What To Do When a Coaching Session Goes Off-Script (and Why That's OK)
There’s a moment every coach knows.
You’re mid-session.
Your client says something unexpected.
The conversation shifts — emotionally, directionally, energetically.
And suddenly, you feel it:
I don’t know what to do next.
In this episode, I’m talking about why that moment isn’t a coaching failure — and why, in many cases, it’s actually a sign that you’re doing real, meaningful work.
We’re unpacking the fear that lives underneath “not knowing,” why so many coaches panic when sessions don’t go as planned, and how much of that anxiety comes from holding an unspoken agenda about where the session should go.
I also explore the difference between agenda-driven, outcome-focused coaching and curiosity-driven, co-active coaching — and why letting go of the need to steer your client toward a specific insight, solution, or action often creates far more powerful results.
This is a conversation about trust.
Trusting the process.
Trusting your client.
And trusting yourself as a coach — even (and especially) when you don’t have the answers.
If you’ve ever left a session second-guessing yourself, wondering if you handled it “right,” or thinking you need more training just to feel confident in the room — this episode is for you.
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Author & Host
Wendy McCallum
Business Coach for Coaches, Burnout & Alcohol Coach for High Achievers
I’m Wendy McCallum — a coach, mentor, and former lawyer who’s spent the last 15 years helping people build lives and businesses they actually want to wake up to. When I first left law, I had no guidebook for how to do this coaching thing. I floundered — hard. I undercharged, overthought, and overinvested in shiny solutions that didn’t really move the needle. But every mistake taught me something, and eventually, I built the kind of coaching practice I once only dreamed about — one that’s profitable, sustainable, and full of work I truly love. Today, I coach two kinds of people: ✨ Busy professionals who are ready to make big, meaningful changes — whether that's finding balance, recovering from burnout, or rethinking their relationship with alcohol. ✨ And newer coaches who are building their businesses from the ground up and want a clear, sustainable path forward without all the gimmicks and noise. Whether I’m helping someone simplify their business or reclaim their personal life, the heart of my work is the same: giving smart, capable people the clarity, encouragement, and real-world tools they need to move forward — in a way that feels good, not overwhelming. If you’re ready for something better — in your work, your life, or your business — you’re in the right place. And I’m so glad you’re here. IMPORTANT: Blog content including Wendy's podcasts are for information purposes only and not intended in any way to be health advice. Please see full Terms of Use, by clicking on the link in the footer of this page, for details.
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