Melanie Coeshott: Coaching Cringe Moments, & Calling BS on Bad Culture
"As a coach, I’m not the expert in their life. They are."
In this episode of It’s Not All About the Numbers, Chris and Mike are joined by career coach and mentor Melanie Coeshott for a wide-ranging conversation on confidence, coaching, and leadership. The trio explores the hidden fears professionals face when it comes to speaking up, especially in meetings and presentations—fears that even extroverts experience. Melanie discusses the subtle psychological barriers people create for themselves, how introverts and extroverts process situations differently, and why inclusive environments that embrace multiple forms of communication are essential. The group reflects on personal experiences with imposter syndrome, the role of coaching versus mentoring, and why creating space for people to think—and speak—is one of the most powerful leadership tools.
Melanie also shares her journey from accountant to full-time coach, how she found her niche working with finance professionals, and the value of combining coaching and mentoring when the situation calls for it. The discussion touches on deeper leadership values, like vulnerability, clarity, and the importance of not projecting your past struggles onto future leaders. Melanie also opens up about the power and necessity of women’s communities in finance—and the frustration of still needing them. As always, the episode wraps with the duo’s signature Good Data, Bad Data segment, featuring a surprisingly sinister dive into emoji meanings and a celebration of 102 nominations for the GENCFO Awards.
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Author
“Chris Argent isn’t here to play by finance’s old rulebook - he’s here to rewrite it.” From challenging outdated corporate thinking to rallying finance leaders around a more connected, adaptable future, the founder of GENCFO is leading a quiet revolution in how CFOs and finance leadership work, think, and influence. Chris Argent, founder of GENCFO, is a finance leader redefining the role beyond business partnering. A self-described “reluctant accountant,” he’s built a global community for progressive accounting and finance leaders who value connection over competition and action over tradition. Chris believes the greatest risk to the profession is clinging to outdated norms, and that mindset and adaptability outpace any technological change. His work champions leaders who turn new ideas into real-world change, blending people-centred strategies with new ways of working and technology. In conversations, he challenges, provokes, and inspires - proving that the future of finance belongs to those ready to lead it together.