Breaking the Stigma: Addiction, Coaching & Why 90% of Coaches Fail with Marie Donnelly

Join hosts Greg and Dan as they dive deep with Marie Donnelly, a seasoned coach with a background in social work and mental health. Marie shares her powerful journey from working in substance misuse to building a successful coaching business, revealing the harsh truth that 90% of coaches and online businesses fail—and how to be in the successful 10%.

This raw conversation explores the evolving landscape of addiction, the stigma that keeps people (especially men) from seeking help, and why building authentic communities is the key to coaching success. Marie's holistic approach offers invaluable insights for new and struggling coaches looking to make a genuine impact while building a profitable online business.

Learn:✅ Why most coaches fail and how to avoid their mistakes✅ Breaking down stigma in mental health conversations✅ Building communities that drive coaching success✅ Using authentic storytelling to grow your personal brand✅ Creating sustainable income in the online coaching space

Quote: "Make time for your wellness before you're forced to make time for your illness."

Connect with Marie: linkedin.com/in/marie-donnelly-☘️-a00905294

Join The Coach Trap:🌐 www.coachtrap.co.uk👥 skool.com/thecoachtrap

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90% of coaches fail in their online coaching business. Here's why—and what you can actually do about it.

Gerald Woollatt spent years figuring out what separates struggling coaches from those who build sustainable practices. This conversation goes deep into the mechanics of coaching that actually works—neuro coaching, self-awareness, and the frameworks that help new coaches avoid the traps that kill most businesses before they start.

We explore why imposter syndrome isn't just a feeling but a pattern that can be interrupted, how AI is reshaping the coaching industry (and why authenticity matters more than ever), and the marketing strategies that don't require you to become someone you're not.

The coach trap isn't about motivation. It's about understanding the systems that keep coaches spinning their wheels—no clients, inconsistent income, advice that doesn't translate to results. Gerald breaks down neuro coaching as a tool for creating awareness around the thought patterns that drive behavior, both for you as a founder and for the clients you serve.

If you're a new coach trying to get coaching clients, or you've been struggling with personal branding for coaches and coach marketing strategy, this episode cuts through the fake coaching advice and gives you something actionable.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:→ Why 90% of coaches in online businesses fail and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic→ The neuroscience behind behavioral change and how neuro coaching creates lasting transformation→ How to build authority as a coach without resorting to inflated claims or guru tactics→ Marketing strategies that work for coaches who hate marketing→ Why storytelling is the most underutilized tool for coaches not getting clients

Join our free community where we discuss coaching industry problems, share strategies to make money as a coach, and help you build a business that doesn't trap you: skool.com/thecoachtrap

FIND GERALD WOOLLATT:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-woollatt-msc/

MORE FROM THE COACH TRAP:Website: www.coachtrap.co.ukCommunity: www.skool.com/thecoachtrap

How to Sell Yourself to Sell a Book in 2026

90% of coaches and online businesses quit every year. The coaching industry is littered with failed attempts, broken promises, and coaching mistakes that could have been avoided. So what separates the 10% who make it from the struggling coaches who never get coaching clients?

Joel Steele knows this better than most. From overcoming genuine adversity to building a thriving online coaching business, Joel's journey proves that success isn't about luck—it's about mindset, strategic marketing, and a burning belief in your purpose.

In this conversation, we dive deep into what new coaches get catastrophically wrong. We discuss why coaches fail, the coaching industry problems no one talks about, and the fake coaching advice that's keeping you stuck. But more importantly, Joel reveals the exact personal branding for coaches strategies that actually work in 2026.

Here's what makes this different: Joel doesn't just talk about make money as a coach theory. He's walked the path from rock bottom to published author, building authority as a coach through public speaking, strategic networking, and leveraging social media in ways most coaches not getting clients completely miss.

We break down the coach marketing strategy behind launching a successful book, why YouTube for coaches is non-negotiable, and how to transform your failures into the foundation of your success story. There's no growth without fear, and Joel's approach to overcoming adversity will shift how you think about entrepreneurship entirely.

If you're a founder or coach building an online money-making business, this episode unpacks the marketing strategies you need to build authority as a coach and finally get coaching clients consistently. Joel shares his framework for public speaking, book publishing, and community engagement that turned his story into impact—and how you can do the same.

The coach trap isn't about talent. It's about treating your coaching business like a hobby instead of a real business. It's about ignoring personal development while expecting different results. And it's about following the same tired advice that keeps struggling coaches struggling.

Excitement is contagious. Purpose is powerful. And in 2026, the coaches who win are the ones who understand that selling yourself isn't manipulation—it's clarifying your message so the right people can find you.

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the coach trap01:31 - Choosing Your Path: The 10% Mindset02:28 - Overcoming Adversity: Joel's Journey07:09 - The Power of Public Speaking12:07 - Building a Network for Success17:13 - Marketing Your Book: Strategies for Success19:49 - Leveraging Social Media for Impact24:41 - Transforming Failures into Success Stories29:45 - Closing Thoughts and Charitable Giving

Find Joel Steele:📖 Book Joel: https://bookjoelsteele.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-steele-9685888/

Join Our Free Community:If you're serious about escaping the coach trap and building a real online coaching business that gets clients, join our free Skool community where we share what's actually working for new coaches in 2026: skool.com/thecoachtrap

More from the coach trap:🌐 Website: www.coachtrap.co.uk📱 Follow for more content on coaching mistakes, marketing strategies, and how to build authority as a coach

#coaching #entrepreneurship #coachingbusiness #onlinecoaching #marketingstrategy #personaldevelopment #publicspeaking #bookpublishing #makemoneyonline #socialmediamarketing #newcoaches #coachmarketingstrategy #buildauthority #getcoachingclients #mindset #overcomingadversity #foundermindset #onlinemoney #personalbranding #youtubeforcoaches

🎙️ Treating Dating Like a Business: High-Value Dating Strategies with Rachel Mailer

Struggling to find meaningful connections? In this episode of The Coach Trap, dating expert Rachel Mailer breaks down how high-value women approach modern dating like a business—strategically, intentionally, and with self-worth front and center.

Rachel shares her journey from navigating dating apps in 2014 to coaching successful women on building lasting relationships. Learn the frameworks that separate time-wasters from true partners and how past patterns shape your current love life.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The biggest mistakes women make on dating apps—and how to avoid them

✅ Why pacing and strategic boundaries are crucial early on

✅ How understanding attachment styles boosts dating success

✅ Spotting red flags before investing emotional energy

✅ The “prize” mindset that attracts high-quality partners

✅ How to leverage your social media presence to attract the right connections

Dating apps are just tools. Your mindset, self-work, and strategy are what really determine success.

👉 Don’t fall into the Coach Trap: www.coachtrap.co.uk

👉 Join our Skool community: skool.com/thecoachtrap

Connect with Rachel Mailer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmailercoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-mailer-588300262

🎙️ Finding Your Own Unique Voice in Business | Cristopher Karl Knoll

In this episode of The Coach Trap, hosts Greg Styan and Dan Williams sit down with Cristopher Karl Knoll, Executive Mindset Strategist and Founder of Lead Yourself First, to explore how to find your authentic voice and approach in business.

Chris challenges the cookie-cutter strategies pushed by many creators and emphasizes that growth requires patience, consistency, and a strong foundation. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your coaching or business approach, this conversation provides actionable insights for building a sustainable and authentic path to success.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to find your own voice and unique approach

✅ Why patience is critical for long-term growth

✅ The importance of personal branding and foundational work

✅ Turning silent stress into sustainable performance

✅ How consistent effort compounds into real results

If you want to create a business that reflects who you truly are and avoids the “one-size-fits-all” trap, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t fall into the Coach Trap: www.coachtrap.co.uk

👉 Join the Skool community and connect with other coaches: skool.com/thecoachtrap

Connect with Cristopher:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophkarlknoll/

Website: https://leadyourselffirst.io/

🎯 Rule Your Emotions and Master Your Moves | Kevin Crockrom on Legacy and Life Choices

How to make money online coaching with life experiences

What legacy are you building right now? In this episode of The Coach Trap, Greg Styan and Dan Williams sit down with Kevin Crockrom — life coach, motivational speaker, and corporate trainer — to explore how your daily choices shape the story you leave behind.

Kevin challenges coaches, parents, and professionals to reflect: Are your actions today aligned with the values and legacy you want for your family, clients, and future generations? This isn’t motivational fluff — it’s about self-mastery, intentional living, and emotional control.

We cover:

✅ How daily decisions write your life’s story

✅ Being present and intentional with family

✅ Aligning actions with core values

✅ Techniques to master your emotions

✅ Building a legacy that inspires and lasts

If you want to lead with purpose, live intentionally, and create impact that matters, this episode is for you.

👉 Don’t fall into the Coach Trap: www.coachtrap.co.uk

👉 Join the Skool community: www.skool.com/thecoachtrap

Finding Your Niche: Leyla Holmes on Scaling a Coaching Practice | The Coach Trap Podcast

Most coaches struggle because they try to serve everyone. Leyla Holmes knows that pain—and the breakthrough that comes from narrowing your focus. In this episode, she sits down with Greg Styan to unpack how early-stage founders require a different coaching approach, and why defining your niche can transform your business.

We dive into:

Leveraging your past experiences as competitive advantages

Training social media algorithms through strategic, authentic engagement

Building a personal brand that connects, not just sells

Shifting from lead magnets to community building for sustainable client acquisition

Balancing intuition with strategy for smarter business decisions

Lessons from early mistakes that shaped a thriving practice

If you’re a coach struggling with positioning, audience growth, or narrowing your focus, this episode gives you an actionable framework to rethink your business strategy.

👉 Join the Skool community: skool.com/thecoachtrap

👉 Subscribe on Substack: substack.com/@coachtrap

Most coaches don’t fail because they’re bad at coaching they fail because they’re bad at marketing. In this episode, Coach Trap co-founders Greg Styan and Dan Williams share exactly how to become part of the 10% of coaches who make it.Learn how to make money online as a coach, build a simple funnel that works, and finally attract clients without wasting time or ad spend.

Join the Coach Trap Community: skool.com/thecoachtrap

Watch the full podcast on YouTube:

youtube.com/watch?v=Q9oAbeC5Rpc

Don't Fall into the coach trap

www.coachtrap.co.uk