Episode 10

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Published on:

19th Apr 2022

When is it best to use actors and why should coaches be interested?

In this episode we sit down with Anna Carus-Wilson of Frank Partners. Anna is a professional actor who works with leaders in business and we wanted to talk to her about the work that she does, and explore the parallels with our work as coaches. 

Frank Partners are a team of highly skilled facilitators and coaches who bring the practical, playful, resilient and creative nature of the rehearsal room into the business world. They have a particular specialism in helping people to become more confident, brave and skilled communicators through their workshops and one to one work.Given that much of our work as coaches is about working with our clients to develop their impact, presence, credibility, leadership and communication, we knew there would be some similarities in the work we do. 


We share stories as we explore how both actors and coaches create safe environments in which people can experiment and rehearse conversations, receive feedback and deepen their self awareness. We also conclude that just as actors are often improvising in the moment, coaches dance in the moment with their clients moving alongside them wherever they go - also a form of improvisation.


As coaches there is much that we can learn from actors, and for HR practitioners, there is huge value to be gained from moving towards more experiential and challenging behaviour change programmes.  



About Anna Carus-Wilson:

Anna is one of the founders of Frank Partners alongside Neil Bett, and like all of the Frank team is a professional actor by background and training. She works with clients like Nike, Vodafone, Dyson, Burberry and News UK to create bespoke programs that help people communicate better.



Resources:

Patsy Rodenberg - 2nd Circle: https://youtu.be/Ub27yeXKUTY

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About the Podcast

The Coaching Question
Exploring the world of coaching in business, for coaches, users and buyers of coaching
Two experienced executive coaches, Sarah Turner and Gregor Findlay discuss topics pertinent to those that commission and use coaching in organisations, as well as for coaches themselves.

We want more coaching conversations to be happening in the world and while there are lots of resources targetted at coaches, there seem to be less targetted at helping those that bring coaches into organisations.

About your hosts

Gregor Findlay

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Gregor is an APECS Accredited Master Executive Coach with nearly 20 years experience who has helped hundreds of senior managers, directors and C-Suite executives undergo transformative change and growth, both personal and organisational.

Gregors mission is to help leaders and leadership teams develop and grow so they can make an even bigger difference for themselves, their people and society. My role is helping others be more free and able to have happier, successful, and more worthwhile lives.

Sarah Turner

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Sarah’s an experienced Executive and Maternity Coach, and business psychologist. She has many years’ coaching experience working across a range of sectors working with professionals, managers and leaders.

On a personal level, Sarah is passionate about empowering women to combine both their personal and professional lives once they become a mother. Her coaching approach is pragmatic, supportive but challenging where appropriate, enabling women to gain clarity about what is most important and manage their transition with renewed confidence.