August Coach Spotlight: Michelle Clarke

At Kokua Hub, our coaches span the globe - and Michelle Clarke is a shining example, bringing her expertise all the way from Chile to leaders worldwide.

An ICF Professional Certified Coach, Michelle blends ontological coaching with the creativity of improvised acting to create coaching experiences that are as insightful as they are dynamic. Her approach helps leaders discover their own paths with confidence - and even have fun along the way!

With 18 years of experience and a passion for helping others grow, Michelle proves that coaching knows no borders - in geography or ideas.

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1. What inspired you to become a coach?
   

   "As a young adult, I was deeply inspired by the personal development world - by coaches like Tony Robbins and early voices in the UK coaching scene. I loved the idea that we can be the masters of our own fate by adjusting our mindset and behaviors.

   
   

   When I began my career, I pushed myself quickly into leadership roles I wasn’t yet trained for. I had to “street-learn” my way through without much guidance. Looking back, I know that if I’d had a coach by my side, my decisions would have been more confident and my self-doubt far less consuming.

   
   

   So when the opportunity came to study coaching, I jumped at it - determined to walk alongside other leaders so they wouldn’t have to do it alone. That was 18 years ago and since then, I’ve never looked back."

   
   

2. What is your unique coaching style?
   

   "I want conversations with my clients to feel authentic and real - never scripted. I see my role as a “guide from the side”, with my clients always firmly in the driving seat of our coaching partnership.

   
   

   My ability to be present, curious, listen deeply, connect dots, and shape questions in the moment make for powerful reflective conversations that allow clients to take actions with more clarity and confidence."
   

3. What skills do you bring to the coaching world?
   

   "I bring a rich blend of formal training and creative practice into my coaching. My certifications span cross-cultural coaching, Agile Coaching & Facilitation, Ontological Coaching, and ICF PCC (Level 2) accreditation.
   

   Beyond the certifications, I’m also an Improvised Acting teacher. Applied Improv allows me to keep coaching conversations dynamic, light, and human — ensuring they spark practical outcomes rather than feeling routine or like just another “to-do.”
   

   I also design and teach an online coaching short course in partnership with the University of Cape Town, where I help new coaches and leaders develop the skills to guide others with confidence and presence"
   

4. Which coaching question, model or tool brings the most insight? "One of my favorite questions is deceptively simple: “What else…?”
   

   Or sometimes expanded into “What else would you like to think, say, or feel about that?”
   

   This question creates space for clients to go beyond their first answer — often unlocking the deeper truth, hidden insight, or bolder idea that shifts everything."

5. Which topics come up most frequently in your coaching?

   
   

   “Since most of my clients are leaders - from first-time managers to the C-suite - certain themes consistently surface in our conversations:
   

   ·       How to maximize team engagement and leverage talent

   ·       How to give feedback that truly develops others

   ·       Building a strong executive presence and personal brand

   ·       Mastering time and priorities in high-pressure environments

   ·       Demonstrating strategic thinking at every level

   ·       Developing the confidence to say no (and sometimes the courage to say yes)"
   

6. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from coaching others? 

   “That each of us is utterly unique - with our own talents, skills, and perspectives.

   My way of life isn’t necessarily the “right” way for someone else. Coaching isn’t about shaping people into a mold - it’s about helping them discover their path, and then stepping into it with confidence.
   

   I’ve come to celebrate the many different ways people “do life” - because every route brings its own rewards. Watching clients lean into that truth continues to be one of the most inspiring parts of this work."

7. Can you tell us about your favorite moment throughout your coaching career? “It's impossible to pick just one - every coaching moment carries its own magic.
   

   It’s the spark when a client feels more empowered than before.

   It’s the thrill when a new piece of study opens a fresh avenue of thought that I can bring back into my coaching.

   It’s the pride of seeing each coaching student graduate and step into the world to multiply the ripple effect of coaching.
   

   It seems to me that joy isn’t reserved for milestones - it’s woven through the everyday moments of this career. Coaching continues to be one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life."

8. What advice would you give someone starting their journey as a coachee? "Take full ownership of your coaching journey. This is your unique opportunity to reflect in powerful ways as you might be asked questions you’ve never considered before.

   
   

   Coaching works best when you set your own goals and outcomes and when you’re willing to step outside of your comfort zone, experimenting with new ways of being and doing. Embrace and nurture the growth that follows."
   

9. What is your favorite motivational quote or mantra?

   “If this is possible, what else is possible?”
   

10. What’s your favorite book, podcast, or movie related to personal development? "The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander. It’s creative, uplifting, connected to my improv approach and my manta “If this is possible, what else is possible?”

    
    

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At Kōkua Hub, we’re proud to work with coaches like Michelle. Get in touch today to see how coaching can elevate your organization.