On 7 May, Engage Coaching by The TCM Group hosted a vibrant in-person coaching event at our London HQ,  a fresh shift from our usual online webinar format. The atmosphere was energetic, intimate, and deeply reflective as attendees gathered to explore how coaching can spark lasting personal and organisational transformation.

The event was hosted by Lily Driver-Thurston, our coaching Customer Success Manager, and we were delighted to be joined by two of our expert consultant partners and coaches, Alan Sproston and Anup Ravi, who shared powerful insights into what coaching truly is – and what it isn’t.

Coaching the person, not the problem

Alan opened the conversation with a quote from Timothy Gallwey: “Performance is potential minus interference.”

This theme underpinned much of the session; that coaching isn’t about fixing people, but liberating their potential by helping them navigate the barriers in their way. He reminded us that we’re coaching the person, not the problem and that creating space for growth requires trust, safety, and psychological permission to experiment and try.

Alan also drew on the metaphor of “teaching someone to fish” rather than giving them the fish, emphasising how sustainable change comes from within. He linked this to the dangers of complacency, citing the fall of Kodak and Blockbuster as stark reminders of what happens when organisations fail to adapt or challenge the status quo.

Coaching vs mentoring, and knowing the value

Anup posed a critical coaching question: “Are you getting value?”

He reminded us that coaching success isn’t defined by the coach, it’s determined by the coachee. “Am I doing the right thing?” is best answered not by a single source of authority, but through honest reflection and feedback from colleagues, peers, and oneself.

The panel agreed on the importance of a chemistry call between the parties in getting the right fit, based on communication style, experience and frame of references.

Together, we discussed the important distinction between mentoring and coaching:

• Mentoring offers specific knowledge and guidance, often to those who don’t have it.
• Coaching builds awareness, confidence, and accountability, allowing individuals to find their own way forward.

We also addressed a common misconception: “I can’t coach an attitude.” In reality, coaching creates the conditions to question assumptions and shift mindsets, not impose solutions.

Culture, conflict, and the cost of inaction

The session touched on the role of coaching in tackling the root causes of conflict and disengagement. Anup observed that traditional interventions, like mediation, are sometimes only plasters, addressing the symptoms but not the underlying patterns or cultural misalignments.

With 95% of workplace issues stemming from the top, proactive coaching becomes a vital tool to challenge unhelpful norms and break down silos. In fact, at Engage Coaching we’re passionate about advocating for coaching being Step 1, rather than only a reactive tool.

The panel also spoke to the high cost of conflict: absenteeism, presenteeism, turnover, and burnout, and stressed how early coaching can mitigate long-term damage.

Alan recommended the book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, which sparked further reflections on team dynamics and moving from ‘storming’ to ‘norming’ and ultimately, ‘forming’ ideal behaviours and mindsets.

Imposter syndrome and emotional barriers

A resonant section was our exploration of imposter syndrome and how coaching helps individuals reframe their inner narrative, claim their leadership potential, and rediscover their strengths. The facilitators noted that many people struggle to ask for help, particularly those who are used to being the helper themselves.

Another standout moment was the live coaching role-play led by Anup and Alan. It showcased a common account of someone who found it deeply uncomfortable to be vulnerable. It was a poignant reminder of the courage it takes to be coached, and the transformative power that follows.

Thank you!

A huge thank you to our panel and everyone who attended, asked questions, and shared personal stories. From exploring defensiveness (“what if someone doesn’t know they need a coach?”) to challenging attitudes and seeking permission to reflect, your contributions made this a rich and inspiring event.

One attendee shared,

“I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Into Coaching event today and felt truly inspired by the mission and energy behind it. Thank you for such a meaningful experience”. 

We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Together you’re forming our Engage Coaching Community, a growing network where we exchange experiences, insights, and practical tools to support self-awareness and peer growth.

Join the conversation in our exclusive Engage Coaching Community LinkedIn group

What’s next? Bring coaching into your workplace

Whether you’re developing leaders, addressing burnout, or creating inclusive, psychologically safe cultures, coaching is a key catalyst for sustainable change.

We offer:

• Tailored coaching packages (1:1 or group-based)
• Coaching skills training for leaders and managers
• Support for embedding coaching within your culture

Ready to explore what’s possible?

Visit our coaching webpage for more information and contact Lily Driver-Thurston, Customer Success Manager for a chat today:
📧 lily.driver-thurston@thetcmgroup.com

Let’s co-create a culture where people don’t just work, they grow, thrive, and lead.