Farran Mackay

“Your coaching team (or career) isn’t growing – because you’re using the wrong tools“

Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, one truth applies: what got you here won’t get you there. Most coaches and owners hit a ceiling not from lack of effort, but because they’re using the same tools that work with athletes to try and develop coaches or advance their own careers.

If you want coaches who grow, or want to grow yourself, you need to start with the skills that make it possible. This session shows you how.

What you will learn:

• A 3-step development conversation you can use this week to coach your team (or yourself)
• Two daily habits that create a culture of growth not compliance
• The first steps in your own development plan for your role and goals

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“How ego hides in your coaching and leadership – and what to do about it“

Whether you’re coaching athletes or leading a team, ego is always in the room. The real skill is recognising how it shows up, in others and in yourself, and knowing how to work with it instead of against it.

Ego doesn’t just show up as arrogance. It can look like defensiveness, disengagement, overcompensating, or shutting down. And it doesn’t just affect athletes, it affects coaches and leaders, too.

This session will help you recognise when ego is blocking progress whether it’s an athlete who seems “uncoachable”, a team member resisting feedback, or your own leadership response getting in the way. You’ll learn how to navigate these moments with clarity, connection, and calm authority.

You’ll leave with practical tools to improve your impact in the gym, in meetings, and in the culture you create.

What you will learn:

• How to spot the two main ways ego shows up (in others and in yourself)
• Language that diffuses resistance and builds buy-in without power struggles
• A reset tool for realigning your coaching or leadership when ego takes the lead

More about Farran:

Farran has over 30 years of experience as a sports instructor, is a Certified CrossFit Trainer (CF-L3) and has a Master’s in Education and Communication. With 15 years dedicated to the professional development of teachers, Farran brings a unique perspective to coaching, emphasising the importance of understanding each member’s unique ‘why’ to enhance their experience and drive retention.

Through her business, Virtuous Coach Development, Farran has empowered countless affiliate owners and coaches to transform their gyms by developing bespoke strategies that foster deeper connections and create thriving communities. Her work has led to significant improvements in member retention and satisfaction across the ecosystem, proving that a focus on personal connection and truly tailored coaching can revolutionise the way affiliates operate.

By blending educational expertise with a passion for personal connection, Farran is quietly influencing the future of coaching, helping to build sustainable, long-term success for affiliates worldwide.