Podcasts offer a convenient and effective way for business and leadership coaches to stay up to date on the work of thought leaders and experts across different industries. Not only can a podcast inspire and inform a coaching practice, but it can also provide opportunities for a coach to reflect on and apply important principles, concepts and ideas in their personal life.
Here, members of Forbes Coaches Council share the podcasts they consider essential resources in both their work lives and their personal lives. Anyone on a career journey can benefit from the valuable knowledge and inspiration the podcasts below provide.
1. On Being
One podcast I consider an essential resource is On Being with Krista Tippett. Its focus on deep reflection and exploring the human experience provides valuable insights that inform my coaching. The conversations about meaning and purpose help me stay grounded and aligned with my values, enriching both my personal growth and professional practice. - Kelly Weber, The Wander Project
2. Find Your Dream Job
I like the Find Your Dream Job podcast hosted by Mac Prichard. His top podcast has more than 500 episodes featuring conversations with career coaches, hiring managers, résumé writers and other career professionals who offer valuable stories and advice to job seekers. I enjoy hearing the perspectives and learning from the variety of guests. - Gina Riley, Gina Riley Consulting
3. Coaching For Leaders
A podcast I listen to and recommend is Coaching for Leaders by Dave Stachowiak. The tagline is: “Leaders aren’t born, they’re made.” In this podcast, there is a wealth of wisdom for leaders to draw from and incorporate into their own leadership development. - Kathleen Polscer, Coach In the Pearl, LLC
4. How I Built This
My go-to podcast is How I Built This with Guy Raz, which explores how entrepreneurs built notable companies. I avoid being overly theoretical in my coaching by explaining concepts through examples. The podcast does an excellent job of documenting the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and sharing these stories helps my clients understand how others have tackled similar challenges. - Will Freeman, Freeman Ventures, LLC
5. Women At Work
I follow the Women at Work podcast with Amy Bernstein and Amy Gallo from Harvard Business Review to look for ideas and stories to help guide my practice. Through stories of female leaders breaking through the broken rung, for example, or experts giving guidance on navigating imposter syndrome, double-bind behavior and gender bias, the two Amys always have insightful reflections and takeaways for the audience. - Kelly Huang, Coach Kelly Huang
6. The Knowledge Project
The Knowledge Project with Shane Parrish podcast is my go-to resource. It explores decision-making, mental models and learning—core elements I incorporate in my coaching practice. Episodes offer valuable frameworks and insights that help me guide clients in thinking critically and making informed choices. The emphasis on personal development mirrors my approach to continuous self-improvement in my professional and personal life. - Maryam Daryabegi, Innovation Bazar
7. A Bit Of Optimism
I don’t have time to listen to many podcasts, but one I consider an essential resource for informing my coaching practice and life would be A Bit of Optimism with Simon Sinek. He infuses wisdom and reflection into conversations with diverse guests whom I seek to model, such as Brené Brown, and who challenge my perceptions, like chef Carla Hall, magician David Copperfield and former actor Adrian Grenier. - Barbara Anne Gardenhire-Mills, Purpose-Filled Solutions & Evolutions
8. The Ken Coleman Show
The Ken Coleman Show is an essential resource. Coleman’s focus on purpose, career and calling resonates deeply with my coaching practice. His advice on navigating career transitions and finding meaningful work offers practical insights that I apply to both my coaching and my own personal growth. - Mick Hunt, Mick Unplugged
9. The Diary Of A CEO
The podcast I listen to often is The Diary of a CEO, also known as DOAC, with Steven Bartlett. He brings in experts from very diverse domains, and it helps me to have a global vision of different industries and gain knowledge on topics I would not have otherwise focused on. Having out-of-the-box knowledge sharing helps me to ask questions that are more pertinent and unconventional to inspire better answers from my clients. - Aurelien Mangano, DevelUpLeaders
10. The Tim Ferriss Show
The Tim Ferriss Show is an essential resource for me. Ferriss interviews top performers from various fields, uncovering their routines, habits and philosophies. This podcast provides valuable insights and practical advice, helping me refine my coaching methods and apply effective strategies in my own life. It’s a treasure trove of wisdom for personal and professional growth. - Nikhil Chadha, Mindwize
11. How To Fail
A podcast I go to often is How To Fail with Elizabeth Day. Each episode is a conversation with someone of note, about three of their self-proclaimed failures in life. I love the conversations, as they normalize vulnerability, reframe failure and show that learning how to fail really means learning how to succeed. Vulnerability and learning are my invitations to coaching clients. - Duncan Skelton, Duncan Skelton Coaching Ltd.
12. Lessons From A Life Of Leadership
Marshall Goldsmith’s Lessons from a Life of Leadership is a podcast which is essential for every executive. It’s meant to coach leaders on diversity, inclusion and blind spots to holistically balance professional success with personal fulfillment. It provides a comprehensive framework for leadership development, behavioral change, motivation and overcoming self-sabotage. - Dominik Szot, MIA