Listen to the episode Season 5 | Ep 81
On this episode of the Coaching Studio
Humans, What’s Normal? And the Essence of Brilliance with Michael Stratford, MCC
On this episode of the Coaching Studio, host Lyssa deHart, MCC, sits down with Michael Stratford, MCC — the self-proclaimed Provocateur of Transformation — who, by the end of the conversation, reframes himself as something even more powerful: an Evocateur of Transformation.
Michael’s story is raw, humorous, and deeply human. From 56 different careers and a near brush with suicide to becoming one of the pioneers of modern coaching, he shares how discovering his own uniqueness became the foundation for his life’s work. Together, Lyssa and Michael explore what it means to coach humans, not “clients,” to let go of labels like “normal,” and to see difference not as a flaw but as the essence of brilliance.
Their conversation dives into the philosophy behind Michael’s immersive MillionQuest™ adventure. A gamified journey in self-mastery designed to help people positively impact one million sentient beings. They also unpack his book The Game of Coaching, exploring how play, curiosity, and presence can transform both coaches and the people they serve.
Witty, wise, and provocative, Michael reminds us that coaching is not about fixing anyone, it’s about evoking the singular human being who’s been there all along.
Michael’s books – Go check them out!
Michael Stratford, MCC
Michael Stratford has a unique combination of coaching mastery, training skills, and professional coaching As his experience below attests, he is acutely aware of what trains coaches, having done so for over 7,000 worldwide. He is teaching two courses. A Level 1 course called Beginning of Coaching Mastery: Designed with Presence in Mind”, and a Level 3 course called “Advanced Coach Mastery The Next Level³ in Coaching Mastery.” He has been teaching coaches via his ACTP approved “Coaching Mastery Program: Designed with Mastery in Mind”, an early version of the latest Level 3 course he’s offering. These courses have been taught in China since 2014 both online and in person.
He has written four books on Coaching in the Master Coach Series, including Masterful Questions, a book that is regularly used in other coach trainings. He has also contributed to the latest book, “Becoming an ICF Credentialled Coach.
He has written approved coach training either in full or in part for:
• Asia Coach, Coach,Inc including CoachU/ Corporate Coach U, Comprehensive Coaching U and Coaches Certification Institute
• Internal Coach training organizations Wells Fargo Bank, Quicklogic, Vertex corporation, Blizzard Entertainment and Leading Initiatives Worldwide
• Chapman Business College
About the Host
Lyssa deHart ditched her therapy practice to become a Leadership Confidence Coach. Along the way she discovered a passion for professional coaching and wanted to find ways to share that passion with the world. Come join her in discovering and meeting some of the most amazing professional coaches on the planet. Her goal is to inspire coaches. Lyssa is the author of Sticky Outcomes: at the Intersection of Coaching, Neuroscience, and Lasting Change, StoryJacking: Change Your Dialogue, Transform Your Life, The Reflective Coach - a 12 Month Journal, and Light Up: the Science of Coaching with Metaphors. Lyssa is an ICF MCC Coach, PCC Assessor, Certified Mentor Coach, and Coach SuperVisor. Lyssa uses her understanding of the ICF Core Competencies, combined with her knowledge of Neuroscience, to work with people to become extraordinary professional coaches. Let's Go!
