On this 'Making of a Coach', Tobi meets Lucy Higgins to unpack real "Frequently Asked Questions" from aspiring coaches wanting to become a coach.
Drawing on her work training cohorts of new coaches at Animas in the UK and her own practice, Lucy digs into client acquisition strategies, whether to niche, and the true timeline of coaching business building. They also explore coaching pricing models, the balance between directive and non‑directive work, why supervision matters and when ICF/EMCC accreditation helps (and when it doesn’t).
Key Learnings:
Resources:
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Teaser: Hell Island To Heaven Island
00:02 Why This Coach‑Trainer FAQ Episode
00:10 Client Acquisition Strategies: Avatar, Channels, Referrals
00:13 Coaching Business Building Timeline And Buffer
00:15 Should I Niche Or Be The Niche?
00:17 Selling As A Helper, Not A Salesperson
00:19 Coaching Pricing Models And Sliding Scales
00:25 Systems That Save Time: Calendly, Xero, SEO
00:36 Directive vs Non‑Directive Coaching
00:40 Coaching Accreditation: ICF, EMCC, AC
On this 'Making of a Coach', Tobi meets Dr. Ronald Franke, the co-founder behind the LINC Personality Profiler, to trace how a psychology student became a coach, researcher, and entrepreneur. Next to a deep dive into the personality and coaching, the conversation unfolded as an entrepreneurial journey through the coaching industry - from cultural research to launching a B2B tool now used by 5,000+ coaches running 40,000+ assessments a year.
Along the way, they unpack where personality assessments fit into real coaching versus debriefs, and why type-based tools fall short of trait-based approaches. Originally recorded in German and shared here via AI transcreation, this coaching podcast doubles as a candid playbook for turning expertise into a scalable tool.
Key Learnings:
Resources:
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Opening: Why Personality Assessments Matter
01:00 Meet Dr. Ronald Franke And The LINC Personality Profiler
03:00 From Psychology Studies To Coaching And Research
05:00 Culture Research To Product: Early Tests And Pivots
06:00 Choosing Coaches Over HR: Finding The Initial Niche
12:00 Building Products, MVPs, And What Actually Sells
17:00 Beyond The Tool: HR Solutions And B2B Services
20:00 Big Five Model In Coaching: From Debrief To Real Change
29:00 Internationalization And What’s Next
This is a German Original Episode. For its English version, click here!
In dieser Folge von Making of a Coach spricht Tobi mit Dr. Ronald Franke, dem Mitgründer des LINC Personality Profilers. Gemeinsam zeichnen sie nach, wie aus einem Psychologiestudenten ein Coach, Forscher und Unternehmer wurde. Neben einem tiefen Einblick in Persönlichkeit und Coaching entwickelt sich das Gespräch zu einer unternehmerischen Reise durch die Coaching-Branche – von kulturpsychologischer Forschung bis hin zur Entwicklung eines B2B-Tools, das heute von über 5.000 Coaches genutzt wird und jährlich mehr als 40.000 Auswertungen ermöglicht.
Unterwegs beleuchten die beiden, welche Rolle Persönlichkeitsanalysen im echten Coaching – jenseits von Auswertungs-Gesprächen – spielen und warum typbasierte Instrumente gegenüber eigenschaftsbasierten Ansätzen an ihre Grenzen stoßen.
Key Learnings:
Ressourcen:
Episode Chapters:
01:58 Die Entstehung des LINC Personality Profilers
02:56 Von der Wissenschaft zum Coaching
05:02 Herausforderungen und Learnings im Unternehmertum
07:57 Die Rolle der Persönlichkeit im Coaching
16:10 Entwicklung und Anwendung des LINC Profilers
41:09 Unternehmenskultur und internationale Expansion
44:46 Lightning Round Fragerunde zum Abschluss
Why is personality relevant in almost all coaching issues? How can we best assess and describe it? In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Tobi from metaFox sits down with Lars Voigt from LINC and explores Tobi's Personality Profile. Lars shares insights into the Big Five model and how it forms the foundation of the Link Personality Profiler, a tool widely used in Europe and beyond. They discuss the importance of understanding personality holistically, incorporating character, motives, and competencies, and how these elements can be effectively measured and applied in coaching. After analysing Tobi's profile, they also compare the LINC Personality Profiler to other tools like DISC, emphasizing the depth and scientific grounding of the Big Five model.Key Learnings:Integrating personality assessments like the Big Five model at the start of a coaching journey provides a comprehensive diagnostic tool for both coaches and clients. Understanding the interplay between character, motives, and competencies is crucial for effective coaching and personal development.Coaches should be trained on the tools they use to ensure they can convey nuanced insights and avoid oversimplifying complex personality traits.Resources:Lars Voigt's Website: https://linc.de/unternehmen/Lars Voigt's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-voigt-linc/Find your Coaching Tool: https://metaFox.euTry the metaFox Strengths Discovery: https://strengths-discovery.comConnect with Tobi on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghornEpisode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Personality Assessments00:02 The Big Five Model and Link Personality Profiler00:04 Integrating Psychometrics in Coaching00:06 Understanding Motives and Competencies00:10 Comparing DISC and Link Personality Profiler00:20 The Importance of Training for Coaches
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Katja von Glinowiecki, a seasoned coach and supervisor, shares her journey from feeling isolated in her coaching practice to discovering the transformative power of supervision in coaching. Based in Germany, Katja discusses how supervision in coaching provides a structured, professional reflection space that enhances both personal and professional growth. She explains the differences between coaching, supervision, and mentoring, and highlights the importance of supervision in maintaining coaching industry standards. Katja also touches on the cultural variations in the acceptance of supervision and the potential impact of making it a norm in the coaching industry.
Key Learnings:
Supervision in coaching offers a structured space for professional reflection, helping coaches to grow and maintain ethical standards.Engaging in regular supervision can prevent feelings of isolation and enhance resilience, ultimately benefiting client interactions.Understanding the cultural differences in coaching and supervision practices can provide insights into improving coaching industry standards globally.
Resources:
Join the metaFox Community: https://join.metafox.community/
Katja von Glinowiecki's Websites:
https://www.my-circus.de/ https://orientierungs-coaching.de/
Connect with Katja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katja-von-glinowiecki/
Connect with Tobi on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghorn
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Supervision in Coaching
00:05 Katja's Journey to Discovering Supervision
00:10 Defining Supervision and Its Benefits
00:15 The Role of Supervision in Professional Growth
00:20 Cultural Perspectives on Supervision
00:25 How to Get Started with Supervision
In this "Making of a Coach," topical deep dive, we unpack mental health interventions with Rochelle Bata and Shen Javier, co-founders of Phlourish, a nonprofit in the Philippines. They discuss their mission to help adolescents flourish and solve a mental health crisis through evidence-based solutions, based on the principles of "effective altruism". The episode explores the challenges of mind-blowing suicide rates and mental health stigma in low-resource areas and the impact-driven approaches Phlourish employs to address these issues, including the use of lay mental health workers and guided self-help workbooks.Key Learnings:Understand the importance of mental health stigma (and literacy) and how it can be improved through targeted interventions.Learn how to effectively use lay mental health workers to bridge the gap in mental health services.Discover the principles of "effective altruism" in creating scalable and impactful mental health solutions.Resources:Meet Phlourish on: https://phlourish.phConnect with Roc: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochelle-bata/ Connect with Shen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reynaly-shen-javier/ Connect with Tobi: https://linkedin.com/in/tobiasweghornFind your Coaching Tool: https://metaFox.eu Try the metaFox Strengths Discovery: https://strengths-discovery.com Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in the Philippines00:02 Meet the Founders of Phlourish00:05 Phlourish's Mission and Approach00:10 Challenges in Mental Health in the Philippines00:15 Orientation and Parental Involvement00:20 John's Journey with Phlourish00:25 The Role of Lay Mental Health Workers00:30 Effective Altruism and Evidence-Based Approach
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Dr. Jasmin Messerschmidt, a renowned expert in the Zurich Resource Model coaches Tobi exploring the integration of image-based coaching and somatic markers in coaching practices. Dr. Messerschmidt shares insights into how the Zurich Resource Model, a blend of motivational psychology and neuroscience, can empower clients to achieve self-chosen goals. The discussion delves into the embodiment in coaching, highlighting the importance of aligning the unconscious and conscious mind for effective change.
Key Learnings:
Incorporate image-based coaching to connect the conscious and unconscious mind, enhancing clarity and focus in coaching sessions.
Utilize somatic markers to identify and address clients' physical sensations and emotional responses, fostering deeper self-awareness.
Apply the Zurich resource model to create structured self-management strategies, enabling clients to achieve their goals through self-directed efforts.
Resources:
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Image-Based Coaching
00:44 Understanding the Zurich Resource Model
02:28 Personal and Professional Transitions
05:08 Exploring Somatic Markers
09:15 Selecting Images for Coaching
13:00 Positive Associations with Images
18:29 Formulating a Motto Goal
24:11 Embodiment and Practical Application
28:01 Conclusion and Reflections
Beschreibung
In dieser Folge von „The Making of a Coach“ coacht Dr. Jasmin Messerschmidt Tobi live und zeigt, wie sich Arbeit mit Bildern und somatische Marker wirkungsvoll in Coachingprozesse integrieren lassen. Jasmin gibt Einblicke in das Zürcher Ressourcen Modell (ZRM) – eine Verbindung aus Motivationspsychologie und Neurowissenschaft – und wie es Klient:innen stärkt, selbstgewählte Ziele zu erreichen. Wir sprechen über Embodiment im Coaching und darüber, warum es für nachhaltige Veränderung entscheidend ist, Unbewusstes und Bewusstes in Einklang zu bringen.
Key Learnings
Ressourcen
Kapitel
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:29 Coaching Session Begins
04:16 Exploring Personal Challenges
08:31 Selecting and Interpreting Images
26:53 Formulating the Motto-Ziel
34:20 Reflection and Embodiment
42:17 Conclusion and Takeaways
46:27 Additional Resources and Farewell
In this insightful episode of The Making of a Coach Podcast, Tobi sits down with Dr. Jasmin Messerschmidt, an expert in leadership coaching, the Zurich Resource Model, and the transformative use of images in coaching. Discover how picture cards, somatic markers, and visual resonance can help clients unlock emotions, overcome blocks, and create meaningful self-change — even when words fall short.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources & Links:
Chapters
00:00 Emotional Impact of Images in Coaching
00:56 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
01:22 Jasmine's Expertise and Dissertation on Picture Cards
01:57 The Power of Images in Coaching
02:28 Experimenting with AI Translation
03:05 Jasmine's Personal Reflection on an Image
05:35 Examples of Coaching with Images
07:56 Deep Dive into Jasmine's Dissertation
12:01 Understanding Somatic Markers
14:14 Practical Application of Images in Coaching
32:54 Using Positive and Negative Images
42:28 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
In dieser Folge des Making of a Coach spricht Tobi mit Dr. Jasmin Messerschmidt – Expertin für Leadership Coaching, das Zürcher Ressourcen Modell und den transformativen Einsatz von Bildern im Coaching. Erfahre, wie Bildkarten, somatische Marker und visuelle Resonanz Klient:innen helfen können, Zugang zu ihren Körpergefühlen und Emotionen zu erlangen, Blockaden zu überwinden und nachhaltige Selbstveränderung zu bewirken.
Was du mitnimmst:
Ressourcen & Links:
Kapitel:
What does it mean to lead with both grit and grace—and how can coaching unlock that balance? In this episode, professional certified coach Monica Bryant-Ruiz shares how her awakening redefined her identity as a high-achieving executive. Today, she helps leaders navigate constant pressure and change not by pushing harder, but by letting go.
Through deep presence, reflective dialogue, and Buddhist-informed coaching techniques, Monica invites her clients to explore what's driving their ambitions, question inherited narratives, and choose peace over performance. This conversation is a powerful look at how coaching becomes a space for awakening, authenticity, and courageous clarity.
Key Learnings:
Resources & Mentions:
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Tobi Ox explores the intersection of innovation and coaching with Paris Thomas, an experienced innovation consultant and leadership trainer. Paris shares insights on leveraging AI and frameworks like the Business Model Canvas to revolutionize innovation processes. The discussion delves into the importance of customer interviews and the role of failure in innovation, providing valuable lessons for coaches and consultants looking to enhance their offerings.
Key Learnings:
Links & Resources:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Business Model Canvas
00:53 Real-World Application and Challenges
01:30 Guest Introduction: Paris Thomas
02:08 Paris's Journey from Leadership to Innovation
05:21 The Role of AI in Innovation
06:11 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Failures
11:31 Building and Testing Business Models with AI
26:24 AI vs Human Insights in Workshops
27:04 Creating Customer Value Scenes
28:02 Using AI for Customer Interviews
29:25 Strategic Business Model Enhancements
30:31 AI Conversations for Better Revenue
33:54 Scaling Customer Interactions with AI
41:09 Experimenting with Pricing Strategies
46:07 Lightning Round: Facilitator Insights
51:49 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," we delve into the innovative world of edutainment with Paris Thomas, founder of Talent Hacks in Cyprus. Paris shares his journey of transforming traditional corporate training into engaging online experiences that rival the entertainment industry. By integrating humor and psychometric learning, Paris and his team have redefined online training innovation, making it both entertaining and educational. Discover how they leverage platforms like TikTok and Netflix to create compelling content that captivates and educates.
Key Learnings:
What You’ll Learn:
References and Links:
Paris Thomas, a facilitator based in Cyprus, shares his journey from Canada to becoming a key figure in corporate training. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and misconceptions of traditional corporate training and explore how Paris redefined team dynamics through innovative facilitation techniques. With a focus on communication science and team dynamics, Paris discusses the importance of creating authentic experiences that lead to meaningful change. Discover how his unique approach to facilitation, including the bootcamp effect, transforms team interactions and leadership dynamics.
Key Learnings:
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Tobi from metaFox is joined by Taina Nicolicin to explore the development of the metaFox Strengths Discovery, a tool designed for strength assessment and feedback. Taina, an experienced strengths coach, quizzes Tobi on the creation of this web app, which is built for coaches and facilitators. The episode delves into the intricacies of building psychometric assessments and includes a live coaching demo using Tobi's strengths report from the app. Listeners will gain insights into how strengths can be integrated into coaching practices and the benefits of using tools like the metaFox Strength Discovery.
Key Learnings:
Resources & Mentions
Chapter Timeline
00:00 Introduction to The Making of a Coaching Tool
01:28 Guest Introduction and Strengths Coaching Overview
03:33 Personal Journey with Strengths Assessment
06:16 Development of the Strength Explorer Tool
12:07 Challenges and Refinements in Strengths Assessment
19:57 Current State of the Strength Explorer App
20:39 Condensing Assessments for Coaching
24:19 Integrating Strengths into Coaching Sessions
25:22 Exploring Strengths and Their Impact
35:07 Unrealized Strengths and Actions
41:39 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Tobi from metaFox is joined by Taina Nicolicin to explore the development and application of the metaFox Strength Explorer, a tool designed for strengths assessment and feedback. Taina, a strengths coach, delves into the importance of strengths coaching and how psychometric tools like the Strength Explorer can enhance self-awareness and personal development. The episode includes a coaching demo where Taina uses Tobi's strengths report to illustrate how coaches can integrate strengths into their sessions, highlighting the dynamic nature of strengths and their impact on personal and professional growth.
Key Learnings:
Resources and References Mentioned
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," ICF-certified Master Coach Roel Schaart debriefs the official DISC assessment, a tool frequently used in coaching to understand personality types and improve leadership styles. Roel coaches podcast host Tobi and shares insights on how the DISC model can be applied in coaching practices, highlighting its benefits and potential pitfalls. The conversation also touches on solution-focused coaching and how it can be integrated with DISC to enhance leadership development.
Key Learnings:
Chapter Timeline
[00:00] Introduction and context for using DISC in coaching
[01:05] The 4 DISC styles explained in color and behavior terms
[04:45] How Roel adjusts coaching pace and tone by DISC profile
[07:18] Client reactions to DISC and avoiding the box trap
[10:22] Using DISC and Motivators together to detect misalignment
[13:40] Real-life coaching example with DISC report interpretation
[19:00] Differences between adaptive vs. natural styles
[27:00] Handling internal conflict: Speed vs. quality expectations
[33:00] Motivator breakdown and ranking interpretation
[38:00] Altruism, boundaries, and self-awareness in leadership
[44:00] Using DISC in team and group coaching settings
[52:00] Communication strategies based on color types
[54:00] Final client reflection: From self-awareness to adaptation
Resources
Roel Schaart, a seasoned Tony Robbins coach and Master Certified Coach (MCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), shares his transformative journey from being an IT professional to becoming a renowned coach. Based in Germany and soon relocating to Cyprus, Roel discusses his experiences with Tony Robbins coaching and his current focus on solution-focused coaching. Throughout the episode, Roel emphasizes the importance of ICF certification and the impact of frameworks like the Wheel of Life and solution-focused coaching in his practice.
Key Learnings:
Chapter Timeline
[00:00] Intro & Roel’s typical clients
[03:00] The LinkedIn photo and Roel’s transformation
[06:00] Journey from IT nerd to internal coach
[08:00] Working with Tony Robbins & the “hell week” mindset
[12:00] What the Navy SEAL Crucible taught him about failure
[17:00] Daily discomfort: cold showers, breathing, and mindset
[22:00] Coaching congruence: appearance, ethics, and example
[29:00] Leaving the Tony world & the shift in values
[33:00] Coaching saturation, certification, and ethical blind spots
[37:00] Continuous development and MCC practice
[40:00] Observing what matters: identity vs. actions
[44:00] Merging styles: Tony’s RPM & ICF markers
[47:00] Final reflections on authenticity and staying coach-like
Resources Mentioned
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," we delve into the journey of Todd Roache, a UK-based practitioner specializing in energy work coaching and mentoring. Todd shares his transition from a musician to a coach, highlighting his experiences with the Animas Coach Academy and his unique approach to transformational coaching. The conversation explores Todd's diverse roles, including his private practice, corporate coaching, and his work as a Coach Development Facilitator. Listeners will gain insights into Todd's methods, including his use of energy work and his philosophy on pricing and client acquisition.
Key Learnings:
Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Reflective Spaces
01:02 – Transition to Coaching and Mentoring
03:55 – Todd’s Journey from Music to Mental Health
05:58 – Lessons from Working with Trauma Survivors
08:07 – Discovering Coaching through Animas
11:10 – Navigating Coach Education and Business Building
15:07 – Branching into Energy Work
17:12 – Teaching and Training at Animas
23:16 – Presence, Stage Comfort, and Authenticity
24:15 – Evolving Private Practice and Pricing
30:00 – Personal Retreats and Energy Sessions
32:32 – The Role of Supervision and Continuous Learning
34:00 – Advice for Aspiring Coaches
39:10 – Role Models and Inspiration
41:16 – Final Reflection and Closing Question
Resources:
Connect with Todd: https://www.toddroache.com/
Connect with Todd Roache on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/todd-roache-pcc-144b0a16b
Animas Coaching School - https://www.animascoaching.com/
ICF PCC Accreditation - https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/credentials-paths/pcc-credential
Join our WhatsApp Community: https://metaFox.eu/community
In this episode of "The Making of a Coach," Todd Roache, a practitioner and coach from the UK demos his coaching and energy work with Tobi from metaFox. They explore the nuances of energy work and inner journeys. Todd shares his experiences and insights into how energy work can reveal deeper truths about one's self, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and the balance between light and dark. The conversation delves into the role of suffering in self-discovery and how coaches can support clients in navigating their inner journeys. Todd's unique approach combines traditional coaching with energy work, offering a holistic perspective on personal growth and transformation.
Key Learnings:
Chapters
0:00:00 – Teaser
0:00:46 – Introduction
0:02:04 – The Crossroads of Truth
0:02:27 – Navigating Inner Journeys
0:02:49 – Facing the Darkness Within
0:04:32 – The Role of Suffering in Self-Discovery
0:06:34 – The Practitioner’s Path
0:08:15 – The Balance of Light and Dark
0:09:18 – Client Relationships and Resonance
0:09:38 – Diverse Roles and Sanity
0:25:00 – Exploring Identity and Beliefs
0:34:00 – Awareness vs. Energy Work
0:35:21 – Practical Applications of Energy Work
0:38:00 – Combining Coaching and Energy Work
Resources:
Connect with Todd: https://www.toddroache.com/
Connect with Todd Roache on LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/todd-roache-pcc-144b0a16b
Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2717298
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Robert Smith: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1963638.The_Untethered_Soul
Animas Coaching School: https://www.animascoaching.com/
ICF PCC Accreditation: https://coachingfederation.org/credentials-and-standards/credentials-paths/pcc-credential
Join our WhatsApp Community: https://metaFox.eu/community