The Bright Morning Podcast

Elena Aguilar

Best-selling author and coaching expert, Elena Aguilar, brings weekly tips, tools, and wisdom to educators with one goal: to help you thrive.

  • 16 minutes 6 seconds
    How 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. 

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    Reflection questions: 

    • How do you currently prepare for your coaching conversations? Which element(s) of your current practice serve you well? 
    • Elena provided five steps to take in the five minutes before your coaching conversations. Are any of these steps a part of your current practice? Were any of these steps surprising? 
    • What can you do consistently to carve out the 5+ minutes necessary to prepare yourself to coach? Tip: Get as specific as possible. For example, is there a specific place where you can capture your pre-meeting routine? Are you someone who benefits from accountability and wants to create a tracking system? Is there a location you can consistently return to that would assist in habit formation? 

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    11 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 1 minute 14 seconds
    Bright Morning Podcast Trailer
    8 November 2024, 9:00 pm
  • 10 minutes 40 seconds
    A 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, and shares some wisdom on how to artfully put this into action. 

    This episode is for you if: 

    • Your clients are feeling powerless or deflated 
    • You’d like to learn a new way to open your coaching conversations 
    • You like concrete coaching tools! 


    Keep learning: 

    Support the show:


    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    4 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 28 minutes 15 seconds
    Soliciting Feedback from Your Admin: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 223

    We 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 Context

    02:29 Jumping into the Role Play

    04:20 Positive Feedback Highlights

    06:43 Addressing Critical Feedback

    12:25 Reflecting on Feedback and Moving Forward

    14:44 Debrief and Insights

    25:28 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    Keep learning: 

    Support the show: Become a Friend of the Podcast   Rate and review us

    Reflection questions: 

    • Have you solicited feedback from your admin? If so, how did it compare to Elena’s approach? If not, what has held you back?
    • During the debrief, Elena discussed the power of narrating your emotions during feedback conversations. Have you tried this before, or would you be willing to try it? 
    • What is one lingering question you have after listening to this demonstration and debrief? 

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.   Episode Transcript

    28 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 23 minutes 16 seconds
    Coaching an Emotions-Resistant Client: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 222

    How 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 Demonstration

    03:37 Identifying the Client’s Frustrations and Challenges

    05:00 Exploring Emotions and Strategies

    12:25 Debriefing the Role Play

    20:26 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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    Reflection questions: 

    • What coaching moves did you observe Elena make that built trust with her client? 
    • What insights or questions did this demonstration and debrief raise for you? 
    • How would you describe Elena’s way of being as a coach in this conversation? How did that impact the outcome of the conversation? 

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    21 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 32 minutes 42 seconds
    Navigating Client Cancelations: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 221

    What 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 Struggles

    11:19 Scenario 2: Fourth-Year Teacher Overwhelm

    21:51 Scenario 3: Resistance to Coaching

    28:16 Final Thoughts and Debrief

    Opportunities for continued learning: 

    Reflection questions: 

    • Which coaching moves did you hear Elena make in each of these three situations? 
    • What questions or ideas are you taking away from this episode? 
    • Which of the three scenarios would be the most challenging for you to coach? Why is that? What is one step you could take this week to prepare yourself to navigate this more confidently? 

    Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn. Follow Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn.

    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    14 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 22 minutes 43 seconds
    Using the Gaps Framework: Coaching Demonstration: Episode 220

    Elena 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: 

    Opportunities for continued learning:

    Reflection questions: 

    • If you have used the Gaps Framework with coaching clients before, how was your introduction and use similar and different from Elena’s?
    • If you haven’t used the Gaps Framework with coaching clients before, what would you need to feel confident doing so?
    • Elena had her client start by diagnosing the gaps families might be experiencing. Why do you think she took this approach?

    Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn. Follow Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn.

    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    7 October 2024, 10:00 am
  • 25 minutes 24 seconds
    How to Open and Close a Coaching Conversation: Episode 219

    Running 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 Podcast

    00:56 Demonstration Setup: Coaching Conversation Phases

    02:30 Role-Playing the Opening of the Coaching Conversation

    09:46 Debriefing the Role-Play

    15:52 Role-Playing the Closing of the Coaching Conversation

    23:20 Final Thoughts and Resources

    Opportunities for continued learning: 

    Reflection questions:

    • What moves did Elena make to build trust and connection between her and her client?
    • What moves did you hear Elena make that built teacher agency?
    • How did this demonstration compare to how you open and close your conversations?

    Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn and Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn

    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    1 October 2024, 3:00 pm
  • 22 minutes 57 seconds
    Navigating First Observation Nerves: Episode 218

    If 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 Demonstration

    02:38 Starting the Coaching Conversation

    03:13 Addressing Nervousness and Concerns

    05:02 Exploring the Benefits of Observation

    16:10 Debriefing the Coaching Session

    20:38 Resources for Coaches

    Opportunities for continued learning:

    Reflection questions: 

    • What coaching moves did you hear Elena make in this conversation?
    • What is one coaching move you would like to try in your next coaching conversation?
    • Elena explicitly states that she is nudging her client to proceed with the observation. What was your reaction to this level of transparency? Is this something you do/would do in your coaching conversations?

    Follow Elena on Instagram & LinkedIn and Bright Morning on Instagram & LinkedIn

    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    23 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 18 minutes 43 seconds
    The Getting-to-Know-You Conversation: Episode 217

    Elena 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: 

    Opportunities for continued learning: 

    Reflection questions: 

    • What moves did you hear Elena make that would contribute to building trust in this relationship? 
    • What questions did Elena ask that you would like to use in your getting-to-know-you conversations? 
    • What was new or different from what you might have done in conversations similar to this? 

    Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedIn


    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    As a Bright Morning Member, you get a front-row seat to see the process of Transformational Coaching unfold during live coaching demonstrations by our presenters and the training and practice time you need to transform your skills and impact. 

    Support us by becoming a Friend of the Show! 

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    LISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    16 September 2024, 10:00 am
  • 40 minutes 59 seconds
    Aligning Expectations Between Coach and Admin: Episode 216

    In 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 for the coach and the importance of aligning coaching strategies with desired student outcomes to create positive, intentional, and strategic impacts in the school community. At the end of the conversation, Elena and Mike “pull back the curtain” and share their reflections. 

    Mentioned on this episode: 

    Opportunities for continued learning: 

    Reflection questions: 

    • What ideas did this conversation spark about what you need to discuss with your admin? 
    • What parts of this conversation reinforced your understanding of what is required for a strong coach/admin relationship? 
    • Were there parts of this conversation that raised questions for you that signal you need to learn more? What next step(s) might you take? 

    Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedIn.

    Follow Bright Morning on Instagram and LinkedIn

    Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inbox!

    Podcast Transcript and Use:

    Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright in and to all content in and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not, except with our express written permission, distribute or commercially exploit the content.

    We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.

    LISTEN WHEREVER YOU FIND PODCASTS – AND BE SURE TO RATE AND REVIEW US!

    9 September 2024, 10:00 am
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