#Coaching (Ep 14)
Episode 14Let’s be honest: ‘coach’ is one of those words that’s been stretched, overused, and misapplied so much that it barely resembles its original form. Like the word artisan—which once meant skilled craftsmanship and now applies to everything from overpriced toast to scented candles—coaching has suffered a similar fate.
Enter Chris.
Chris is the person who finally helped me uncringe the word coach—a word that, in my 20 years of HR, has come to mean everything from therapist to venting buddy to a person hired to fix underperformance but in a way that doesn’t make anyone feel bad about it. Chris, however, does none of that. Instead, he beautifully articulates what coaching actually is, why it matters, and how it fits into the messy, often misunderstood landscape of professional development.
Coaching: What It Is and What It Is Not
Chris puts it best: coaching isn’t advice, therapy, or an HR coffee chat in disguise. A mentor shares their own war stories; a coach helps you figure out yours. A consultant hands you answers; a coach forces you to dig for them. A therapist unpacks the past; a coach stays laser-focused on the future.
And then there are life coaches—a mixed bag of certified pros and self-help enthusiasts. The difference? A real coach brings structure, accountability, and actual frameworks, not just inspiration.
As for HR? Sure, we advise, strategize, and support leaders—but that doesn’t make us coaches. Great coaching is structured, intentional development, not just a standing meeting with your HRBP.
And then there’s the great confidentiality debate. If a company is paying for a coach, do they have a right to know everything that happens in those sessions? Where’s the line between professional development and personal privacy? Chris has some thoughts.
That’s why I’m beyond thrilled to have him on The Unbuzzed Podcast. If you’ve ever been confused about what a coach actually does—or why coaching shouldn’t be a lifelong subscription model—this one’s for you.
📢 listen to wherever you get your pods.
