Why Naming Love in Coaching Can Transform Leadership

271: Why Naming Love in Coaching Can Transform Leadership with Clare Norman

In this Episode

Host, Helena Clayton sits down with coach, supervisor and author Clare Norman to explore the transformative power of love in coaching, leadership, and organizational life. Drawing on their 15-year professional connection, they unpack how love—specifically agape, unconditional love—differs from empathy, compassion, and care, and why naming love explicitly can shift the depth and quality of coaching relationships. Claire shares real-life examples about how coaching and supervision becomes a deeply human-centred practice when viewed through the ‘lens of love.’

 

Together, they explore the practicalities of integrating love into coaching and the ethical boundaries needed when working with themes that can intersect with trauma, mental health, and personal history. The conversation highlights how love can become a bold revolutionary force in organizations and a catalyst for improved workplace culture and humancentric leadership —while also reinforcing professionalism, ethical rigour, and psychological safety. This episode offers both challenge and inspiration for coaches and supervisors seeking to work more bravely and compassionately.

You Will Learn

• How to introduce love as a professional coaching lens
• The importance of inner work for this work - in breaking down a coach’s barriers to being loving
• The importance of ethics and contracting when bringing love into coaching and supervision

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Guest Bio

Clare Norman, Master Certified Coach, is dedicated to enabling people to feel truly seen for who they are. With over 20 years of coaching experience, Clare empowers individuals to find their authentic voice and express their needs, creating a more loving world. In her work with leaders, Clare challenges the status quo, encouraging a shift towards prioritising people alongside profits. She believes that by developing individuals, we create ripple effects that transform organisations and communities.

Simultaneously, Clare is passionate about elevating the coaching profession. She advocates for higher standards in coaching and deeper awareness of coaching readiness, ensuring that both coaches and clients are primed for transformative experiences. Through her coaching, writing, and thought leadership, Clare is making a lasting impact on individuals, organisations, and the coaching industry at large.

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