Podcast
The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar
Hosted by Elena Aguilar · EN
It’s possible for every coaching conversation to build connection and spark change, and Elena Aguilar will show you how. Elena Aguilar is one of education’s leading voices on coaching. Educators around the globe use her research-based coaching method to transform their organizations. Her company, Bright Morning, brings the ideas in her best-selling books to life by providing world-class professional development to mission-driven leaders. In The Bright Morning Podcast, Elena teaches you how to make every conversation count by demonstrating Transformational Coaching conversations. Every episode tackles a pressing coaching challenge. Resistance. Racism. Burnout. Overwhelm. Struggling new teachers. You’ll find it all here. If you’re ready to thrive in your work, listen in. New episodes drop every Monday. To learn more about Elena, go deeper into every episode, find the resources and tools she mentions, or join one of her workshops, check out https://brightmorningteam.com.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Year Didn’t Go as Planned—Now What?: Episode 294
3d ago00:08:43Tap to summarizeIf you’re ending the year with some disappointment or regret—if things didn’t go quite the way you imagined—this episode is for you. Elena offers support and perspective for leaders whose school year didn’t go quite the way they hoped. You’ll walk away with three questions that can help you re-engage with clarity and compassion.Keep learning: Attend The Art of Coaching Teams workshop to build an unshakable foundationJoin the Team Leader Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s the honest story of your year—and what are you learning from it?What’s yours to tend to as a leader before the year ends?What’s one step you can take this week toward repair, reconnection, or closure?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Ending Well is a Leadership Skill: Episode 293
1w ago00:08:02Tap to summarizeIf you know that ending the year on a high note is important for your team, but you don’t know how to make it happen, this episode is for you! You’ll learn how to create meaningful closure for your team, hear an example of how one leader used a simple reflection structure to boost connection and morale, and receive guidance for planning a celebration that actually builds trust and community.Keep learning: Attend The Art of Coaching Teams workshop to build an unshakable foundationJoin the Team Leader Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What does it mean to “end well” in your context?What tone do you want to leave your team with?How can you build closure into your final team meeting(s)?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Ending the Year When You’re Not Coming Back: Episode 292
2w ago00:09:34Tap to summarizeIf you’re wrapping up the school year knowing you won’t be returning to your current role or organization, this episode is for you. Elena shares how to find clarity and integrity in your final days, how to say goodbye with care, and how to use this moment as a powerful transition point—for yourself and those you’re leaving.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Year Skill SessionsFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What do you want to leave behind as you close this chapter?What do you want to carry forward?How do you want to be remembered by those you’ve worked with?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Strengths-Based Coaching: Episode 291
3w ago00:09:22Tap to summarizeIf you’re ready to move beyond fixing problems and start coaching in a way that builds trust and motivation, this episode is for you. Elena walks you through how to shift into a strengths-based stance, shares how it transformed her coaching conversations, and offers a three-part structure you can try in your very next session.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What strengths have you seen in your clients recently—but maybe haven’t named yet?What would shift in your coaching if you started each conversation with strengths?How can you more intentionally connect strengths to your client’s areas for growth?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Spheres of Influence: Episode 290
Apr 2700:08:08Tap to summarizeIf you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or powerless in the face of things you can’t change, this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Spheres of Influence framework—a powerful tool to help coaches and leaders move from frustration to empowered action.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeReceive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s one challenge you’re currently facing—and which parts fall inside your sphere of control or influence?Where have you been spending your energy—and is it aligned with your influence?What’s one small action you can take this week within your sphere of control?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Mind the Gap: Episode 289
Apr 2000:09:52Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever wondered why a client isn’t doing what they say they want to do—and you’re tempted to label it as resistance—this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Gaps Framework, a transformational tool for identifying learning needs and understanding client behavior. You’ll hear how to use the framework in real coaching conversations, explore the six types of gaps, and walk away with a powerful lens for action.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Introducing the Gaps Framework in a Conversation Skill SessionThe Gaps Framework (free tool)Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: When you think about a client who’s struggling, which kind of gap might be present?Have you ever misdiagnosed a gap as a will issue when it was actually something else?How could this framework support your own growth as a coach?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Data Conversations That Don’t Shut People Down: Episode 288
Apr 1300:07:56Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when your client looks at data and shuts down? Or gets defensive? Or spirals into blame? In this episode, Elena explores how to coach through tough data conversations with empathy, clarity, and courage—so that data becomes a tool for growth, not shame.Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Transformational Data Conversations Skill SessionWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What’s your own story about data—and how might it be shaping how you coach?How do you typically respond when a client reacts emotionally to data?What’s one question you could ask to open up—not shut down—the next data conversation you facilitate?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Make Virtual Spaces Come Alive: Episode 287
Apr 600:10:45Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever wondered how to make your virtual PD sessions more energizing, more human, and more engaging—this episode is for you. Elena pulls back the curtain on three strategies we use in every session to make online spaces come alive. Plus, you’ll get additional tips and a weekly challenge to build your own facilitation practice.Keep learning: Make your virtual spaces come alive with The Art of Virtual Facilitation workshopTransform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopExpand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Become a Friend of the Podcast Rate and review usReflection questions: What has been your most energizing experience in virtual learning—and what made it work?Which of these strategies feels easy to try in your next virtual session?What message do your openings and pacing currently send to participants?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →Design for Dignity: Episode 286
Mar 3000:11:12Tap to summarizeWhat does it look like to design PD that honors people’s identities and experiences? In this episode, Elena shares a story of a dignity-absent PD session she once attended, and shows how one tool—the Human-Centered Design Scan—can transform a learning space into one where people feel respected and ready to grow.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopConnect participants across scenes with The Art of Virtual FacilitationExpand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: When have you felt most respected in a PD space—and what made that possible?When have you felt unseen or silenced in a PD session—and how did that affect your willingness to engage?What is one shift you could make in your next session to center human dignity?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
Transcribe →How Power Shows Up in the Room: Episode 285
Mar 2300:10:20Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever felt the dynamics in a room shift but couldn’t quite name why, this episode is for you. Elena introduces the Power Reflection Map and shares how she used it to design a session that helped a fractured team confront and shift long-standing dynamics. Learn how to use this tool to lead with integrity—and open the door to deeper trust.Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopConnect participants across scenes with The Art of Virtual FacilitationExpand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow Elena on Instagram and LinkedInFollow Bright Morning on LinkedIn and InstagramSupport the show:Rate and review usReflection questions: What kinds of power do you typically bring into the rooms you lead—and how do they shape participant experiences?When have you witnessed power being used in a way that built trust—or that undermined it?What’s one move you could make to invite more shared power in your next session?Podcast Transcript and Use:Bright Morning Consulting owns the copyright to all content and transcripts of The Bright Morning Podcast, with all rights reserved. You may not distribute or commercially exploit the content without our express written permission.We welcome you to download and share the podcast with others for personal use; please acknowledge The Bright Morning Podcast as the source of the material.Episode Transcript
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