In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart sits down with Paul Sanbar, MCC, a coach who doesn’t just think outside the box—he builds new ones, takes them apart, and reimagines what’s possible. Through LEGO® Serious Play® and hands-on thinking, Paul helps individuals and teams move beyond words, unlocking deeper insights through creativity and play.

Paul’s journey to coaching is anything but ordinary. Originally drawn to architecture as a way to create structure in a chaotic world, he shifted paths multiple times—through business, poetry, psychotherapy, and coaching—a journey he humorously calls A Fortunate Series of Overcorrections. Each pivot helped him refine his coaching philosophy, where play and unlearning are as essential as structure and mastery.

Lyssa and Paul dive into topics like:
🔹 The power of liminal spaces—why transformation happens in the “in-between” moments.
🔹 How LEGO Serious Play® brings coaching to life—helping clients see and restructure their ideas.
🔹 Why unlearning is key to coaching mastery—and how it shaped Paul’s journey to MCC.
🔹 The neuroscience of play—how creativity helps clients move past stuck points and into possibility.

This conversation will challenge the way you think about coaching, learning, and growth. Whether you’re a coach, leader, or just someone fascinated by how we build and rebuild our lives, you’ll walk away with new perspectives and actionable insights.

This episode is full of practical insights, personal stories, and new ways to think about coaching and growth.

You can catch up with Paul on his website

Or find him on LinkedIn.

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Production Editing: Lyssa deHart

Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart welcomes transformational coach and hypnotherapist Daniel Olexa, MCC, CIHt for an in-depth conversation about reconnecting with your intuition and reclaiming your authentic self. Daniel’s journey—from his early days as a diesel mechanic in the US Coast Guard Reserve to becoming a world-class coach—sets the stage for a powerful discussion on how life-changing leaps, both literal and metaphorical, can spark profound personal transformation.

Key Topics Covered:

• Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs: Explore how shedding old identities and learned behaviors can help you rediscover your true self.
• The Power of Hypnotherapy & Parts Work: Learn practical strategies to work with your inner voice and align your emotional energy for breakthrough change.
• Collaborative Leadership: Understand how empowering collaborative communication and collective wisdom can transform your professional and personal relationships.
• Transformational Coaching vs. Transactional Problem Solving: Discover why Daniel focuses on solving the person, creating new awareness that leads to intentional and lasting change.

Guest Insights & Resources:

• Daniel shares vivid stories from his skydiving and hypnotherapy experiences, illustrating how confronting fear can lead to a life of purpose.
• He discusses the impact of key resources such as his co-authored books, Practical Manifesting and A Pessimist’s Guide to Manifesting, and how they offer practical exercises to overcome resistance and embrace the universal laws of transformation.
• The conversation also touches on the importance of integrating your authentic self and the value of a supportive network in the journey of personal growth.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• Embrace Vulnerability: Recognize that your challenges are not obstacles but opportunities for growth.
• Trust Your Inner Wisdom: Tune into your intuition and let it guide your decisions for a more aligned life.
• Lead with Empathy: Whether you’re in a leadership role or on a personal journey, the power of authentic communication can transform your relationships and work environment.

Join us for this transformative conversation and discover how to step into your power, reconnect with your inner strength, and create a life filled with purpose and passion.

Check out Daniel's website.

And, find him on LinkedIn to learn what he's up to.

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Production Editing: Lyssa deHart

Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan

In this episode of The Coaching Studio, Lyssa deHart sits down with David Goldsmith, MCC, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the realities of executive coaching, leadership, and the evolving landscape of the profession. David shares how an unexpected moment with his father led him to discover the power of perspective, a skill that would later shape his work as a coach. He recounts his early experiences in coaching, long before it was formally recognized as a profession, and reflects on the misconceptions that still persist in the field today.

Throughout the conversation, David challenges traditional coaching norms, emphasizing the importance of balancing structure with adaptability. He discusses how sports coaching provides a valuable model for leadership development, particularly in how great coaches tailor their approach to individual needs. He also highlights the importance of feedback in both coaching and organizational leadership, pointing out that many leaders struggle to create a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed rather than feared.

One of the most compelling parts of the discussion focuses on the future of coaching in an AI-driven world. David predicts that artificial intelligence will soon handle low-level coaching engagements, making it crucial for coaches to develop skills that AI cannot replicate. He encourages coaches to speed up their ability to deliver insights, reduce time to transformation, and integrate AI tools into their work rather than resist them. His challenge to coaches is clear: refine your skills, embrace change, and focus on the unique human elements of coaching that technology cannot replace.

David and Lyssa also explore the deeper work required for coaches to be truly effective. He stresses that coaches must do their own personal development in order to help clients navigate complex challenges. He shares his own experiences with receiving feedback, the importance of continuous learning, and the mindset shifts necessary to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

This episode offers a candid and insightful look at the current state and future of coaching, making it essential listening for coaches, leaders, and anyone interested in personal and professional growth.

Connect with David on his Website
Find him on LinkedIn.
And, check out his book recommendations: Dare to Lead and The First Rule of Mastery.

Host: Lyssa deHart, LICSW, MCC, BCC

Music: Frolic by Harrison Amer

Production Editing: Lyssa deHart

Social Media and Communications: Michele Logan