The Bright Morning Podcast with Elena Aguilar

Surprise! The podcast really is over. But we’re unexpectedly sharing one more episode because I have some unexpected news: I wrote another book. It's called How to Coach Resistance, and I love it so much that I couldn't resist popping back into your podcast feed to tell you about it. In this episode, I'll share why I wrote it, what I've learned from years of trying to understand resistance, and read a short passage from the introduction. Then, if you'd like to keep reading, you can download t...

It’s the final episode of The Bright Morning Podcast! Elena shares a heartfelt thank you and shares how to keep learning and growing with the Bright Morning Team. Keep learning: Subscribe to Elena’s Weekly Wisdom Newsletter Receive weekly reflections, tools, and inspiration to support your personal and professional growth.Join us on YouTube Watch short, practical videos with coaching strategies, leadership tools, and stories that support transformational practice. Subscribe to ou...

If you’re starting to think about next year—and wondering how to set your team up for a strong start—this episode is for you. Elena shares the three most powerful moves leaders can make now—or over the summer—to lay the foundation for a strong start next year. 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 Receiv...

If you’re feeling the urge to plan everything right now—but your brain is fried and your energy is low—this episode is for you. You’ll learn a simple tool to distill your insights while protecting your energy—and walk away with a renewed sense of trust in what can wait until fall. 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...

If 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 Th...

If 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 t...

If 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 P...

If 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 YouTubeRecei...

If 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 Brig...

If 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 you...

What 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 t...

If 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 WorkshopE...

What 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 facilitatio...

If 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 Facilitatio...

If you’ve ever felt like your session was “technically fine” but still falling flat, this episode is for you. Elena Aguilar explores why PD facilitators must tune into emotional energy—and how to skillfully respond when the mood in the room isn’t aligned with your intention. You’ll learn 10 practical strategies you can use immediately to shift the emotional tone and create space for meaningful learning. Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD Workshop10 Ways to S...

If you’ve ever designed a PD session that had great content—but still didn’t land—this episode is for you. Elena shares a story of how she redesigned a session to prioritize emotional safety and connection—and offers a powerful checklist with examples to help you prepare your own sessions for meaningful learning. Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopFive Conditions for Transformational Learning Starter ToolAttend The Art of Virtual PD to create connect...

If you’ve ever led a PD session that felt great in the moment but didn’t lead to real change, this episode is for you. Elena Aguilar shares the 3 B’s framework—behavior, beliefs, and ways of being—and how to use it to design professional learning that sticks. Keep learning: Transform your design and facilitation at The PD WorkshopAttend The Art of Virtual PD Expand your design and facilitation knowledge with The PD Book Watch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community...

If you’ve ever walked out of a PD session wondering what the point was, this episode is for you. In this kickoff to our PD podcast series, Elena Aguilar shares a powerful reframe—and a 5-question reflection to help you assess whether your sessions are creating real learning. Keep learning: Transform 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 Rec...

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a team member who’s clearly struggling and wondered, “What do I even say right now?”—this episode is for you. Elena explores how to coach team members through the inevitable low points of the school year. Keep learning: Attend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach 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 ...

If you’ve ever been in a conversation where someone starts crying, shuts down, or lashes out—and you weren’t sure what to do—this episode is for you. Elena offers guidance on how to respond when a team member breaks down emotionally during a conversation. Whether you’re met with tears, silence, or anger, you’ll walk away with a grounded strategy for navigating intense moments with presence and care. Keep learning: Attend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 s...

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t know what to say when someone gets emotional,” this episode is for you. Elena introduces the ACE Emotions framework, a three-part process that helps coaches and leaders skillfully navigate emotional intensity—both in themselves and others. Keep learning: Core Emotions toolAttend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools f...

In this foundational episode, Elena Aguilar shares why understanding emotions is essential for Transformational Coaching. You’ll walk away with a reflective practice to deepen your emotional fluency. This episode sets the stage for a new way to show up—for yourself and your team. Keep learning: Attend Coaching BurnoutJoin the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 supportRead Arise. Chapters 7 and 8 dive deep into coaching emotionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree communi...

If you’re looking for a way to start the year with depth and clarity in your coaching conversations, this episode is for you. Elena explores the power of coaching through core values—especially at the beginning of a new year. You’ll learn how to bring values into your coaching conversations to help others reconnect with who they are and how they want to lead. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC for 24/7 support all year longFree community webinars Watch The...

If you’re returning from break and feeling like your energy is low but the demands are already high, this episode is for you. Elena shares a practical tool to help you stay anchored when your energy is low and the demands are high. Keep learning: Join the Coach 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 E...

In this episode, Elena coaches Adam Morales, an assistant principal from Arizona. on working across lines of racial of racial differences.

If you’re coming back from winter break and want to start this next chapter with clarity and calm, this episode is for you. Elena shares a powerful ritual to help coaches and leaders return from winter break with clarity and intention. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Starting the Year Strong Skill SessionsWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTubeFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your in...

Returning from break doesn’t have to mean jumping back into the chaos. In this special episode, Elena offers three reflection questions to help you re-enter your work with clarity, peace, and power. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLCFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member Follow...

How do you leave the year behind and truly rest? In this special episode, Elena offers five powerful questions to help you reflect, release, and step into winter break with intention. Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Elena’s reflection prompts:What am I proud of?What did I learn?What am I carrying that I want to set down?What do I want to remember?What do I need in order to rest?Coach Learning Library and PLCReceive weekly wisdom and tools from El...

Dreading January? You’re not alone—and neither are your clients. In this episode, Elena shares how to help educators return from break with renewed clarity, compassion, and a plan they actually want to follow. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Preparing for January Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subsc...

December is a blur—but it doesn’t have to be a missed opportunity. In this episode, Elena shares how to help your clients reflect, celebrate, and close out the calendar year with clarity and pride. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Closing Out the Calendar Year Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and sub...

Worried about a struggling teacher—and not sure what to tell your admin? In this episode, Elena shares how to raise concerns with honesty, integrity, and care for everyone involved. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Updating an Admin on a Struggling Teacher Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and su...

What if your coaching skills could help you navigate Thanksgiving? In this special episode, Elena Aguilar shares how to bring curiosity, presence, and boundaries to your holiday gatherings—and build connection even across lines of difference. Notable moments: Keep learning: Free community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelBecome a Bright Morning Member F...

Are you taking too many notes—or none at all? In this episode, Elena offers a practical and powerful approach to note-taking during coaching conversations. Learn how to take notes that build trust, strengthen your memory, and support your impact. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Note-Taking During Coaching Conversations Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your i...

You coached. Now what? In this episode, Elena explains why the moments after a coaching conversation are where your growth lives. Learn how to build a reflection habit that helps you get better—fast. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC, and start your Reflecting on a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on...

Do I really need to plan for every coaching session? In this episode, Elena explains how even five minutes of intentional prep can transform your coaching. Learn what to focus on, how to plan efficiently, and why your presence begins before the conversation starts. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Planning for a Coaching Conversation Skill SessionElena’s starting five:What’s my intention?What do I want them to feel?W...

Three months into coaching and wondering if you’re making any difference at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, Elena shares a reflective process and feedback strategies that will help you see—and strengthen—your coaching impact. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Evaluating Your Impact Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morni...

Your client keeps canceling. Or giving one-word answers. Or something just feels... off. In this episode, Elena shares what to do when you’re not connecting with a client—and how to shift from awkwardness to authentic trust. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your When You’re Not Connecting with a Client Skill SessionFree community webinars Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bri...

Your client is crying again… or emotionally checked out… or endlessly venting. What do you do? In this episode, Elena teaches you how to coach emotions when ACE alone isn’t enough. Learn how to show up with compassion, clarity, and courage—even in the trickiest emotional moments. Notable moments: Keep learning: Episode 88: How to ACE Your Coaching Conversations Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Beyond ACE Emotions Skill SessionFree community we...

When a teacher has 101 gaps to close, where do you start? In this episode, Elena walks you through how to use the Gaps Framework to lead overwhelmed clients toward clarity. You’ll learn how to name challenges with compassion and co-create a focused, realistic path forward. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Introducing the Gaps Framework Skill SessionFree community webinars The Gaps Framework (free tool)Receive we...

When our core needs go unmet, we suffer. When they’re met, we thrive. In this episode, Elena shares a live coaching demonstration of how to help a client recognize and respond to unmet core human needs. Listen in to deepen your understanding and build your capacity to support true transformation. Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Core Human Needs Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library The First 10 Minutes Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elen...

Limiting beliefs can keep your clients stuck. In this episode, Elena shares a live demonstration of how to coach someone using the Exploring Beliefs Framework. You’ll hear how to surface disempowering stories, activate new possibilities, and begin the process of transformation. Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Exploring Beliefs Skill Session in the Coach Learning LibraryThe First 10 Minutes (free tool)Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to you...

When your client jumps to conclusions, the Ladder of Inference can help. In this episode, Elena demonstrates how to use the Ladder to surface assumptions, expand thinking, and move toward more grounded decision-making. Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Ladder of Inference Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library The First 10 Minutes Receive weekly wisdom and tools from Elena delivered to your inboxWatch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and sub...

Want to hear what it sounds like to coach with the Wheel of Privilege and Power? In this episode, Elena shares a live coaching demo and unpacks how to facilitate identity-based exploration with skill and care. Learn how to introduce this transformative tool and support your clients in building the self-awareness they need to lead for equity. Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Wheel of Privilege and Power Skill Session in the Coach Learning Library and PLC Atten...

Tired of coaching clients stuck in blame, burnout, or helplessness? In this episode, Elena shares a live demonstration of how to coach someone off the Drama Triangle—and into a place of empowerment. Learn how to identify the roles of victim, villain, and hero, and how to gently invite your clients into transformation. Notable moments: Keep learning: Subscribe: Getting Off the Drama Triangle Skill Session in the Coach Learning LibraryThe First 10 MinutesReceive weekly wi...

“This isn’t who I want to be.” If you’ve ever said those words—or quietly thought them at the end of a long day—this episode is your invitation to reconnect with your purpose. Elena shares how a clear personal vision can help you lead with integrity, coach with confidence, and stay rooted in your values—even in the midst of school chaos. If you’ve been drifting, it’s time to realign. Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Crafting Your Personal Visio...

If your calendar reflects everyone’s priorities except yours, this episode is for you. Elena shares why so many coaches feel overworked and under-impactful—and how to reclaim your time through an intentional weekly schedule. You’ll hear a story of transformation, learn what to prioritize, and get practical tools to help you stop reacting and start coaching with clarity and purpose. Notable moments: Keep learning: Join the Coach Learning Library and PLC and start your Determi...

Your introduction as a coach sets the tone for every conversation that follows. But what if you’re not sure what to say—or how to say it in a way that builds trust? In this episode, Elena shares what most coaches get wrong when introducing themselves and how to craft an authentic, values-based message that lays the foundation for transformational relationships. Whether you’re brand new or looking for a fresh start, this is your invitation to lead with clarity and heart. Not...

What if your admin doesn’t understand what coaching is—or worse, expects you to “fix” teachers? In this episode, Elena shares how to proactively build a strong partnership with your site leader, even when expectations are unclear or misaligned. You’ll learn how to shift from confusion to clarity, reclaim your role, and set the stage for a thriving coaching year. If you're ready to stop tiptoeing around your admin and start leading with confidence, this episode is for you. Keep lea...

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Get more of Elena telling you exactly how to make your conversations more impactful with our Coach Learning Library and PLCWatch The Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube&nb...

Sometimes, the people we love the most get the version of us we like the least. That’s normal, and we can do better. Our summer break series will help make that a reality by showing you how to apply your coaching moves in your everyday life. Minimal investment, big payoff. That’s our kind of summer! Keep learning: Watch the Bright Morning Podcast on YouTube and subscribe to our channelGet more of Elena telling you exactly how to make your conversations more effective with our Coac...