Ask a Coach

You Don’t Need a Niche. You Need a Stand.

IF YOU’RE A NEW LIFE COACH FEELING STUCK TRYING TO “FIGURE OUT YOUR NICHE,” THIS EPISODE WILL SHIFT EVERYTHING. In this short Ask a Coach episode, Trista challenges the idea that clarity and confidence come from precision. Instead, she introduces a powerful concept inspired by the work of Steve Chandler: coaches don’t need a niche—they need a stand. A stand creates energy. A stand builds trust. A stand gives people a reason to follow you. This episode is for coaches who are tired of waiting to feel ready and are ready to lead—imperfectly, courageously, and intentionally. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: 1. Why trying to nail your niche often keeps you stuck 2. The difference between a niche and a stand—and why a stand matters more 3. How conviction creates confidence (not the other way around) 4. What it really means to lead yourself as a coach 5. How to define what you stand for without overthinking it KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Confidence is built through commitment and action 2. Emotional resilience is a skill, not a personality trait 3. You don’t need to fix yourself before you move forward 4. Leadership starts when you stop waiting for certainty 5. People follow clarity, not perfection QUOTE FROM THE EPISODE: > “People don’t follow niches. They follow clarity. They follow certainty. They follow someone who is willing to take a stand.” If this episode resonated, ask yourself one powerful question today: What do I stand for strongly enough that I’m willing to say it out loud? And then start there. Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ask.a.coach] Have an idea for a show? Email me at trista@tristaguertin.com

Seeing the best version with Marcy Holmes

In this episode of 'Ask A Coach,' we share insights from Marcy Holmes, a seasoned relationship coach. Marcy talks about the essential truth of coaching: while coaches can see and present the best versions of their clients, they must practice detachment and trust their clients' timelines and wisdom. Marcy elaborates on how to inspire clients to believe in their potential and make changes at their own pace, emphasizing the importance of recognizing clients' inherent capabilities and allowing natural growth. Key Moments: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:19 Meet Marcy Holmes 00:52 The Core Truth of Coaching 01:10 The Art of Detachment 01:35 Marcy's Insight on Coaching 02:11 Trusting the Client's Journey You can find Marcy at: Marcy H Coaching – Relationship coaching [https://marcyh.coach/] Marcy loves helping couples create more connection whether they're currently struggling or want to set a new relationship up for long-term happiness.

You can't mess this up with Gail Keyes-Allen

In this power-packed mini-episode of Ask a Coach, Reinvention Coach Gail Keyes-Allen drops the truth every new coach needs to tattoo on their brain: don’t believe everything you think. Gail introduces us to the concept of being “scared-sighted” — that wild blend of fear and excitement that hits the moment you step into your new identity as a coach. She explains why this feeling doesn’t mean something’s gone wrong… it means everything is going exactly right. If you’ve ever thought: * “My niche isn’t good enough.” * “I’m unqualified.” * “I’m behind.” * “My ideal client won’t find me.” …then Gail is here to remind you: none of that is true. It’s just your nervous system trying to keep you safe. Gail built a six-figure coaching business at 65 after leaving a 20-year accounting career — and today, at 69, she’s proof that identity shifts don’t come from confidence…. they come from courage. She’s living her most powerful chapter and helping women do the same. Her message for new coaches is simple and extraordinary: “You can’t mess this up. Your fear isn’t a stop sign. Let those scared thoughts ride in the backseat while you drive.” This episode is your reminder to trust your desire, trust your excitement, and — above all — don’t stop. KEY TAKEAWAYS * “Scared-sighted” is normal — it’s what growth feels like. * Your anxious thoughts aren’t instructions; they’re just noise. * Confidence doesn’t come first — stretching yourself does. * Every coach you admire started unsure and overthinking too. * Your lived experience is your qualification. * Reinvention has no age limit — your next chapter can be your most powerful. ABOUT GAIL KEYES-ALLEN Gail is a Reinvention Coach who helps women 50+ whose life looks good on paper but whose soul is calling for more. She left a long, successful accounting career at 65, built a six-figure coaching business in her first year, and now dedicates her work to helping women reclaim their power, rewrite the rules, and launch purpose-driven businesses. At 69, she is living proof that dreams don’t expire — and neither do you. CONNECT WITH GAIL Instagram: @theoldblackladychronicles [https://www.instagram.com/theoldblackladychronicles/] Substack: The Old Black Lady Chronicles [https://theoldblackladychronicles.substack.com/] Thanks for joining us! If you have a moment to rate, review, share and subscribe to the podcast, that would be appreciated! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-coach/id1817694368]

Nothing to discuss with Trista Guertin

In episode 22 of Ask a Coach, host Trista Guertin, master life coach and podcast host, shares her journey and practical coaching tips. Trista offers a practical coaching tip learned from her training at the Life Coach School that helps coaches navigate sessions when clients believe they have nothing to discuss: asking clients about their feelings to uncover coaching opportunities. She shares the inspiration behind starting this podcast and the journey so far, highlighting the valuable contributions from guest coaches. Connect with Trista on Instagram: Askacoach [https://www.instagram.com/ask.a.coach] Tristaguertincoaching [https://www.instagram.com/tristaguertincoaching]

Success without sacrifice with Lesa Frye

If you’re a new coach trying to grow your business without losing your sanity, this episode is for you. Business and balance coach Lesa Frye joins Ask a Coach to share her most important piece of advice for new life coaches who want to build a profitable and sustainable coaching business while still having a life they love. Lesa has worked with hundreds of high-achieving women who are ready to create success without burnout. In this conversation, she reminds us that your business should never require you to abandon yourself — and that grace, alignment, and clarity will take you farther than hustle ever will. You’ll learn how to choose a niche that feels authentic, why self-compassion is the real fuel for growth, and how to protect your peace while growing your dream coaching practice. ABOUT LESA FRYE Lesa Frye is a business and balance coach for high-achieving women who want to grow profitable, sustainable businesses without sacrificing themselves in the process. She helps coaches and entrepreneurs simplify their strategy, protect their peace, and create success that actually feels good. CONNECT WITH LESA Listen to her podcast - The Balanced Businesswoman Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-balanced-businesswoman-mindset-burnout-time/id1840697962] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0xfe7rYmZkO6c0kWjkuKE4?si=3acd099f47af440f] 💕 Join Lesa’s Community + Resources ● The Balanced Businesswoman Facebook Community [https://bit.ly/TheBalancedBusinesswoman] ● Join my Insiders Email List for Weekly Mindset & Business Support [https://bit.ly/BBWInsider] ● Book a 60-min 1:1 Escape Overwhelm Coaching Session [https://calendly.com/coachlesafrye/breakthroughsession] Join Lesa on Tuesday, December 3rd at 12 PM EST for a live masterclass: The Peaceful Path to 2026: Goal Setting Without the Stress [https://bit.ly/PeacefulPath2026] This isn’t about hustling harder or setting unrealistic resolutions. It’s about creating clear, meaningful goals that honor your values, protect your energy, and truly support the life you want. You’ll leave with a simple, powerful process for setting goals that actually stick — without burnout. 👉 Save your seat [https://bit.ly/PeacefulPath2026]