On this episode of the Coaching Studio

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.

Davids’ Recommendations – Go check them out!

He is an inaugural member of the Coaches 50. While personable and approachable, David is known for the speed and efficacy with which he helps clients solve difficult problems, make significant improvements and proceed directly to their goals. Insightful, incisive, and forthright, David is uniquely efficient in identifying opportunities, catalyzing progress, and delivering value. David co-founded the Foundation of Coaching, now the Institute of Coaching at Harvard University Medical School.

He served as the first president of Coach U, one of the oldest and most established coach training schools. He co-founded the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the largest association of coaches worldwide with over 50,000 members, and he trained the first coaches in Japan, helping establish the first Japanese coaching company, coacha.com.

As a thought leader and educator, David has organized innovative global coaching conferences and is a sought-out speaker and panelist at business, coaching, and academic summits. In addition to educating other coaches, David serves as an executive coach to senior leaders worldwide in companies like Google, Meta, and Boston Consulting Group. Many of his clients work in the tech, healthcare, professional services, fintech, and construction industries.

With offices in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Melbourne, Australia, David is the founder of The Goldsmith Group, and 7 Paths Forward (7PF), and is also the Dean of the Platinum Program at Coaching.com. Through 7PF’s Accelerating Coaching Excellence (ACE) program, David has built a vibrant and growing global community of 3,000+ elite and uniquely certified professional coaches. He is routinely one of the top 5 speakers at Coaching.com/(WBECs) annual Summit with over 15k attending. When he’s not busy improving the quality of coaching and leadership worldwide, David enjoys spending time with his family, collecting art, crafting artisan breads, sipping excellent espresso, and making cheese.