The Power of Coaching in Leadership | Learning to Lead Podcast Episode 1

In the first episode of the Learning to Lead podcast, host Dr. Bobby Hill sits down with Pastor Todd Saint Germain, the lead pastor of Woodinville Alliance Church in Seattle, WA, and a master coach with over a decade of experience in ministry, business, and the military. The conversation dives deep into the value of coaching, its purpose in leadership, and how it can support personal and professional growth. Pastor Todd explains that coaching is not just about giving answers but about creating a partnership that helps individuals move forward in all aspects of life, from leadership to health and personal development.

One of the key insights from this episode is the distinction between coaching and other forms of leadership development, such as mentoring, training, or spiritual guidance. Unlike traditional teaching methods that focus on instruction and directives, coaching relies on asking powerful, open-ended questions to help individuals discover their own solutions. This approach fosters self-leadership and long-term growth, allowing individuals to refine their decision-making and address challenges in a structured way. Todd also shares his experience using coaching techniques across various settings, including ministry, business, and even personal relationships, showing how coaching can create meaningful change in diverse contexts.

Pastor Todd also introduces the GROW model, a widely used framework for effective coaching. This model helps individuals define clear goals, assess their current reality, explore possible options, and take actionable steps toward progress. The episode emphasizes that coaching is a transformational process, one that encourages self-reflection and accountability. Whether in leadership roles or personal relationships, coaching fosters growth by providing support, encouragement, and accountability—three essential components for any leader seeking to make a lasting impact.