Mind Mapping for Executive Coaching

In this practical and insightful session, Liz Oseland explores how mind mapping can be used as a powerful coaching tool for individuals, teams, and organisations. Drawing on her extensive experience as a leadership coach and long-time collaborator with Tony Buzan, Liz demonstrates how mind mapping enhances clarity, structure, and emotional insight in executive coaching. The session includes examples, frameworks, and real-life applications — all geared towards making coaching more impactful and memorable. Key Themes & Topics: [00:03:25] Liz’s Introduction & Coaching Background Overview of Liz’s global experience as a trainer and coach, and her work with Tony Buzan and OpenGenius. [00:08:00] Mind Mapping as a Coaching Toolkit Mind mapping as a versatile tool to support coaching — described as a "Swiss Army knife" for coaches. [00:10:06] Tony Buzan’s Core Mind Mapping Rules Detailed review of Buzan’s principles (e.g., one word per branch, images, colour), and how they enhance coaching. [00:13:17] Types of Coaching & Where Mind Mapping Fits Distinction between executive, business, life, and performance coaching — and how mapping applies to each. [00:15:14] The Coach’s Role & Using Mind Maps to Support It Mapping for managing processes, tracking progress, and visualising development with clients. [00:17:46] Mind Mapping as a Unique Selling Point (USP) Using mapping in client meetings to stand out and show a different way of thinking. [00:20:11] Mapping for Managing Coaching Engagements Practical example of using mind maps to track contracts, sessions, and actions — including templates. [00:22:36] Coaching Question Models in Mind Maps How Liz maps out question frameworks (e.g. GROW, Michael Bungay Stanier’s coaching questions) for live coaching use. [00:24:22] The Power of One Word Per Branch Why simplifying to single keywords helps coaches distil emotion and meaning more clearly during active listening. [00:26:04] Using Images to Aid Diverse Clients How mind mapping with images supports clients with neurodiversity, language barriers, or low confidence. [00:29:57] Visualising Performance Conversations Using mapping for manager–employee appraisals — with green, red, and amber branches to make feedback visual and constructive. [00:31:58] Mapping Skills & Experience (CVs & Coaching Areas) Creating visual summaries of skills — for coaches and clients — to aid job applications or personal branding. [00:32:47] SWOT Analysis in Map vs. Grid Form Converting traditional SWOTs into maps to highlight relationships and hidden insights across strengths, weaknesses, etc. [00:35:27] Traffic Light Reflection Maps Using red/amber/green branches for coaching reviews — e.g., what to stop, start, and continue doing. [00:36:23] Recommended Resources & Tools Book recommendations and software suggestions — including iMindMap, DropTask, and Buzan/Griffiths materials. [00:39:15] Summary: Trust in the Process Encouragement to embrace mapping fully and allow it to support both coach and coachee journeys. [00:40:03] Audience Q&A Highlights – Value of following Buzan’s rules – Coaching in real time with maps – Using maps as visuals rather than training tools – Collaborating with reluctant clients – Sharing templates and IP questions – Mapping with diverse audiences – Using audio recordings and collaborative tools – The coaching challenge: “Can you map it?” Featuring: iMindMap, Ayoa