In this edition of Coaching and Beyond, we explore the insights and experiences of Mia O’Gorman, a highly respected executive coach, supervisor, coach educator and leadership consultant. Mia’s career spans more than two decades, during which she has supported leaders at all levels across major global organisations, including AstraZeneca and McKinsey. In addition to her role as Coaching Director at Thinkstitute, she runs her own practice, Coaching with Mia, and actively contributes to the professional coaching field through her voluntary work with EMCC Global and EMCC UK.
Mia’s professional journey and dedication to coaching are a testament to her belief in its transformative potential. “Coaching, for me, is a force for good in the world,” Mia explains. Her mission is to enable individuals and organisations to achieve sustainable success, cultivating leaders who thrive personally, grow professionally, and contribute value across every facet of their lives.
A Career Rooted in HR and a Passion for Coaching
Mia’s journey into coaching began through her early career. During her time at the Halifax Bank of Scotland, as it was known back then, she first encountered the concept of coaching as the bank sought to embed a coaching culture within its teams. Selected as part of a group tasked with implementing this approach, Mia received informal training and guidance from John Whitmore’s organisation, Performance Consultants. “That initial exposure to coaching lit a professional passion for me,” she recalls. It aligned perfectly with her values and her desire to make a meaningful impact in the workplace.
Mia quickly recognised that coaching had the power to foster growth and connection, and it soon became central to her work. Since then, she has dedicated herself to integrating coaching and personal development in organisations, progressing from grassroots coaching initiatives to her current roles in executive coaching and supervision.
Evolving Practices: How Coaching Has Changed Over Two Decades
Reflecting on how coaching has evolved over the past 20 years, Mia notes a significant shift in the industry’s approach. “When I started, coaches were encouraged to be almost like an ‘empty vessel’—a neutral presence,” she explains. At that time, the focus was on asking questions, creating space, and holding back from sharing personal insights or experiences. Today, however, Mia observes a more relational approach taking hold.
In her current practice, Mia believes that authenticity, presence, and selective sharing from the coach’s own experience are essential elements of effective coaching. “The coaching relationship is more holistic now,” she says, “allowing coaches to show up authentically and bring in their experience when it serves the client.” For Mia, coaching is about more than just facilitating a client’s exploration; it’s about engaging fully, providing constructive feedback, and, when in service of the work, sharing insights to help clients move forward.
The Importance of Supervision: Supporting Coaches and Upholding Standards
One of Mia’s key roles is as a tutor on the ICCS Accredited Diploma in Coaching Supervision, where she teaches supervision knowledge and skills, and provides a space for supervisors-in-training to reflect on and refine their practice. Coaching supervision, she explains, goes beyond traditional mentoring. “Supervision is a broader practice that not only addresses skill development but also encompasses ethics, best practices, and the personal development of the coach,” Mia notes. For Mia, supervision is essential for anyone in a helping profession—coaches, mentors, and even leaders.
Drawing an analogy to an observer or “support crew,” Mia describes supervision as a safe yet challenging space. “It’s a balance of support and challenge. Supervision allows coaches to unpack their experiences, reflect on self-doubt, and connect the dots over time, leading to a more profound development,” she explains. Mia emphasises that supervision is essential for maintaining quality and accountability in the coaching profession, especially as the field continues to grow and evolve.
Coaching Leaders in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
Mia’s executive coaching practice primarily focuses on leaders within large organisations, especially those in technical sectors such as engineering, technology, and professional services. Her work often centres on leaders undergoing significant transitions—whether preparing for promotion, managing imposter syndrome, or adapting to strategic roles. “I specialise in supporting leaders to develop emotional intelligence, especially in industries where technical skills often overshadow personal and interpersonal development,” she shares.
For Mia, coaching leaders is about more than improving performance; it’s about fostering resilience, adaptability, and sustainable success. In her view, leaders today face a unique set of challenges, from the pressures of digital connectivity to the demands of an always-on work culture. “Coaching can’t change the external environment, but it can help leaders approach their roles with renewed clarity, resilience, and resourcefulness,” Mia explains. Her aim is to provide leaders with the tools to thrive within complex and dynamic settings.
Perspectives on the Future of Coaching and the Role of AI
As the coaching industry expands, Mia is acutely aware of the implications of emerging technologies, particularly AI, on the profession. “AI presents both opportunities and challenges for coaching,” she reflects. The notion of “democratising coaching” through technology is promising, but Mia cautions against the risk of commoditisation. “If coaching becomes purely transactional, we lose the relational, heart-centred aspect that is so essential,” she explains.
Mia’s perspective on the future of coaching is both pragmatic and philosophical. She believes that AI could complement human coaches, for example through practice scenarios, data and feedback, but she is sceptical about its ability to replicate the nuanced, empathetic connection that coaching requires. “It’s our responsibility as coaches to explore these advancements thoughtfully and ensure that quality and human connection remain at the core of what we do,” she says.
Facilitating Learning and Growth: The Animas Experience
As an educator within Animas, Mia plays a key role in training and supporting the next generation of coaches. She describes her recent experience of being a speaker for the Coaching Leaders in Times of Crisis course as deeply rewarding. “Working with Animas allows me to stay connected to new coaches, help them navigate the early stages of their careers, and continuously reflect on my own practice,” she shares.
One of the aspects Mia enjoys most about her work with Animas is the relational learning environment. “The community at Animas is unique—delegates bring diverse experiences, and every discussion offers fresh perspectives,” she notes. For Mia, the learning experience is as enriching for the trainer as it is for the delegates, keeping her engaged and inspired.
Future Directions: Expanding Quality and Accessibility in Coaching
Looking ahead, Mia remains committed to fostering quality and integrity in the coaching profession. Through her work with Thinkstitute, she has developed Coaching Essentials, an EMCC-accredited programme that provides Foundation level training in a condensed format. “Coaching Essentials is designed for organisations that want to introduce high-quality coaching without a lengthy time commitment,” Mia explains.
Her dedication to elevating coaching standards extends beyond training; she advocates for professional oversight and structured support within the industry. As a contributor to EMCC’s initiatives on supervision, Mia believes that a strong framework is essential to uphold quality as coaching continues to grow globally. “As coaches, we have a responsibility to hold ourselves to high standards and to adapt thoughtfully in a rapidly changing landscape,” she shares.
To find out more about Mia’s work in executive coaching and supervision, you can connect with Mia through LinkedIn, her website coachingwithmia.com, or through Thinkstitute at thinkstitute.com.
