Coaching with Compassion: Built From the Bottom up

Welcome to the 47th episode of the Back to Human Podcast.

On this episode I sit down with coach Guy Alteme whose path to coaching was forged through deep personal hardship and a bout of homelessness. Guy shares how financial struggles shaped his approach to life, relationships, and ultimately, his coaching philosophy.

We dive into:

​02:14 What led Guy into financial hardship
​06:56 How stepping in to help someone can sometimes inhibit their growth
​09:07 How to not take it personally when clients fall off—and how to dig deeper into what's really going on
​38:56 The importance of non-verbal communication and presence
​11:10 The role of willpower and how it carried him through rock bottom
​09:47 How past experiences sparked a deep interest in truly connecting with others
​27:01 The power of being present with the client in front of you
​31:38 What two instances of homelessness taught him about materialism and putting people before objects
​34:55 The toll that giving to others can take on intimate relationships
​46:31 How Guy refills his own cup and stays grounded
​53:51 His approach to nutrition and health
​57:09 Why so many people are on medications and the need to think critically
​01:04:40 The balance between what clients want and what they truly need
​01:07:48 The importance of support systems—and not getting stuck in grief

If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or out of touch—this conversation is a gentle return to the power of presence, empathy, and inner strength.