Coach-to-Coach Q&A | Kai Nakaoka & Zoe Allen

In this Coach-to-Coach Q&A, academic coaches Kai Nakaoka and Zoe Allen sit down for an honest, peer-to-peer conversation about what it really takes to support students in today’s learning environment.

They talk through adapting coaching strategies to different student needs, building trust and confidence over time, supporting executive function skills, and creating learning spaces where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. The conversation highlights how effective coaching goes beyond academics — focusing on mindset, communication, and helping students understand how they learn.

This episode offers practical insight for parents, educators, and anyone interested in modern, student-centered academic coaching.

------------

00:00 Kai Nakaoka introduction
01:53 (Kai Nakaoka) What inspired you to become an Academic Coach, and how does your passion for education align with Swoon Learning's commitment to student growth and empowerment?
03:26 (Kai Nakaoka) How would you describe your coaching style and personality, and how does that influence your students?
04:09 (Kai Nakaoka) Is there any evidence you have for students wanting to balance their academic and extracurricular lives?
04:44 (Kai Nakaoka) How do you tailor your coaching methods to fit distinct learning styles and temperaments of individual students?
04:56 (Kai Nakaoka) Do you have any strategies for motivating your students?
05:32 (Kai Nakaoka) Tell me something about you that I would not learn from your resume?
06:41 Zoe Allen introduction
07:46 (Zoe Allen) What inspired you to become an Academic Coach, and how does your passion for education align with Swoon Learning's commitment to student growth and empowerment?
10:45 (Zoe Allen) How would you describe your coaching style and personality, and how does that influence your students?
12:40 (Zoe Allen) How do you tailor your coaching methods to fit distinct learning styles and temperaments of individual students?
14:58 (Zoe Allen) What do you think your students would say is your most defining characteristic as a coach?
16:22 (Zoe Allen) What do you admire most about the students you work with, and how do their personalities inspire you?