In this episode Matt and Naomi discuss the profound impact of coaching on school culture with their guest, Chris Broman from ICS Madrid. They explore themes of interconnectedness, the transformative power of coaching, and the importance of maintaining humanity in education. Chris shares his experiences and insights from introducing coaching into his school, highlighting the challenges and successes of this journey. The conversation delves into the organic growth of coaching practices, the importance of faith in the process, and the resulting positive changes in staff and student interactions. Tune in to hear a rich dialogue about the role of coaching in supporting a generative and reflective educational environment.

02:01 Introducing Chris Broman from ICS Madrid

02:38 Chris Broman's Perspective on Coaching in Schools

06:29 The Journey of Implementing Coaching at ICS Madrid

08:24 Challenges and Successes in Coaching Implementation

10:43 The Impact of Coaching on School Culture

11:26 The Role of Faith and Flexibility in Cultural Change

18:03 Practical Applications and Observations

22:14 Unlearning and Personal Growth in Coaching

27:58 The Ripple Effect: Coaching's Impact on Students

30:23 Looking Ahead: The Future of Coaching at ICS Madrid

31:36 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

32:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on the Conversation

Originally from Wales, Chris brings a wealth of educational experience and international perspective to his role as Principal International College Spain, which is now a European partner school for MSB, hosting coach education programmes for other schools in the region. Chris holds degrees in Mathematics and Sports Science as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership. He has taught across a range of international schools in Bahrain, Korea and Dubai. Before joining ICS, he was Principal of Uptown International School (a three-programme IB school) in Dubai. Chris is highly committed to helping young people find their passions in life through a strong co-curricular programme and inspiring classroom experiences. In addition, he is a facilitator and assessor for the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers, Senior Leaders and Middle Leaders, working with the Institute of Education in the UK.

You can find us on Linkedin at

Matt Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hall-msb/

Naomi Ward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-ward-098a1535/

Interbeing is made by Making Stuff Better https://makingstuffbetter.com/ and produced by Emily Crosby Media https://emilycrosbymedia.com/

In this episode we delve into the philosophy and practice of coaching, with Nobantu Mpotulo, a coach from Pretoria, South Africa, who introduces listeners to the concept of Ubuntu and the importance of seeing the interconnectedness in all human relationships. The conversation explores how embracing these principles can transform coaching practices and personal development, encouraging a collective approach to growth, presence, and empathy. The episode underscores the necessity of moving beyond individual gains to consider the broader ecosystem of impact and relationships.

02:01 Welcome to the Episode with Nobantu Mpotulo

02:24 Coaching and Ubuntu

05:19 The Essence of Being Human

08:20 Western Coaching Models vs. Ubuntu

23:31 The Diamond Approach and Presence

32:51 The Seven Cs of Ubuntu

36:37 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Nobantu Mpotulo hails from South Africa. Being amongst the first five African Coaches globally to be accredited as a MCC by the International Coach Federation, and having experience in varied sectors, Nobanto is a sought-after facilitator for Leadership Development Programs and coaches internationally.

Nobantu follows the agenda of the client in her coaching. Through probing questions and sharing just in time observations, she takes clients deep and helps them to identify their blind spots and embrace their shadows. Clients go deeper into the sub-conscious and unconscious levels and dance with what emerges. She provides a safe and open space for focus and exploration. She moves on a continuum of being non-directive to directive depending on what is missing in the client’s system.

No matter what she does she gets to the HEART of the client and the HEART of the matter. As a Buddhist practitioner and teacher she supports her clients in integrating the head, heart, instinctual and spiritual intelligence. She does amazing heart work with clients based on the principles of UBUNTU ‘I am because we are’.

Nobantu is an accredited Enneagram Teacher (Narrative Tradition) and Enneagram Coach (Enneagram in Business and Deep Coaching). She is a Buddhist Teacher, a Process Facilitator and Facilitator of Peace Circles. She trains, supervises and Mentor Coaches other coaches. She has experience in the private, public, NGO, NPO, Higher Education, as a coach and an OD Facilitator. Nobantu developed the Ubuntu Coaching programme that assists coaches to connect at the heart level with their clients. Live coach demonstrations on Ubuntu Coaching have been done both locally and internationally.

You can find us on Linkedin at

Matt Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hall-msb/

Naomi Ward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-ward-098a1535/

Interbeing is made by Making Stuff Better https://makingstuffbetter.com/ and produced by Emily Crosby Media https://emilycrosbymedia.com/

In this episode, the conversation centers on coaching within educational environments, emphasizing how coaching techniques align with and support both personal growth and community development. Our guest, Mai Mahmoud, shares her journey from initial skepticism to embracing coaching as a way of life, deeply integrated with her Islamic faith. The discussion explores the impact of cultural and linguistic context on the adoption of coaching practices and highlights the importance of listening, empowerment, and creating authentic relationships in educational settings.

00:00 Welcome to Inter Being

02:01 Introducing Our Guest: Mai Mahmoud

03:46 Mai's Journey into Coaching

07:39 The Impact of Coaching on Faith and Teaching

23:09 Creating a Coaching Culture in Schools

27:36 Reflections and Future Directions

39:48 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Mai Mahmoud is Head of Islamic and Social Studies in The British School Abu Dhabi. She holds a master’s degree in Teaching Methodology, and is passionate about nurturing young learners through faith-based education that emphasizes character, compassion, and connection. One of the most transformative experiences in her journey has been learning to coach, which helped her truly understand and respect the quality of listening — not just as a skill, but as a core value in human development. She blends her love of coaching deeply with Islamic principles that honor empathy, growth, and the dignity of every individual. Through her work, she aims to create spaces where children feel spiritually grounded and inspired to live with purpose.

You can find us on Linkedin at

Matt Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-hall-msb/

Naomi Ward: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-ward-098a1535/

Interbeing is made by Making Stuff Better https://makingstuffbetter.com/ and produced by Emily Crosby Media https://emilycrosbymedia.com/