How Supervision Can Genuinely Foster Coach Development

258: Navigating the Complexities of Identity, Power, and Inclusion in Coaching Supervision with Shruti Sonthalia, Dumi Magadlela and Claire Pedrick

In this Episode

Can we truly make coaching spaces inclusive? This powerful closing episode of our Coaching Supervision Uncovered series invites you into a dynamic panel conversation on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in coaching supervision. Host Helen O’Grady is joined by master coaches Shruti Sonthalia, Dumi Magadela and Claire Pedrick as they unpack how supervision can become a sacred space for reflection, authenticity, and growth.

Together, they explore how supervisors can model courage, examine safety, shame and co-design spaces where vulnerability becomes a strength rather than a risk. The conversation dives deeply into identity, systemic, cultural and continental context - highlighting the ways power dynamics and intersectionality shape supervision relationships. By weaving personal insights with practical reflections, the panellists show how re-humanisation, presence, and recognition of interconnectedness can unlock truly inclusive coaching spaces. As the series finale, this episode is both a celebration of what has been uncovered and an open invitation to continue the dialogue on inclusion as a living, co-created process.

You Will Learn

• How to hold supervision as a sacred space that enables authentic reflection and growth
• Why vulnerability, courage, and cultural awareness are essential to inclusivity.
• Practical ways supervisors can co-create inclusive environments that allow coaches to come as they are

Guest Bio's

Shruti Sonthalia is a highly accomplished Master Certified Coach (ICF), faculty at the Academy of Executive Coaching (UK), and speaker at global forums including ICF Global Converge. She has coached C-suite leaders across industries such as tech, healthcare, finance, and development. A past ICF Young Leaders Award recipient (top 3 globally under 40), she is a published researcher and active coaching advisory and jury member.

Dr Dumi Magadlela is a leading global practitioner in executive coaching, team coaching, coach-training and leadership skills development. He is deeply committed to the advancement of Ubuntu values that enhance innovation and human relationships globally. He is the recent Global Board Chair (2023-2024) of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). He is also a founding board member of the Africa Board for Coaching, Consulting and Coaching Psychology (ABCCCP), promoting the development of professional coaching across Africa. Dumi co-founded and chaired the Ubuntu Coaching Foundation (UCF) in South Africa. Dumi is Founder, President and CEO of Afrika Coaching, a private firm providing executive coaching and team coaching globally, both virtually, and in-person. Dumi’s recent book is titled Ubuntu Coaching and Connection Practices for Leader Managers.

Claire Pedrick is an MCC Master Coach, Coaching Supervisor, and author with over 15,000 hours of experience. She believes coaching is simple but takes time to master. Claire hosts The Coaching Inn podcast and has written two books: Simplifying Coaching and The Human Behind the Coach. In 2022, she walked 600km on the Camino in Spain and received the Outstanding Contribution to Coaching Award and a Points of Light Award.

Connect with Shruti

Connect with Dumi Magadlela

Connect with Claire Pedrick