Heidi Brooks on the Power of the Professional Coaching Relationship

To kick off Season 3, Kavitha sits down with longtime Yale SOM Executive Education faculty instructor, fellow podcaster, and faculty director to the forthcoming Certificate in Professional Coaching Program, Dr. Heidi Brooks. Heidi explains why her approach to coaching is grounded in the centrality of relationships, citing a long list of beloved mentors who have shaped the trajectory of her research and work. Together, Heidi and Kavitha unpack the behaviors and habits of skillful coaches, highlighting the importance of reflection, writing, and responsive dialogue that reinforces client agency. In preparing for this first cohort of Exec Ed's debut coaching-centered program, Heidi makes the case for why in-person interactions continue to be critical to human relationships, and how coaching empowers clients to move forward with confidence and courage in embracing everyday leadership.

Links and Resources

Information on the Certificate in Professional Coaching Program and Yale SOM Executive Education:

Yale SOM Executive Education Homepage

Certificate in Professional Coaching Program Homepage

Sign up for program updates

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode:

Learning Through Experience Podcast

The Practice of Adaptive Leadership: Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World by Ron Heifetz, Marty Linsky, and Alexander Grashow

Forbes' list of recent articles by Heidi Brooks

South by Southwest conference homepage

You and We by Jim Farrell