The Art Of Coaching

You feel it, right? That tension thick enough to slice, the elephant in the room no one dares mention. But sooner or later, it has to be dealt with. Most people think resolving conflict demands complex processes. In reality, the solution usually boils down to simply hashing it out. Yet, when friction arises, we often overcomplicate things or avoid them altogether, escalating drama. It's time to step up and initiate tough conversations. Brace yourself. Some people will resist. Some simply lack the emotional tools to process these interactions. Others you’ll never fully reconcile with, but we can NEVER afford to be escapists, personally or professionally. Even when doing the right thing doesn’t guarantee success, clear communication and accountability are essential. Today's episode hits like the perfect song for the moment. Right on time, and rhythm on point. This is the sit-down talk, crucial and overdue, that we, and our society as a whole, needs to hear. Tune in as Brett dives into these key insights, breaking down how they relate directly to his experiences, and yours: Navigate uncomfortable first steps with proven scripts. Anticipate resistance and pivot when faced with avoidance. Utilize mediation and lateral tactics when standard approaches stall. Detach from emotional reactions, document clearly, and protect yourself The BALM framework for clear and confident communication in the worst situations This episode was inspired by the powerful response to our latest newsletter. We dive even deeper into topics like culture change, navigating tough conversations, and handling drama effectively. Sign up today for free—no spam, just actionable, real-world value delivered straight to your inbox: artofcoaching.com/begin. Need a Coach Who Challenges You? Even the best leaders need a coach—but too often, they’re too busy to seek one out. That’s where we come in. Think of us as your shadow advisor—a real, human sounding board who challenges your thinking, offers a fresh perspective, and isn’t afraid to be your devil’s advocate. We help uncover blind spots and push you toward better decisions, whether you’re running a small business, leading a pro sports team, or making moves in a Fortune 500 company. If you’re serious about growth, let’s talk. artofcoaching.com/mentoring. Send Us Your Staff!  Tackle leadership challenges with tailored workshops trusted by Apple, NFL teams, and Canadian Special Forces. Gain actionable tools for managing emotions, de-escalating tension, and rebuilding culture. Email us at info@artofcoaching.com to learn more, and visit artofcoaching.com to see how we can help. Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

You hear about it all the time. A team goes from the bottom of the league to championship contenders. A failing company suddenly becomes the industry gold standard.  The media calls it a “culture shift,” but let’s be real, culture doesn’t change overnight. It erodes over time when bad habits go unchecked, just like it improves through intentional action. The problem? Most people don’t have the stomach for what it really takes to make that shift happen. Changing culture isn’t about slogans, feel-good retreats, or corporate trust falls. It’s about confronting hard truths, cutting through excuses, and being willing to fight the battles no one else will. If you think you can just throw a motivational speech at the problem and watch everything transform, you’re in for a rude awakening.  In today’s episode, we break down exactly what it takes to rewrite the DNA of an organization—without the fluff, the gimmicks, or the hand-holding. In today’s episode, Brett dives into: What culture actually is and how to clarify the outcome you’re after How to diagnose the root cause of a toxic culture—not just slap a band-aid on the symptoms The exact questions we use to pinpoint the real issues when consulting with teams The dangerous consequences of avoidance and the illusion of “false harmony” Practical, process-driven steps you can take right now—no matter your position in the hierarchy Got a question or a topic you’d like us to cover? If this episode resonated with you, let us know at artofcoaching.com/question. We also dive even deeper into culture change and other tough topics in our newsletter—no spam, just real, actionable value. Sign up today at artofcoaching.com/begin. Need a Coach Who Challenges You? Even the best leaders need a coach—but too often, they’re too busy to seek one out. That’s where we come in. Think of us as your shadow advisor—a real, human sounding board who challenges your thinking, offers a fresh perspective, and isn’t afraid to be your devil’s advocate. We help uncover blind spots and push you toward better decisions, whether you’re running a small business, leading a pro sports team, or making moves in a Fortune 500 company. If you’re serious about growth, let’s talk. artofcoaching.com/mentoring. Master the Skill No One Thinks About, But Everyone Needs No one wakes up thinking, I need to improve my communication. But we all want less drama, more productivity, and to stop wasting time. The key? Sharpening how you communicate. Think of it like a martial art—you’ll never perfect it, but the better you get, the more powerful you become. That’s why we created The Apprenticeship—a hands-on, no-fluff training to help you navigate conflict, influence others, and lead with impact. 📍 Charlestown, MA – May 17-18📍 Phoenix, AZ – June 7-8 Put in the reps. artofcoaching.com/apprenticeship. Related Episodes: E278: Victor Hall: Quiet Influence - How to Impact Others As An Introvert E359: Why You Need To Own Your Sh** To Be A Better Leader  Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

Most people focus on the big moments when preparing for a speech, but true professionals know it’s the small, overlooked details that make all the difference.  In this episode, Brett answers one of the most common questions he gets:  “What’s your process for preparing to give a keynote or in-service?” Pulling from hard-earned experience over the past decade, he walks through the non-negotiables and need-to-knows before stepping onto any stage - whether it's a small local event, a professional sports team in-service, or a Fortune 500 leadership summit. Whether you’re a veteran of the stage or preparing for your first time on the mic, this episode serves as a checklist for the extra steps that place you in the upper echelon. In this episode, Brett lays out exactly what you need to craft an impactful presentation and leave a lasting impression. You’ll learn: How to research the stakeholders and uncover the one key question you must answer The critical logistical details—room setup, tech capabilities, and flow—that can’t be overlooked Why small gestures of appreciation, like handwritten notes or gifts, strengthen your relationship with the host How to adapt your content to fit the audience so your message truly resonates How to use your talk as a conduit to connect ideas, open doors, and solidify your place in the fraternity of respected speakers SPEAKER SCHOOL – Regret is Expensive. Step Up Now! The best speakers don’t just talk—they adapt. Yet too many talented people hesitate, watching fakers and charlatans steal the spotlight. The last thing you want is to lay your head on your pillow at night, wishing you had shared your message with the world. Speaker School is for leaders, coaches, and professionals who refuse to let fear or doubt hold them back. This two-day workshop gives you the reps, feedback, and coaching you need to own the room—whether that’s a boardroom, a locker room, or a stage. Our next Speaker School is April 26-27, with another in October. We keep the number of attendees low to make sure you get the focus and attention you deserve.  Click here to lock in your spot - before someone else takes the stage from you. Related Episodes: E295: Public Speaking Tips Part 1: How Much Content Is Enough When Presenting E297: Public Speaking Tips Part 2: The Ultimate Keynote Preparation Checklist E298: Public Speaking Tips Part 3: Using Strategic Storytelling To Create A Compelling Message Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

In a world where AI is becoming part of everything we do, the big question isn’t if you should use it—it’s how you should use it. Are you using AI to sharpen your thinking and free up mental bandwidth? Or is it slowly making you more dependent, less strategic, and mentally lazy without you realizing it? In this episode, I break down: ✅ How high performers and busy people use AI to enhance their thinking—not replace it ✅ Ways AI can help you improve clarity, strategy, and execution—if used correctly ✅ The red flags that AI is making you weaker, not sharper ✅ How to offload mental overwhelm without losing cognitive strength ✅ Real-life examples of how I use AI in my business, content creation, and decision-making The goal isn’t to resist AI—it’s to make sure you’re using it as a tool that enhances your skills instead of slowly eroding them. Tune in to learn how to stay sharp, adaptable, and in control while leveraging AI the right way. SPEAKER SCHOOL- The best speakers don’t just talk—they adapt. Speaker School is for leaders, coaches, and professionals who want to deliver with clarity, confidence, and impact in any setting. This two-day workshop gives you the reps, feedback, and coaching you need to own the room—whether that’s a boardroom, a locker room, or a stage. Our next Speaker School is April 26-27, with another in October. We keep the number of attendees low to make sure you get the focus and attention you deserve.  Click here to lock in your spot! LIVE EVENTS- The best don’t train alone. If you want to lead, communicate, and perform under pressure, you need reps. Our live events force adaptation in real time so you build confidence and skill where it matters most. Check out The Apprenticeship, Speaker School, and more at artofcoaching.com/events. 1-ON-1 MENTORING- Tough conversations, career shifts, building credibility—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our one-on-one mentoring is customized to your situation, helping you strategize, communicate, and make real progress. Skip the fluff. Get direct, experience-driven coaching that meets you where you are. Apply now at artofcoaching.com/mentoring. Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

We all wear different hats throughout the day. One minute, you’re locked in at work, making quick decisions under pressure. Next, you’re at home, where that same intensity doesn’t fly. Maybe you’re presenting to a boardroom in the morning and coaching your kid’s team in the evening. Each situation demands a different approach. If you don’t adjust, you misfire. The ability to shift gears seamlessly, whether in leadership, relationships, or daily interactions isn't just communication, it’s a survival skill. Code switching is what allows you to maintain credibility, control perception, and navigate high-stakes situations effectively. Yet many struggle with it, staying locked into one mode, bringing the wrong energy into conversations, or feeling like adapting means being “fake.” So how do you get better at code-switching without losing authenticity? How do you manage the cognitive load of shifting roles, control your tone and presence, and ensure that every interaction hits the mark? That’s exactly what we’re breaking down in this episode. Listen in as Brett breaks down this misunderstood skill and shares practical strategies to help you switch gears with confidence, plus other key insights, including: The difference between code-switching and contextual competence and why it matters How to recognize your default mode and when it helps or holds you back Rituals that help you reset and shift gears between roles Scripts to help prompt others into their best selves in the moment THE APPRENTICESHIP- If today's episode hit home, you already know that reading about code-switching isn’t enough—you need reps. That’s exactly what we give you at The Apprenticeship. This isn’t a passive lecture or a cookie-cutter leadership seminar. You’ll be on your feet, in the mix, and under pressure, practicing the art of communication in real-world scenarios. Whether you struggle with tough conversations, handling objections, or shifting your message to fit the moment, this event will challenge you, stretch you, and make you better. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just high-stakes practice in a safe but demanding environment. Join us for our next one in Phoenix, AZ, on June 7-8.  Click here to learn more and secure your spot today!  *Early Bird Pricing Until May 7th SPEAKER SCHOOL- The best speakers don’t just talk—they adapt. Speaker School is for leaders, coaches, and professionals who want to deliver with clarity, confidence, and impact in any setting. This two-day workshop gives you the reps, feedback, and coaching you need to own the room—whether that’s a boardroom, a locker room, or a stage. Our next Speaker School is April 26-27, with another in October. We keep the number of attendees low to make sure you get the focus and attention you deserve.  Click here to lock in your spot! LIVE EVENTS- The best don’t train alone. If you want to lead, communicate, and perform under pressure, you need reps. Our live events force adaptation in real time so you build confidence and skill where it matters most. Check out The Apprenticeship, Speaker School, and more at artofcoaching.com/events. 1-ON-1 MENTORING- Tough conversations, career shifts, building credibility—you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our one-on-one mentoring is customized to your situation, helping you strategize, communicate, and make real progress. Skip the fluff. Get direct, experience-driven coaching that meets you where you are. Apply now at artofcoaching.com/mentoring. Referenced Episode: E190 | Why It Seems Like We Never Have Enough Time Related Episodes: E344: Tips For “Balancing” Work and Family Life Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb