It is ok to be new. Being clear and transparent builds trust more than pretending to be an expert ever will. You’ll hear about: Ways to collect evidence of your skills, even early in your training; How to introduce yourself and your coaching authentically and ethically, with practical examples of phrases you can use; How to deal with rejection and why that’s not about you personally; Using CustDev interviews to connect and really understand what your future clients need; Practical ways to set your fees and offer packages that make sense for you and your clients. If this episode helped, share it with a fellow coach who's in the same boat. Let’s connect! Do you want to bring more presence, confidence, and clarity to your coaching? I am here for that. DM me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/) or visit upthinkcoaching.com to explore supervision, mentoring, or our accredited coach training programs. Our next PCC Path (Advanced Cohort) begins in September, and the ACC Path (Level 1) opens in November. Download our FREE workbook "Reflective Practice For Coaches" at https://upthinkcoaching.com/for-coaches/ Looking forward to supporting you on your journey.

In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I’m addressing one of the most frequently discussed ideas in coach training: coaching the whole person. You’ve probably heard the phrase in mentor feedback, ICF performance assessments, or coach training sessions. My goal for this episode is to explain it in a clear and practical way. If you’re working toward your PCC credential, or simply want to have more meaningful conversations with clients, I hope you’ll find this episode useful.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most personal and relatively common puzzles in coaching: “How do I find my own coaching style?” We’ll explore what holds coaches back from showing up with authenticity, how our training might sometimes wire us to sound like someone else, and how to go about finding your voice.

Let’s face it — disappointment happens in coaching. Maybe your client expected more progress, or perhaps you feel coaching does not work for them. Something just does not feel right!In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I’ll talk about what might be causing that disappointment and how you can turn those tricky moments into opportunities for growth. We’ll explore how to address these feelings head-on, validate your client’s experience, and keep communication open to ensure that both you and your client are on the same page. I’ll also share some questions you can ask to keep your coaching relationship strong and aligned. This episode is for: Coaches who want to navigate those awkward moments with clients with empathy and confidence. Mentors looking for fresh insights to share with their mentees. Anyone curious about personal development and emotional dynamics in relationships. And don’t miss our next episode, where we’ll dive into balancing your unique coaching style while keeping the spotlight on your clients. Get in touch: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/ Email: Luba@upthinkcoaching.com Website: www.upthinkcoaching.com Explore ICF-accredited coach training programs, mentor coaching and supervision: https://www.upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development    

In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I invite you to slow down with me and reflect on the year — not just on your coaching practice, but on yourself as a person and a professional After all, our coaching style is about how we show up, bringing into each session exactly what we carry within us — no more and no less. I’ll share my December tradition: a Reflective Advent Calendar. It is a playful yet meaningful way to connect with your experiences, both personal and professional. You’ll hear about five of my favorite reflection prompts, and these prompts will be my invitation to you to step back and appreciate the lessons this year has offered. Grab your favorite pen, settle in, and let’s reflect together.By the way, we have a wonderful free Reflective Practice Workbook for coaches. You can get your copy here: https://upthinkcoaching.com/for-coaches/   Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/ Explore Our Coach Training Programs, Mentoring and Supervision with Me: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/

In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I’m inviting you to explore a topic that comes up often in my work as a coach trainer, mentor, and supervisor: creating a smooth flow in coaching sessions. As coaches, we’ve all experienced sessions that feel like a seamless dance, and others that seem scattered or disjointed. What makes the difference? You will discover: The deeper role of trust in the coaching process—trust in the client, the session, and yourself. How to anchor insights within the client’s larger narrative for impactful outcomes. Practical ways to weave a cohesive session through clear agreements, presence, partnership and working with emerging insights. Whether you’re a newly trained coach or looking to refine your skills, this episode may offer some food for thought and actionable strategies to balance spontaneity with intentionality and help your clients achieve lasting results. Tune in. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/ Explore Our Coach Training Programs, Mentoring and Supervision with Me: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/

Episode 6: Global Listening Seeing the Forest, Not Just the Trees In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I’m talking about a skill that can take your coaching to the next level: global listening. As coaches, we’re all familiar with active listening — it’s a foundational skill. But have you ever felt overwhelmed by a client’s lengthy story, unsure of which thread to follow? That’s where global listening comes in. It’s about stepping back, shifting your perspective, and tuning into the bigger picture. I’ll share my view on how global listening complements detailed listening, helping you avoid getting lost in the weeds and instead attune to the themes, patterns, and unspoken elements of a client’s narrative. You’ll also hear practical tips for cultivating this skill. If you want to refine your active listening, this episode will provide insights to help you hold space for complexity and bring more depth to your coaching conversations. Ready to expand your listening repertoire? Tune in! Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/ Explore Our Coach Training Programs, Mentoring and Supervision with Me: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/ In the next episode, we’ll explore how to create a fluid and seamless session flow. See you then!

Hi! In this episode of Coaching with Confidence and Care, I’m talking about cultural sensitivity and cultural humility for coaches. Coaching across cultures is such an exciting opportunity, but let’s be real — it’s not always straightforward. How do we navigate differences in communication styles, build trust, and manage our own biases while doing our best work at that? I’ll share stories from my years of intercultural coaching and coach training, with clients from over 45 countries, and break down what I’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear about handling cultural nuances, like how trust is built differently across cultures, or why “direct” feedback isn’t always a universal win. I’ll also offer practical tips — like using Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions to understand where clients are coming from and shaping a coaching approach that feels respectful and inclusive. Whether you’re coaching globally, working with culturally diverse teams, or just curious about how cultural sensitivity and humility can enhance your practice, this episode brings you some insights and tools you can use right away. Tune in!Useful Links: https://geerthofstede.com/ - The 6-D model of national culture https://upthinkcoaching.com/for-coaches/ - Our free workbook "Reflective Practice for Coaches". Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/ Explore Our Coach Training Programs, Mentoring and Supervision with Me: https://upthinkcoaching.com/coach-training-development/

In today’s episode, we explore a common question among coaches: where does deep coaching end and therapy begin? Whether you're a new coach or preparing for your advanced PCC credential, we’ll dive into the overlaps and distinctions, and how to navigate emotional conversations while staying true to your coaching role.www.upthinkcoaching.comLuba@upthinkcoaching.comConnect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luba-diasamidze/

Have you ever had a client bring a topic so big it feels like too much for one session? It can make you wonder where to start. In this episode, we'll explore what to do in such situations. Knowing how to handle these moments is what helps you stay grounded and deepen your client’s trust.www.upthinkcoaching.comConnect on LinkedIn

This episode is about the delicate balance between addressing challenges and highlighting strengths in coaching sessions. Get some ideas about how to help your clients harness both their optimistic and pessimistic tendencies to foster growth, resilience, and a stronger belief in their abilities.

Key points: 0:04 - 0:58: I will introduce myself, the podcast, and my motivation. 1:28 - 2:24: Why many trained coaches struggle to pursue a career. 5:00 - 7:03: Defining self-confidence and its significance. 9:20 - 10:42: Reflecting on care, humility, empathy, and relationships. Next time: Use a positive lens in coaching to help clients build self-efficacy. Don’t miss it!