Ask a Coach: Wisdom for Coaches, by Coaches
One question. One honest answer. Real wisdom from real life coaches.
Becoming a life coach is exciting… and overwhelming. That’s why Ask a Coach delivers quick, powerful insights from experienced life coaches who’ve walked the path and want to help light the way for you.
Each short episode features one coach answering one question — like “What do you wish you knew when you started?” or “What’s the best advice you’ve received as a coach?”
Whether you're just launching or still figuring it all out, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not alone — and you've got this.
💡 Wisdom for coaches, by coaches.
⏱️ Just a minute or two. Because your time matters.
🎧 Hit follow and grow with us.
If you’re a new life coach feeling stuck trying to “figure out your niche,” this episode will shift everything.
In this short Ask a Coach episode, Trista challenges the idea that clarity and confidence come from precision. Instead, she introduces a powerful concept inspired by the work of Steve Chandler: coaches don’t need a niche—they need a stand.
A stand creates energy. A stand builds trust. A stand gives people a reason to follow you.
This episode is for coaches who are tired of waiting to feel ready and are ready to lead—imperfectly, courageously, and intentionally.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why trying to nail your niche often keeps you stuck
The difference between a niche and a stand—and why a stand matters more
How conviction creates confidence (not the other way around)
What it really means to lead yourself as a coach
How to define what you stand for without overthinking it
Key Takeaways:
Confidence is built through commitment and action
Emotional resilience is a skill, not a personality trait
You don’t need to fix yourself before you move forward
Leadership starts when you stop waiting for certainty
People follow clarity, not perfection
Quote from the Episode:
“People don’t follow niches. They follow clarity. They follow certainty. They follow someone who is willing to take a stand.”
If this episode resonated, ask yourself one powerful question today:
What do I stand for strongly enough that I’m willing to say it out loud?
And then start there.
Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ask.a.coach)
Have an idea for a show? Email me at trista@tristaguertin.com
9 Dec 2025
Seeing the best version with Marcy Holmes
In this episode of 'Ask A Coach,' we share insights from Marcy Holmes, a seasoned relationship coach.
Marcy talks about the essential truth of coaching: while coaches can see and present the best versions of their clients, they must practice detachment and trust their clients' timelines and wisdom.
Marcy elaborates on how to inspire clients to believe in their potential and make changes at their own pace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing clients' inherent capabilities and allowing natural growth.
Key Moments:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:19 Meet Marcy Holmes
00:52 The Core Truth of Coaching
01:10 The Art of Detachment
01:35 Marcy's Insight on Coaching
02:11 Trusting the Client's Journey
You can find Marcy at: Marcy H Coaching – Relationship coaching (https://marcyh.coach/)
Marcy loves helping couples create more connection whether they're currently struggling or want to set a new relationship up for long-term happiness.
2 Dec 2025
You can't mess this up with Gail Keyes-Allen
In this power-packed mini-episode of Ask a Coach, Reinvention Coach Gail Keyes-Allen drops the truth every new coach needs to tattoo on their brain: don’t believe everything you think.
Gail introduces us to the concept of being “scared-sighted” — that wild blend of fear and excitement that hits the moment you step into your new identity as a coach. She explains why this feeling doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong… it means everything is going exactly right.
If you’ve ever thought:
“My niche isn’t good enough.”
“I’m unqualified.”
“I’m behind.”
“My ideal client won’t find me.”
…then Gail is here to remind you: none of that is true.
It’s just your nervous system trying to keep you safe.
Gail built a six-figure coaching business at 65 after leaving a 20-year accounting career — and today, at 69, she’s proof that identity shifts don’t come from confidence…. they come from courage. She’s living her most powerful chapter and helping women do the same.
Her message for new coaches is simple and extraordinary:
“You can’t mess this up. Your fear isn’t a stop sign. Let those scared thoughts ride in the backseat while you drive.”
This episode is your reminder to trust your desire, trust your excitement, and — above all — don’t stop.
Key Takeaways
“Scared-sighted” is normal — it’s what growth feels like.
Your anxious thoughts aren’t instructions; they’re just noise.
Confidence doesn’t come first — stretching yourself does.
Every coach you admire started unsure and overthinking too.
Your lived experience is your qualification.
Reinvention has no age limit — your next chapter can be your most powerful.
About Gail Keyes-Allen
Gail is a Reinvention Coach who helps women 50+ whose life looks good on paper but whose soul is calling for more. She left a long, successful accounting career at 65, built a six-figure coaching business in her first year, and now dedicates her work to helping women reclaim their power, rewrite the rules, and launch purpose-driven businesses.
At 69, she is living proof that dreams don’t expire — and neither do you.
Connect with Gail
Instagram: @theoldblackladychronicles (https://www.instagram.com/theoldblackladychronicles/)
Substack: The Old Black Lady Chronicles (https://theoldblackladychronicles.substack.com/)
Thanks for joining us!
If you have a moment to rate, review, share and subscribe to the podcast, that would be appreciated! (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-coach/id1817694368)
Who has been a guest on Ask a Coach
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Katie Pulsifer
Tricia Bolton
Camille Pagán
Erin Aquin
Megan Wing
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