449. The Difference Between a Coaching Conversation and a Chat Between Friends

If your coaching sessions feel supportive but you’re not sure they’re actually moving the needle, this episode will clear things up fast.

 

In this episode of The Divorce Revolution Podcast, I’m breaking down one of the biggest things that trips new coaches up: confusing a coaching conversation with a chat between friends. I talk about why this happens, how it affects your confidence, and what actually separates powerful coaching from well-meaning advice. We’ll also get into the two fear buckets I see come up all the time for coaches, and why intentional leadership—not fixing or rescuing—is what creates real client transformation.

 

Resources Mentioned:

• Register to #CoachU, a FREE bootcamp for divorced moms who want to lead coaching sessions with confidence, clarity, and structure without guessing, freezing, or overstepping: https://products.ambershaw.com/coachu-organic-jan2026
• The Confident Coach Certification Waitlist: https://products.ambershaw.com/certification
• Listen to Episode 448. Why “Just Be Yourself” Is Terrible Advice for New Coaches: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/448-why-just-be-yourself-is-terrible-advice-for-new-coaches/id1577282350?i=1000745266037
• Listen to Episode 447. What Coaching Sessions Actually Look Like (It’s Simpler Than You Think): https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/447-what-coaching-sessions-actually-look-like-its-simpler/id1577282350?i=1000744782104

 

What I Discuss:

• 02:57 The two main fear buckets that show up for coaches and how they quietly impact your sessions
• 04:23 The real difference between coaching and giving advice (and why it matters)
• 11:08 What intentional leadership actually looks like inside a coaching session
• 18:29 Final thoughts on why coaching isn’t about fixing, rescuing, or overperforming

 

Find more from Amber Shaw:

Instagram: @msambershaw

Website: ambershaw.com