In the Season Four premiere of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], explores one of the most essential and misunderstood foundations of professional coaching: the coaching mindset.

With the evolution of the ICF Core Competencies, coaches around the world continue to ask: What does it really mean to embody a coaching mindset? In this solo episode, Elias offers a clear, experience-based perspective that goes beyond definitions, checklists, and skill execution.

This episode unpacks five core principles that define the coaching mindset, including why coaching is client-centered rather than solution-driven and is rooted in the belief that clients are capable, resourceful, and whole. Elias also examines power, hierarchy, partnership, and why coaching must be lived—not turned on and off during sessions.

More than a professional framework, this episode positions coaching as a transformational movement—one that has the power to reshape individuals, organizations, and how we relate to one another as human beings.

Whether you are a new coach, an experienced practitioner, or preparing for ICF credentialing, this episode invites deep reflection on who you are being as a coach—and why mindset is the foundation from which all coaching skills emerge.

Quotes
“Solutions are not the goal of coaching; they are the consequence of awareness.”
“The client is always the expert—our expertise is the coaching process.”
“Mindset is the hardest part of coaching—and the foundation of every skill.”

Chapters
01:04 – Why “Coaching Mindset” Still Feels Unclear
Reflections on the evolution of the ICF Core Competencies and why the concept remains elusive.

04:47 – Coaching Is Client-Centered
Why coaching focuses on the *who*, not the *what*, and prioritizes transformation over transactions.

06:17 – Coaching Is Not Solution-Based
How solutions emerge naturally as a byproduct of awareness, not the goal of the process.

07:32 – Clients Are Capable, Resourceful, and Whole
The foundational belief that there is nothing to fix—and how this shifts the entire coaching relationship.

08:49 – Coaching Is Client-Led and Adult-to-Adult
Ownership, responsibility, and the coach’s commitment to “not knowing.”

09:57 – Partnership, Equality, and Power Awareness
Why minimizing hierarchy is essential—and why the client is always the true expert.

11:11 – Coaching as a Way of Being
Why mindset can’t be turned on and off, and how coaching becomes a lived set of values.

13:51 – A Call to Embody the Coaching Mindset
An invitation to reflection, practice, and contribution beyond the coaching conversation.

The Least Defined Coaching Concept

Sometimes the most powerful coaching lesson comes from the person who never called themselves a coach. In this deeply candid and vulnerable season finale, host Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], opens his heart and invites listeners into a meaningful moment with his mother — a lesson that shaped his coaching, his leadership, and his very understanding of presence and excellence.

In My Mother’s Legacy, Elias reflects on a moment from his teenage years in Brazil, when a simple request from his mother became a lifelong teaching on intention, commitment, and showing up fully. With honesty and emotional clarity, he shares how her wisdom continues to guide his work as a Master Certified Coach and how it can inspire your own journey—especially as the year comes to a close.

Whether you're a coach, a leader, or someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode is an invitation to pause… to breathe… and to recommit to giving your best—not for perfection, but for presence.

✨ Honest storytelling
✨ Coaching wisdom
✨ Reflective year-end guidance
✨ A reminder of what truly matters

00:14 – Introducing My Mother’s Story
A glimpse into the woman whose wisdom shaped a lifetime.

04:35 – The Heart of the Message
Presence, commitment, and the essence of excellence.

05:35 – A Year-End Invitation to Reflect
Questions to guide your personal and professional introspection.

09:39 – Closing Reflections & Looking Ahead
Honoring legacy, appreciating listeners, and a preview of what’s next.

My Mother's Legacy

What happens when an internal corporate coach with a decade of experience steps away from a secure leadership role to open an independent practice—named It’s Not About the Name [https://www.itsnotaboutthename.com/]?

In this inspiring conversation, Ali Cengiz, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-cengiz/], joins Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], to explore the courage, clarity, and deep humanity behind becoming a coach who leads from the inside out.

Ali shares what it truly means to center the person—not the problem, not the system, not the process—and how his years as an internal coach shaped the way he now supports leaders and teams through meaningful transformation. From redefining his professional identity to parenting with a coaching mindset, Ali shows us that coaching isn’t something we do—it’s who we are.

⭐ Quotes

“It’s really not about the name. It’s about the person on the other side.” — Ali Cengiz, ACC
“If you want to inspire others, walk the journey yourself first.” — Ali Cengiz, ACC

01:18 — Finding a name for his coaching practice
02:45 — Ali’s courageous transition from corporate to independent coaching
03:38 — Lessons from five years as an internal coach
05:11 — Remembering the people behind the systems
08:47 — Three powerful learnings from PRIME Coaching Academy Level 1
10:52 — Listening as a fundamental human skill
13:47 — Advice for coaches: start with your own inner work
15:03 — Courage: choosing to do work that energizes you

The Courage to Do What's Right

When everything feels like it’s shifting beneath our feet, who do you choose to become?

In this powerful episode of PRIME SPACE, the official podcast of PRIME Coaching Academy [http://www.primecoachingacademy.com/], host Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], sits down with his fellow Academy’s co-founder, Amy Ruppert, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-ruppert-donovan-mcc-6491a11/], to explore her thought-provoking article “The World Is Reassessing—What’s Your Role Going to Be?” [https://www.primecoachingacademy.com/blog/the-worlds-is-reassessing-what-s-your-role-going-to-be]

Together, they unpack the accelerating disruptions that have reshaped our global landscape—from social upheaval to technological leaps—and what these shifts are asking of us as human beings and as professional coaches. Amy and Elias offer a clear and inspiring lens on why coaching as a profession is uniquely positioned for this moment in history and how coaches can expand their impact far beyond the one-to-one session.

This is an episode about consciousness, courage, societal evolution, and stepping into a much bigger game.

⏱️ Chapters

00:50 — Why “The World Is Reassessing”
Amy explains the global disruptions shaping human behavior and social norms.

03:51 — Technology, AI, and the Human Distinction
Elias and Amy discuss the acceleration of tech, the meaning of wisdom, and humanity’s unique role.

05:05 — Norms Dissolving & Consciousness Rising
How societal norms are shifting—and why collective awareness is expanding.

08:31 — Why Coaching Is Built for This Moment
Coaching as clarity, consciousness, and courageous action during uncertainty.

10:04 — The Call for Coaches to Think Bigger
Elias and Amy reflect on coaching beyond business building—toward societal impact.

What's Your Role Going to Be?

What does it mean to be a coach, not just do coaching? In this inspiring episode of PRIME SPACE, host Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], sits down with Travis Gislason, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/trav-gislason-55868813/]—Director of Field Coaching and Development at Breakthru Beverage Group—to explore how coaching principles show up in leadership, parenting, teamwork, and self-development.

From applying a coaching mindset at home to leading teams in corporate America, Travis shares how his experience at PRIME Coaching Academy [http://www.primecoachingacademy.com/] transformed the way he works, connects, and lives. Together, they unpack the deeper layers of coach training, the importance of inclusion, and the often-overlooked self-care behind powerful coaching presence.

01:04 – The Role of Field Coaching
Travis explains how coaching shows up in leadership and learning development at Breakthru Beverage Group.

04:23 – Being a Coach vs. Doing Coaching
Exploring how a coaching mindset transforms both personal and professional life.

05:15 – The PRIME Coaching Experience
Travis reflects on his ACC journey and how PRIME Coaching Academy shaped his clarity, confidence, and presence.

06:43 – From Training to Transformation
The difference between training, consulting, and coaching—and why language matters in leadership.

09:21 – Coaching Results and Inclusion
Real-world impact: how inclusion and empowerment are emerging as core outcomes of coaching.

12:37 – Living Values and Self-Awareness
How identifying personal values and prioritizing self-care make coaching sustainable and effective.

15:37 – The Power of Reflection and Community
Elias and Travis discuss how cohort learning and community accelerate transformation.

Living the Coach Mindset

In this *Culture in Coaching* episode, Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/] talks with Rachel Vandenberg [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmvandenberg/], executive coach and founder of Accelerate Women Leaders in Travel [https://www.womenleadersintravel.com/], about what it means to coach women through the lens of identity, context, and community. Together, they explore belonging, agency, and how cultural awareness deepens every coaching relationship.

Chapters

01:10 - The Many Facets of a Leader — Rachel shares her unique professional and personal journey.
07:07 - Women in Leadership: What Coaches Should Know — Insights into belonging, voice, and agency.
10:27 - Coaching Through Shared and Different Lenses — What male coaches might miss when coaching women.
13:50 - Context and Culture in Coaching — Seeing the client within their broader world.
15:29 - The Leadership Perspective of Women — Collective leadership and empathy in action.
18:03 - Closing Reflections & Invitation** — Lifelong learning and community through PRIME HOUR.

Women, Context & Coaching

“Connection. Celebration. ICF Converge 2025.”

In this special episode, Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], takes you straight to the heart of ICF Converge 2025 in San Diego, California — the ICF [https://coachingfederation.org/] global gathering of professional coaches. Experience the energy, wisdom, and warmth of this worldwide community through a lively collage of interviews with coaches, leaders, and innovators who are shaping the future of our profession.

From emotional reunions to deep reflections on learning, presence, and diversity, these voices remind us of the power of connection that defines coaching — beyond screens, beyond words.

Episode Highlights

 * 00:50 - Lyssa deHart, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyssadehart/] – On connection beyond Zoom and the beauty of the “wonder of words.”
 * 01:46 - Robin Stueber, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinstueber/] – Finding global unity and inspiration in her first Converge.
 * 04:16 - Dan Freehling, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfreehling/] – Elevating word choice and staying at the cutting edge.
 * 05:27 - Claire Bamberg, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-bamberg-4651aa2a/] – Exploring “Ubuntu” and the heart set of coaching.
 * 07:44 - Carrie Abner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-abner-cae-45b72423/] – ICF leadership reflections on community and connection.
 * 09:31 - Cheryl Procter-Rogers, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylprocterrogers/] – Honoring in-person energy and shared journeys.
 * 11:04 - Brian Grisso, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-grisso/] – From virtual to real: the magic of meeting fellow coaches.
 * 11:58 - Robert Garcia, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertxgarcia/] – The legacy of ICF presidents and the call to leadership.
 * 14:13 - Aikyna Finch, PCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dradfinch/] – Championing diversity, inclusion, and belonging at ICF.
 * 16:20 - Khyla Freeman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/khylafreeman/] – The joy of hearing coaches support core competencies.
 * 17:29 - Mariela Tirado Rivera [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjtiradorivera97/] – Putting faces to the accreditation process.
 * 18:41 - Stan Ajemian, ACC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanajemian/] – Finding confidence as a new coach and embracing flexibility.
 * 20:32 - Camila Cesari, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillacesari/] – Celebrating 30 years of coaching from Bologna to San Diego.
 * 21:54 - Paul Sanbar, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulsanbar/] – The art and science of language in coaching.
 * 22:57 - Ann Fogolin, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-fogolin-mcc-18aab06/] – Lessons from the mastery panel: “The less I say, the more profound I am.”

Elias closes the episode with a heartfelt reflection on the spirit of the ICF community — a reminder that coaching thrives when we gather, listen, and grow together.

Insights from Converge 2025

A lot is happening in the coaching world right now. In this episode, host Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], breaks down the latest ICF updates that every coach should know about — including a new pilot credentialing exam for PCC and MCC levels, and the release of the Minimum Skills Requirements across all credential tiers. More than just reporting, Elias challenges us to think beyond compliance and strive for excellence in our craft.

🔹 Episode Highlights

01:27 - ICF’s pilot credentialing exam – What’s changing, who qualifies, and how it could reshape the testing experience.
03:27 - Minimum Skills Requirements explained – What these new documents cover for ACC, PCC, and MCC levels.
08:55 - Beyond the minimum – Elias’s invitation to see the new standards not as a goal but as a starting point.

🎧 Tune in for

 * Insider updates from the ICF
 * A powerful reflection on professional excellence
 * A call to elevate your coaching practice beyond standards

Links

 * PRIME SPACE - Episode 56 - ICF Core Competencies 2025 - What's Changed? [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prime-space/id1745563681?i=1000726883226]
 * PRIME SPACE - Episode 8 - "ACC, PCC, MCC in a nutshell" [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/prime-space/id1745563681?i=1000660036861]
 * New Pilot Credentialing Exam [https://icfsupport.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/5000897862-icf-credentialing-exam-pcc-mcc-pilot]
 * ACC Minimum Skills Requirements [https://coachingfederation.org/resource/acc-minimum-skills-requirements/]
 * PCC Minimum Skills Requirements [https://coachingfederation.org/resource/pcc-minimum-skills-requirements/]
 * MCC Minimum Skills Requirements [https://coachingfederation.org/resource/mcc-minimum-skills-requirements/]

More Updates

In this episode, host Elias Scultori sits down with leadership coach Joe Miller, ACC, to unpack a challenge many coaches regularly face — what to do when a client shows up in self-doubt.

Joe describes noticing two distinct “modes” in his clients:
✨ Mode One — confident, prepared, full of faith.
🌧️ Mode Two — insecure, resistant, and uncertain.

As the conversation unfolds, they realize that these “modes” may reveal just as much about the coach’s own mindset as they do about the client’s. Together, Elias and Joe explore how to stay genuinely curious, let go of personal definitions of success, and keep believing in the client’s wholeness — no matter what “mode” they’re in.

This is a vulnerable, reflective conversation about the inner work of coaching — and the growth that happens when we’re willing to look inward.

⏱️ Chapters
00:27 – The Coaching Challenge: Two Client Modes
02:58 – When Confidence Fades: Working with “Mode Two” Clients
05:38 – When Coaching Feels Stuck: Referral or Recommitment?
09:17 – Turning the Lens Inward: The Coach’s Growth Opportunity
13:06 – Simplicity, Curiosity, and the Power of Reflection
13:30 – Final Takeaway: Staying Curious with Every Client

💬 Notable Quotes

"...how real are these modes and do they really or as much at least reflect my own growth and learning opportunities and shifting opportunities, thinking opportunities as a coach." [09:17]

"...sometimes you have to start with something simple. Maybe spotting the simplicity of a couple of modes and then letting that drive the curiosity." [13:06]

🎧 Listen now to reflect on your own assumptions, reconnect with curiosity, and rediscover your belief in every client’s potential.

Beyond Client Modes

Behind every powerful coaching question lies something quieter—but far more essential: trust.

In this episode of PRIME SPACE, Elias Scultori, MCC [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliasscultori/], shines a light on an often underestimated ICF Core Competencies: Cultivating Trust and Safety. While many coaches focus on powerful questions, agreements, and action planning, the foundation of effective coaching rests on something more fundamental—trust.

Elias explores how trust shows up in everyday life, why it is indispensable in coaching, and how coaches can intentionally nurture it from the very first impression they make. He also introduces the powerful distinction between safe space and brave space, inviting coaches to reimagine trust-building as a shared responsibility between coach and client.

If you’ve ever wondered how to deepen your coaching relationships, this episode will remind you why trust isn’t just another competency—it’s the very ground on which coaching stands.

The Overlooked Competency

Let's talk coaching... A spontaneous, thought-provoking, sincere, and relevant conversation on the state of the coaching profession and what it takes to be an effective, professionally trained coach. With host Elias Scultori, MCC.