The Power of Popcorn Moments in Coaching and Development

By Naomi Lawton

I recently heard a phrase on a course that stuck with me: “Popcorn moments.” It perfectly captures those flashes of insight when something just clicks — when a learner’s eyes light up, a concept finally lands, or they connect theory to something real and personal.

As a facilitator working with ILM Level 7 Coaching and Mentoring cohorts, I see these moments unfold all the time. Sometimes it’s a single “pop”—a quiet realisation. Other times it’s “pop, pop, pop”—a cascade of clarity as learners build confidence and shift perspective. I never get tired of witnessing it.

These popcorn moments remind me why I love this work. They aren’t always loud or dramatic, but they’re powerful. They show up when learners feel safe enough to reflect honestly, experiment without fear, and apply what they’ve learned in a way that feels genuinely meaningful.

And as much as I’m there to teach, I learn too—every time.

Learning That Sticks

As I reflect on recent learner cohorts, especially those completing their ILM Level 7 qualifications, it’s clear that these popcorn moments often mark a turning point in their development. Some arrive with a strong academic mindset, others with rich practical experience, but nearly all experience a point when something shifts.

Across our time together, I’ve watched learners:

  • Tackle academic writing and develop critical thinking—completing a Master’s-level paper is no small feat!
  • Deeply explore coaching theory to understand its strategic value at a senior level.
  • Coach and mentor senior leaders, then evaluate their own effectiveness with honesty and curiosity.
  • Sharpen their listening, learn to sit with silence, ask powerful questions, and hold space for others.
  • Flex and adapt their style using psychometrics, stepping into their client’s world and leaving ego behind.
  • Embrace reflection as a tool for growth, and view supervision as a support system, not a judgement.

We’ve had tough conversations, shared laughter, and unpacked setbacks. I’ve shared my own mistakes. That’s part of the magic—the learning goes both ways.

Walking the Path Together

These moments don’t come from a lecture or a slide deck. They emerge because we co-create a space where learners feel supported and challenged. I remind myself constantly to be patient. To use a coaching approach. To walk alongside—not ahead of—my learners.

It’s in this environment that popcorn moments happen.

Everyone’s learning journey is different. Some start strong, then stumble. Others take a while to find their rhythm, but then fly. As a facilitator, my job is to believe in each person’s brilliance, even before they fully see it in themselves.

The Ripple Effect

The beauty of coaching-led learning is that these moments don’t just impact the individual. The ripple effects extend into teams, departments, and organisations. When someone learns to listen more deeply, lead more authentically, or reflect more honestly, that shifts how they show up at work—and that has a lasting impact.

It all starts with a pop.

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