Episode 147: Culturally Responsive Coaching: Mo Fong's Approach Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

02/07/2025 29 min
Episode 147: Culturally Responsive Coaching: Mo Fong's Approach Beyond One-Size-Fits-All

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Episode Synopsis

Send us a textWhat happens when we bring our cultural heritage into our coaching practice? Mo Fong, founder of the Asian Women Coaching Collective and author of "Culturally Responsive Coaching," reveals how understanding our cultural backgrounds transforms coaching effectiveness."Culture is invisible," Mo explains. "We're wearing different colored lenses in how we view the world." This powerful metaphor captures why culturally responsive coaching matters—we often don't recognize the cultural forces shaping our perspectives and behaviors. When coaches learn to identify these influences, they unlock deeper understanding with their clients.The Asian Women Coaching Collective emerged during COVID when anti-Asian sentiment was rising. Starting with just ten coaches seeking mutual support, it evolved into a thriving community where Asian women coaches can discuss experiences without explanation or judgment. This psychological safety creates space for professional development that honors cultural context—something often missing in mainstream coaching environments.Mo shares her "ABCs" framework for culturally responsive coaching: Awareness of your own culture, Being curious about others without fear, and Coaching with intention to accelerate progress. These principles help coaches recognize when cultural elements emerge in sessions and respond with powerful questions that acknowledge heritage's influence on leadership and life choices.Particularly illuminating is Mo's distinction between background and heritage—the latter encompassing not just personal experiences but ancestral influences that shape behavior at a deep level. "It's in our DNA," she notes, suggesting that cultural patterns precede conscious awareness.Whether you're seeking to understand different cultural perspectives or looking to integrate your own heritage into your coaching practice, this conversation offers practical wisdom for creating more inclusive and effective coaching relationships. Connect with the Asian Women Coaching Collective through LinkedIn or email [email protected] to learn more about their work and upcoming events.Watch the full interview by clicking here.Find the full article here.Learn more about Mo Lei Fong here.Grab your free issue of choice Magazine here - https://choice-online.com/

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