What is Coaching?
The Graydin Philosophy
Welcome to our Substack! If you’re here, it’s probably because you’ve done some reading about coaching and you’re curious how it fits into schools. Maybe you’ve even taken some of our courses (if so, thank you!).
You might already know that coaching can…
empower you to achieve your goals with thoughtful questions, tools and support
help you tap into your potential and inner resources
spark conversations that lead to personal growth and self-reflection
offer space and guidance to help individuals find clarity and purpose
align actions with beliefs to foster well-being and confidence
encourage self-reflection and curiosity-driven improvement
build trust and relationships that encourage mutual understanding and growth
Since this is our first newsletter, we would like to share our unique philosophy with our readers. While there are common elements to different coaching philosophies, there are also variations in each style’s approach.
Start with Heart
At Graydin, it’s all about heart. So much so that we named our central model Start With Heart — because human-centred coaching begins with understanding the person, not just the problem.
Back in 2012, we called our model Heart Head Step. It was built on the principles of simplicity and accessibility. It was easy to remember and intuitive to use — but over time, something became clear: when coaches start with Heart, everything else flows.
That insight led to a shift.
In 2018, we reimagined the model to reflect what really matters — the coachee’s passions, values, emotions and motivations. Today, Start With Heart is used by thousands of educators and leaders around the world, proving that meaningful change always begins within.
You can read more about our Start with Heart model here.
An Individual Approach to Coaching
“Coaching is a transformational process—helping people move from where they are now (point A) to where they want to be (point B),” says Graydin co-founder Quinn Simpson. “Focused on the present and future, coaching inspires exploration, clarity and purposeful action.”
We purposely keep our definition of “coaching” broad to allow for these individual experiences.
“Coaching is not one size fits all, and that’s what makes it so incredibly powerful!” explains McKenzie Cerri, co-founder of Graydin. “It’s a process as varied as the people it supports.”
By starting with Heart, the Graydin coaching philosophy acknowledges the fundamental importance of personal meaning, purpose and engagement in the learning and growth process…something that we believe is key for both educators trying to prepare students for today’s ever-changing world, as well as for the educators supporting them.
An Invitation to Connect
We’re so glad you’re here—curious, open and ready to explore what coaching can mean in your world. At Graydin, we believe that real change becomes sustainable, empowering and deeply human when we start with Heart.
If this resonates, let's stay connected. Please subscribe to this Substack and check in regularly for anything and everything Coaching in Education.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
McKenzie and Quinn
Editors of Coaching in Education