Picture this: Erin's in near-Toronto dealing with minus-30°C weather, Elena's buried in New Jersey snow, and we're both pretending we're somewhere tropical by mixing up vacation drinks. Elana's got a tangerine whiskey sour with egg whites (made in a mason jar, because sometimes you just have to work with what you've got), and Erin's sipping a margarita—no salt, because when the tequila's good enough, you don't need it.
We're recording from our respective winter fortresses, and honestly? The polar vortex called for this kind of creative escape. Sometimes you need to pretend you're somewhere warm when you're actually contemplating whether your face will freeze off.
But then the conversation gets real. When the world feels heavy—whether that's personally, socially, or globally—two questions kept coming up for us: How do you navigate politics and current events as a coach, both in your business and with clients? And how do you actually show up as a coach when things are rough for you personally?
We get into what it means to hold space for clients when everything feels intense, how to be human while also being professional, and why coaches don't have to have it all figured out to be effective. Because here's the thing nobody talks about: some coaching sessions feel like you're performing "being a coach" instead of actually coaching. And your clients? They can always tell the difference.
This episode is for coaches wondering how much of themselves to bring to their work, anyone trying to run a business during challenging times, and people who need permission to be imperfect and still show up. If you've ever felt like you need to have your business armor on 24/7, or wondered how to stay present when life gets hard, pull up a chair. We're talking about the messy, human side of coaching that doesn't make it into the highlight reels.
What you'll walk away with: permission to be a whole person, not just a coach persona. Insight into how to hold your own challenges while still being present for others. And maybe some inspiration to make a fancy drink in a mason jar—because why not?
Find all the links, resources, and ways to work with Erin and Elena at besuperabound.com/coachingmixer. Thanks for listening, and pour yourself something good for the next one.
Erin Aquin is a Master Certified Life Coach and co-author of the #1 bestseller "Superabound: Live the Life the Universe is Dreaming For You." She provides whole life coaching for business owners, integrating success and personal fulfillment through her unique all-in-one approach.
Learn more at besuperabound.com
Elana McKernan is a Master Certified Life and Creativity Coach who specializes in helping perfectionists create more by treating themselves better. You can check out her free content here and learn more about coaching with her here.
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