Are Agile Coaches Really Coaches? Examining the "Coach" Suffix with Holly Acre

In this episode of the "Agile for Agilists Podcast," hosts Drew Podwal and Brad Nelson sit down with special guest Holly Acre, a public school teacher turned Sales Enablement Coach with a unique twist — she applies Agile and scrum principles to her performance coaching practice. The conversation takes a deep dive into the intriguing intersection of Agile methodologies and professional coaching, shedding light on a common challenge within the Agile community — Agile Coaches often haven't been trained to actually coach.

With her extensive background in coaching and teaching, Holly offers a fresh perspective on the subject and shares her valuable insights that any professional coach, agile or otherwise, can learn from. She reveals how she applies agile principles in her work with sales teams, helping them navigate the complex business world of individual development, sales, and customer relationships.

Throughout the episode, Drew and Brad are genuinely fascinated by Holly's experiences and how her coaching skills have benefited the sales teams she works with. They discuss the challenges and successes she has encountered, drawing parallels to their experiences as Agile Coaches. Holly's expertise in motivation, goal setting, conflict resolution, and feedback becomes a treasure trove of inspiration for Agile coaches looking to upskill their coaching game.

Tune in to this insightful episode to discover:

— The importance of formal coaching training for Agile coaches.

— Real-world examples of coaching practices benefiting agile teams.

— Strategies for fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

— How Agile principles can be adapted to various professional contexts.

Whether you're an Agile coach seeking to enhance your coaching skills or simply interested in the dynamics of coaching in sales and Agile, this episode promises valuable takeaways and engaging insights. Join Drew, Brad, and Holly for a conversation that bridges the worlds of performance coaching and Agile, highlighting how agile coaches can use a coaching stance to successfully coach agile.

Episode Resources

• Lyssa Adkins - Coaching Agile Teams