As professional coaches, we are called to a world of expansive cultural diversity. In this global and multicultural context, it is more important than ever that we have a deep awareness, consideration, and appreciation of how we are alike and how we are different as humans. Coaches need to be aware of and manage our own biases to serve our clients effectively.

Dive in with today’s guests and:

• Grasp the importance of going into each coaching relationship and session with an open mind that’s culturally competent and ready to serve people from all walks of life.
• Learn the unforced rhythms of grace that abound when we approach coaching with curiosity so we can become more aware of and honor the variety of cultures in our world.
• Experience the value of better understanding various people and setting aside bias to help our clients follow the call of God on their lives.

Welcome to an Encore of Episode 7 of Professional Christian Coaching Today in which we sit down with our show’s host, Christopher McCluskey, PCC, for part two of his inspiring story.

In the previous podcast, Chris talked about the challenges and obstacles he faced after shutting down his successful counseling practice to move his wife and children cross-country to the family farm and launch a private coaching practice.

Shortly after relocating, Chris was struck by a debilitating illness that took years to diagnose. He entered a “dark night of the soul” that took a toll on both he and his family. But instead of allowing difficult circumstances to harden their hearts, they served to strengthen their faith and resolve. During these difficult years, God inscribed valuable life lessons on Chris’ heart, which he shares with us today.

Chris identifies five critical beliefs that shaped his life and decisions during these years:

• Discern your life’s call and listen to the song of your heart.
• Count the cost and do your due diligence when launching your coaching business and in honoring your values.
• Commit for the long haul. After putting your hand to the plow, resist the temptation to look back (Luke 9:62).
• Persevere through the dark times and allow nothing to deter you from God’s plan and purpose for you, both personally and professionally.
• Work creatively and collaboratively. Say, “Lord, show me something fresh here.” Ask, “Collaboratively, who else can help me?”

How might these key takeaways mold your life and coaching practice?

If after listening to today’s broadcast, you’re asking yourself, “So, what’s next?” or “How can I do a similar examination of my life and priorities?” download the “Align Your Life Inventory” for free. Just go to our website, ProfessionalChristianCoachingToday.com, and enter your name and email below the masthead. Signing up for this free resource will also add you to our mailing list and keep you up-to-date on new topics and podcasts.
Until next time, keep Raising the Standard and Changing the World!

Welcome to an Encore of Episode 6 of The Professional Christian Coaching Today podcast in which today we sit down with our show’s host, Christopher McCluskey, to hear his story as he has dared to answer the song of his heart, a song placed there by God.
Raised in a healthy Christian family, Chris was blessed beyond measure, but that didn't mean his path would be without countless challenges and overwhelming obstacles to answer God’s call on his life—a call that has not only touched his professional and personal life but also the lives of thousands.

Chris’s story offers important life lessons we could all learn from:

• The importance of honoring the song God has place in your heart
• Choosing to persevere in the face of adversity
• Committing to running and finishing the race God has set before you
• Sacrificing short-term pleasures for long-term gains
• How a supportive family or community helps us weather life’s storms
• And more…

Be sure to tune in for part two of Chris’ story next week and learn how the worst—and the best—was yet to come.
Until then, keep Raising the Standard and Changing the World!

From stay-at-home mom to becoming a business professional to ultimately embracing the coaching field, Maggie Meylor joins us today to share her inspiring coaching journey. 

Tune in to learn:

• The powerful questions that have impacted her clients

• How value of not trying so hard

• The difference between coaching and being a coach

• How the Clifton Strengths Finder opens doors

• Four ways to attract individual and business clients

About Maggie Meylor, CPLC
Maggie Meylor, is a CPLC, Certified Strengths Champion, e2grow facilitator, mentor, public speaker, enthusiastic owner of True Forward Coaching, and Academic Advisor for Professional Christian Coaching Institute. 

Throughout Maggie’s life, she has enjoyed intentionally investing in those around her. In 2019 she was introduced to professional coaching and in late 2020 the Holy Spirit directed her steps to Professional Christian Coaching Institute where she promptly enrolled after binge listening to this podcast and attending an online  5-day challenge, hosted by PCCI.

On a personal note, Maggie hails from Wisconsin and has since relocated to South Central Illinois, where she currently resides with her loving husband of 39 years, Mark. Together, they have raised two incredible daughters, both of whom are happily married and have blessed them with the joy of two beautiful grandchildren.

In her free time, you can find her playing golf, pickleball, riding bikes and taking long walks with her dog, Olive. 

Connect with Maggie at: maggie@trueforward.biz