Coaching Playground | Tom O'Leary

Programme Overview

I have the privilege of being part of an amazing peer-support group that meets every two weeks with one purpose: “to support our development as coaches!”

And yet, as we grow as coaches, we are also called on to do an incredible amount of inner work. Our mission has thus evolved to be: “to support each other as humans and as friends!”

The accompanying content was developed to support this process and has served as inspiration. The hope is that this content may inspire other coaches to set up their own peer-support groups or that it may serve in some other fashion. It is not intended to be the last word on anything!

Key Takeaway

That coaching is a craft that requires a commitment to mastery. Mastery is about ongoing practice in all aspects of that craft, starting with who we are as humans and as coaches.

Guidance on Navigating the Programme

The invitation is to do this within the safety of a small, trusted group.

The suggestion is that you meet on a regular basis for up to one hour and that you focus on one, or at most a small number of topics, each time you meet up.

It is also not intended to be linear. Rather, feel free to jump back and forth and equally to come back to the same questions when you feel you can take them to a deeper level.

If you have any queries, please email Tom at the address below.

Available Versions

1) A full web version that can be accessed here: Start the Coaching Playground programme!

2) A Google Slides version that should have loaded below. Note: Use the “Enter Full screen” mode for a better experience by clicking on the three dots!

Programme Overview

I have the privilege of being part of an amazing peer-support group that meets every two weeks with one purpose: “to support our development as coaches!”

And yet, as we grow as coaches, we are also called on to do an incredible amount of inner work. Our mission has thus evolved to be: “to support each other as humans and as friends!”

Key Takeaway

That coaching is a craft that requires a commitment to mastery. Mastery is about ongoing practice in all aspects of that craft, starting with who we are as humans and as coaches.

Guidance on Navigating the Programme

The invitation is to do this within the safety of a small, trusted group.

The suggestion is that you meet on a regular basis for up to one hour and that you focus on one, or at most a small number of topics, each time you meet up.

It is also not intended to be linear. Rather, feel free to jump back and forth and equally to come back to the same questions when you feel you can take them to a deeper level.

If you have any queries, please email Tom at the address below.

Available Versions

1) A full web version that can be accessed here: Start the Coaching Playground programme!

2) A Google Slides version that should have loaded below. Note: Use the “Enter Full screen” mode for a better experience by clicking on the three dots!

Cookies: The above presentation is hosted on Google Slides. Google uses a number of cookies to manage the experience but none are, as far as I can tell, used for tracking. I was unable to turn off these cookies. Use of this page implies acceptance of these cookies!

Disclaimer: These topics are intended to be approached from the safety offered by a peer support group. Should you experience any distress from any of the reflections or questions, please contact your GP, therapist or other medical professional.

Tom’s innate ability to listen and empathise enabled me to relax and really explore the issues that were causing me some anxiety. Our sessions provided me with an enhanced sense of self-awareness and a considered plan of action. The benefits in terms of relationships and self-confidence this process has given me are invaluable, in both work and life in general!

Testimonial from Sean

I went for coaching with Tom, without knowing what I wanted but knowing that I needed some help after having a number of setbacks with interviews. By the end of the first session, I was beginning to realise my problems. By the end of the second session, I was beginning to realise what I wanted. In our final two sessions, Tom helped me to identify a strategy for achieving my goals.
I thoroughly enjoyed our sessions. Tom listened without judgement, guided without being opinionated and ultimately helped me to help myself. You can’t ask more from a coach.

Testimonial from Paul

I didn’t think I had a specific need for a coach, however, having met Tom outside of our professional roles we decided to set up a coaching programme. I’m delighted we did. Tom’s approach is based on taking it slow, listening first and asking questions you won’t have thought of second. The latter always result in positive actions to take away and implement immediately. Now, I’m really looking forward to continuing our working relationship.

Testimonial from James Crothall, Account Director at AMO DIGITAL

I’ve been catching up with Tom for now, over three years. It is a moment where I’m able to create space away from the noise and the busyness of my life to really tackle whatever is top of my mind. This can be on the professional side and can be on my personal side. My conversations with Tom are really conversations we have dialogues that we have, and a walk away from these meetings with clarity around ideas of how to convey pragmatically and practically tackle some of the challenges and the issues which I wanted to discuss with Tom. But I think more importantly, with a greater degree of confidence in my ability to solve for these topics. I’ve been really enjoying my catch up with Tom I hope to continue to do so in the future and I highly recommend anybody to give it a go.

Testimonial from Tommaso

Testimonial from Sean, Ireland

Testimonial from Paul, Ireland