Ep 74 What To Do When a Coaching Session Goes Off-Script (and Why That's OK)
Sun Feb 08 2026
There’s a moment every coach knows.
You’re mid-session. Your client says something unexpected. The conversation shifts — emotionally, directionally, energetically. And suddenly, you feel it:
I don’t know what to do next.
In this episode, I’m talking about why that moment isn’t a coaching failure — and why, in many cases, it’s actually a sign that you’re doing real, meaningful work.
We’re unpacking the fear that lives underneath “not knowing,” why so many coaches panic when sessions don’t go as planned, and how much of that anxiety comes from holding an unspoken agenda about where the session should go.
I also explore the difference between agenda-driven, outcome-focused coaching and curiosity-driven, co-active coaching — and why letting go of the need to steer your client toward a specific insight, solution, or action often creates far more powerful results.
This is a conversation about trust. Trusting the process. Trusting your client. And trusting yourself as a coach — even (and especially) when you don’t have the answers.
If you’ve ever left a session second-guessing yourself, wondering if you handled it “right,” or thinking you need more training just to feel confident in the room — this episode is for you.
LINKS + RESOURCES
👉 Get all the details and register for the next Confident Coaching Skills Intensive: https://www.wendymccallum.com/ccsi
👉 Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources
👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House: www.wendymccallum.com/bbb
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There’s a moment every coach knows. You’re mid-session. Your client says something unexpected. The conversation shifts — emotionally, directionally, energetically. And suddenly, you feel it: I don’t know what to do next. In this episode, I’m talking about why that moment isn’t a coaching failure — and why, in many cases, it’s actually a sign that you’re doing real, meaningful work. We’re unpacking the fear that lives underneath “not knowing,” why so many coaches panic when sessions don’t go as planned, and how much of that anxiety comes from holding an unspoken agenda about where the session should go. I also explore the difference between agenda-driven, outcome-focused coaching and curiosity-driven, co-active coaching — and why letting go of the need to steer your client toward a specific insight, solution, or action often creates far more powerful results. This is a conversation about trust. Trusting the process. Trusting your client. And trusting yourself as a coach — even (and especially) when you don’t have the answers. If you’ve ever left a session second-guessing yourself, wondering if you handled it “right,” or thinking you need more training just to feel confident in the room — this episode is for you. LINKS + RESOURCES 👉 Get all the details and register for the next Confident Coaching Skills Intensive: https://www.wendymccallum.com/ccsi 👉 Grab LOADS MORE FREE RESOURCES FOR COACHES: https://www.wendymccallum.com/mini-offers-and-free-business-resources 👉 Learn more about the BBB (Business Building Bootcamp for Coaches) and JOIN us at the next Open House: www.wendymccallum.com/bbb