Coaches Corner with Stephanie Wheeler and Teresa Leyman

STEPHANIE WHEELER:

1. Who or what inspired you to do what you do? 

In relation to my work around playfulness in coaching; having experienced playful ways of being in others and the impact that had on the relational space between us and where it enabled our work together to go. 

2. What do you find the most challenging about your work?

The most challenging aspect of  my work around playfulness in coaching is around the terminology and what barriers that might put up.  Almost without exception, when we speak to others about playfulness, their understanding of what we mean has significantly broadened by the end of the conversation; it seems that ‘play’ and ‘playfulness’ is often held with quite a narrow interpretation which can come with a number of limiting assumptions.

3. What's the biggest lesson you have learnt in recent years?
It’s still something I’m working on! My original interest was sparked by curiosity and a wish to address my own disconnection from playfulness over the years as a result of significant challenges and trauma. It’s an ongoing development piece for me how to nurture my own playfulness when there are ongoing day to day challenges (for example, a lack of time) as well as more significant life challenges such as bereavement and illness. For the more significant events, it has been about going back to basics which at first glance don’t necessarily seem connected to playfulness such as self-compassion practice and rest.

4. If you could wave a magic wand and have one wish for you or your coaching practice, what would it be and why?

Aside from having a magic business development elf who would take care of such things for me, it would be to hold retreats in beautiful locations (both for coaches and separately for non-coaches) infused with playfulness where we do deep and serious work and experience playfulness, lightness and connection.

5. Tell us a fact that not many people know about you ….

Although restricted by circumstances in recent years, I have a love of adventure and experiencing the moment, including crossing rivers on horseback, ice-wall climbing and swimming in the sea in Antarctica (without a wetsuit!).

TERESA LEYMAN: