Shows
The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCore Emotions Tool in Action: Episode 238Coaching emotions is a foundational ability of a Transformational Coach…and one of the hardest things for many people to do. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Core Emotions tool in an especially challenging situation–when a client is struggling with external factors like the state of the broader world– but is resistant to talking about their experience. Notable moments: 00:23 The Importance of Coaching Emotions01:52 Role Play Demonstration Setup04:01 Starting the Role Play Conversation04:43 Exploring Emotions...2025-04-2837 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarExpansive Listening in Action: Episode 235Coaching the problem, not the person, is the number one trap that coaches fall into. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can use expansive listening to unlock possibilities and empower your client. Notable moments: 01:12 The Power of Expansive Listening 02:49 Role Play Demonstration: Default Listening11:10 Role Play Demonstration: Expansive Listening22:09 Conclusion and ResourcesKeep learning: Join the Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC to access the Expansive Listening Skill Session (and 47 addi...2025-04-0724 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarTransformational Lesson Plan Feedback: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 234What does it look like to incorporate Transformational Coaching into everyday instructional coaching practices? Get ready to see it in action. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to transform lesson plan feedback from transactional to transformational. Notable moments:01:27 Role Play Demonstration Setup03:35 Feedback on Lesson Plans07:15 Reflecting on Independent Work10:02 Planning and Tracking Student Progress16:37 Engaging Students in Their Learning20:50 Final Thoughts and Next Steps Keep learning: Join our Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC and learn everything you need to know abo...2025-03-0327 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarNavigating Standardized Testing Woes: Coaching Conversation: Episode 233Standardized testing season is upon us, and that means you’re likely to experience some big feelings in your schools and coaching conversations. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how you can skillfully coach a teacher to consider how they want to approach this season. Notable moments: 01:26 Role Play Setup 03:18 Diving into the Role Play05:56 Exploring Beliefs and Emotions14:03 Shifting Perspectives and Finding Solutions26:07 Reflecting on the Coaching Session27:28 Continued Learning and R...2025-02-2429 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarInstructional Coaching with Transformational Coaching Strategies: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 232How do instructional coaching and Transformational Coaching work together? This is a question we hear a lot. In this episode, Elena demonstrates some of the many ways that Transformational Coaching compliments and enhances instructional coaching, resulting in tangible benefits for students and teachers alike. You’ll hear Elena coach a current 6th-grade ELA teacher who has been teaching for 17 years and is looking to push her proficient students to higher levels of knowledge. Notable moments: 00:38 Episode Overview and Role Play Setup02:35 Meet Kina...2025-02-1739 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarTaking a Confrontational Stance: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 229Change is why we coach. And it’s why working with a client who is stuck, resistant, or has hit a plateau can be so frustrating. In these moments, you need to be prepared to take a confrontational stance. That’s what Elena will show you how to do in this episode. Notable moments: 00:44 Introduction to Today's Roleplay Demonstration04:12 Exploring Emotions and Reactions09:41 Considering Next Steps and Solutions15:20 Final Thoughts and AcknowledgementsKeep learning: 2025-01-2718 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarAssessing Trust In Your Coaching Relationships: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 228There is no coaching without trust. But how do you know if your clients trust you? In today’s episode, Elena demonstrates how to do a trust check-in with your clients so you don’t have to guess or make assumptions. She also masterfully navigates learning that there has been a breach of trust. This episode is a must for every coach and leader. Notable moments: 01:06 Roleplay Demonstration Setup02:11 First Roleplay: Assessing Trust 10:27 Second Roleplay: Addressing Trust Issues2025-01-2021 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarNormalizing Struggles with the Conscious Competence Ladder: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 227If you are coaching someone who is struggling to learn how to do something new, today’s episode is for you. When growing our skills, the stages of learning are completely predictable, but most people aren't aware of that, and as a result, they can suffer. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Conscious Competence Ladder, a tool created by Noel Burch, to transform how your clients experience growing paints. Keep learning: Join our Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC and learn everything you need to k...2025-01-1321 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe Final Coaching Conversation of the Calendar Year: Episode 226The Peak End rule tells us that people's final experience has an outsized influence on how they remember something. This is great news for our coaching! In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the final conversation of the calendar year to send your clients into break feeling empowered and accomplished. Notable moments: 00:30 Setting the Stage for Role Play Demonstration 02:10 Jumping into the Role Play16:42 Debriefing the Role Play22:38 Final Thoughts and ResourcesKeep lea...2024-12-1625 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Know What Your Clients Think About Your Coaching: Episode 225Soliciting feedback from your coaching clients has big benefits, including strengthening your practice, building trust, and modeling being a learner. And it can be scary! In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to confidently and clearly ask for client feedback and acknowledge receiving it. As a bonus, you’ll also hear how to open your coaching conversations with a question that builds resilience! Notable moments: 00:43 Role Play Demonstration Setup02:55 Part 1: Introducing the Feedback Survey04:54 Part 1 Reflection07:55 Part 2: Transitioning to Feed...2024-12-0917 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarNavigating Confidentiality in Coaching: Coaching Demonstration Episode 224Elena addresses one of the most challenging aspects of coaching—navigating confidentiality within an organization. Through a role-play conversation with a school administrator, she demonstrates how to approach situations where a teacher's performance negatively impacts students while maintaining confidentiality. This conversation is part of our Learning Library skill session, Updating Admin on a Struggling Teacher. Notable moments: 00:45 Role Play: Addressing Concerns with an Administrator02:12 Discussing Classroom Observations04:51 Balancing Confidentiality and Support16...2024-12-0223 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarYour 10-Minute Conversation Reflection Guide [Replay]The easiest thing you can do to improve your coaching conversations is to incorporate reflection. In this fan-favorite episode replay, Elena shares the three questions you need to engage in a 10-minute post-coaching conversation reflection that will supercharge your learning. Keep learning: Join the Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC to gain access to Reflecting on a Coaching Conversation and 47 additional Skill SessionsAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop Read Arise: The Art of Tra...2024-11-2509 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarDisrupting Racism at the Dinner Table…And Beyond [Replay]The winter holidays can include many things: time with family, a break from work…and maybe some casual racism over dinner. In today’s episode, Elena provides a quick overview of her What to Say When You Hear Something Racist framework. This is the content you need for the most essential holiday prep: preparing to disrupt racism. Note: this episode is a timely replay from our What to Say When You Hear Something Racist series. Keep learning: What to Say When You Hear Something Racist (Podcast series + companion guide)C...2024-11-1816 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Prepare for a Coaching Conversation in Five Minutes [Replay]In this replay of a fan-favorite episode, Elena shares a minute-by-minute breakdown of how you should spend the five minutes before you walk into a meeting where you will be coaching. These five steps provide you with the greatest potential for that meeting to be transformative for both yourself and your client. Keep learning: Join the Learning Library and Transformational Coaching PLC to gain access to Planning for a Coaching Conversation and 47 additional Skill SessionsAttend The Art of Transformational Coaching wo...2024-11-1116 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarA Question to Cultivate Agency [Replay]How do you kindle a sense of power and agency in your client when they are feeling deflated or overwhelmed? In this fan-favorite replay episode of our special four-part First 5 Minutes series, Elena will walk you through how to do just that with one question that opens up your next coaching conversation. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works, an...2024-11-0410 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSoliciting Feedback from Your Admin: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 223We spend most of our waking hours at work. With that level of investment, we better make sure that what we’re doing is working, but too often, we just hope for the best. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to effectively lead a feedback conversation with an administrator. It also includes a debrief discussing the conversation's dynamics and the significance of vulnerability. Elena also shares what she wishes she would have done with more challenging coach/admin relationships in the past. Notable moments: 00:47 Setting the Stage: Role Play Context2024-10-2828 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching an Emotions-Resistant Client: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 222How do you coach emotions with a client who doesn’t want to talk about their emotions? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. In just ten minutes, Elena skillfully supports her “client” to consider the anger he’s experiencing with his administrators in a new light. At the end of the conversation, Elena will share why she made the moves she made and why they work. Notable moments: 01:01 Introduction to Today's Coaching Demonstration03:37 Identifying the Client’s Frustrations and Challenges05:00 Explorin...2024-10-2123 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarNavigating Client Cancelations: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 221What do you do when a client continues to cancel their meetings with you? That’s what you’ll learn in this episode. Elena demonstrates practical strategies through three role-playing scenarios with Cary, a former teacher. This episode is a must-listen for coaches seeking to enhance their confidence and effectiveness in building productive client relationships.Notable moments: 02:20 Scenario 1: New Teacher Struggles11:19 Scenario 2: Fourth-Year Teacher Overwhelm21:51 Scenario 3: Resistance to Coaching28:16 Final Thoughts and DebriefOpportunities for c...2024-10-1432 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarUsing the Gaps Framework: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 220Elena coaches a teacher experiencing frustration after a failed family night in her classroom. She introduces the Gaps Framework to support the teacher in identifying what gaps might have contributed to the disappointing experience, considering both the families and the teacher’s potential needs. The Gaps Framework is designed to expand perspective and identify potential pathways forward, empowering teachers to tackle their areas for growth. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastThe Gaps Framework (free tool)Opportunities for cont...2024-10-0722 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Open and Close a Coaching Conversation: Episode 219Running short on time in your coaching conversations? This episode is for you. Elena, playing the role of a school-based coach, demonstrates how to deftly navigate through the three phases of a coaching conversation—beginning, middle, and end—using skills from her “Arc of a Coaching Conversation” Skill Session. Set your timer and listen in to learn how to open and close your meetings in just five minutes. Notable Moments:00:00 Introduction to the Bright Morning Podcast00:56 Demonstration Setup: Coaching Conversation Phases02:30 Role-Playing the Opening of the Coaching Conversation09:46 D...2024-10-0125 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarNavigating First Observation Nerves: Episode 218If you’re leading classroom observations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Elena, playing the role of school-based coach, demonstrates how to navigate a client resistant to a classroom observation early in the year.This coaching demonstration is an extension of our “Preparing for Your First Observation” Skill Session in the Learning Library. Learn more below.Notable moments:00:29 Setting Up the Coaching Demonstration02:38 Starting the Coaching Conversation03:13 Addressing Nervousness and Concerns05:02 Exploring the Benefits of Observation16:10 Debriefing the Coaching Session2024-09-2322 min
Too Dope Teachers and a Mic131. ARISE: Elena Aguilar and Humanizing, Transformational Humanity (and Coaching)This week, Gerardo is joined by the eminent and brilliant Elena Aguilar, scholar of professional development and leadership! In this, Elena’s second visit to the show, she discusses her most recent coaching book Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. Elena shares her purpose, identities, and processes of writing, shedding a bright light on both the art of coaching, but also the art of writing itself. She shares her perspectives on both the value of writing that comes from academia as well as from the people.In this episode, Elena also shows us why he...2024-09-2100 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe Getting-to-Know-You Conversation: Episode 217Elena demonstrates how to facilitate an impactful getting-to-know-you portion of a coaching conversation. Playing the role of a school-based coach working with a new coaching client, she models how to integrate a client’s core values into the discussion, learn more about their past experience, and set the tone for openness and connection. And she does it all in less than 15 minutes. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Mornin...2024-09-1618 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarAligning Expectations Between Coach and Admin: Episode 216In this episode, Elena (playing the role of school-based coach) and Mike (playing the role of her admin) explore the introduction of a new coaching model within a school district. They discuss the definition and goals of coaching, teacher development strategies, and the implementation of PD cycles. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning coaching with broader school priorities. Key topics include the balance between maintaining confidentiality in coaching relationships, ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation, and fostering a supportive environment for both novice and veteran teachers. The discussion also touches on the need for clear measures of success...2024-09-0940 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarDesigning Impactful Coaching Goals: Episode 215The number one way to make every conversation count is to have a clearly defined coaching goal that matters for students that you and your client are aligned on. In this episode, Elena, playing the role of school-based coach, demonstrates how to lead a conversation with a client where you move from a school-wide directive to a specific goal that motivates an individual client.This coaching demonstration is an extension of our Determining Your Coaching Focus/Goals skill session in the Learning Library. Learn more below....2024-09-0227 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCrafting Your Personal Vision for the School Year: Episode 214The beginning of the school year is the ideal time to ground yourself in who you want and need to be in your role this year. Elena provides two exercises to help coaches and school leaders start the year with the clarity they need to thrive. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member “Crafting Your Personal Vision” Skill Session (Learning Library)Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Reflection...2024-08-2606 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSix Things Coaches Need to Know Before School Starts: Episode 213Unclear expectations are a recipe for resentment. Elena shares how coaches and admin can align from day zero and the six things to cover in a beginning-of-the-year meeting. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Reflection question...2024-08-1906 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarDetermining Your Schedule for the School Year: Episode 212Trying to do all the things is a recipe for burnout. Elena shares considerations for how to create a weekly schedule that sets you up to thrive as a Transformational Coach. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Ref...2024-08-1207 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Introduce Yourself to Clients: Episode 211The way you introduce yourself to your clients sets the tone for your work together. Elena shares four options to consider and the pros and cons of each. Mentioned on this episode: Join Elena at an in-person The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop (through Fall ‘24)Become a Friend of the Podcast Learning Library membership Opportunities for continued learning: Become a Bright Morning Member Reflection question...2024-08-0507 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Behaviors: Coaching Conversations: Episode 210In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to coach a new teacher struggling with classroom culture and not consistently following through with the next steps from their coaching conversations. This is the final episode of our four-part series on how to coach behaviors. But as all Transformational Coaches know, behaviors stem from beliefs, so you’ll also get a masterclass on coaching beliefs! Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Attend an in-person worksh...2024-07-2944 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching Behaviors: Teacher-to-Student Interaction Tool: Episode 209This is the fourth in a series of five episodes on coaching beliefs. Elena introduces the Teacher-to-Student Interaction Tracking Tool, explains how to utilize it in your observations, and offers a slew of tips that will help you successfully leverage this tool with your coaching clients. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (until July 2024)Attend an 2024-07-2218 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Behaviors: The Gaps Framework: Episode 208This is the third in a series of five episodes on coaching behaviors. Elena provides an overview of how to use her “Gaps Framework” coaching tool, which prevents us from slipping into fix-it mode and helps you identify the needs of your coaching client(s). Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (until July 2024)Attend an in-person workshop with...2024-07-1516 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching Behaviors: Planning for the Conversation: Episode 207This is the second in a series of five episodes on coaching behaviors. Elena shares how she prepared for her coaching conversations, including how the coaching stances impact her planning and approach. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (until July 2024)Attend an in-person workshop with Elena (through October 2024)Episode 179: What You Need to K...2024-07-0813 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Behaviors: Episode 206This is the first of five episodes sharing knowledge and tools to help you coach behaviors. To kick things off, Elena shares the seven factors she considers when creating a coaching plan after an observation. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (until July 2024)Attend an in-person workshop with Elena (through October 2024)Mind the Gap: Iden...2024-07-0108 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Beliefs: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 205In this episode, Elena coaches a teacher who is resistant to exploring her emotions. Then she pulls back the curtain to reveal her coaching moves and demonstrates how to guide someone to unpack limiting beliefs. This is the final episode of our five-part series on coaching beliefs. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (until July 2024)Attend an in-person work...2024-06-241h 02The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Beliefs: Create New Beliefs: Episode 204If you want to support your clients in releasing beliefs that aren’t serving them, you need to be able to guide them to create new beliefs. That’s what you’ll learn how to do in this episode, the fourth installment of our five-part series on coaching beliefs. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses (through July 2024)Attend an in-perso...2024-06-1719 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching Beliefs: A Simple Three-Step Tool: Episode 203In this episode, Elena introduces and demonstrates a new, simple three-step tool for coaching someone who has slipped into a victim mindset. This is episode three of a five-part series on coaching beliefs. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses Attend an in-person workshop with Elena Episode 190: How to Use the Ladder of Inference in Your C...2024-06-1020 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Beliefs: The Drama Triangle: Episode 202Limiting beliefs often accompany frustration. In this episode, Elena provides a framework and tool to help you identify when the person you are coaching has slipped into victim consciousness and what is needed to support them in transitioning out. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses Attend an in-person workshop with Elena The Drama TriangleOppo...2024-06-0320 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Beliefs: Five Things You Need to Know: Episode 201If you want to coach the beliefs that drive actions, you need to know and be able to do five things. Elena shares those and much more in this first of a five-part series on coaching beliefs. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonuses Attend an in-person workshop with Elena Opportunities for continued learning: Becom...2024-05-2728 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching Conversation: Coaching Core Human Needs: Episode 200In this episode, Elena uses the Core Human Needs framework to coach a teacher who is struggling to adapt to a new school environment. At multiple points in the conversation, Elena “pulls back the curtain” and provides insights into her coaching moves. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Core Human NeedsPre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational CoachingEpisode 183: Try It On: A Confidence Building Sentence StemOpportunities for continued learning: Bec...2024-05-2048 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Coach Towards Agency: Episode 199Do you struggle to coach disempowered clients? Do you have teammates who often feel like things are happening to them? In this episode, Elena shares how coaching ways of being, and in particular, coaching agency is the skill a Transformational Coach needs to help their clients feel better and empowered to get their needs met. You’ll learn two approaches to start utilizing this approach in your coaching conversations. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast P...2024-05-1315 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Curb Your “Fix It” Tendency: Episode 198Many of us respond to problems by attempting to solve them. Doing so in coaching conversations undermines our client’s agency. In this episode, Elena shares what causes a fix-it tendency and five steps you can take to resist it in your conversations.Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastPre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coachingand claim your pre-order bonus offersThe Creative ACT: A Way of Being, by Rick Rubin2024-05-0617 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCore Human Needs and Coaching Conversations: Episode 197The Core Human Needs is a thinking tool that has had the biggest impact on Elena’s coaching practice over the past 20 years. In this episode, Elena explains what the core human needs are, what you might hear in coaching conversations to indicate they aren’t being met, and how to respond in those moments. This tool is critical for coaching ways of being. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastPre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coachingan...2024-04-2931 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSneak Peek #4: Inside Elena’s Newest Book!The final sneak peek inside Elena’s newest book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. In this episode, Elena shares what you need to know about coaching emotions–and why you don’t need to be a therapist to do so. Mentioned on this episode: Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonus offersJoin Elena in person at a workshop this fall!San Francisco - August 8-9Los A...2024-04-1510 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSneak Peek #3: Inside Elena’s Newest Book!We’re interrupting our regular programming to bring you the third exclusive look inside Elena’s newest book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. In this episode, Elena shares what you must do to build trust in your coaching relationships–a non-negotiable skill for any Transformational Coach. Mentioned on this episode: Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonus offersJoin Elena in person at a workshop this fa...2024-04-0812 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSneak Peek #2: Inside Elena’s Newest Book!Surprise! We’re bringing you another exclusive look inside Elena’s newest book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. In this episode, you’ll be the first to hear Elena speak about the power of Transformational Listening and what it requires of us. Mentioned on this episode: Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonus offersJoin Elena in person at a workshop this fall! San Francisco - August 8-92024-04-0110 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarSneak Peek #1: Inside Elena’s Newest Book!We’re interrupting our regular programming to bring you an exclusive look inside Elena’s newest book, Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching. Overwhelmingly, educators are not thriving. This book will help change that reality. Listen in to hear Elena read you the first page of this game-changing text. Mentioned on this episode: Pre-order Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching Claim your pre-order bonus offersJoin Elena in person at a workshop this fall! San Fra...2024-03-2507 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarBuilding Strong Coach/Admin Relationships: Episode 195Are you a coach who feels like you’re “between” different groups in your building (admin, teachers, etc.)? Are you trying to navigate an “us vs. them” mentality at your site? Are you wondering what your role is in facilitating relationships between teachers and administrators? If you answered “yes!” to any of these questions, this episode is for you! Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastRate and review the podcast on Apple PodcastsElena’s Weekly Wisdom newslet...2024-03-1820 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhat You Need to Know about Classroom Walkthroughs: Episode 193Do your classroom walkthroughs and data collection lead to empowered teachers and stronger relationships? If not, this is the episode you need. Elena shares what you need to consider and specific steps to take in order to make these (potentially) powerful experiences work for everyone involved.Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the PodcastRate and review the podcast on Apple PodcastRate and review any of Elena’s books on AmazonOpp...2024-03-0418 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaches of Color, It’s Time to Honor Your Needs: Episode 191Are you a coach or leader of color working across lines of racial difference? If so, this episode is for you! Elena shares what you need to know and have in order to thrive in your role. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Coaching for Equity (Bright Morning workshop)The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, by Dr. Gabor MatéCoaching for Equity (B...2024-02-1917 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Use the Ladder of Inference in Your Coaching Conversations: Episode 190The Ladder of Inference is a powerful coaching tool…if you know how to use it. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Ladder of Inference in a coaching conversation where a coachee has shared a problematic belief. Listen in and get ready to try it out in an upcoming conversation! Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast Ladder of Inference tool The Art of Coaching (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of...2024-02-1228 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarI Don’t Want to Co-Sign THOSE Feelings: Episode 189Have you ever found yourself on the receiving end of feelings that make you feel some kind of way? In this episode, Elena walks you through five steps to respond compassionately and productively without co-signing anything. Mentioned on this episode: Become a Friend of the Podcast The Art of Coaching (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)The Art of Coaching Workbook (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Tra...2024-02-0528 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: What is Resistance?: Episode 147Elena hasn’t experienced resistance in her coaching conversations in over a decade. In this episode, she shares her five step process to eliminate resistance in your coaching conversations (...and really, in any conversation). This is the first in a three-part Coaching Resistance mini-series you won’t want to miss! Mentioned on this episode: Attend The Art of Coaching workshop (retired July 2024 and replaced by The Art of Transformational Coaching workshop)Become a Friend of the Podcast What to Say Whe...2024-01-2938 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: Attend to the Details: Episode 125Details can make or break a learning experience, yet are too often overlooked or deprioritized as “logistics.” It’s time for that to change. In this episode, Elena shares why attending to the details is one of the 7 habits that transform professional development, provides a couple of strategies you can start using right away to better attend to the details, and offers reflection questions to help you in your learning about designing and facilitating PD. Mentioned in this episode: Free Webinar (January 24, 2024)The PD Book2024-01-2220 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: When Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Episode 147There are 20 minutes left in your session, and you have an hour's worth of content. What do you do? Adaptive facilitation is the key to staying calm and skillfully adjusting course when things don’t go according to plan. On today’s episode, Elena brings you along on her adaptive facilitation journey and provides two sets of reflection questions to support you on your own. If you lead teams, groups, or meetings, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Mentioned in this episode: The PD Book 2024-01-1518 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: The End of Month Routine You NeedHere’s the secret to ending the year feeling fulfilled and accomplished: reflect and adjust along the way. Today we’re replaying a listener favorite episode, The End of Month Routine You Need, in which Elena shares what you can do at the end of each month to help you fulfill your goals and vision for the year. We encourage you to take time over break to establish a new habit that will nourish you all year long! Mentioned on this episode: Elena’s newsletter (sign-up...2023-12-1822 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe Six Elements of Transformational Coaching: Episode 174Today’s episode is arguably the most important Bright Morning Podcast episode to date. Elena provides the foundational knowledge that you need if you aspire to be a Transformational Coach: the six elements that define her approach to coaching. Mentioned in this episode: Books by ElenaThe Art of Coaching (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)The Art of Coaching Workbook (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching)2023-08-2128 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: Disrupting Racism in Coaching Conversations“Why don't you disrupt racist behavior more immediately? Our kids needed change yesterday…” We get asked a version of this question frequently, so today we’re replaying a listener favorite episode from last year where Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains, joins Elena to explore how we center transformation (and our own humanity) when disrupting racism in our coaching conversations. Mentioned in this episode: What to Say When You Hear Something Racist (Podcast series + companion guide)Coaching for Equity (book by Elena Aguilar) 2023-05-0846 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: Why We Need Affinity SpacesWhat are racial affinity spaces?Why are racial affinity spaces necessary? How do you respond when people are concerned about there being racial affinity spaces? What should I consider if I want to bring racial affinity spaces to my school or organization? If these are questions you’re curious about, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Coaching for Equity workshop The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development, by Elena...2023-05-0135 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarTransformational PD Part 3: Responding to Resistance: Episode 152Have you ever faced resistance while facilitating? Us too! In this final episode of our Transformational PD mini-series, Elena is joined by Bright Morning teammate, Maria Dyslin, to discuss and demonstrate how you can navigate resistance as a facilitator before, during, and after your meetings and PD sessions. Mentioned in this episode: The PD Book (Book by Elena)Artful Design and Facilitation (Bright Morning workshop)The Art of Coaching Teams (Bright Morning workshop)Art of Coa...2023-02-1350 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarDisrupting Racism at the Dinner Table…And Beyond: Episode 144The winter holidays can include many things: time with family, a break from work…and maybe some casual racism over dinner. In today’s episode, Elena provides a quick overview of her What to Say When You Hear Something Racist framework. This is the content you need for the most essential holiday prep: preparing to disrupt racism. Mentioned in this episode: All My Relations (podcast) Opportunities for continued learning: What to Say When You Hear Something Racist (Podcast series + companion guide)Coa...2022-11-2114 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarDisrupting Racism in Coaching Conversations: Episode 143“Why don't you disrupt racist behavior more immediately? Our kids needed change yesterday…” We get asked a version of this question frequently, so today Bright Morning teammate, Nick Cains, joins Elena to explore how we center transformation (and our own humanity) when disrupting racism in our coaching conversations. Mentioned in this episode: What to Say When You Hear Something Racist (Podcast series + companion guide)Coaching for Equity (book by Elena Aguilar) Coaching for Equity (Bright Morning workshop) Vi...2022-11-1446 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhy We Need Affinity Spaces: Episode 142What are racial affinity spaces?Why are racial affinity spaces necessary? How do you respond when people are concerned about there being racial affinity spaces? What should I consider if I want to bring racial affinity spaces to my school or organization? If these are questions you’re curious about, this episode is for you. Mentioned in this episode: Coaching for Equity workshop The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development, by Elena Aguilar and Lori Cohen The Racial Healing Ha...2022-11-0734 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe End of Month Routine You Need (Replay)Here’s the secret to ending the year feeling fulfilled and accomplished: reflect and adjust along the way. Today we’re replaying a listener favorite episode, The End of Month Routine You Need, in which Elena shares what you can do at the end of each month to help you fulfill your goals and vision for the year. Mentioned on this episode: Elena’s newsletter (sign-up!) Episode 105: Morning Rituals that Meet Your Needs (Bright Morning Podcast) Onward: Cultivating Resilience in Educator...2022-10-2421 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhat to Read This Summer with Dr. Kimberly Parker: Episode 130Wondering what to read this summer? Look no further! In this episode, Elena shares her top book recommendations for personal growth, professional development, and distraction. She also shares what’s on her to-read list this summer, and is joined by fellow author, Dr. Kimberly Parker to discuss her book (which is one of Elena’s top summer picks!), Literacy is Liberation. Mentioned in this episode: Personal Development - If you want to know yourself better:4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Oliver BurkemanThe Way of...2022-06-2039 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar10 Strategies to Shift a Mood: Episode 126Today’s episode offers ten specific strategies you can use when you need to be “on” but are currently in a mood. If you’ve experienced this in the past, you know just how challenging it can be…and thanks to these suggestions for Elena, next time you’ll be prepared with the strategies you need. These strategies and much more can also be found in The PD Book, which is releasing this week!!! Mentioned in this episode: The PD BookPre-Order Speci...2022-05-2317 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarIt’s All In the Details: Episode 125Details can make or break a learning experience, yet are too often overlooked or deprioritized as “logistics”. It’s time for that to change. In this episode, Elena shares why attending to the details is one of the 7 habits that transforms professional development, provides a couple of strategies you can start using right away to better attend to the details, and offers reflection questions to help you in your learning about designing and facilitating PD. Mentioned in this episode: The PD BookPre-Order Special Offer: including...2022-05-1620 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhen Things Don’t Go According to Plan: Episode 124There’s 20 minutes left in your session and you have an hour's worth of content, what do you do? Adaptive facilitation is the key to staying calm and skillfully adjusting course when things don’t go according to plan. On today’s episode, Elena brings you along on her adaptive facilitation journey and provides two sets of reflection questions to support you on your own. If you lead teams, groups or meetings, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Mentioned in this episode: The PD Book 2022-05-0917 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarPowerful Facilitation Starts and Ends With You: Episode 123If you want to lead transformative learning experiences, you must tend to your own transformation. In this episode, Elena dives into one of the 7 habits that transform professional development: knowing yourself as a facilitator. Mentioned in this episode: The PD BookPre-Order Special Offer: including free mini-workshops with Elena and Lori! Learn more at brightmorningteam.com/the-pd-book-pre-order-bonus/ The Art of Coaching Workbook (retired July 2024 with the release of Arise: The Art of Transformational Coaching) Two sets of refl...2022-05-0216 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe PD Book Sneak Peek: Episode 122In less than a month The PD Book will be out in the world! This is the book you need if you lead teams, groups and/or professional development of any kind. Today Elena is giving us all a treat by reading from the introduction. Listen in to learn all about what's inside The PD Book, and then go pre-order your copy! Mentioned in this episode: The PD BookPre-Order Special Offer: including free mini-workshops with Elena and Lori! Learn more at brightmorningteam.co...2022-04-251h 03The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhat to Say: Designing Your Racial Equity Learning JourneyIn the final episode of our limited series, What to Say When You Hear Something Racist, Elena shares recommendations and resources to continue this critical work. Mentioned on this episode: Books: How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi.The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money...2022-03-2820 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhat to Say: Three Steps to Navigate Your Emotions: Episode 110In the second episode of our new, “What to Say When You Hear Something Racist” series, Elena shares the next step you must take if you want to skillfully respond to racism: engage with your own emotions. There is no way that we are going to transform our schools, our communities and our world without encountering emotions. Today Elena is sharing the three steps that will prevent our emotions from hijacking our actions so that we can learn from the wisdom they have to offer. Mentioned on this episode: Coach...2022-02-1430 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarThe End of Month Routine You Need: Episode 108Here’s the secret to ending the year feeling fulfilled and accomplished: reflect and adjust along the way. If you’ve set a goal or an intention for this year, or if you’ve identified a word to guide you, then you don’t want to miss this episode. Today, as we continue our January series designed to set you up to have a fantastic year, Elena shares the end of month routine you need to help you fulfill those visions. Mentioned on this episode: Elena’s newsletter2022-01-3121 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarMorning Routines for Educators: Episode 105Are you starting the day in a way that serves you and sets you up to have your needs met? How you spend the first part of your day sets the tone for the day. And how you spend your day is how you spend your life. If you want to take a more intentional approach to 2022, start with your morning routine. In today’s episode, Elena pulls back the curtain on why routines matter, considerations for creating a routine that will best meet your needs, and s...2022-01-1024 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhat Do You Need This Winter Break?: Episode 101In today’s episode, Elena becomes the coach in your ear, providing some guidance for how you can think about winter break to ensure it serves you and your needs. The 2021-2022 school year has been a beast for educators everywhere. This is your time to center your needs, and Elena is here to help you do just that. Visit https://brightmorningteam.com/podcasts/ for links to everything we mention on the show. Follow us on Facebo...2021-12-1212 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarIntroducing The PD Book!: Episode 100This is an episode you won’t want to miss. Today Elena is joined by her co-author, Lori Cohen, to give you a sneak peek into their forthcoming book: The PD Book: 7 Habits that Transform Professional Development. The book isn’t releasing until May 2022, so for the next five months this episode is the only place you’ll be able to hear about: 10 strategies to shift a moodThe 4 questions that should guide any PD you design, and The 7 habits that transform PD Listen in and 2021-12-0641 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarWhen it Feels Like it’s Never Enough: Episode 98How do you support a client when they are working at capacity and still feeling like a failure because the demands are never ending and time is finite? How do you support a client who has transitioned into a new role and is suddenly experiencing the disorienting reality of being a beginner again? And how do you do that all in the midst of a global pandemic? Today’s coaching conversation provides you with the opportunity to hear how Elena navig...2021-11-2255 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFirst 5 Minutes: “Who is a fictional character…”: Episode 95How can we bring some creativity and levity to our coaching conversations? What about helping our clients access their needs? Or connecting them to their power? In this fourth and final episode of our special four-part First 5 Minutes series, Elena will walk you through how to do just that with one question that opens up your next coaching conversation. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the...2021-11-0115 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFirst 5 Minutes-Tell me about a challenging moment: Episode 94How do you kindle a sense of power and agency in your coachee when they are feeling deflated or overwhelmed? In this third episode of our special four-part First 5 Minutes series, Elena will walk you through how to do just that with one question that opens up your next coaching conversation. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and sh...2021-10-2510 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFirst 5 Minutes: Resilience Boosting Opener: Episode 93How can we instill our clients with confidence in their potential to learn and grow? In this second edition of our special four-part First 5 Minutes series, Elena will walk you through how to do just that with one question that opens up your next coaching conversation. In addition to providing you with a new question each week, Elena also walks through how to introduce this new type of question, models what that might look like, pulls back the curtain on why this question works and shares some wisdom on how to...2021-10-1813 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaches’ Corner: Is Your Tank Full?: Episode 90Today's episode is a Coaches' Corner episode where you have the opportunity to be guided by Elena in your own "coaching" session. Today Elena walks you through five essential questions to assess your resilience reserves.This episode is for you if: You're experiencing irritation, resentment, caring less about things or shame.You appreciate time and space to reflect on your needs and experiences You want to expand your ability to support others in cultivating their resilience Mentioned in this episode: Cultivating Resil...2021-09-2719 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: Virtual Reality: Confronting Self-DoubtThis week we are replaying an earlier coaching conversation with Kathrina Mendez, a teacher in California we first met in episode 2. This was the second coaching conversation between Elena and Kathrina. In it Elena uses the ACE framework discussed in last week’s episode as she supported Kathrina in her quest for growing self-compassion and implementing power doses of self-care. If you haven’t already listened to last week’s replay of the How to ACE Your Coaching Conversations episode, we encourage you to do so before o...2021-09-201h 23The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarAddressing Race-based Opportunity Gaps: Episode 86On today’s episode Elena coaches an instructional coach who works at a school that is the top performing high school in the state where despite their considerable success, students of color are being underserved. While this reality is known and discussed at the district and school-wide level, disparities are not being addressed at the individual classroom level. Elena’s coachee wants to change that and asked to be coached to figure out what is holding her back and how to consistently coach with an equity lens. Together the two discuss 7 foundational steps to take to begin building her...2021-08-301h 03The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFreedom Dreaming with Dr. Nicole Evans: Episode 75In this episode Elena talks with Dr. Nicole Evans, former principal and current Executive Director of Urban Education and Student Engagement at Harris-Stowe State University. The two explore how Dr. Evans pursued a commitment to making equity “the plate” and not an add-on during her time as principal of City Garden Montessori, a public school in St. Louis Missouri. This episode is for you if: You’re ready to move past admiring the many and complex problems perpetrating inequities and begin creating something different. You want to hear the story of how one principal lived into the calli...2021-06-1445 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarUnpacking: Creating Boundaries with Cultural Humility: Episode 74This is a different type of episode, one where we unpack a coaching conversation. If you listened in on Monday, you know Elena coached a white leader around working across lines of racial difference, specifically around where to draw a line in cross-racial relationships when behavior has become problematic. It is possible to create boundaries with cultural competence and humility, yet too often that doesn’t happen. Oftentimes the approach skews to dominance or things running amok. Both of these are failures of leadership. In this episode, Elena and her Bright Morning teammate LesLee Bickford dive into the...2021-06-0932 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFeel Better Step 2: ExploreIn today’s episode, Elena kicks off week 2 of her free How to Feel Better 4-week program. What is the second step you need to take if you want to start feeling better? Explore.This episode is for you if: You are ready to engage with your emotions and want to do so in a healthy way You would like some coping strategies to navigate intense emotions You’re ready to feel betterClick here for full show notes, including everything mentioned. Sign-up for the (free!) How to Feel Better 4-week programMen...2021-04-0538 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarFeel Better Step 1: LookIn today’s episode, Elena officially kicks off her free How to Feel Better 4-week program. Here’s a spoiler: the first step of how to feel better is that you need to feel. Many of us have been taught to “manage” or “control” our emotions. In the workplace we have learned that emotions are unprofessional and have no place. In this episode, Elena exposes the historical context that has led to this detachment from our emotions and the wisdom of our body. She provides the first step to reconnect with our emotions on the pathway to healing and f...2021-03-2936 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCreating a Recipe for Thriving Through ChangeThis is a coaching conversation. In this episode Elena once again coaches Huber Trenado, a teacher (who is also a former student!) who we met in Season 1: Episode 13 of the podcast. This time around Elena supports Huber to codify his learnings from a year of virtual teaching that brought many surprises in terms of the amount of joy and success he and his students managed to find. They explore an often unidentified culprit in our struggles with change, how to stand in your power, and the need to capture and share our learnings on...2021-03-1558 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarCoaching Tool: The Spheres of InfluenceIn this power-packed mini-episode Elena provides guidance on how The Spheres of Influence can be engaged right now as a critical resilience boosting strategy. Listen in to grow your coaching toolkit and hear how to artfully utilize the Spheres of Influence alongside the complimentary tools of Identifying Bright Spots and Strengths-Based Coaching. This episode is for you if: You’re looking for a tool to use when people are feeling powerless (hint: if someone is complaining, this is for them!) You and/or your coachees are riding a wave of un...2021-03-0116 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarREPLAY: Creating Boundaries with Kathrina MendezOur next season of the Bright Morning Podcast kicks off in January with all new episodes. Elena will once again be coaching clients and pulling back the curtain on her coaching moves...but this time it will be a little different. Instead of introducing new clients with each episode, the clients you met in season one will be back so you can see how the coaching relationship evolves over time. To kick things off, we’ll listen in on Elena’s second coaching conversation with Kathrina Mendez, a teacher Elena coached in season one around drawing boundaries, practicing self...2020-12-2152 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarAsk Me Anything! December 2020In this new type of episode, Elena answers your questions! Listeners sent in dozens of questions including some about how to coach teachers who are exhausted and frazzled, how to deal with getting difficult feedback on your coaching, and how to engage adult learners deeply so they’ll want to keep coming back for more. Elena’s husband, Stacey, asks her the questions and shares his insights in a couple of places. You’ll also hear about a recent coffee-related discovery that Elena has made. Mentioned in this episode:What’s New at Bright M...2020-12-0752 minThe Bright Morning Podcast with Elena AguilarHow to Prepare for the ElectionIn this Grab Bag episode, Elena and her co-host, laura brewer, talk about how to prepare for the election, what’s giving them hope and bringing them joy, what they’re reading, and how they’re practicing radical self-care. For listeners who know Elena as a coach or interviewer, you’ll get a glimpse into who she is on a more personal level and how she’s really feeling these days. This episode is for you if:You’re looking for ideas and support to prepare for and manage election weekYou’re looking for more ideas to bo...2020-11-011h 04