Let’s talk about ethics—because being a great coach isn’t just about asking powerful questions or helping people set goals. It’s also about showing up with integrity, honoring boundaries, and knowing how to navigate the messy, complex moments that inevitably arise when you’re doing deep work with others.

In this episode of The Craft of Coaching, we’re exploring the ethical side of coaching. What does it mean to “stay in your lane” as a coach? How do you recognize when something is outside your scope? What are the common ethical pitfalls new coaches often overlook—and how can you avoid them?

We’ll talk about how to handle situations like emotional intensity in sessions, a client asking for advice, or when you suspect coaching may not be what someone actually needs. I’ll also share why ethical grounding isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about being in right relationship with your clients and your own role.

If you care about coaching as a craft—something that calls for discernment, compassion, and professionalism—this episode is for you. Let’s root your practice in clarity and care, so you can serve others with confidence and integrity.

Do coaches need certification in order to become a coach? This is a common question—do you have to get certification to be a coach the way that therapists have to have a license to practice therapy? The short answer is no, you don’t have to be certified, but let’s instead talk about how ethically you do need to be trained. After all, would you want to work with someone and trust them with aspects of your mental health, who had received no training?

There’s a difference between certification and licensure, as well as between certification and training.

Let’s talk numbers. In this episode of The Craft of Coaching, we’re diving into one of the most common questions aspiring coaches ask: What do life coaches actually earn? What’s the average life coach salary?

Whether you're thinking about coaching as a side gig, a bridge into more meaningful work, or a full-time business, it's important to understand the financial landscape. But here’s the truth: the answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Average salary data for coaches varies widely depending on experience, business model, niche, location, and how you choose to structure your practice.

In this episode, I break down what the research says about average coach income and the factors that influence those numbers. We’ll explore how new coaches typically get started, what income looks like in the early stages, and how successful coaches grow their earnings over time.

You’ll also hear some of my own thoughts on what it really takes to make a sustainable income as a coach—and why focusing on impact and alignment can ultimately lead to greater income than chasing the numbers alone.

I talk with life coach Paula Jenkins about how she helps clients "Jump Start Your Joy" (including navigating the self-consciousness that arises when we start to change).