We’re Alex Carleton and Melissa Bloom, two coaches who’ve worked with hundreds of leaders and know that leadership starts with being human. In a world full of leadership books and AI advice, there’s something uniquely powerful and irreplaceable about working with a live coach who really sees you. We dig into what coaching is (and isn’t), how it can help leaders grow, and why a human-centered approach makes all the difference. Along the way, we share stories, insights, and simple techniques you can try out in your own life.
Practically Coaching
Claim This Podcastby Leadership Coaching Collective
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18 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
We’re Alex Carleton and Melissa Bloom, two coaches who’ve worked with hundreds of leaders and know that leadership starts with being human. In a world full of leadership books and AI advice, there’s something uniquely powerful and irreplaceable about working with a live coach who really sees you. We dig into what coaching is (and isn’t), how it can help leaders grow, and why a human-centered approach makes all the difference. Along the way, we share stories, insights, and simple techniques you can try out in your own life.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/7/2025
1 verified contact email on file for Practically Coaching
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Recent Episodes
May 27, 2026
Developing an adaptable team
<p>In the final episode on the VUCA framework, Alex and Melissa talk about <strong>ambiguity</strong>. </p><p><br /></p><p>Doubt and delays often occur when teams lack complete information. As individuals assess incomplete information, they naturally try to fill in the gaps. The result - team members have various interpretations that create confusion about current and future needs.</p><p><br /></p><p>Leaders can foster progress by focusing on <strong>adaptability </strong>and<strong> c</strong>ontinuous learning at all levels of the organization. </p><p><br /></p><p>Listen for practical tips on how to set expectations, invite participation, and build feedback loops to help your team get unstuck.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Resource</strong>: In this episode, we refer to Amy Edmondson’s book <a href="https://amycedmondson.com/books/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Fearless Organization</strong></a>. </p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 What do we mean by ambiguity? (the A in VUCA)</p><p>03:03 Real-World Examples of Ambiguity</p><p>05:50 The Importance of Adaptability</p><p>08:53 Creating Psychological Safety</p><p>11:58 Inviting Participation and Feedback</p><p>15:02 Responding to Setbacks</p><p>17:49 Balancing Accountability and Psychological Safety</p><p>20:58 Self-Care for Leaders</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Get In Touch</strong></p><p>We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.</p>
May 12, 2026
Finding clarity amid complexity
<p>Today’s discussion focuses on <strong>complexity</strong>. In comparison to the other aspects of VUCA, complexity often stems from too much information rather than too little. You and your team may find it difficult to parse the information and identify cause-and effect-relationships.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>The key is to focus on the things you do know.</strong></p><p><br /></p><p>We discuss prioritizing transparent and consistent communication that can help you and other leaders mine the knowledge that exists within your organization. We offer strategies to foster clear and concise communication, create alignment, and encourage collaboration to help your teams work effectively through unpredictable situations. </p><p><br /></p><p>We wrap-up with box breathing – a simple technique you can use to bring balance to your thoughts and energy. Whether you’re feeling tired or abuzz, box breathing can help you find an even keel.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Understanding Complexity in VUCA</p><p>02:53 Navigating Complexity with Clarity</p><p>06:10 The Importance of Communication</p><p>09:07 Reinforcing Vision and Purpose</p><p>12:02 Creating Psychological Safety</p><p>15:11 Bringing Balance to your Leadership with Box Breathing</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Get In Touch</strong></p><p>We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.</p>
April 28, 2026
Meeting uncertainty with understanding
<p>As we continue to work through the VUCA framework, this episode focuses on uncertainty. When things are uncertain, we can react by searching for more data, more specific details, more information to help us navigate the situation. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>But leaders have a choice.</strong> </p><p><br></p><p>Rather than operate in a silo, leaders can instead foster open dialogue and draw others into the conversation. One of the best ways to address uncertainty is to build understanding. </p><p><br></p><p>Join us for a discussion of practical strategies for leading through VUCA times, including: the importance of a well-placed pause, engaging others in the discussion, and fostering collective understanding to enable decision making. We conclude with a grounding exercise you can do at your desk to help tamp down the frenetic energy of uncertainty.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership</p><p>03:08 Understanding the Impact of Unpredictability</p><p>06:11 Building Collective Understanding</p><p>09:09 Fostering Open Communication</p><p>11:52 Creating a Shared Experience</p><p>14:39 Finding Grounding Objects in Uncertainty</p><p>17:49 The Power of the Pause</p><p>21:23 Embracing Human Leadership</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Get In Touch</strong></p><p>We love to hear from you! Whether you'd like to learn more about coaching or have a suggestion for a future episode of our podcast, reach out to info@leadershipcoachingcollective.com.</p><p><br></p><p>Thanks to Brad MacKenzie for the music.</p>
18 total episodes available
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