The Art Of Coaching

We’ve all heard the motivational phrase, “Failure isn’t an option.” It sounds inspiring, but is it really true?  Failure, in reality, is an option—often chosen in the form of inaction, silence, or the unwillingness to engage. How many times have you held back an idea, avoided speaking up, or let a moment pass because of the fear of judgment? Playing it safe is extremely tragic. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the cost of silence and the hidden price we pay by not putting ourselves out there. What’s really stopping us from stepping forward? And what can we do to shift from apprehension to action?  In this tough love episode, Brett takes the gloves off and gets real about: The evolutionary roots behind our fear of rejection How our ego is the true source behind our hesitation to engage Criticism, its inevitability, and how to turn it into data Harnessing pride as a shield to protect against self-devaluation Navigating the fear of success versus the fear of failure Referenced Episodes: E259 | Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism E105 | Overcoming Imposter Phenomenon Recommended Resources: Imposter Phenomenon Manual: If you struggle with imposter phenomenon, we created a free manual that many people have found to be super-helpful. It’s become one of our most downloaded resources, check it out! Podcast Reflections: Did you know that we create worksheets to help you apply the lessons for each episode? To receive full access to all the reflections from previous and future episodes, click here. Mighty Networks Digital Community: If you’d like to test your ideas with Brett and our Facilitators, while connecting with like-minded individuals, consider joining our private digital community! For just $19.99/month (with free cancellation anytime), you’ll enhance your communication, leadership, and relationship skills. Don’t miss out—join us today! If you’d like to become more confident in front of a group and learn how to deliver a more potent message, Speaker School is the perfect event for you! Whether you’re someone who needs to overcome the debilitating effect of social anxiety, or you’re a well-practiced TED presenter, this is the perfect place to get some heads-down time to focus and improve, no matter where you are in your journey. This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve.  Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th! THIS IS OUR LAST CALL.   SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES! Today’s episode is sponsored by our lifelong partner Momentous. You need to pay attention to what you put in your body. For safety and performance, it’s crucial to follow three key principles: stick to what works, choose products that are rigorously tested, and rely on those rooted in science. Momentus products are NSF Certified for Sport, meaning they meet the highest quality control standards—the same required of athletes competing in the Olympics. We particularly love their whey protein, creatine, and fish oil. Visit livemomentus.com and enter the code BRETT15 at checkout to save 15% on anything found on their website. Don’t compromise when it comes to your supplements. Stick to the basics, choose what’s been tested, and trust what’s proven.

Why would someone hold on to a false or inaccurate belief even when you’ve laid out all the facts and logic in front of them? You couldn’t have been more clear in presenting your argument! Your reasoning is solid, but maybe it’s not the absence of evidence that’s preventing them from changing their perspective—it might be the way the information was delivered... Today’s show is one of our keystone episodes, unlocking why constructive communication often fails to get off the ground. Brett is joined by Ali Kershner in-studio for a deep dive into the tactics that will help you get your point across more effectively and give you the best chance to change someone’s behavior.  Grab a pen and download the reflection questions because this episode is hands-on and loaded with tactical information and strategies you can implement at work, home and anywhere you deal with people.   You'll learn: How to identify the areas you’re stubborn in and need to change The different types of persuasion and the impact of each How time can impact a person's decision making  Gaining perspective through role playing The tactics and strategies behind our popular online courses and in person events that you can use to relate to the drive of the individual you are trying to convince  IF YOU’VE BEEN WAITING, THE TIME IS NOW - If you know you aren’t as good as you could be when speaking to an audience, it’s time to step up and make a change. Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation.  This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve.  Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!.  THIS IS OUR LAST CALL,  SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES! THE COALITION - We’re all busy, but we still strive to grow. How do you truly measure progress? It can be a tough pill to swallow, but it’s worth remembering: intentions mean nothing without action. If you need help distinguishing between what’s urgent and what truly matters in your brand or business, then THE COALITION is for you. Think of it as your personal board of advisors—no BS, just a clear framework to help you start taking action. It's virtual, so it fits easily into your schedule, and includes a retreat to a fun location! If you're tired of the excuses and ready to act on your dreams of more, fill out this form, or reach out to us at [email protected] and our team will be in touch.

It’s the holy grail of mental health and wellness for many people. Almost all of us, at one point or another, have chased the elusive 'work-life balance,' hoping to find the perfect harmony between our careers and personal lives. But is 'balance' really the right word? Perhaps it’s a misnomer that oversimplifies the complexity of juggling work and family. Today’s topic arose from a conversation between Brett and several of our facilitators about the push and pull that occurs between career and family. It’s a concept we all struggle with in some capacity, and in this episode, we’ll share insights from that discussion along with practical strategies for managing the demands of work and family. Tune in as we get real on a this common struggle, as we explore: The misnomer of  “balance” and how to define it for yourself How guilt influences decisions in your professional life Realigning your goals to reflect what truly matters How to recognize if the obstacle in your was is YOU - and what to do about it Put Us On Blast: We want to hear your thoughts! Let us know by reaching out to us on social media or shooting us an email at [email protected]. We want to add more value to our audience above everything else. We love feedback and want to know how we can help YOU. Mighty Networks Digital Community: Want to join conversations like the one we had today and interact directly with Brett and our Facilitators? Join our digital community and connect with like-minded people dedicated to personal growth. For just $19.99/month (with free cancellation anytime), you’ll elevate your communication, leadership, and relationship skills. Don’t miss out—  Join us today! Subscribe & Support: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Art of Coaching Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend, and leave us a review—it helps the show grow! Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb Twitter: @coach_brettb SPEAKER SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE - Is there a message stuck in your head that you know needs to get out into the world?  Maybe you’d just like to get better in front of your coworkers at weekly staff meetings. Either way, Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation.  This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve.  Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!.  THIS IS OUR LAST CALL,  SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES! Recommended Resource: Take our Drives Quiz!

“They just won’t listen. No matter how clearly I explain it, they refuse to see my side of things. It’s like talking to a brick wall." Have you ever felt like this, like you're hitting a dead end with someone who just won’t budge? Influencing people is an art, one that often requires more than just logic and facts, especially in today’s world where information has been turned into a kind of religion willing to anoint whoever can wield it more skillfully.  In today’s episode, we’ll revisit several past topics and connect the dots to reveal an alternative way to move the ball forward. Oftentimes, if we try to bull our way straight ahead, we’re met with the most resistance. In reality, an indirect route can be like finding a perfect gap in the defense—avoiding tackles and making the smoothest run toward the end zone. Topics Discussed: The necessity of understanding power dynamics and influence tactics How penetrating someone’s ring of influence can help your cause Coalition building and the true strength in numbers when voices align Invoking reciprocity and how deep-seated trust begins with giving I GET IT, NOW HOW DO I GET THIS TO WORK FOR ME? - Communication is something none of us will ever perfect, but how do you expect to get better if you don’t hold yourself accountable and do something to get better at it? We’d love for you to join us at one of our Apprenticeship workshops, where you’ll not only gain the knowledge and understanding you need to navigate the messy realities of relationships and leadership, but more importantly, you’ll get hands on experience working through your specific situation and gain the perspective of the AOC team and other individuals looking to improve themselves.  We just solidified two new dates for 2025! We’ll kick off the year on the East Coast in March and keep the ball rolling back in Phoenix in June. Keep an eye on our Live Event Schedule here, and if you have any questions, schedule a free discovery call. We also offer 1-On-1 Mentoring if you prefer a more personalized approach.  Either way, THIS IS WHAT WE DO and we want to help!  Reach out to us at [email protected] and a member of our team will be in touch. SPEAKER SCHOOL IS ALMOST HERE - Is there a message stuck in your head that you know needs to get out into the world?  Maybe you’d just like to get better in front of your coworkers at weekly staff meetings. Either way, Speaker School is the ideal place to get better in front of people, regardless of the situation.  This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, filled with people who want you to succeed and who will give you the feedback and encouragement you need to improve.  Join us in Phoenix, AZ on October 12-13th!.  THIS IS OUR LAST CALL,  SECURE YOUR SPOT BEFORE IT CLOSES! Referenced Episodes: E202 | Why Facts And Logic Don't Change Our Minds - If you’re unfamiliar with influence tactics or need a refresher give this a listen! E240 | The 4 Styles Of Communication - At a baseline level you should understand the different components of communication. E178 | Kindra Hall: Choose Your Story, Change Your Life - Storytelling is the oldest form of communication. Learn to harness it for good. E152 | Michael Tucker: How Storytelling And Self-Awareness Shape Who We Become - Another phenomenal episode on storytelling if you want to deep dive on the subject. E85 | Why Won't They Listen To Me? Reasons Your Message Isn't Getting Across - If you’ve ever asked yourself this question in frustration, you’ll find answers here. We are so proud to be sponsored today by our longtime partner Momentous. Whether you’re a corporate executive who wants to feel better, a member of the military who needs to perform in the most extreme environments, or somewhere in between, Momentous has something FOR YOU!  We particularly love their unflavored whey protein, magnesium, and fish o

Am I a bad person? Nike’s latest ad asks this question, and the internet erupted in response. But is the real issue the ad, or what it reveals about our relationship with competition and ambition? In this episode, Brett Bartholomew delves into the controversy surrounding Nike's recent ad, featuring Willem Dafoe’s voice and a striking depiction of athletes at their most intense. While some argue the ad promotes toxic values in sports, Brett explores the nuance behind it, offering his insights as a coach, parent, and former athlete. He dissects why the ad has sparked such strong reactions and what it says about our society’s discomfort with the more competitive, driven side of human nature. Topics Discussed: The controversy surrounding the Nike ad and Willem Dafoe's voiceover. The depiction of athletes and the "dark side" of competition. The difference between respecting opponents and being hyper-competitive. The role of parents in shaping their children’s behavior. How societal issues, such as mental health and polarized reactions, influence public perception of media. Brett’s personal experiences with athletes and how they balance intensity with ethics. Resources Mentioned: Take our Drives Quiz! Nike Ad featuring Willem Dafoe Carl Jung’s concept of the "shadow" in psychology Stephen King’s “Legion of Decency” reference Join the Discussion: We want to hear your thoughts! Did the Nike ad strike a chord with you? Do you agree with Brett's take? Let us know by reaching out to us on social media or leaving a comment on our website. Subscribe & Support: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Art of Coaching Podcast on your favorite platform. Share it with a friend, and leave us a review—it helps the show grow! Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb Twitter: @coach_brettb Speaker School - Warren Buffet has said that Public Speaking is the “single greatest skill to boost your career and self worth, and is an asset that will last for 50 to 60 years.”  It also happens to be most people’s biggest fear, which Buffet said if unaddressed “will also last you 50 to 60 years.” At Speaker School we help those who need to slay their inner imposter, who would just like to get better at running staff meetings at work, to those who would like to get paid to deliver keynotes.  We’re holding one more Speaker School before the end of the year in Phoenix, AZ October 12-13. Take advantage of our EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AND SAVE UP TO $200!  Hurry though, the deal expires September 11th!  Click here to reserve your spot. This is one of our most popular live events and fills up fast.  We limit the number of participants to make sure you get the practice and feedback you deserve. See you there!