Ep 171 Kyle Smith - Silence is Wisdom / Giving Grace / Underdog Story

1. Best coaching advice you’ve gotten?

• Learn to be comfortable with silence—it creates space for clients to process.
• Silence isn’t emptiness, it’s presence that can be more powerful than words.
• Listening deeply reveals both verbal and non-verbal cues.

2. What are you still trying to improve about your coaching?

• Not jumping in too quickly when clients pause or hesitate.
• Allowing clients the time to fully process their own journey.
• Practicing “listen before you talk” as a lifelong discipline.

3. Most outrageous thing you’ve done, tried, or said in a coaching session?

• Being honest and naming observations clients may disagree with.
• Framing it as “putting something on the table” for exploration.
• Setting an agreement upfront that disagreement is not only okay, but welcome.

4. What still makes you squirm or uncomfortable in a coaching session?

• Few things do now, but violent or abusive disclosures would be a boundary.
• Acknowledges that’s not his skill set and wouldn’t want to “get past it.”
• Would always seek to refer a client to someone better suited.

5. If I were new to coaching, what advice would you have?

• Start with your why—if it’s about “me” instead of the client, rethink it.
• Focus less on tools/templates and more on presence and service.
• Keep personal stories in check so sessions stay client-centered.

6. What is something you’ve had to conquer on your path to being a great coach?

• Letting go of self-criticism and unrealistic standards.
• Learning to give himself the same grace he gives clients.
• Remaining humble when impressive people place their trust in him.

7. Are you using AI in your coaching practice?

• Uses AI primarily for note-taking, freeing him to be fully present.
• Leverages AI responsibly—clients give permission and feel comfortable with it.
• Sees AI as another data point, not a replacement for human presence.

8. What have you learned about yourself through being a coach?

• To be less hard on himself and walk his own talk.
• That humility and patience grow with every client relationship.
• The “95% rule”: most people genuinely want to do the right thing.

🎬 Fun Stuff Question – Favorite Movie? (Hoosiers)

• Loves the themes of second chances and underdogs overcoming odds.
• Connects personally to the underdog story in his own life and career.
• Believes the film reflects resilience, belief, and community support.