What happens when a high performer comes back — after parental leave, sick leave, or a career break — and quietly wonders: Can I still do it?

In this episode of The Coaching Clubhouse, Adrian Last is joined by Jessica Chivers, one of the UK’s first Chartered Coaching Psychologists, executive coach, and founder of The Talent Keeper Specialists, for a warm, honest conversation about what it really takes to return to work and thrive.

Jessica shares the behind-the-scenes reality of earning chartership while juggling major family pressures, the key insight that resilience “ebbs and flows”, and why self-compassion isn’t optional when life gets heavy. From there, the conversation moves into comeback coaching and the brilliance of how it supports people returning to work after a period of leave, including shortening the distance between a career-changing moment and being fully back in the game.

You’ll also hear Jessica’s practical guidance for line managers, a powerful case for meaningful shared parental leave, and why childcare should be treated as essential infrastructure. And Jessica closes with a brilliant coaching question that instantly shifts perspective.

If you’re returning to work, supporting someone who is, or leading a team through change — this one’s for you.

Links:

www.talentkeepers.co.uk

Podcast: "Comeback Coach"

Instagram: @comebackcommuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a Coaching Clubhouse Extra Shot — a shorter, off-air moment from my conversation with Angela Cox, recorded right after we wrapped the main episode.

In this candid excerpt, Angela and host Adrian Last, swap Joe Wicks stories — how The Body Coach helped each of us kick-start big personal change… and the unexpected ripple effect it had on Angela’s life and business. Angela shares a brilliant moment from a recent conference where Joe recognised her voice in front of a packed audience — a reminder that real success often comes down to one thing: genuine human connection.

A short listen with a big takeaway: sometimes the smallest encouragement (even a voice note) can change everything.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Adrian Last welcomes Angela Cox — Cambridge-qualified Master Coach, founder of Paseda360, and creator of the groundbreaking “Stop Being Stuck” method.

Angela shares her remarkable journey from corporate boardrooms to leading a movement in human-centric coaching. She opens up about the personal transformation that inspired her to leave a high-flying job, take off the mask, and build a life and business rooted in authenticity.

Together, Adrian and Angela explore what she calls the Pretending Pandemic — the masks we all wear to fit in and feel safe — and how we can start to unlearn them. They discuss why traditional coaching models like GROW have “had their day,” why true change means working with both the wiring and the plumbing of our emotional selves, and why bravery might just be the most important step of all.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, not quite yourself, or like success hasn’t made you happy — this conversation is your permission slip to take the mask off.

Listen for:

• The real story behind Stop Being Stuck
• What the “pretender masks” are — and how to spot your own
• How self-awareness transforms performance
• Why bravery, not perfection, creates change

Links:

Angela's LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelacoxpaseda360/

Paseda360 on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/paseda360/

Podcast: The Leader Unmasked

Adrian's website: www.adrianlast.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if you’ve ticked all the boxes for success… but something still feels off?

In this episode of The Coaching Clubhouse, host Adrian Last chats with Kevin White from Believe Crew — a former tech guy turned intuitive coach who now helps leaders and entrepreneurs swap stress for peace and pressure for purpose.

Kevin shares his personal journey from a high-powered tech career to becoming a coach and “business therapist” — helping entrepreneurs and leaders move from achievement to alignment, from stress to self-awareness, and from building success to embodying it. Hear Kevin's style of coaching as he opens up about what it means when “misalignment looks like success,” how to recognise when you’re out of sync, and why he calls what he does business therapy. It’s a grounded, real, and refreshingly honest conversation about growth, intuition, and what happens when you finally start leading from who you really are.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this heartwarming and insightful Extra Shot, Adrian Last is joined once again by executive coach Clive Leach, this time to explore the story of Miss May — his golden doodle and certified Pets as Therapy dog who plays an unexpected but powerful role in his coaching and wellbeing work.

Clive shares how Miss May’s gentle presence brings joy, connection, and emotional openness in hospitals, care homes, and even coaching sessions. From working on the NHS acute stroke ward to outdoor coaching in the South Downs, Clive reveals how animals and nature can help people feel seen, calm, and connected.

He also reflects on the growing evidence around nature connectedness and the wellbeing benefits of working in outdoor environments — showing how simple, human (and canine) moments can transform the way we lead, listen, and heal.

Listen to discover:

• How Miss May became a registered therapy dog with the NHS 🐕‍🦺
• The emotional impact of therapy animals in hospitals and coaching
• What “outdoor coaching” looks like — and why nature enhances reflection
• How connection, presence, and play can unlock deeper conversations

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re thinking about working with a coach for the first time, where do you start?

In this Extra Shot, Adrian Last speaks with executive coach Clive Leach about how to choose a coach who’s not just qualified — but the right fit for you. They explore the importance of credibility, supervision, and chemistry, and why good coaching isn’t about comfort, but challenge.

Clive shares insights from years of experience helping clients grow personally and professionally, emphasizing that coaching should be both safe and stretching — a balance that builds trust while opening the door to new thinking.

Whether you’re a leader looking to develop, or simply curious about what coaching can offer, this episode helps demystify the process and highlights what to look for in an effective, ethical, and inspiring coach.

Listen to learn:

• What makes a credible, evidence-based coaching qualification
• Why coaching supervision matters — for clients and coaches
• How rapport and chemistry shape (but shouldn’t limit) coaching
• The benefits of being open to challenge and new perspectives

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring conversation, Adrian Last sits down with executive coach and lecturer Clive Leach to unpack the concept of psychological capital — the “HERO” principles of Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism.

Clive shares how these four components empower leaders, teams, and individuals to set meaningful goals, find pathways through obstacles, and stay grounded in confidence and perspective when challenges arise. From developing “hopeful thinking” and emotional regulation to cultivating learned optimism, this episode offers powerful, practical insights into how coaching can build mental strength and sustainable performance in work and life.

Listen to learn:

• What makes hope a key differentiator in leadership effectiveness
• How to strengthen your self-efficacy and manage emotional derailers
• The difference between “rugged” and “resourced” resilience
• How learned optimism can reshape your mindset and behaviour

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Adrian Last welcomes executive coach and speaker Clive Leach into the Coaching Clubhouse — along with his canine co-coach, Miss May.

Together they explore:

• Clive’s journey from burnout to breakthrough
• How positive psychology reshapes leadership and coaching
• The underestimated role of "being" in a world obsessed with performance
• And how a therapy dog can transform a coaching session

Packed with practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and fresh perspectives, this episode is for anyone looking to lead, coach, or simply live with more intention.

Listen now and meet the pup who’s helping people thrive — one tail wag at a time.

Produced by Adrian Last Coaching.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.