Does the coaching industry privilege the boardroom over the community? And is the intrinsic value of our work reflected in our earnings? What is the potential impact coaching can have in communities that often have less access to coaches? These questions and many more are explored in this episode of The Coach’s Journey Podcast, by host Alex Whitton and his guest, Association for Coaching master-accredited coach Mark Bixter. Mark has applied his coaching skills in a wide variety of settings, working with people who are often unable to access coaching, including in prisons and with those in underprivileged communities. In this episode Mark reflects on how he has created a sustainable and accessible coaching business that aligns with his values and the dialogue that is needed about who is and who is not being served by our profession. When people hear the words “coach” or “life coach”, they often imagine a person who has achieved some kind of perfect alignment and lives in total harmony with the world. But like many coaches, Mark arrived at the profession following a tumultuous period of his life, and his journey is both relatable and moving. A former actor and food critic and an accredited celebrant, Mark reflects on the ways all aspects of his life have informed his strengths as a listener and also his growth areas, such as challenging his clients when they need it. In this episode, Mark and Alex also talk about: • How coaching is a shared learning journey between client and coach • The ‘Three Cs’ framework for coaching: contracting, competence and clients’ best interest • The unique potential of coaching to help people access other forms of help and support • What to do when you don’t know where your work is going to come from • The interplay between coaching and mental health • How our experiences as coaches show up in other aspects of our lives, from parenting to friendships Mark also discusses the conversations and social media posts that enabled him to make the shift from coaching people he already knew to bringing in clients from beyond his existing network.