Episode 169: Trust Starts Within with guest, Gloria Custodio

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What if the strongest lever in your coaching isn’t a better framework, but deeper self-trust? We sit down with social leadership coach Gloria Custodio, PCC, to unpack why grounded presence beats perfect structure, how to navigate “wonky” moments, and what to do when confidence takes a hit. Gloria shares a pivotal training story that reframed her approach: trust your gut, measure impact by client outcomes, and let presence lead. From note-heavy sessions that dull connection to micro-practices that reset your nervous system, this conversation turns abstract ideals into usable tools.

We get candid about the difference between passing ICF recordings and coaching “in the wild.” Assessment rubrics have their place, yet real clients care less about who says the summary and more about whether they feel seen, challenged, and safe. Gloria offers practical ways to honor both worlds without losing your authentic style. We also talk repair after tough sessions, community as the backbone of resilience, and why bartering coaching with peers broadens range and restores trust faster than going it alone.

The heart of our talk is simple and bold: you don’t need certainty to be trustworthy. You need honesty, attention, and the courage to stay present while the unknown unfolds. When coaches model that steadiness, clients learn to trust themselves—and that ripple shifts teams and systems. Expect clear language, real stories, and micro-actions you can use before your very next session.

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Watch the full interview by clicking here.

Find the full article here.

Learn more about Gloria here.

Gloria has provided our listeners with a companion guide that builds on the article which you can find here.

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