What does the mentor coaching journey really look like, and how does it shape you as a coach? In this episode, co-hosts Sarah Bramall and Rebecca Daniel are joined by Kim Cutler, an ICF PCC executive & leadership coach and one of the Coaching Catalyst’s beloved mentor coaches for an honest, insightful conversation about credentialing, community, and growth.
Kim shares her transformation from a demanding decade in corporate finance to building a fulfilling practice in executive and mentor coaching, sparked by her own experience as a coachee. The trio reflects on their diverse paths to ICF credentialing, what “community” really means during coach development, and why mentor coaching is so much more than a tick-box exercise.
Whether you’re a new coach considering credentialing or a seasoned practitioner looking for your next stretch, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice.
Highlights:
00:57 Kim’s introduction: From corporate finance to coaching
02:30 The turning point, how a career break and coaching sparked change
05:55 The difference between a slow and all-in approach to credentialing
07:11 Learning, books, and the value of deep transformation
09:17 There’s no single “right” route to your ICF credential
10:06 Why community matters (and how to find yours)
13:46 What really happens in mentor coaching
15:21 How mentor coaching brings out your strengths (not just your weaknesses)
18:39 Navigating discomfort and moving from tick-box to transformation
22:32 Finding your unique coaching style, holding the standards, not rigidity
23:12 The future of coaching and the journey toward potential regulation
24:14 Demystifying the mentor coaching and credentialing process
28:35 Start before you’re ready, practical tips for coach development
30:20 How the Coaching Catalysts supports you every step of the way
31:00 Why collaboration, diversity in feedback, and fun matter
33:29 Two-word checkouts.
Key words:
Mentor coaching, ICF credentialing, coach development, executive coaching, PCC, ACC, coaching community, coach supervision, growth, coach support, professional standards, coaching pathways, learning, courage, finding your style, coaching practice, self-reflection, group coaching, coaching industry
Connect with us here:
Website:
https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com
Work with us:
Find out more about our supervision service here: https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com/collective
Train to become a professional coach supervisor here: https://www.thecoachingcatalysts.com/supervision-diploma
To book a call: https://tidycal.com/coachingcatalysts/explorationcall
For ICF mentoring see here: https://go.thecoachingcatalysts.com/icf-mentor-coaching
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/thecoachingcatalysts
https://www.instagram.com/thecoachingcatalysts_
https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecoachingcatalysts
Sarah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbramallcoaching/
Rebecca: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrebecca/
And our Whatsapp here:
https://wa.me/15557022689
About Kim Cutler:
Kim Cutler is a professional coach with over eight years’ experience working with executives, senior leaders, emerging talent, and professionals across sectors including finance, tech, education, and the public sector. Her coaching style is grounded, human, and quietly powerful, offering a blend of insight, challenge, and warmth.
Kim holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, is an accredited Lumina Practitioner, and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the ICF. She is also a registered ICF Mentor Coach and Assessor, supporting coaches working towards their ACC and PCC credentials.
She creates a reflective and honest space where personal insight meets practical action, helping clients grow in confidence and impact.
Produced by winteraudio.co.uk
