The University of Sydney established the world’s first Masters of coaching psychology degree in 2001. USCMA (University of Sydney Coaching and Mentoring Association) was set up a year later as the place for students of the degree to meet up, share ideas, organise guest speakers, establish peer supervision groups and conferences. Almost 25 years later the degree has close to 1,000 graduates and USCMA continues to be the place for students and graduates to congregate. In our post pandemic world, USCMA has established this podcast as a way to connect its members and share coaching-related knowledge.
Episode 6: Navigating neurodiversity in Coaching with Rebecca Kornmehl
Rebecca is a leadership coach who specialises in supporting neurodivergent professionals and fostering neuro-inclusivity. She helps organisations achieve both wellbeing and performance objectives, for example by creating the right conditions to attract and empower neurodivergent talent. Rebecca has over 20 years of experience in professional services as a coach and consultant. She completed the Master of Science in Coaching Psychology at Sydney University in 2024 and currently manages her own private coaching practice. This conversation focused on recent research Rebecca has conducted examining how coaches navigate coaching neurodivergent clients, the intention practise gap incurred and barriers to effective practise. Rebecca is speaking at USCMA on May 8th, 2025.
Episode 5: How agile coaching helped transform a global pharmaceutical company with Cat Drury
Cat Drury is a graduate from Sydney University and an agile coach with Roche Pharmaceuticals, one of the most successful and largest healthcare organisations globally. In this fascinating conversation Cat shares the recent business transformation Roche has undertaken and the impact this has had internally and for patients.
Episode 4: Exploring the myths and wisdoms of team coaching with Dr. Paul Lawrence
Dr. Paul Lawrence is an executive coach of international renown, author, presenter, facilitator and teacher. He has written/ co-written six books that chart how to navigate change, including Leading Change, the results of a 18 month study, The Tao of Dialogue, Coaching in Three Dimensions, Coaching Systemically – Five Ways of Thinking About Systems and The Wise Leader with Dr Suzy Skinner. His latest book, The Wise Team Coach is the subject of this podcast. https://leadingsystemically.com
Episode 3: From Sydney to Coaching All Over The World - A Chat With Dr. Suzi Skinner
Dr. Suzy Skinner is an executive coach of international renown, author, presenter, facilitator and teacher. She has written/ co-written books such as The Wise Leader and Leader Identity as well as several academic papers. Her PhD investigated the optimal reflection methods of highly effective leaders. Her business – Roar People – has worked with the ‘who’s who’s of silicon valley’ all over the world. https://www.roarpeople.com.au/
Episode 2: The Evolution of Positive Education with Assoc. Professor Aaron Jarden & Dr. Gordon Spence
In this episode, we dive into the ever-evolving field of well-being and positive education with Associate Professor Aaron Jarden and Dr. Gordon Spence. From the foundations of coaching psychology to the latest innovations in whole-being frameworks, we explore how schools and organizations can foster resilience, optimal functioning, and meaningful social connections. Aaron shares insights from his award-winning case study on systemic well-being in education, while Gordon reflects on the intersection of peak performance, energy management, and personal growth. Plus, we tackle the challenges of social media, the future of well-being initiatives, and even touch on a bit of rugby rivalry!
Episode 1: The Origins of the Masters of Coaching Psychology at Sydney University with Dr. Michael Cavanagh & Dr. Gordon Spence
Pod O'Sullivan chats with Dr. Michael Cavanagh and Dr. Gordon Spence from the Coaching Psychology Unity at Sydney University. Together, they explore the history of the University of Sydney’s coaching psychology program, its global influence, and the evolution of the USCMA (University of Sydney Coaching and Mentoring Association).
Michael and Gordon share insights on the foundation of the coaching psychology degree, the impact of Tony Grant’s and Michael's pioneering work, and the role of peer supervision in fostering professional growth. They also discuss the future of coaching in a world increasingly shaped by AI and digital transformation.
