Author: WellBE TEAM

The WellBE Video series has been shared with you, episode by episode, as part of the WellBE project. The primary aim was to expand upon the insights offered in the WellBe Handbook “Coaching for Trainers”, catering to the piloting cohorts of adult educators across Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Serbia. This collection now serves as a readily accessible repository, just a click away, providing invaluable wisdom drawn from the worlds of training rooms, coaching practices, and adept facilitation.

Whether you’re an aspiring facilitator, adult educator, or someone on the path to becoming a coach, these videos are crafted to enhance your expertise and widen your horizons. We’re confident that, like us, you’ll find each interview moment enjoyable and enriching!

Episode 1 with Joanna Kurylońska, Ireland: Photography in Coaching

In Episode 1 of the Video Series, part of the WellBE Project, we have as a guest Joanna Kurylońska, an ICF ACC credentialed life coach, based in Ireland. Joanna is passionate about combining coaching and photography. She uses photography as a unique and creative tool to enhance the coaching process and the outcomes for her clients. Joanna also promotes photography as a tool for personal development and wellbeing, which is available for all. She believes that connection with others, nature and self is invaluable and this underpins her practice.  

Link to watch the episode with guest Joanna Kurylońska:   https://youtu.be/AY2YfdSgAmA?si=OebV2AHCljW7WvIO

Episode 2 with Cristina Mühl, Germany: Team Coaching

Cristina Mühl, PCC ICF, SP EMCC, ESIA is our guest in the episode 2 of the WellBE Video Series. She has more than 15 years experience in audit, advisory, and compliance leading and growing teams, working in more than 10 countries on 3 continents. As a leader in the field of coaching she works with individuals and teams to enhance their skills and support them in reaching their objectives. In this interview she and shares her view on how team coaching and training complement each other, what is her favorite coaching skill and how we can explore and test it in the practice of training, facilitation, and in life! 

Link to watch the episode with guest Cristina Mühl: https://youtu.be/3Ou75R4Ak1g?si=CdXBQrGIVctX6xkC

Episode 3 with Irina Stefanova, Bulgaria: Energy Leadership

In Episode 3 we interview Irina Stefanova, Leadership Success Coach who is an expert in the so-called energy leadership. With a solid experience in strategic marketing management, analytical work and proven success of brands she developed, Irina turned to working towards empowering people & organisations. A CPC from iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, ACC from ICF and Energy Leadership IndexTM Master Practitioner. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Irina Stefanova:  https://youtu.be/ZK97MjyyaPE?si=eCDgSg6xCuqGx3g8

Episode 4 with Dunja Milanković Poznić, Serbia: The joy of being a Coach

In Episode No 4 of the WellBE Video Series we have Dunja Milanković Poznić, an ICF PCC accredited coach, based in Serbia. Dunja in her work tends to combine knowledge and expertise as psychologist and psychotherapist with her business experience in HR. Due to this she is comfortable working as business and wellbeing coach. Trainings enable her to combine her passion for people development and learning with coaching mindset and nice flavor of having fun learning on the spot through role plays and simulations.

Link to watch the episode with guest Dunja Milanković Poznić:  https://youtu.be/MoT3H76AUGE?si=bRrD-5KW47XFpuLx

Episode 5 with Katarina Bjelovic, Serbia: Top skills in Coaching

In this episode of the WellBE Interview Series we invited Katarina Bjelovic, an ICF PCC accredited business coach, based in Serbia. Katarina is rather creative as a person and strives to empower her clients’ creativity when it comes to expressing their thoughts and feelings – whether through metaphores and analogies, drawing, visuals, music, Lego. On the other hand, her coaching style is also rather solutions focused, which adds another type of dynamics into her sessions.

Link to watch the episode with guest Katarina Bjelovic: https://youtu.be/r5w2UVoVkPI?si=act_Q5PHto0ajAwc

Episode 6 with Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij, The Netherlands: Narrative Coaching and the Art of Listening

As a consultant, trainer, speaker and narrative coach our guest in Episode 6 of the WellBE Video Series, Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij from The Netherlands facilitates teams, organizations and individuals to discover the different stories that are active and alive. She collects and connects to the stories that are active and alive both in the organization and in individuals and makes people aware of the images and the meanings within those stories that impedes them to release their full inner power.

Link to watch the episode with guest Frédérique te Dorsthorst-de Muij: https://youtu.be/kAJtZtFbeu8?si=p6JOq6dVOJYfMaew   

Episode 7 with Iana Avramova, Bulgaria: Creativity in Coaching and Training

In this episode of the interview series, we prove that creativity is a skill and it can be learned. Full of inspiration series with our guest, who teaches us how to be authentic and creative in coaching, training, and in life! Iana Avramova is based in Bulgaria and is accredited Life & Executive Coach with 10+ years of managerial experience with multidisciplinary teams in Bulgaria and the Netherlands. Author of the European Award Winner for 2019 & 2020 Transformika Coaching Cards – a powerful tool for personal & professional growth, which she created during her first maternity leave, in search of support to the wellbeing of a new mom. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Iana Avramova:  https://youtu.be/kjKUIoboM_o?si=0BKXVHd_haXVyQfG

Episode 8 with Sonja Karbon, Austria: Mindful Leadership and Mastery in Training

In episode 8 of the interview series, we talk about mindful leadership, the presence of the trainer, and the magical skill that creates mastery in facilitation… but before all that, we meditate! This is an unusual episode which starts with brief yet effective check-in led by our guest. Sonja Karbon lives in Austria and has been a facilitator of trainings and workshops since 2009, focusing on mindfulness leadership, diversity and intercultural competence as well as personal development. Sonja is a lecturer at the MCI University of Applied Sciences and was selected by the European Commission for the EUwomen4future campaign in 2020.

Link to watch the episode with guest Sonja Karbon:  https://youtu.be/fzK1rgUuIew?si=GeiJ0LVZMKpwtFNl

Episode 9 with Stien Michiels, Belgium: Embodiment and artistry in training and facilitation

In episode 9 of the WellBE Video Series we have Stien Michiels from Belgium. With her, we dive in the artistic work and embodiment in coaching, training, and facilitation. A seasoned leader and team consultant, our guest is certified embodiment coach, and a versatile artist who has illuminated countless spaces with her remarkable presence and skills. With nearly five decades of life experience, Stien possesses a unique blend of talents and expertise that she employs to support leaders, changemakers, and organizations during times of turbulence and change.

Link to watch the episode with guest Stien Michiels:  https://youtu.be/-w46O17NXO0?si=NPz2RyWx0y3TEp3O

Episode 10 [episode 1 by BEST] with Sylvia Neumann, Austria: Discovering a specific field of coaching

In this interview with Sylvia Neumann, a professional life and social counsellor, mediator and supervisor, working in Austria, we have the opportunity to discover a specific field of coaching. The focus of her work is on helping individuals who are currently unemployed and/or looking for ways how to cope with difficulties and pressures related to such a particular situation. 

Link to watch the episode with guest Sylvia Neumann: https://youtu.be/EnM3NNH7N1Q

Episode 11 [episode 2 by BEST] with Dinka Ahmic, Austria: Coaching for job-seeking

We had the pleasure of interviewing Dinka Ahmic, a colleague from the Austrian coaching and training community. Dinka has 15 years of experience working in the context of the Public Employment Service of Austria, specifically with unemployed individuals, as a group trainer and empowerment coach. In the interview, Dinka sheds light on the unique challenges and particularities of coaching in this area.

Link to watch the episode with guest Dinka Ahmic:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRb2aRdRhg

In 2023, we had a bright group of 27 professionals learning how to embed coaching in their training portfolio on the basis of the WellBE Handbook.

We will be happy to have you as part of the next 2024 cohort. Express your interest HERE

A vivid event in Brussels, initiated by New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT, Belgium), the leading partner of the WellBe project outlined the completion of our work. The event took place at We Work Brussels on December 8, in the form of a transformative conference and workshops spearheaded by prominent facilitators. It marked a sensible shift in the understanding and implementation of coaching for Learning and Development (LD) purposes. 

The resounding message echoed by both guests and hosts was the need for coaching attitude in fostering professional growth and skill development.

The event, attended by nearly 50 guests commenced with an address by Svetoslava Stoyanova, founder of New Mindset Coaching & Training (NMCT, Belgium), setting the tone for a series of engaging sessions. Alongside other distinguished coaches and facilitators like Adrijana Milosavljević and Milena Nikolić, from Koučing centar (Serbia), the first workshop unfolded the applications of coaching in everyday life and work routine. Thus, the facilitators presented The WellBE Training and program. 

Participants were immediately captivated by the rich content and interactive workshops, as expressed through the instant feedback received on-site. The workshops’ effectiveness was lauded, with attendees commending the insightful sessions and engaging exercises that delved deep into the core of coaching methodologies.

The workshop’s structure was carefully designed to provide an immersive experience. The itinerary included two sessions, which covered:

Understanding Coaching: Attendees delved into the fundamentals of coaching, exploring its definition, roles of the coach and coachee, and distinguishing characteristics through group discussions and handouts. 

Embedding Coaching Principles: Large group exercises envisioned the integration of coaching into various sectors like training, management, leadership, and project design. Discussions centered around the potential transformative impact of embedding coaching principles in these domains.

Practical Application of Coaching: Participants engaged in peer-to-peer coaching exercises using a set of coaching questions. This practical session aimed at identifying and refining professional behaviors through guided conversations, enabling individuals to uncover actionable takeaways for immediate implementation.

The workshop culminated in an interactive feedback session via Mentimeter, allowing participants to share their insights and reflections on the transformative experience.

Participants and facilitators united around the effective tools coaching offers for individual and organizational growth, setting a new standard for learning and development initiatives in adult training, the domain of HR and L&D. 

In 2023, we had a bright group of 27 professionals learning how to embed coaching in their training portfolio on the basis of the WellBE Handbook

We will be happy to have you as part of the next 2024 cohort. Express your interest Here! 

Welcome to the WELLBE manual on coaching skills for trainers!

As an adult trainer, you are at the forefront of supporting individuals to constantly develop their competences and be able to effectively address all challenges the present and future holds for them.

WELLBE, is an acronym from the first letter of each chapter’s title. We believe that adopting a coaching mindset can help you develop the skills needed to enhance well-being and to lead a more fulfilling life – by encouraging self-reflection and awareness, focusing on setting achievable and measurable goals, and understanding the benefits of a non-judgmental attitude. 

This manual is designed to help you achieve optimal results in your training programs.

Chapter 1 WELD: Trainer of 21st Century, by BEST Institut and Alexander Pojarliev, PhD, introduces the evolving role and challenges faced by adult trainers and invites trainers to embrace the coaching approach to further enhance their performance and to provide quality learning experiences to their diverse learners.

Chapter 2 EXPLORE: Coaching principles in training, by Milena Nikolić and Adrijana Milosavljević explores coaching principles that are crucial to a training’s success. These include partnering, inclusion, growth, and agility, which are the foundational elements of effective coaching. By understanding these principles, you can create a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive, and empowering, and which helps learners achieve their full potential.

Chapter 3 LABEL & LINK: Coaching skills for trainers, by Svetoslava Stoyanova delves into coaching skills, including self-reflection, active listening, goal setting, and feedback. These skills are essential to effective coaching and can help you build stronger relationships with learners, promote self-awareness, and create a positive learning experience. In this chapter, you will learn practical techniques to enhance your own coaching skills and mindset.

Chapter 4 LEVERAGE: Coaching in training, by Alexander Pojarliev, PhD, introduces a coaching framework for structuring training activities, with tools such as coaching cards and timelines. This chapter focuses on leveraging coaching principles and skills to create a structured, goal-oriented training program. By using this framework, you can create a roadmap for your learners and help them achieve their goals while building their confidence and skills.

In Chapter 5 BEHOLD & ENABLE: Coaching evaluation, by Milena Nikolić, we focus on coaching evaluation, utilizing Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model and other standard evaluation methods. Evaluation is an essential component of training programs, and it helps you measure the effectiveness of your training and identify areas for improvement. In this chapter, you will learn how to use different evaluation methods to assess your training programs and to ensure that they meet the needs of learners and organizations.

 The ‘WellBE’ in the name of the project, also underlines the profound significance of our mission. ‘WellBE’ underscores the importance for trainers to adopt a coaching approach, extending it to self-care and overall well-being. These important topics, available in our blog, serve as an additional and valuable source for your project, offering comprehensive guidance on the intersection of coaching techniques and self-care for trainers within the WellBE initiative. In addressing burnout, as discussed in the article ‘Burnout and Our Well-being: Where to Start,’ trainers can leverage coaching techniques to manage stress, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care practices. Additionally, understanding the significance of rest, as highlighted in the article ‘Importance of Rest for Our Energy in Trainings and Life in General‘ is crucial. Trainers can guide themselves in incorporating adequate rest into their routines, fostering better physical and mental health. Lastly, adopting new habits and preparation, as explored in ‘Preparation and New Habits for Insightful and Fulfilling Sessions‘ is vital for trainers to effectively manage their time and energy, ensuring they remain resilient and capable of providing impactful training experiences while safeguarding their own well-being. 

Whether you are a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this manual offers valuable insights and practical techniques to help you become a successful coach in training. With its focus on coaching principles, skills, and evaluation, this manual provides a comprehensive guide to creating effective training programs that deliver measurable results. Let’s dive in and explore the world of coaching skills!

Link to download the handbook: HERE

The WellBe training program focuses on embedding a coaching approach in the work of adult educators. 

The first two days of training were dedicated to exploring coaching principles and skills.

During the second weekend of the program, the goals of our adult educators from the beginning of the training were reviewed in the spirit of partnering and presence.
Some of them included being more adaptive and authentic during training, persistent in using active listening, helping students set their goals, and empowering people to seek their own solutions.

On Saturday, participants learned about active and focused listening, which involves listening for facts, emotions, and free associations. Lachezar Afrikanov, Ph.D. employed the engaging style he uses to work with university students in Bulgaria and skillfully emphasized the importance of being present beyond what is said and expressed. Some of the comments after the session were that time flew by, the practical sessions are connecting people, and that there are truly useful techniques that could be used and practiced in private life with family also, not just in a professional environment.

On Sunday, the focus was on the art of questioning, which included discussions about pre-templated questions that contained the answer, the importance of trainers’ improvisation, and following intuition in the facilitation of group learning instead of sticking to the prepared agenda. Svetoslava Stoyanova shared many tips from her practice as a coach and tapped into the important theme of ethics when applying coaching. 

The trainers also discussed how to encourage people to take steps after the training.

One strong message shared during this day was that powerful questions are the ones that are difficult to answer, and if participants stay in silence, it is a good sign for the exploration process happening. 

The valuable part of the session was a coaching demonstration by trainers, where the trainer in the role of coachee shared a real situation connected to WellBe(ing). Participants were able to see the other trainer in the role of a coach and how coaching skills such as presence, active listening, and the art of questioning are being utilized live.

After this demonstration, participants had an opportunity to practice asking coaching questions in breakout rooms. Some of the insights gained were the importance of echoing what was said, finding resources already in use, and exploring the universe of decisions. There were also questions regarding fields of coaching and clear differences from psychotherapy.

The trainers concluded the program by announcing mentoring sessions and motivating the participants to apply their newfound knowledge. The trainers eagerly anticipate witnessing the WellBe participants’ creativity as they put their training to use in their respective environments in the following months. 

Do you work as an adult educator in any field? Are you looking to create a valuable learning experience for your learners? Have you considered the coaching approach and how it can help you make a creative and impactful training agenda that leaves your audience inspired to seek more knowledge after the sessions? As an adult educator, do you also prioritize meeting your learners’ expectations, being there for them along their learning process, and at the same time, taking care of your own well-being?

If your answers to these questions are positive, we believe our WellBe training program can provide you with important content.

During the last weekend, our team of trainers welcomed a group of around 27 adult educators from 10 different countries to explore the meaning of coaching and dive deeper into the principles and skills outlined in our WellBe handbook.

On Saturday, through exercises and discussions, we explored the importance of a systemic perspective, understanding our stakeholders, and considering their expectations when planning our activities. We also delved into goal setting and measures of success, the definition of coaching, and the four coaching principles presented by the WellBe team: partnering, inclusion, growth mindset, and agility.

From Day 1, the group’s key messages and takeaways:

• A coach’s standpoint should be “never know first, never know better” when giving feedback.
• Coaching is like a tango – we dance together through the process.
• We are constantly co-partnering when we decide on goals and agendas.
• We attend this training to put our intuitive activities in some kind of framework.

During the session on Sunday, we explored the coaching skills that the WellBe team believes are the most valuable for adult educators:

• Self-reflection
• Goal setting
• Presencing
• Active listening
• Feedback
• Art of questioning
• Systems thinking
• Creativity

In the coaching spirit, participants were encouraged to reflect on the skills they already have developed and share examples, as well as identify areas for improvement.

Key takeaways from Day 2:

• The importance of being willing to reflect and learn about our blind spots
• How our feedback is about sharing our observations without being attached to them
• Being open to different perspectives
• Being stubborn regarding our goals but flexible about methods

The highlight of the weekend and a key message fully aligned with our coaching approach was: “Keep it human.”

Looking forward to harvesting learnings after our second training weekend! 😊

Welcome to the WELLBE manual, your comprehensive training program on coaching skills for trainers!

As an adult trainer, you play a pivotal role in guiding individuals to continuously develop their competencies, enabling them to effectively navigate the challenges of both the present and the future. Notice that WELLBE is an acronym derived from the first letter of each chapter’s title.

We firmly believe that adopting a coaching mindset equips you with the skills necessary to enhance well-being and lead a more fulfilling life. This involves fostering self-reflection and awareness, setting achievable and measurable goals, and appreciating the benefits of a non-judgmental attitude. In our perspective, a coaching mindset aids in building resilience, focusing on strengths, and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Additionally, the coaching approach enhances self-efficacy, instilling a belief in individuals’ ability to achieve goals, helping them overcome obstacles, and persevere toward improved well-being.

This manual is meticulously designed to support you in achieving optimal results in your training programs, providing valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your coaching skills and positively impact those you train.

Link to download the handbook: HERE

Ready for episode 3 of the WellBe Video Series? 

Our guest in this new episode is Irina O. Stefanova, ACC, Leadership Success Coach from Bulgaria, who is an expert in the so-called energy leadership. 

With a solid experience in strategic marketing management, analytical work, and the proven success of brands she developed, Irina turned to work towards empowering people and organizations. Over the last 8 years, she has gained considerable experience in leadership & life coaching, with clients from Western Europe, Bulgaria, and the Middle East. 

Enjoy the conversation, in which Irina shares about her work and passion and gives useful advice on how to develop one of the core coaching skills, listening. 

Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/ZK97MjyyaPE  

Have you already wondered what is the thin red line dividing team coaching from facilitation? 

The WellBE team is excited to announce the release of episode 2 of our Video Series! In this episode, Svetoslava Stoyanova interviews Cristina Mühl, PCC ICF, SP EMCC, ESIA, an accomplished trainer, coach, and facilitator with over 15 years of experience in audit, advisory, and compliance. Cristina has worked in more than 10 countries on 3 continents, implementing solutions in diverse markets and corporations of different sizes. 

As a leader in the coaching field, Cristina shares her expertise on how team coaching and training can complement each other, her top coaching skill, and how we can apply it to training, facilitation, and life. Don’t miss this insightful conversation! Watch the full interview here: 

Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/3Ou75R4Ak1g

We are excited to share the start of the Interview Series under the WellBE project.

We are excited to share with you the start of the Interview Series under the WellBE project and the release of episode 1. As a complimentary resource for our learners, we will meet people from the practice of coaching and training and will invite them to share their tips and tricks of the profession. 

Here we go: launching Episode 1 of the video series, where our colleague Svetoslava Stoyanova is conversing with Joanna Kurylonska MSc, ACC ICF. 

Joanna is an ICF-accredited life coach passionate about combining coaching and photography. She also promotes photography as a tool for personal development and well-being, available for all. 

In the interview our guest shares how coaches and trainers can implement photography in their facilitation work. 

Follow the link to watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/AY2YfdSgAmA