Building an Internal Coaching Program: Lessons from HR Leader Josh Brumley

In this episode, host Kim Olver sits down with coach and human resources leader Josh Brumley for an honest, insightful conversation about building an internal coaching program, navigating the challenging shift from consultant to coach, and helping emerging supervisors lead with authenticity.

Josh, a graduate of the Academy of Choice’s 120-hour coaching program, shares how he used professional development funds to earn his certification and design a coaching initiative inside a university setting. He discusses the surprising challenges of transitioning from HR consultant to coach, the boundaries required to avoid slipping back into “just tell me what to do” consulting, and the delicate balance of honoring client goals while managing organizational expectations.

Kim and Josh explore the pitfalls of internal coaching—especially how quickly a program can be misunderstood as disciplinary—and why framing coaching as a growth investment is crucial. Josh also reflects on the difference between managerial responsibility and coaching support, the risks of being asked to “fix” employees, and how leaders often avoid the difficult conversations that are rightfully theirs to navigate.

Josh also highlights what he gained from the Academy of Choice program—from in-person instruction to mentorship hours—and how that foundation strengthened his coaching practice and leadership development approach.

This thoughtful conversation offers valuable insight for HR professionals, aspiring coaches, and leaders who want to bring coaching into their workplace while preserving integrity, clarity, and client-centered practice.