EP 8: Can You Coach What You Haven’t Mastered?
Entrepreneurship • Sep 23, 2025 4:59:32 PM • Written by: Erin Aquin

This episode of The Coaching Mixer with Erin and Elana pours out both cocktails and candor. The two dive into a listener’s provocative question:
Should a coach be able to coach on things they haven’t mastered themselves?
They explore integrity in coaching, the difference between mindset and strategy, when lived experience helps (or hinders), and the fine line between inspiration and inauthenticity. From parenting to business milestones, from tarot readings to PhDs, they tease apart what makes coaching powerful—even when the coach hasn’t “been there” first.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories of burnout, surprising breakthroughs, and why collaboration might be the hidden key to creativity and longevity in the coaching world.
Highlights from the Episode
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Why “integrity” means different things for different coaches.
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The risk of pretending you’ve done what you haven’t—and why honesty builds trust.
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How not being an expert can sometimes make you a better coach.
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The tension between marketing perfection and showing your humanity.
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Why collaborations may be the secret ingredient coaching needs more of.
What We’re Drinking
Because no Coaching Mixer is complete without the mixer:
Erin’s Drink – Sagittarius Whiskey Sour (Witchcraft Cocktails)
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2 oz whiskey
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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¾ oz simple syrup
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1 egg white
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Fresh rosemary sprig
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Optional: magical herbs of your choice (Erin used rosemary)
Shake with energy, strain over ice, garnish with rosemary, and—if you’re Erin—infuse with a bit of intention.
Recipe adapted from Witchcraft Cocktails.
Elana’s Drink – Autumn Whiskey Cider Sparkler
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2 oz whiskey
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3 oz apple cider
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Splash of lemon juice
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Top with sparkling water
Serve over ice for crisp fall vibes—even if it’s oddly hot outside.
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Have a topic you want us to talk about or a drink to try? Follow us on Instagram and tell us about it:
https://www.instagram.com/elanamckernan/
https://www.instagram.com/besuperabound/
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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