We are excited to share with you the next interview in our “Beyond the Page” series featuring DeBorah “Sunni” Smith.
Coaching supervision and social justice might seem like separate domains, but they share a powerful intersection that can transform coaching practice. DeBorah “Sunni” Smith reveals how these complementary frameworks create space for deeper awareness, innovation, and meaningful change.
Supervision offers coaches a reflective container—often called a “safe space”—though Sunni challenges us to recognize that safety is inherently subjective. What feels safe for one person may feel threatening to another based on their lived experience. This recognition aligns perfectly with social justice principles focused on equity and equal rights. Both domains honor diverse perspectives and seek to create environments where authentic dialogue can flourish.
What’s particularly fascinating is how these principles appear in everyday coaching. When Sunni asks coaches to share cases where social justice doesn’t apply, she finds they can’t—because elements of power, communication, and equity appear in virtually every coaching conversation. Our bodies signal discomfort before our conscious minds register it, giving us valuable information about potential conflicts or misunderstandings. As coaches, we’re trained to notice these subtle shifts, the same awareness that helps navigate social justice conversations.
“We bring so much as individuals to situations,” Sunni explains. “Coaching supervision provides structure and process, whereas social justice brings purpose and passion.” Together, they adjust how we see the world—like corrective lenses for our professional vision. This integration helps coaches recognize that while global issues may seem overwhelming, we can impact the conversations at our dinner tables, in our organizations, and communities. By facilitating win-win discussions rather than win-lose debates, coaches contribute to a more equitable society—one conversation at a time.
Ready to explore this intersection further? Join organizations like Coaching for Social Justice for their free bi-monthly dialogues, or connect directly with Sunni to continue this important conversation. The growth happens in the discomfort—are you ready to lean in?
In this episode, I talk with Sunni about her article published in our June 2025 issue.
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