Transformational Coaching Isn’t What You Think

What really makes coaching transformational - and why is that different from just working through a list of actions or chasing a specific goal? In this episode of The Coaching Hub, I break down the real heart of transformational coaching and why it goes far deeper than most people realise. I share how, so often, what clients come to coaching for isn’t actually what they truly need - there’s almost always a deeper layer hidden under the surface. Through truly present listening, powerful questions, and creating a safe space, clients often realise their real motivations and desires are different from what they first thought. I explain the difference between transactional and transformational coaching: Transactional coaching is linear and focused on problem-solving or performance. But real transformation happens when we address not just what a client does, but who they are and who they want to become. What’s inside: • The difference between transactional and transformational coaching • How transactional coaching is linear and focuses on achieving a goal, whereas transformational coaching delves into identity and deeper personal change • The way identity plays a crucial role in creating lasting behavioural change, not just achieving immediate outcomes • That coaching should address the whole person • How real transformation involves building self-awareness, questioning influences • The goal can change throughout the process • How true transformational coaching is about who the client becomes, not just what they achieve. Key topics covered: 00:00 Intro: What makes coaching transformational? 00:22 Clients often seek coaching for reasons they aren’t consciously aware of 00:53 Noticing subtle shifts, re-partnering, and re-contracting in master-level coaching 01:29 Defining transactional coaching and its limitations 01:51 Using the iceberg analogy for behavioural vs. identity change 02:36 The relationship between self-perception, identity, and behaviour 03:22 Transformation through focusing on “being,” not just “doing” 04:07 Reasons clients seek coaching - beyond surface goals like making more money 06:01 The deep work: making sense of underlying motivations 07:00 Creating space for deep clarity and challenging ingrained thinking 08:17 The importance of self-awareness 09:26 The impact and fulfilment found in witnessing transformational change. About Ruth Kudzi: Ruth is the founder of Optimus Coaching Academy and a well-respected and successful coach, speaker and author who has worked across sectors including leadership, career and more recently business and mindset. She has over 10,000 coaching hours and has completed hundreds of hours of training and coaching supervision. Ruth is an MCC-level coach with the ICF and is our course director and CEO. Prior to becoming a coach, Ruth was a senior leader in education. Find out more here: https://ruthkudzi.com/ Connect with Ruth: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RuthKudzi Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ruthkudzi2/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthkudzi/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthkudzi/ Podcast: https://podfollow.com/the-coaching-hub-podcast About Optimus Coach Academy: Optimus offers best in class coaching training for individuals and corporates. If you want to know more about what we offer: https://optimuscoachacademy.com/coach-training We also offer business support as standard at Optimus, find out more here: https://www.optimuscoachacademy.com/ Connect with Optimus Coach Academy: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Optimuscoachacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimuscoachacademy/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/optimuscoachacademy